International Students
Welcome!
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ offers international students a supportive environment in which to learn, live and grow.
Academics
The great majority of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ's undergraduate and graduate programs in the natural and health sciences, performing and visual arts, business, humanities, education and social sciences are open to international students. So whatever your ambitions, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ knows how to turn your passion into a meaningful career. (And if you’re not sure what direction you want your education, or your career, to take, we can help with that, too.)
At ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ the traditional academic year consists of two 16-week terms. The fall term begins in late August and ends in mid-December. The spring term begins in late January and ends in mid-May. A number of intensive summer classes are available in June and July, and ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ also offers intensive courses in a J-term (two weeks in January) and an M-term (two weeks in May).
Office of Diversity, Inclusion & International Student Services
Once admitted to ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, you will benefit from the support of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and International Student Services. This office exists to assist you with anything from immigration status to social or personal adjustment to life in the United States.
Orientation
The Intercultural Orientation Program acquaints students with the University, the local community and American life, including an introduction to a variety of American social and cultural customs. Orientation begins several days prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
“Despite the distance, the transition from Germany to here was better than I expected because everyone here is so kind and supportive. The warm and welcoming community at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ makes it feel like a home away from home. I can't imagine myself anyplace else, and I couldn't be more happy with my choice.â€
The Campus & Community
Expect to find plenty of activities on ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ's 200-acre campus, located an hour from metropolitan Pittsburgh (in the state of Pennsylvania in the eastern U.S.) The natural surroundings on campus, and the nearby retail and historic districts of the town of Greensburg, make outdoor recreation, shopping and cultural experiences readily available. The Greensburg community also provides convenient opportunities for internships in government, business, social services, journalism, and many other fields.
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ students live in a safe learning environment. The University employs its own security police. All officers are specially trained and certified by the Pennsylvania State Police, and are on duty at all times. ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ also benefits from the support of the law enforcement and emergency services of Greensburg, Pa., which are always available to assist ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ police and emergency response personnel.
Housing & Dining
On-campus housing is offered for single undergraduates through the University's Housing Selection process. Additional charges apply for students who remain in the halls for vacations during the academic year. Undergraduate students generally share a room with another student(s). Rooms are equipped with a bed, dresser, wardrobe, desk and desk chair. ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ provides campus-wide wireless access, including all residence halls. Visit Dining Services or Room and Board for more information.
Financial Aid
Nearly 100% of our undergraduate international students receive some type of merit or need-based financial aid from ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ. We offer financial aid to qualifying undergraduate candidates for academic merit (up to $26,000 USD), which can make attending ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ affordable. ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ is dedicated to empowering students to succeed, and that includes financial assistance.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for international students. Student health insurance is available to all international students through GeoBlue. Please note that medical services in the United States are often expensive; the United States does not have a national health program. Having insurance will cover, or offset, the cost of health care services.
Transportation
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ University guarantees ground transportation from Pittsburgh International Airport, or any Pittsburgh transit station, upon arrival for the first time to campus. The Pittsburgh International Airport, 45 miles from Greensburg, is served by many airlines. A travel itinerary must be submitted and approved prior to departure by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and International Student Services. Train service exists between Greensburg, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ can arrange to have a security officer meet you at the train station if you notify the University of your arrival time.
Climate & Clothing
Once on campus, plan for a variety of weather conditions throughout the academic year. Southwestern Pennsylvania experiences four distinct seasons. Hot, sunny, summers are followed by cool autumns, where the trees on and around campus turn brilliant shades of red and gold. Our cold, snowy winters (perfect for skiing and other winter sports) lead to warm flowery springs.
English Language Learners
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ offers an English as a Second Language course for international students. Through this course, you will receive encouragement and support in: writing, reading, speaking and listening. Faculty will assist you with conversational practice, generating ideas for writing topics, locating main ideas within texts, producing clear structures, practicing key grammar rules and developing intercultural skills. Conversational tutorials are also offered weekly to provide additional assistance. You are welcome to attend these tutorials, even if you are not registered for English language coursework in a given semester.