Frequently Asked Questions about IKE
What is IKE?
The International Knowledge and Experience (IKE) Certificate promotes international knowledge and encourages student international experiences. The IKE certificate consists of three components of international experience – Study Abroad, Academic Courses, and Co Curricular programming. A student may complete any two of the components to
fulfill the certificate requirements. Students completing IKE by choosing to include the Academic Courses component will also receive a notation on their academic transcript.
Who can participate in IKE?
IKE is open to ALL undergraduate students freshmen to graduation. Some requirements have been adjusted for international students.
What do I need to do to complete IKE?
All students who complete the program receive a detailed listing of the activities they have fulfilled to achieve this certificate. The completion of each component will be accounted as follows:
Study Abroad:
Earning credit through a PSU Study Abroad program, or any approved
partner study abroad program.
International students taking credit courses at PSU fulfill this component.
Academic Courses: This component has two areas (language study and international
coursework) and both must be completed to fulfill the component. The foreign language
area is fulfilled by completing two semesters in the same foreign language with a grade of
C or better. (Equivalencies may be considered with the approval of the MLL dept.) The
international coursework area is fulfilled by completing three courses in three different
disciplines with a grade of C or better. Courses are selected from a list approved by the
International Studies program.
International students may fulfill the foreign language area by meeting the English proficiency
for international students set by the University. They may also meet the international
coursework area by taking one (two with permission) course with a significant modern
US focus.
Co curricular Activities:
This component is fulfilled by participating in a number of intercultural activities,
lectures, meetings, student organizations, etc. equaling 60 units. The units are
calculated from an approved list maintained by the International Programs and Services
How do I register for IKE?
Contact Julia Helminiak or Brenda Hawkins in the International Programs & Services office. They will help you get signed up.
How will I keep track of my activity in IKE?
There is a IKE group created in ANGEL. IKE participants will enter their IKE activity through this group. The activities will be reviewed and credited by IKE administrators. Near the end of each semester IKE administrators will review each participant for completion. Those that have completed the program will be notified and there will be a completion banquet.
How long do I have to complete IKE?
Students can remain active participants in IKE as long as they are enrolled in PSU. Depending on the student it may take a year or four years to complete IKE.
How will I know what qualifies for IKE?
Through the IKE group on ANGEL there will be a calendar showing events on and off campus that will be "IKE events". There will also be announcements put up about upcoming volunteer activities, conversation partner opportunities, study abroad programs, lectures, and more. If a student finds an event, he/she thinks is IKE worthy, it can be submitted to the IKE administrators for approval.
More questions?
Contact either Julia Helminiak or Brenda Hawkins in the International Programs and Services office.
