Director of International Affairs: Charles Olcese
Telephone: 620-235-4680
Office: 118 Whitesitt Hall
e-mail: colcese@pittstate.edu
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/international/index.dot
The office of International Programs and Services (IPSO) provides leadership and coordination to the university’s international efforts among students. The office staff offer a variety of services that include programs for all students at PSU, from services for our international student community to programs for American students to help internationalize their experience at PSU. Our main services include the following:
International Student Services
IPSO staff assist international students with their transition into American culture, advise international students on immigration and visa regulations, along with augmenting their cultural experience outside the classroom. In order to meet these goals, IPSO provides an array of services throughout the year which address the needs of our international students.
Each semester new international students are required to attend an orientation. During this orientation they are introduced to the American educational system and PSU student life. Seminars are given on cultural adjustment, academic advising, immigration issues, insurance information, and enrollment assistance.
IPSO advises F1 and J1 visa students on all visa related issues and matters necessary to maintain proper immigration status in the US. This includes special work permissions and changes of visa status and official letters for immigration related processes.
Every month the IPSO staff assist with activities and programs which give all PSU students an opportunity to learn more about cultures from all over the world, and allow international students an insight on American life. In addition to the campus activities available, IPSO organizes international gatherings, tea times, sporting events, and educational excursions.
Study Abroad
Pittsburg State is dedicated to offering a variety of opportunities for students to have an international experience abroad during their college career. PSU students can study abroad through faculty led group programs, exchange partnerships which PSU has developed with universities abroad, the PSU in Paraguay program, and programs outside of PSU as long as they are pre-approved. The study abroad staff work with students through the stages of study abroad from choosing a program to preparing for the program to their return to the university. The staff also work closely with the faculty who are leading students abroad. Pittsburg State is proud to offer Study Abroad Travel Stipends to assist our students in the added expenses of study abroad.
International Knowledge and Experience Certificate
The International Knowledge and Experience (IKE) program was created to offer a broad based internationalization opportunity for all PSU undergraduates – especially those who find it difficult to study abroad during their college experience. Through this program, PSU promotes international experiences amongst PSU students and recognizes students that are involved internationally on and off campus. The IKE certificate consists of three components of international experience: Study Abroad, Academic Courses, and Co-Curricular Activities. Students must complete two of the three components to earn the IKE certificate. Students that choose to complete the Academic Component along with another component will earn a notation on their academic transcript. All students who complete the program receive a certificate and a detailed listing of the activities they have fulfilled to achieve this certificate. The program is open to all undergraduate students including transfer students and international students.
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