GSU’s Extensive Resources for International Students

As one of the most diverse universities in the region in regards to both students and faculty, GSU understands the challenges of going to college in a country far from home.  In order to ensure a smooth transition for our international students, we provide them with extensive resources.  Our assistance includes helping you with everything from filling out forms and paperwork to finding other students who share your background or interests. 

One of the primary resources for our international students is the Office of International Services.  This is where we will serve as your partner throughout a successful college career at GSU.  If you take a look at our website, it should be more than enough to convince you that we are experienced at helping incoming or current students navigate through the process of attending a university in the U.S.

For those new to the university, our website will direct you to a list of available degree programs as well as how to apply to GSU.  Once you are admitted to the university, you will work with the Office of International Services to obtain your I-20 (F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (J-1 Students).  You will also find a tuition estimator on our website to give you an idea of the cost of attending Governors State.  Furthermore, if you are currently attending a university in another country, be sure to check our list of International University Partners to see if you qualify for a discounted tuition rate at GSU.

Another important resource for both international and U.S. students interested in improving English language skills is the American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI).  The Institute’s main focus is to help ensure the academic success of students whose first language is other than English.  To improve language skills, the ALCI, maintains an Intensive English Program as well as collaborates with the Office of International Services to create co-curricular activities for interested students.

At GSU you will discover a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds and courses that are taught by gifted professors.  At the School of Extended Learning we are dedicated to providing support and resources to all students, faculty, and the community to enhance individual growth and global understanding.

GSU’s Continuing Education - Upcoming Courses

GSU’s School of Continuing Education will be holding a number of courses and workshops during the month of May and June, 2015.  To make it convenient to enroll in any of these courses; you will find an online registration form on our website. 

A few of the upcoming offerings includes a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate course at GSU’s main campus on Saturdays, May 16 – July 11.  This is offered in a hybrid instruction format with four on-site classes and four online.  The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate course focuses on both Advanced Lean Techniques and Six Sigma "Green Belt" methodologies. The course includes project planning and various statistical tools to equip students to become Green Belt certified and a practitioner of Lean Six Sigma at their organization.

Another important offering is our Identity Theft Affects All course.  This informative workshop will be held at the Naperville Education Center on Tuesday, May 19, or at the main campus on Wednesday, May 27.  The course explores the widespread epidemic of identity theft, the causes and how it can affect any of us.  You will learn how to safe guard yourself, your business and your employees.  

In partnership with the industry leader, American Home Inspectors Training Institute (AHIT), we will be holding another American Home Inspectors Training Institute (AHIT) course.  The comprehensive home inspection training program will be on June 22 - June 26, at GSU’s main campus. 

We are also offering two more sessions of our Do You Have an IRS Issue? The dates for this informative discussion are May 21, at the Naperville Education Center, and on May 28, at GSU.  This is a chance to bring your issues, and IRS notices to discuss or meet one-on-one afterwards.

Furthermore, the GSU Faculty Development in International Business (FDIB) Workshops is on June 10 – June 11.  The FDIB will be led by the College of Business and Public Administration faculty who are content experts on the relevant topics.  The program is sponsored by a US Department of Education grant and is offered at minimum cost to participants.

Please visit the School of Extending Learning’s Office of Continuing Education website to see the full schedule of our workshops and course offerings.  These are excellent opportunities for individuals seeking advancement both professionally and personally.

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.   

Educational Opportunities for Members of the Military

GSU’s School of Extended Learning offers continuing educational courses for adults who may not be available for traditional daytime on-campus classes due to work and family schedules or military service.  One of the ways we have reached out to active-duty service members is by proudly participating in the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) since 1997.   

The NCPACE program is directed at shipboard sailors who wish to continue their education while at sea or when stationed at off-shore assignments.  Since the courses are in a CD-ROM format, they can be taken without the need of the Internet and completed as an independent study.  Each course begins once the ship departs and ends at the conclusion of the deployment.

Over the years, thousands of sailors have enrolled and successfully completed NCPACE courses from GSU and other participating institutions.  Once the service member is back on base, GSU programs can be continued as Internet, correspondence or televised classes.  All NCPACE courses from Governors State are three semester credit hours.   

Examples of a couple of the courses offered through the NCPACE include an: Introduction to Management Strategies; Substance Abuse: Current Concepts; and Living Literature: The Classics and You.  The Intro to Management Strategies course introduces students to classical management, behavioral and management science. The course reviews the basic functions of management emphasizing the interrelationships among planning, organizing, directing and controlling and much more.

To learn more about how the program works, please refer to our website.  Tuition for the NCPACE is covered through the military tuition-assistance program.  Also books and supplies can be ordered online through MBS Direct, or for regular GSU courses contact the bookstore.

In every college we have outstanding programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.