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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Undergraduate Bulletin Table of Contents

International Studies

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES/308-4287
Web site: http://www.stcloudstate.edu/internationalstudies
Associate Vice President: Margaret Vos (Interim)

St. Cloud State University has been a leading institution in international education. Over the past three decades, over 6,000 SCSU students studied abroad; over 500 SCSU faculty taught overseas; about 4,000 international students graduated from SCSU. In the decades ahead, SCSU anticipates more students taking advantage of the valuable international study experience; more faculty acting as global scholars through international teaching, research, and services; and more international students calling SCSU home away from home.

In keeping with its stated international educational mission, SCSU believes it is essential that its students, faculty and staff become aware of and be sensitive to diverse values, beliefs and patterns of social interactions. The university's quest for international understanding and sensitivity is embodied in its international studies programs that are administered through the Center for International Studies (CIS).

CIS is charged by the University with providing the campus community one-stop services and support in study abroad, international admissions, international student and scholar advising, faculty international development, curriculum internationalization, and overseas institutional linkages.

Study Abroad

St. Cloud State University boasts over 30 years of experiences in offering affordable high quality study abroad programs for students and faculty. Currently, SCSU offers about 20 semester long programs in 10 countries (i.e., Australia, Chile, China, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Japan, Korea, Poland, South Africa). Many additional countries are included in this list through faculty led short term programs. All of these programs are administered by the Center for International Studies in collaboration with departments and/or programs across the campus.

In addition to the SCSU sponsored programs, students can also study abroad through non-SCSU programs sponsored by other accredited US universities, through consortium programs of which SCSU is a member, or through direct enrollment at a foreign university which is recognized by the Ministry of Education of the host country.

Both undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing at the time of application and departure may apply to participate in study or internship abroad. All financial aid scholarships, grants and loans may be used on all study abroad programs. Work-study allocations may be applied on some SCSU faculty-led study abroad programs. The Center for International Studies offers study abroad scholarships annually to support students who demonstrate a financial need. Scholarship awards range from $250 to $1,000 per student.

Students interested in participating in study abroad should plan early academically, financially and culturally. The key to building an international experience into a chosen degree program and graduate on time is to fulfill some of the general education, core or major requirements through study abroad. SCSU strongly encourages all students to continue with their study of a foreign language, especially those who are planning to study abroad in a non-English speaking country. It is never too early to plan for study abroad. For more information or advice, students are welcome to visit the Center for International Studies, to speak with their faculty adviser and/or advisers at the Academic Advising Center.

International Recruitment

St. Cloud State University is committed to providing quality education to international as well as American students. More than 1,000 international students from 85 countries attend SCSU. International students will find SCSU an ideal institution that meets their academic and financial needs. As the second largest comprehensive state university in Minnesota, SCSU offers the most nationally accredited academic programs such as Aviation (CAA), Business (AACSB), Computer Science (CSAB), Electrical Engineering (EAC/ABET), and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). In addition to the excellent academic programs, SCSU also provides a unique Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship to qualified international students. Few universities in the United States can compete with St. Cloud State University in offering both academic excellence and financial incentives for international students.

Admission of International Students

International undergraduate students, who are not US citizens, permanent residents or refugees, may be considered for admission after submitting all the following:

  • International undergraduate application form
  • Evidence of financial support
  • Official secondary school records
  • Official TOEFL score, IELTS, or other approved proof of English proficiency
  • Application fee USD $20

International undergraduate students, who are currently enrolled at a college or university abroad may be considered for admission after submitting the following:

  • All the above five items under Admission of International Students
  • Official College Transcript(s) from all colleges or universities attended

Admission of US Transfer International Students

International undergraduate students, who are currently enrolled at another US college or university, may be considered for admission after submitting the following:

  • All the above five items under Admission of International Students
  • Official college transcript(s) from all colleges or universities attended
  • Status verification documentation from a DSO at the current US college or university (transfer notification form)

International Student and Scholar Services

The presence of international students and scholars at SCSU not only diversifies our student and staff population but also enriches the campus and community environment, making possible a diversity of views and cultural values both in and outside the classroom. The sharing of this diversity creates rich learning opportunities for everyone and enhances our sense as global citizens.

To serve the increasing number of international students and scholars at SCSU, the Center for International Studies administers and supports a variety of programs and activities, which assist international students to understand American academic and social life and to succeed in their academic work. A required orientation program is offered in the fall and spring. Newly enrolled international students are required to take a Cultural Orientation Course and an Administrative Orientation Course. US-Transfer international students are not required to take the Cultural Orientation Course. SCSU also provides other services to international students through the Academic Advising Center, Intensive English Center, English as a Second Language Program, International Student Associations, and the International Student Services Committee. In addition, the Center for International Studies coordinates and supports a hospitality program with the help of the St. Cloud International Hospitality Committee.

Faculty International Development and Curriculum Internationalization

Faculty international expertise and curriculum internationalization are essential in achieving the international educational mission at St. Cloud State University. SCSU recognizes that, in order to develop quality international experiences for its students, study abroad programs must be integrated into the curriculum design and supported by faculty expertise. The Center for International Studies is charged with coordinating institutional efforts and initiatives in this area, and with bringing international perspectives to the attention of SCSU faculty and administration. CIS provides information to faculty on international opportunities and supports departments and colleges in their internationalization planning and implementation. Currently, SCSU offers opportunities for faculty to teach in many countries. In addition, faculty are encouraged to enhance their international experience and expertise through sabbatical abroad, Fulbright teaching or research, and/or teaching abroad through self-sufficient and incentive-based intersession/short-term programs.

International University Affiliations

Through the Center for International Studies, St. Cloud State University currently maintains active relationships with 28 partner universities in 14 countries:

  • Australia—Southern Cross University, AustraLearn: North American Center for Australian Universities;
  • Asia—AsiaLearn
  • Chile—Universidad de Concepcion;
  • China—Bejing Normal University, Chongqing Technology & Business University, Nankai University Binhai College, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Tianjin University of Finance and Economics;
  • Czech Republic—Palacky University;
  • England—Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Trustees of the 10th Duke of Northumberland's Will Trust;
  • Eurpose—EuroLearn: North American Center;
  • Germany—Fachhochschule Ingolstadt-Ingolstadt University of Applied Science, Katholische Universitat Eichstatt;
  • Japan—Akita International University, Akita National University, Daito Bunka University, Seinan Gakuin University;
  • Mexico—Centro de Educacion Mundial America Latina (CEMAL) through Augsburg College;
  • Poland—University of Lödz;
  • South Africa—Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University;
  • South Korea—Korean University, The Catholic University of Korea, Woosong University, Woosuk University, Yonsei University;
  • New Zealand—AustraLearn: North American Center for Australian Universities;
  • Multiple sites—College Consortium for International Studies; International Researches and Exchanges Board.

International Outreach

As a public service institution, St. Cloud State University recognizes needs in the broader world community and stands ready to share its faculty expertise and resources in collaborating and assisting international partner institutions in ways that are mutually beneficial. SCSU encourages and supports its faculty to be actively engaged in international consulting and training as public services. The Center for International Studies is charged to seek such outreach opportunities and provide administrative support to faculty or departments involved in such public services.