About Us

 

The Office of International Programs (OIP) is responsible for the administration of all forms of international activities at Sam Houston State University. We assist international students and visitors to the campus, but we also provide support for American students and faculty who wish to study and teach abroad.

Specific activities and projects with which we are involved include the following:

1. Recruitment of international students. As a vibrant university in the world economy we realize that international cooperation is absolutely essential. We can make this relationship manifest by recruiting international students who affect and influence our American students.
2. Assisting international students on campus. International students bring a unique perspective to a campus, but they also have problems not faced by American students (e.g., dealing the Immigration and Naturalization Services). We provide the necessary support and assistance.
3. Administration of our study abroad programs. Every year SHSU offers several classes in foreign locations. In recent years, classes were offered in Italy, Mexico, Spain, Russia, Germany, China, and England, to name only a few. OIP provides support to faculty members who wish to teach such classes, as well as students who want to take them.
4. Administration of the International Education Fee Scholarships. SHSU students pay a $1 fee every semester that is used to support students who wish to study abroad. This fee generates approximately $30,000 per year and is used exclusively for scholarships.
5. Administration of the English Language Institute (ELI). International students who need assistance with their English skills before they take regular classes are required to enroll in ELI. The Institute is located under OIP and has recently expanded its services.
6. Support of international visitors to campus. Every year numerous international visitors come to our campus. OIP provides logistic support for them, but also invites and encourages scholars from other nations to visit our university. For instance, several professors from the former Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia, the People's Republic of China, Thailand and South Korea have visited our campus in recent years.