New international students learn about PSU, community

  Wednesday, January 8, 2014 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

A week before spring classes were scheduled to start, a group of 80 new Gorillas was busy getting acclimated to their new surroundings and getting a jump on the semester.

New international students at PSU began orientation on Jan. 6 and, according to Cathy Lee Arcuino, director of international programs and services, the students have been learning a lot, even though classes have not begun.

CHECKING IN - Felix Kaubisch, a graduate student from Germany studying engineering technology, gets help from Alheli Aranda Britez, a music major from Paraguay, during international student orientation at Pittsburg State University. In the center, Carita Kankkunen, a management major from Finland, also checks in.

“We help the new students through registration and have sessions on things like cultural adjustment, immigration, banking, health insurance, academic integrity, and campus life,” Arcuino said. “There are also welcome luncheons and community dinners in which some of those important connections with members of the community begin to be made.”

To help with those connections, the International Friends of Pittsburg sponsors a Friendship Family Program that matches international students with individuals and families in the community. Participants include their international friends in activities and events.

Persons interested in participating in the Friendship Family Program or learning more may visit the International Programs and Services website at www.pittstate.edu/international or call 620-235-4680.

Arcuino said the new international students come from Bangladesh, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Syria, Taiwan, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.