News for You
For international undergraduate students considering Portland State University
March 2008
A newsletter to keep you
informed about academic programs,
campus events, and next steps for admission
Portland State: Urban. Diverse. Global. Comprehensive.
Portland State University is the college of choice for more than 1,600 students from over 90 different countries around the globe. With more than 120 academic programs, Portland State offers a wide range of fine educational opportunities.
Don't Miss the April 1st Scholarship Deadline!
The Portland State International Achievement Scholarship award is given to incoming students on the basis of academic achievement. If your grade point average (GPA) is 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 on Portland State's grading scale, you may receive a tuition waiver of $1500 for a maximum of six terms (2 years). The scholarship deadline for new international students is April 1, 2008. Apply today!
Apply for Housing
It’s never too early to start planning your university housing options. Are you interested in living on-campus or with a host family? Would you like to share campus housing with an American roommate? Worried about where you will stay on your first night in Portland? Consider the Portland State housing options for you below.
University Housing
Portland State offers both traditional American residence halls and apartment-style living, complete with kitchens and private baths. Our flexible, customized options for campus living and dining appeal to everyone. Some of the best options fill early. As soon as you are admitted to Portland State, submit your University Housing online application to secure your place early.
Start making U.S. friends immediately upon arrival when you live with a U.S. roommate in our exciting Global Village, located on the top floor of Portland State’s Stephen Epler Hall. Participate in events that promote diversity and intercultural learning throughout the year.
If you are a new, first-year student, age 19 and younger, the PSU First Year Experience (FYE) Program is designed especially for you. Resident Assistants and Learning Community Assistants reside on the floors to help first year students meet and get to know one another. Educational and social programs are held regularly, and assistance is available to help students navigate the sometimes complex workings of an American University.
Live with a Host Family
Would you like to experience American family life? The Friends of Overseas Citizens and University Students (FOCUS), a local Christian volunteer organization, will help you arrange a short or long-term homestay with an American family in the Portland area. Another option is ANDEO-International Homestays, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing host families for international students living in Portland.
Living and Learning at PSU
Point your browser to Virtual PSU to meet current international students and see the Portland State campus.
Come for a visit!
Do your travel plans include Portland, Oregon? Portland State Campus Visit Coordinators are happy to arrange your personalized visit. A current PSU student will provide a tour of campus. The visit coordinator will also arrange a meeting with an Admissions Counselor, a conversation with a representative from the academic department of your choice, and even arrange for you to sit in on a class. For more information about a campus visit, please see our website at www.pdx.edu/admissions/visit.html
Portland State hosts PSU Friday events on select days in April and May. We hope you can join us for one of these fun, half-day visitation events for prospective students. You'll participate in a series of informational sessions and activities, meet PSU students and faculty and, of course, learn how to apply for admission. For more information, please visit our website at www.pdx.edu/admissions/psu_fridays.html
Need Help with the Application Process?
Review the International Undergraduate Admission Checklist. Then apply online for the fastest admission decision.
Apply anytime. Apply online.
It's not too late to apply for Fall term (September) enrollment. Although your priority deadline is March 1st, we always welcome applications. Apply online today.
Questions?
Contact us by email at intladm@pdx.edu for a speedy response to any admission question.
Chat Online
Connect real time with Portland State students and International Counselors to learn more about our academic programs, studying in the U.S., and the city of Portland.
Join us in April for these online chat sessions:
Thursday, April 10, 2008
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Pacific Standard Time
Thursday, April 17, 2008
7:00 am to 10:00 am Pacific Standard Time
For assistance converting your clock to Pacific Standard Time, please go to www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html.
In the location drop down menu, choose "U.S.A - Oregon - Salem" to access the correct time for Portland.
Register for chat sessions at pdxchat.gotoextinguisher.com.
Featured Profile
In each newsletter, we will include an interview with a current international student. This month, Akiko from Japan tells us about her Portland State experience.
 Current status: Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (doctoral program)
Previous education: M.A. in TESOL from Portland State; B.A. in Anthropology from Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
Joined Portland State: fall 2000
Current on-campus employment: Graduate Assistant, Office of International Student and Scholar Services
How did you learn about Portland State University?
I came to the U.S. to study English at Southern Oregon University (SOU) in 1999. My original plan was to return home after three months. But I liked the U.S. and its university system, so I decided to stay. After completing ESL classes, I started a postbaccalaureate program at SOU in Anthropology. When I decided to pursue a master’s in Anthropology, I searched for schools that offered this degree and found Portland State. I wanted to stay in Oregon, so I applied to several graduate programs in Oregon and was admitted to Portland State. After I started my Anthropology program here, I decided to change my major to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) so I could help teach English to immigrants.
How satisfied were you with Portland State’s TESOL program?
It was a very challenging program, and I had to work very hard. But it prepared me to become an ESL teacher, and I even had opportunities to teach in the Portland area. The teaching experience was invaluable.
What made you decide to stay at Portland State for your doctoral degree?
I like Portland and Portland State. That’s for sure! The program matches my interests in getting as much knowledge as possible about adult teaching and learning.
Had you traveled outside of Japan before coming to the U.S. to study?
I had two very short trips to England and New York. I liked the U.S. better than England, so that’s why I decided to study here.
How did you adjust to the cultural differences?
The first couple of years were full of surprises, and some challenges. I got lost several times. I also had a lot of trouble ordering coffee at first. I said “yes” every time I was asked if I wanted something added to my coffee, and I didn’t understand why I couldn’t get just regular coffee without anything extra added. My ESL instructor finally explained to me that I don’t have to say “yes” to every question. This was a big difference between Japanese and U.S. culture that I had to learn. After these experiences, I started to spend a lot of time observing people and learning about U.S. culture that way. My ESL instructors and other students also helped me understand cultural differences.
What are your professional goals after you graduate?
I want to teach at the university level, both English as a Second Language classes and teacher training courses.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like making jewelry with beads, going to cafes (there are a lot of them in Portland), and watching comedies on TV.
How has your experience at Portland State changed you?
Definitely I changed from being a very passive learner, which is common for Japanese students, to being an active learner. I now state my opinions in class, I have presented at different conferences, and I feel like I have a lot more confidence in myself. Now, I like to study on my own beyond the class room for my own interests and research. I have become more independent. Portland State not only helped me change my learning style, but it also helped me develop personally and professionally.
What was your favorite new food?
Mexican food….tacos, burritos, enchiladas. I had never eaten Mexican food before I came to the U.S., and I love it!
What recommendations would you have for an international student thinking about studying in the U.S.?
It’s important to have fun as well as study hard. Take advantage of learning a new culture and new experiences.
Best of success to you!
If you have any questions, let us know.
We’re here to assist you with your college planning.
Contact us at intladm@pdx.edu for more information!
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