Welcome to the Center for International Studies-CIS- Office of International Student Services!

The Center welcomes students from around the world. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is home to 60+ international students from 24 countries who add global diversity to our campus . CIS is dedicated to serving the academic and cultural needs of our international students. With many programs, services and activities, our international students receive the assistance they need in order to succeed at UW-Parkside and in living in the U.S.A

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Office of International Student Services- housed at the Center for International Studies-CIS is to provide support services for international students and to enable them to achieve their educational goals and objectives.

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to a high quality of educational programs, creative and scholarly activities, and services responsive to its diverse student population, and its local, national and global communities.

To further international education at UW-Parkside, the Center supports an environment conducive to intercultural learning & exchange, and fosters opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to develop a global perspective fundamental to full participation in the world.
 
Purpose & Goals:

The Office of International Student Services serves international students. Responsibilities include providing information and assistance on immigration matters; acting as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments; providing information on campus and community services available to international students and promoting intercultural exchange programs between international students and the UW-Parkside community. Our Purpose and Goals are:

• Assisting international students to achieve their academic objectives.
• Advocating on behalf of international students.
• Encouraging international and U.S. students to learn from one another.
• Playing a role to expand the University's appreciation for cultural diversity.

International Student Services:

• Arrival & Adjustment: The CIS office works with the International Friendship Committee of local families whose members provide transportation from Milwaukee and Chicago airports, and assist students to get settled-in their new environment. After students have arrived on campus, CIS- staff assists students with on-campus housing and provides information about the Kenosha/Racine communities.
• Advising. CIS – International Student Advisor processes immigration documentation and provides information on immigration issues, the International Friendship Committee, PIC-Parkside International Club, health insurance, cultural adjustment, banking, budgeting, and local, state, and federal taxes.
• Employment, Hardship and Practical Training. The International Student Advisor, advises and assists students in the preparation and processing of documents for practical training and employment. See: CPT/OPT, Hardship.

Cross-Cultural Programming:

• UW-Parkside International Student/Family Picnic
• International Friendship Hours
• Worldfest
• International Friendship Committee
• PIC – Parkside International Club