A one-stop shop for all things international opened on campus in February. The new Global Center, located in Eder Hall 101, is for international students thinking of attending school in the United States, admitted international students who want to become more connected to the campus and community, and current students looking for opportunities to study abroad. All the information is now in one place.
Students interested in studying abroad can learn about faculty-led courses offered through the Global Center. Two study abroad trips were held in May – Austria/Czech Republic and Japan. John Hewitt, director of global engagement, works with both faculty members and students on study abroad experiences.
He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the University’s exchange programs. Currently, Missouri Western has exchange agreements with seven universities, which students can attend for one semester or an academic year. Additionally, students from the foreign universities attend Missouri Western. Current universities in the exchange program are located in China (2), France (2), Germany, Spain and Sweden.
International students who are interested in attending Missouri Western also work with the Global Center to learn about degrees, tuition and financial aid opportunities, and how to apply for admission. Tina Washburn, admissions coordinator for international and graduate, and Rashad Howze, director of international recruitment, work with prospective international students.
International Student Services, which had been in the Blum Student Union, moved to the Global Center this past spring. Under Director of International Student Services Fumi Cheever, the ISS continues its mission of supporting Missouri Western’s international students to help them become a part of the campus community. ISS offers information about visas, employment and other immigration questions, academic advising, and an orientation program for new students each semester.
ISS also offers a variety of activities for the campus community, including international cooking classes, an international fair and a celebration of international festivals throughout the year.
More information about the Global Center and its services can be found at missouriwestern.edu/global.