The Office of International Programs and Services (IPS) provides diverse programs and services for WCU students, faculty, administrators, and the wider western North Carolina community. Read on and learn what we can do for you.
 
Study Abroad
In today’s global marketplace, communication skills are at a premium and study abroad will put you a step ahead of your future colleagues. Each year IPS assists approximately 75 undergraduate and graduate students in all majors to study abroad in 37 countries world-wide for a semester, a summer, or an entire year.

International Students
If you’re an international student interested in attending WCU, we’re here to support you and the approximately 80-100 graduate and undergraduate international and exchange students who join us each year. We provide visa services, academic support, mentoring services, a week-long orientation, and much, much more.

International Info for Faculty & Staff
Want to teach or study abroad? Looking for visa information for your international faculty member? Need guidance on how best to teach and advise your international student? We’ve got the information, resources, and services you seek.
 
International Travel
Planning a trip abroad? We’ve amassed a wealth of international travel resources for you—from travel tips and advisories to information on health and insurance, passports and visas, and the International Student ID Card (ISIC).

International Outreach
From collaborating with university offices to bring WCU’s first Japanese instructor to campus to providing resources on internationalizing the curriculum and arranging international speakers and events through the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society and K-12 International Outreach Program, we’re actively involved in international outreach.

Intensive English Program
Currently in development, the new Intensive English Program (IEP) will provide quality English language instruction to non-English-speaking international students who want to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States. The program is planned for delivery in summer 2009.

News & Events
Here at WCU, international events take place throughout the year—from annual events such as International Week, International Women’s Day, and International Festival Day, to regularly scheduled events such as presentations, socials, and brown bag lunches.

For more information on our programs and services, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.