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International Student Services

International Student Advisors:
Katherine Punteney
James Luyirika-Sewagudde, Jr.

International Student Admissions:
Debra Cooprider
Rosanne Kenoyer

Study Abroad Advisors:
Tasha Dev
Mike Nieto

ESL Resource Center:
Saundra Wright

International Students
(Students working towards bachelor’s and master’s degrees)

California State University, Chico is pleased to have hosted international students from around the world for decades. These students enrich the campus in many ways including sharing their experiences and perspectives in presentations and class discussions, sparking U.S. student interest in world affairs, providing opportunities for Chico students to practice their foreign language skills, shattering stereotypes, and helping to create goodwill and international understanding. Prospective students who would like more information on programs available and how to apply should visit our website at http://www.csuchico.edu/iss/prospective_students/index.shtml.

Exchange Students
(Students studying in Chico for one semester or year)

California State University, Chico is pleased to welcome exchange students from our partner institutions around the world. These students are fully integrated into the campus and local community, and have access to the same academic campus resources as degree-seeking students.

Location

For international students, the city of Chico offers a great location (within just a few hours of San Francisco, Sacramento, the ocean, and the mountains). The city of Chico is a friendly, safe community with a small-town atmosphere, low cost of living, and many parks, shops, ethnic restaurants, sporting events, concerts, and cultural performances. The University is within easy walking distance of the downtown area. University housing is also in easy walking or biking distance from the University.

Services

Currently there are over 500 students from almost 40 countries studying at California State University, Chico. The International Student Services staff at the Office of International Education provide assistance and support for international students to help ensure their academic and personal success. Among the services provided:

  • Receiving and processing applications for admission
  • Evaluating applications for transfer credit
  • Offering a week-long orientation program for new students
  • Registering for courses and addressing academic concerns
  • Advising students on personal issues, financial concerns, academic success, and cultural adjustment
  • Organizing social and cultural events
  • Assisting students with applying for employment on or off campus
  • Advising students about immigration regulations and procedures
  • Serving as a contact for students’ embassies, consulates, sponsors, and families
  • Providing referrals to various offices, individuals, departments, and agencies

Advisors are available to provide personal counseling and advising as necessary. They help students deal with housing, banks, utilities, etc. They also help students to navigate U.S. university life through assistance with course registration, explanations of procedures, and referrals to other offices.

Advisors help students to get to know the beautiful, friendly city of Chico by introducing students to community events and encouraging community involvement. Additionally, students, who are eligible for internships as approved by their academic departments, may apply for Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training through the Office of International Education.

English Language Support

CSU, Chico emphasizes assisting non-native speakers of English with the development of academic English skills. For example, the American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) provides English language instruction at various levels to university and non-university bound students and their spouses. Many students apply for conditional admission, first completing intensive English language courses at ALCI to improve their language skills, and then continuing forward with University studies.

The ESL Resource Center is a free tutoring service available for non-native speakers of English. It is located in Siskiyou Hall, Room 104. Tutors at the Center provide assistance in writing, grammar, pronunciation and intonation, oral presentation preparation, and reading comprehension. The Center also houses a library of language-learning materials that are available for students to check out. These materials include grammar texts, ESL guides, style manuals, TOEFL preparation guides, and audio and video materials.

Support Services

International Student Services works closely with a variety of on-campus departments including the Student Learning Center, Counseling Center, Student Health Service, Academic Advising, Career Center, Student Employment Office, and many other services on campus.

Housing

University Village is recommended for international students. University Village offers clusters of four bedrooms sharing two bathrooms and one kitchen. The University Village apartments are approximately 1 mile from the University. There is a shuttle bus, or students can ride bicycles to campus. Five meals per week in the campus dining hall are included with the housing contract. Another great option is the International House. In the International House, seven female international students and seven female U.S. students have the chance to live together in an on-campus dorm, Konkow Hall. This is a great opportunity for International and American students to live, study, learn, and make friends with each other. The International Student Advisors can also help students look for off-campus housing.

International Student Organizations

International Students are involved in many student organizations including UNITE, a club for U.S. and international students, and International Neighbors, a group which welcomes international students into the campus and community. Additional organizations include the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, General Union of Palestine Students, Indian Student Association, Japanese Fusion, Pakistan Student Association, Pan Arab Student Union, Persian Cultural Association, Saudi Student Association, Sikh Student Association, and Southeast Asian Student Association. See the student organizations website for a complete list, http://www.csuchico.edu/sac/departments/studentOrganizations/index.shtml.

Visiting Scholars

The International Student Services staff in the Office of International Education also provide support to visiting scholars by assisting with immigration procedures and serving as a campus resource. The International Training Program staff provide short-term intensive training in a variety of academic fields for international professionals.

Catalog Cycle:11