International Knowledge & Experience Certificate
The International Knowledge and Experience (IKE) Certificate promotes international awareness and encourages students to have 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.
IKE Components
Study Abroad
Students earn this component by completing a PSU Study Abroad program. International students taking credit courses at PSU fulfill this component.
Academic Coursework
Students complete this component by completing both foreign language and internationally-focused courses with a "C" or better. The international coursework area is fulfilled by completing three courses in three different disciplines in addition to at least a second semester language course. Courses are selected from a list approved by the International Studies program at PSU.
International students may fulfill the foreign language area by meeting the English proficiency guidelines for international students.
Co-Curricular Activities & Events
Students fulfill this component by participating in a number of intercultural activities, lectures, meetings, student organizations, etc. equaling 60 units and writing reflective essays about them. Being an active Pitt Pal for a semester earns 30 points. Attending an international event on campus earns 5 points. The units are calculated from an approved list maintained by the International Programs and Services.
How to Enroll/Participate in IKE
Step 1 - Enroll in IKE
To register for IKE simply submit your name and PSU ID number to IKE@pittstate.edu.
You will then be added to the IKE community in Canvas. This will be where you will submit the required documents upon completion of different activities or classes.
Step 2 - Work Towards Completing Two of the Three Components of IKE
You must complete two of three components. The components are study abroad, academic coursework, and co-curricular activities and events.
For each co-curricular activity you will submit a short essay describing the activity and your experience.
For each class, you will submit a course report or language report outlining the semester of completion and the grade that you received.
Step 3 - Complete the Program
Once you believe you have completed the program, submit the IKE Completion Form through Canvas.
Students who complete the academic component will receive a notation on their transcript.
Step 4 - Celebrate Completion
IKE graduates will be honored at the International Banquet held at the end of each semester with a certificate and cord for graduation.
Other Important Information
IKE Academic Courses Component
Go to our IKE Academic Courses page to learn more about the approved courses that will be appropriate for completing your IKE Certification.
IKE Co-Curricular Points
Go to our IKE Co-Curricular Points page to learn about earning points after participating in international events.
IKE Forms
Once enrolled in IKE, all students will submit the required forms in the Canvas course. An explanation of these forms can be found in Canvas or below.
IKE FAQs
Some common questions that students have about IKE.
Language Reports
Language Reports are all submitted on Canvas under the Assignment "Language Report." Simply explain which language courses you completed, in which semester you completed them, and what grade you received.
International students may simply state whether or not English is their native language.
International Courses Report
International Content Reports are all submitted on Canvas under the Assignment "International Content Courses Report." Simply explain which courses you completed, in which semester you completed them, and what grades you received.
Study Abroad Report
Study Abroad Reports are all submitted on Canvas under the Assignment "Study Abroad Report." Simply explain the study abroad program in which you participated and in what semester.
Co-Curricular Event Reports
For each co-curricular event, students must submit a co-curricular essay in the Canvas course. You will upload each essay to a "co-curricular essay" assignment.
Completion Form
Once students have completed all of the required components, they will submit a completion form to the assignment "Completion Form" on Canvas. Students must download the form, fill it out, and upload it to Canvas.
What is IKE?
The International Knowledge and Experience (IKE) Certificate promotes international knowledge and encourages students to have 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 PSU students, international and domestic.
Can Graduate Students Participate in IKE?
Yes! Graduate students can participate in IKE, however, graduate students will not receive a notation on their transcripts if they complete the academic component. Graduate students can count two language courses and one internationally-focused course from their undergraduate studies towards the required courses for the academic component.
How Do I Enroll in IKE?
Enrolling is easy! Just send your name and PSU id# to IKE@pittstate.edu.
How Do I Complete the IKE Certificate?
Students complete the certificate by completing 2 of the 3 required components: Study Abroad, Academic Coursework, or Co-Curricular Activities & Events.
How Do I Keep Track of What I've Completed?
Students will be enrolled in a Canvas course and will complete the necessary forms in Canvas.
How Long Do I Have to Complete IKE?
Students can remain active participants in IKE as long as they are enrolled in PSU. Some students complete IKE in one or two semesters, while other students are enrolled for their entire academic career.
How do I Know Which Events/Courses Qualify for IKE?
For the approved list of academic courses, please see our Courses page.
For co-curricular activities and points, please see our Co-Curricular page.
For the study abroad component, please see our Study Abroad page and speak with the Study Abroad Coordinator.
What happens if I Enroll in IKE and Don't Complete It?
Nothing! If you think you might complete the IKE certificate, we encourage you to register. If you are unable to complete the certificate, there's no need to explain. We will simply remove your name from the Canvas course.
I Just Enrolled My Junior Year. Can I Count Activities That I Did My Freshman Year?
If you studied abroad any time during your academic career at PSU, yes, this will count!
If you were at Pitt Pal any time during your academic career at PSU, yes, this will count!
If you took an academic course any time during your acaemic career at PSU, yes,this will count!
For co-curricular events, we ask that the event be within the past semester or year so that you remember enough about the event to write a reflective essay.