Center for International Services and Programs is among top reasons to attend Cleveland State University

By Siddharth Shah, Graduate Assistant, University Marketing & Communications

Cleveland State University takes great pride in having students studying here from all over the world. CSU'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 CSU: 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, CSU'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 CSU, international students encounter some special opportunities as well as hurdles. The CISP website was created to provide assistance and information to CSU's foreign students regarding application processes, preparations for attending CSU, 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 CSU-related projects. The Center serves as a resource for all CSU international institutional connections and agreements, as well as Education Away and also the administrative base for the university's hearty Fulbright Program.

"Why CSU?" An International Student Perspective

As one of the university's many international students, I have my own list of "Top Arguments" for choosing Cleveland State University 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 CSU

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.
• IELP (English as a Second Language Program) is housed in Mather Mansion Room 209.
• International Admissions 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, Cleveland State University, 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 CSU. The specialized STEM degree program is designed to prepare students for careers as information professionals. Shah is from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.