Center for International Services and Programs is among top reasons to attend �㽶����ֱ��

By Siddharth Shah, Graduate Assistant, University Marketing & Communications

�㽶����ֱ�� takes great pride in having students studying here from all over the world. �㽶����ֱ��'s foreign students excel in their academic subjects, make significant contributions to research and innovation, and foster a varied and welcoming community in our city.

International students have a wide range of needs during their educational tenure at �㽶����ֱ��: everything from information on immigration status and employment, to cultural/social activities, academic concerns and guidance have a direct impact on their success here.

For those international students, scholars, and their dependents, �㽶����ֱ��'s Center for International Services and Programs (CISP) is a lifeline that offers opportunities to develop both academically and personally. CISP provides a wealth of options and resources, as well as a supportive environment, to help students thrive and meet their academic objectives - whether they are seeking for an undergraduate or graduate degree, a certificate, or an English as a Second Language (ESL) course.

While pursuing their academic objectives at �㽶����ֱ��, international students encounter some special opportunities as well as hurdles. The CISP website was created to provide assistance and information to �㽶����ֱ��'s foreign students regarding application processes, preparations for attending �㽶����ֱ��, orientation programs, immigration counselling, employment, and personal/adjustment issues.

What's more, CISP is not only limited to international students. Faculty and staff can also get support and direction from the Center for their worldwide �㽶����ֱ��-related projects. The Center serves as a resource for all �㽶����ֱ�� international institutional connections and agreements, as well as Education Away and also the administrative base for the university's hearty Fulbright Program.

"Why �㽶����ֱ��?" An International Student Perspective

As one of the university's many international students, I have my own list of "Top Arguments" for choosing �㽶����ֱ�� over many other higher education options across the country. They include, but are not limited to:

• International acclaim for modern scientific research and recognition as one of America's best universities by U.S. News & World Report, including #1 university in Ohio for social mobility.
• Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral programs for interdisciplinary study.
• Highly experienced and qualified teaching staff.
• A beautiful urban campus in downtown Cleveland with access to the Great Lakes, one of the world's largest freshwater resources.
• On average, Cleveland offers a much lower cost of living when compared to other cities
• Daily events and fun activities, both on- and off-campus.
• Outstanding International Student Services resources.

Quick Information for Current (and Future) International Students at �㽶����ֱ��

If you're interested in more information as a current or future international student at, consider the following:

• Send an email to the CISP, intlcenter@csuohio.edu.
• Visit the office on campus (located at Berkman Hall 412) during weekdays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or call the staffed CISP phone number (216-687-3910) to ask questions or make an appointment. Leave a detailed message if you are calling outside normal office hours.
• F-1 In-Person Walk-In Advising is available on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 - 3 p.m., no appointment necessary. F-1 Virtual Drop-In Advising is offered on Wednesdays from 1 - 3 p.m., no appointment required.
• Drop-in advising for National Student Exchange, J-1, and study abroad is available in-person in BH 412 on weekdays from 1 - 3 p.m.
• is housed in Mather Mansion Room 209.
•  can be accessed at "All-in-1" located in Berkman Hall Room 116.
• Sending in documents for international admissions? Address them to: Enrollment Processing Center, �㽶����ֱ��, 2121 Euclid Avenue, UN 443, Cleveland, OH 44115 USA.

Siddharth Shah is currently pursuing his Master of Information Systems at the Monte Ahuja College of Business at �㽶����ֱ��. The specialized STEM degree program is designed to prepare students for careers as information professionals. Shah is from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.