Admissions

Resources for International Students

Intensive English Program (IEP)

The Intensive English Program (IEP) is designed to prepare students with the English language skills needed to pass the TOEFL or IELTS tests and to advance to a college degree program. The IEP program focuses on the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing while integrating elements of American culture and life in the United States. A placement test is given at the beginning of the first term to determine a student's appropriate starting level be it beginning, intermediate or advanced. Each level consists of four hours of daily instruction, five days a week, for nine weeks each term. At the end of each term, a final exam is given to determine if students are ready to move up to the next level or to advance to taking the TOEFL or IELTS test.

Orientation Program

Southern Oregon University provides a mandatory orientation program at the beginning of fall, winter, and spring terms for newly arriving international students. During the orientation you will become familiar with the University, meet the Director of International Programs, International Student Advisor, faculty and staff in your academic collge, receive advising, and prepare for registration. Specific dates and important pre-arrival information are sent to you along with your Notice of Admission and visa documents.

International Student Advisor

SOU's International Student Advisor, Kelton Render, is happy to correspond with prospective students or sponsors, to help with questions on admission requirements, financial arrangements, housing, visa questions, and other topics.

Once the student is on campus Kelton works individually to help the student connect with an appropriate academic advisor and to ensure the student's successful transition to university life. The advisor meets with students throughout the year as needed, and for organized social events and other activities. International students are encouraged and invited to remain in close contact with the advisor during the entire tenure at SOU.

Contacting the Office of International Programs

You can reach Kelton or others in this office by phone, mail or email. For questions, or to request an application or other materials, please email Kelton using the link below. For more information, including Scholarship information, visit the International Students web site.

• Kelton Render
  International Student Advisor
  Southern Oregon University,
  Ashland, Oregon 97520 USA
  tel (541) 552-6336, fax (541) 552-8195

International Students Association

All International Students at Southern Oregon University are invited to be active members of the ISA, International Students Association. Membership is free, and support is provided by the Office of International Programs. This is one of SOU's most active student organizations. It sponsors activities for both US and International Students each quarter, and is responsible for SOU's traditional "International Week" festival each spring.
International Students Association Website