The breadth of international education includes areas of internationalization of curriculum through faculty international development and other related activities, international student recruitment and undergraduate international student and English language student admissions, study abroad, services to international students and scholars, and on-campus international program development. Part of its mission is to assist in the development and the accomplishment of the University’s goals in international education and exchange.

To achieve these goals, OIE would:

1. develop recruiting strategies to enlarge the international student application pool to attract the best, to increase the number, and to maintain the cultural and geographical diversity of international student body;

2. increase the number of students participating in study-abroad programs as well as other opportunities abroad;

3. provide the best and the most comprehensive support services to international students and scholars so that international students and scholars will have a smooth transition to CMU life and a successful stay at CMU;

4. enhance the level of international understanding among members of the CMU community by sponsoring, organizing, and developing international programs that are academically, culturally, and socially rich;

5. maintain an up-to-date CMU International Education Information Clearinghouse; and

6. keep abreast with the development of international education regionally, nationally, and internationally through regularly attending conferences and meetings as well as through participation in related professional development workshops.

Within the University, OIE plays an active role in the International Education Council under the Academic Senate that assists the office in policy development, long-range plans, and program initiatives. OIE is also an active member in the International Advisory Board that assists the Provost in major international initiatives at the university.

Nationally, CMU is an institutional member of the College of Consortium for International Studies (CCIS), Council for International Education Exchange (CIEE), International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), Midwest Consortium for Study Abroad (MCSA), Phi Beta Delta National Honor Society, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and AIEA: Association of International Education Administrators.

Study Abroad
CMU offers over 100 study abroad programs in more than 30 countries. The programs are designed to provide all interested students with the opportunity to live and study outside the United States for a summer, semester, academic year, or even spring break. Study abroad introduces students to different higher education systems, to the ways of life of other cultures, and enhances cross-cultural communication skills. It is also an important opportunity for personal growth and development.

The OIE administers CMU’s tuition exchange programs in The Netherlands, France, England, Chile, Mexico, Denmark, and Japan. These programs allow CMU students to pay CMU tuition to study abroad. In addition, OIE administers other low-cost study abroad programs through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) and College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS).

Knowledge of a foreign language is not necessarily required. Students may take courses taught in English in the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, China, Costa Rica, France, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Sweden, Finland, and more.

The OIE helps students choose an appropriate study abroad program and works to ensure that they will receive academic credit for work completed outside the United States. In addition, the OIE offers study abroad scholarships and works closely with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to ensure that financial assistance is provided to eligible students.
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International Students
Pre-arrival: New international students and visiting scholars receive the OIE welcome booklet with their related admission materials. This booklet provides information on a wide variety of important topics to these individuals before they leave their home countries. Among the subjects covered in the booklet are housing, health insurance, expenses, F- and-J non-immigrant visa status, local climate, and airport transportation.

Airport pick-up and temporary housing: The OIE staff work with community volunteers as well as international student organizations to coordinate airport transportation and temporary housing needs for new students.

Orientation: New students and scholars report to the OIE soon after their arrival and participate in a comprehensive orientation program. This program is designed to meet their immediate needs in terms of housing information and University registration procedures; introduce them to U.S. culture and the educational system at CMU; schedule necessary tests; and provide information on banking, health insurance, safety, and non-F-1 and J-1 immigrant regulations.

Other services: In addition to its advising service, the OIE coordinates a number of programs designed to help students become familiar with campus and community life. OIE staff members also conduct programs and workshops covering issues such as work authorization, cross-cultural communication, driving in the U.S., study skills, nutrition, etc.
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Faculty and Staff Exchanges
CMU faculty and staff are encouraged to work with OIE staff when exploring and applying for foreign exchange opportunities. The office is able to assist in many exchange efforts, including reciprocal department exchanges and exchanges based on agreements between CMU and foreign institutions of higher learning or consortium agreements.
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Phi Beta Delta
The aim of Phi Beta Delta, an honor society for international scholars, is to recognize and encourage professional, intellectual, and personal achievement in international education among CMU students, faculty, and staff. It serves as a means of encouraging interdisciplinary contacts and the exchange of ideas and information among the CMU community interested in international education.
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Community Activities
The OIE works closely with community groups, individuals and institutions interested in international understanding and activities. It supports and/or sponsors numerous programs that seek to respond to the international needs and interests of the community.
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