Oklahoma State University

About the University

by the United States Government and private foundations. Faculty members are increasingly engaged in research and outreach dealing with international trade and development and have contributed extensively to scholarship on global issues. Dr. Henry G. Bennett’s international legacy and OSU’s long-standing dedication to international relations and outreach is evident in the university’s continued international endeavors and significant international student population. The current OSU student body represents more than 100 countries in its academic instruction, research and service activities. The School of Global Studies and Partnerships (https:// global.okstate.edu) serves as a catalyst for the internationalization of OSU and actively promotes the university’s engagement with state, national and international communities by fulfilling compelling educational needs and advancing the development of Oklahoma. Administrative and Outreach Units The Study Abroad/NSE Office coordinates reciprocal exchange agreements with 80 institutions in over 35 countries, as well as affiliated programs and the National Student Exchange (NSE). The office provides personalized advising on study, research, internships and service programs abroad. Academic support and pre-approval of courses to be taken abroad, along with support both during and after the international sojourn, are provided for interested students. Study abroad programs offer students the opportunity to experience different peoples, languages and customs and to gain essential global competence. OSU set a goal to provide every undergraduate student with a meaningful international experience prior to graduation, which study abroad can fulfill. Two one- credit courses are offered by the study abroad staff to help students maximize their experience abroad. The office also administers three Global Studies scholarships that serve as incentives for study abroad participation—the Provost’s Study Abroad Scholarship, the Don and Cathey Humphreys Scholarship, and the Gerry Auel First Passport Grant. The English Language Institute (ELI) was established in 1970. ELI’s mission is to equip non-native speakers of English with the English proficiency, academic skills and cultural knowledge necessary to gain entrance to and achieve success at Oklahoma State University or any American institution of higher education. In addition, English language and culture programs can be tailored to meet the needs of educational institutions, businesses and government sponsoring agencies. Regularly enrolled OSU international students who feel a need for additional language study may enroll part-time in ELI as well. Institute students, who may represent as many as 10 or 20 different countries in any given semester, range from recent high school graduates to career professionals returning to school for master’s or doctoral degrees. The ELI has three semesters: spring, summer and fall and offers mid-semester arrival in spring and fall. Classes offered include listening/ speaking, reading, composition, grammar and optional electives. For more information, contact the English Language Institute, 307 Wes Watkins Center, 405.744.7519, e-mail to osu-eli@okstate.edu or visit eli.okstate.edu (https://global.okstate.edu). Global Partnerships promotes international research, education and development on behalf of the Oklahoma State University and the state of Oklahoma through building worldwide linkages; pursuing and coordinating collaborative projects; and reaching out to state, national and international audiences. The unit assists the university in developing and maintaining overseas partnerships, creating new academic programs

and in other aspects related to the globalization of the academic offerings of Oklahoma State. The OSU-UPAEP Liaison Office is housed in the Wes Watkins Center and supported by the School of Global Studies. The office promotes bilateral exchanges between the United States and Mexico, increases in the number of OSU students studying abroad in Mexico and increases the number of Mexican students enrolled at OSU. The office also aids in preparation of exchanges with Mexican universities, provides professional contacts and serves as a local expert resource about Mexico. The Fulbright Resource Center assists students, recent graduates, faculty members, developing professionals and artists in pursuit of Fulbright Grants for international opportunities in research, study, teaching or creative activities abroad. The Fulbright Grant is a highly-competitive national award established in 1946 by Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright to increase international understanding through educational exchange. Awards are offered annually for international travel and short- and long-term assignments in over 140 countries around the world. The Wes Watkins Center for International Trade and Development (CITD) focuses on both international trade and international development on behalf of OSU and the state of Oklahoma. In the area of international trade, the CITD is part of the Oklahoma Small Business Development (OKSBDC) (http://www.oksbdc.org/international-trade) network and provides Oklahoma’s small- and medium-sized businesses with hands-on high quality and confidential one-on-one counseling to help begin exporting or to expand the export of goods and services. In the area of international development, the CITD provides informational resources or special project development to assist communities overseas with meeting basic needs for food, water, education and health. Service projects have taken place in many parts of the world, including Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. These development projects are chosen to provide assistance to non- governmental organizations and as an opportunity for service projects and experiential learning for OSU students. In addition, the CITD is involved in international development projects providing technical assistance and trade capacity building on export development for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), international trade and Customs policy matters in areas such as Customs Reform and Modernization, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiation and implementation, and Trade Facilitation. Office of Individual Study OSU Individual Study undergraduate courses provide a self-paced, independent, and online format for students with full-time work, family, or military responsibilities. Students in-state, out of state or out of country can choose either a twelve-month or semester-long format. The yearlong courses have open start dates so students may begin a course anytime they wish. Courses are delivered through the OSU learning management system, Brightspace; however, students who do not have Internet access can participate in courses using print-based materials. Call 405-744-6390 or visit is.okstate.edu (http://is.okstate.edu)to browse classes, tuition rate and enrollment information. For information on all OSU online courses and degrees, visit osuonline.okstate.edu (http://osuonline.okstate.edu), call 405-744-1000, or email osuonline@okstate.edu.