Office of International Programs
The Office of International Programs (OIP) is Southern Oregon University’s central administrative unit for the coordination of international relationships, oversight of education abroad programs, provision of services to international students and scholars, recruitment of students outside the United States, and providing links between and among other campus departments and offices.
The OIP is the university’s main point of contact in coordinating international relationships. Its primary functions, in this context, are to assist anyone wanting to develop international contacts, programs, and exchanges, and to provide institutional perspective and guidance. Suggestions for new international partnerships can arise from a specific SOU department, from the Office of International Programs, or from any other SOU unit.
The OIP works with and empowers faculty and staff for the coordination, development, and promotion of a broad array of international education programs to prepare students for global leadership and citizenship. Programs and activities include classroom-based and experiential activities abroad. These programs foster international expertise by facilitating faculty and student international exchanges and education abroad in keeping with the quality, community, and diversity goals of Southern Oregon University.
The OIP is dedicated to serving Southern Oregon University’s international community. It assists international students and scholars in successfully accomplishing the goals that brought them to the University, by using all available resources. In addition, the OIP supports SOU's international efforts by helping departments to bring new foreign nationals to our campus and communities, by coordinating events that build links between the U.S. and the international campus community. The OIP oversees the Intensive English Program (IEP), which provides opportunities for non-native speakers to improve their English language skills.
The OIP is a resource for the many existing programs throughout the campus whose activities could be enhanced by increased interaction with other international programs and initiatives.
