International students check in at PSU

  Tuesday, August 16, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

The fall semester at Pittsburg State University officially begins on Monday, Aug. 22, but international students began arriving today so they have a full week to prepare for their new American experience.

Officials in the Office of International Programs and Services said about 150 international students have checked in on this first day.

After they’ve completed all their paperwork, the international students are invited to a dinner hosted by the International Friends of Pittsburg at St. John’s Lutheran Church. There, the students will learn about the long-running International Friends Program, which matches American families with international students.

Following dinner, the Office of International Programs and Services will sponsor a shopping trip to Walmart.

Throughout the week, the Office of International Programs will sponsor numerous programs and presentations covering everything from immigration laws, housing, health care, safety, and culture shock, to U.S. classroom culture and academic integrity.

It’s not all work for the international students. Sandwiched between serious topics are a number of free meals sponsored by local groups and some off-campus trips.

PSU officials said the week is designed to help international students, many of whom have never traveled to the U.S., begin the semester on a positive note. In addition to preparing the students to begin the semester academically, the week of orientation also helps them to adjust to their new environment and begin to make new friends.

For more information, contact Stephanie Gonzalez, international programming coordinator, 620-235-4607.