Exploring Wichita State: Meeting International Students

how can you meet international students at wichita state university

Wichita State University offers a variety of ways for international students to connect with one another. The university provides a list of international student associations, allowing students to connect with others from their country. During student orientation, international students can meet their peers, and the university also creates a Facebook group each semester for students to connect before arriving on campus. Additionally, all first-year international students are required to live in Shocker Hall, The Suites, or The Flats during their first two semesters, providing further opportunities to meet fellow international students. To apply for undergraduate admission, international students must submit required materials, including proof of English proficiency and financial support, through the online portal.

Characteristics Values
Minimum GPA requirement for admission 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale or the international equivalent
Undergraduate application requirements SAT or ACT scores, transcripts, and/or test scores
Graduate application requirements GRE or GMAT for some programs
English proficiency requirement Conditional admission offered for those who do not meet the requirement
Housing for first-year international students Shocker Hall, The Suites, or The Flats
Financial requirements Bank statement or financial documents, certification of financial support
Medical requirements Medical insurance, TB blood test, vaccination records
Work opportunities On-campus employment up to 20 hours per week

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Live in shared first-year student accommodation

Living in shared first-year student accommodation is a great way to meet international students at Wichita State University. All first-year students at Wichita State University, including international students, are required to live on campus for their first year of study. This means that you will have the opportunity to meet and live alongside students from different countries and cultural backgrounds, which can be a rewarding and enriching experience.

There are three main options for first-year student accommodation on campus: Shocker Hall, The Suites, and The Flats. These residence halls offer a convenient and comfortable living environment, and you will have the opportunity to connect with your fellow residents and build a sense of community. During your time in shared accommodation, you can expect to make friends, share experiences, and learn about different cultures, which can broaden your perspective and enhance your university experience.

To apply for on-campus housing, you can follow the instructions on Wichita State University's housing webpage. It is recommended that you wait to submit your housing application until after you know if you have been granted a visa for study at the university. There are also certain criteria that exempt students from this on-campus housing policy, such as being over 21 years of age, having a dependent child, or living with an approvable relative in the area.

Undergraduate Orientation is another great opportunity to meet international students and build community as you transition to life at Wichita State University. During Orientation, you will connect with other new students, learn about campus resources, and start shaping your university experience. Additionally, the university's International Education office is a valuable resource for international students, offering support and guidance throughout your time at the university.

Living in shared first-year student accommodation at Wichita State University provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse and multicultural community. By sharing living spaces and experiences, you will have the chance to form lasting connections with students from around the world, making your first year of university memorable and potentially life-changing.

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Join the Intensive English Language Program

One way to meet international students at Wichita State University is to join the Intensive English Language Program. The program is well-respected and has educated over 7000 students from more than 100 countries since its founding in 1976.

The Intensive English Language Program at Wichita State University is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their English language skills. The program offers seven levels of Intensive English, with each level lasting approximately eight weeks or half an academic semester. The duration of a student's study in the program depends on their individual level of English proficiency at the beginning of their studies. Students with conditional admission to the university who do not meet the English proficiency requirement for admission to an academic program will have Intensive English listed as their area of study. These students must take the English Proficiency Exam (EPE) upon arrival in Wichita and, if they do not pass, they must study in the Intensive English program until they meet the undergraduate English requirement.

The Intensive English Language Center at Wichita State University provides quality English instruction to its students. The center utilizes a Learning Laboratory that employs computers and other audio-visual aids to help students develop their English skills. Students use specialized ESL software, receive individualized attention, and are given customized Internet assignments.

The Intensive English Language Program offers scholarships to its students, which cover the cost of books and are eligible for renewal once. Students in the program are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus, which can help them earn money during their studies.

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Work on-campus jobs

Working on-campus jobs is a great way to meet international students at Wichita State University. The university offers various on-campus job opportunities for students, providing a convenient and enjoyable way to earn money and connect with peers. Here are some tips and information to help you get started:

On-Campus Job Opportunities:

Wichita State University offers a range of on-campus jobs for students, including positions in different departments and offices across the university. Some common areas for on-campus employment include:

  • Administrative Support: You can work in university offices, assisting with administrative tasks such as answering phones, data entry, or supporting faculty and staff.
  • Cafeteria and Food Services: There are opportunities to cook or assist in the university cafeterias and dining areas, interacting with students and staff.
  • Research Assistance: Depending on your skills and interests, you might be able to find research assistant positions, especially if you're studying in a field with a strong research focus.
  • Library and Resource Centres: The university library and resource centres often hire students to help with shelving books, assisting patrons, and other library-related tasks.
  • Student Assistant Programs: Wichita State University has partnerships with external organisations, such as the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), that offer student assistant positions. These positions provide valuable industry experience and the opportunity to work with professionals.

Finding On-Campus Jobs:

To find on-campus job opportunities at Wichita State University, you can take the following steps:

  • Shocker Central: Join Shocker Central and filter for on-campus job listings. This platform provides a convenient way to search and apply for positions specifically tailored to students.
  • On-Campus Job Fairs: Attend the On-Campus Job Fair, which is a great opportunity to meet employers and learn about available positions. Dress in business casual attire and bring your WSU ID, along with multiple copies of your resume.
  • Prep Workshops: Participate in the On-Campus Job Fair Prep Workshop to refine your resume and gain valuable tips on introducing yourself to employers and dressing appropriately for career fairs.
  • WSU Human Resources: Reach out to WSU Human Resources or email [email protected] for more information on available positions and application processes. They are a valuable resource for answering any questions you may have.

Working on Campus at Wichita State University:

Working on campus at Wichita State University offers several benefits, including:

  • Convenience: On-campus jobs are convenient as they are close to your classes and accommodation, making it easier to manage your time and fit work into your schedule.
  • Community: Working on campus allows you to become a part of the university community, fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities to meet and interact with fellow students, including international students.
  • Flexibility: On-campus jobs understand the demands of student life and usually offer flexible work schedules, allowing you to balance your studies and other commitments.
  • Income: Working on campus provides a source of income to help with expenses. International students at Wichita State University can work up to 20 hours per week on campus and earn around US$500 per month.

Remember, working on campus at Wichita State University is a fantastic way to support yourself financially while also creating opportunities to meet and connect with international students from diverse backgrounds.

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Participate in extra-curricular activities

Wichita State University offers a plethora of extra-curricular activities that can help you meet international students and foster meaningful connections. Participating in extra-curricular activities is an excellent way to develop a well-rounded personality, gain new skills, and build a solid support system during your academic journey. Here are some ways you can meet international students by engaging in extra-curricular activities at Wichita State University:

Student Organizations and Clubs:

Wichita State University has various student organizations and clubs that cater to different interests and passions. Joining these organizations provides an opportunity to meet international students with similar interests. You can participate in activities sponsored by these organizations or simply attend their events to socialize and network. This could include academic, cultural, and international student groups, as well as sports clubs.

Intramural Sports:

Intramural sports at Wichita State University offer a fun way to stay active, meet new people, and develop teamwork skills. Intramural sports include soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball. Joining a team with students from diverse backgrounds, including international students, can lead to lasting friendships and a deeper understanding of different cultures.

International Education Week (IE Week):

IE Week is a dedicated celebration of the diverse population of international students at Wichita State University. It offers a range of events, such as Culture Quest, where you can meet ambassadors, engage in activities, win prizes, and learn about the international student community. During IE Week, you can also attend sessions with the International Education Office to gain valuable information and connect with various organizations. It's a perfect time to immerse yourself in different cultures and make meaningful connections with international students.

Sporting Events:

Attending sporting events is another excellent way to meet international students and show your school spirit. Wichita State University's Division I sports teams include tennis, cross-country, basketball, track, golf, bowling, men's baseball, and women's volleyball and softball. These sporting events are free for all students and provide an exciting atmosphere to socialize and bond with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Cultural Events and Activities:

Keep an eye out for cultural events and activities organized by the university or student groups. These events often attract a diverse range of students, including international students eager to share their heritage and traditions. Participating in cultural events can lead to meaningful conversations, a deeper appreciation for different cultures, and long-lasting friendships with international students.

By actively participating in these extra-curricular activities, you will not only broaden your horizons academically and culturally but also foster valuable connections with international students, making your time at Wichita State University even more rewarding and memorable.

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Socialise in the Student Health Service

Unfortunately, I could not find specific information on how to socialise within the Student Health Service at Wichita State University. However, I can provide a summary of the services they offer, which may help you to identify ways to connect with other international students.

Student Health Services

The Student Health Services at Wichita State University are located in the Student Wellness Centre in the Steve Clark YMCA building. They offer a wide range of health services to students at little to no cost. All staff are professionally trained college health specialists.

Services

The services provided by Student Health include:

  • First aid kits for minor accidents and injuries.
  • Diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries, including follow-up care.
  • Laboratory services, including blood tests and in-house rapid point-of-care tests.
  • Gynecological health services, such as various types of contraception, consultations, and pregnancy testing.
  • Mental health services, including counselling, and prescriptions for anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
  • Nutrition and weight control support, with appointments available with a registered dietician.
  • Physician consultations with medical specialists.
  • Immunizations, including those required for travel.
  • Allergy desensitization shots.
  • Health promotion presentations to encourage good health practices.

Social Opportunities

While there may not be specific social events organised by the Student Health Service, there are a few ways you could potentially connect with other international students through these services. For example, you could attend health promotion presentations, where you may meet other students who are also interested in improving their health. Additionally, the counselling and mental health services could provide a space to connect with others going through similar experiences.

It is also worth noting that the Student Health Services offer a patient portal called myShockerHealth, which allows students to interact with the service conveniently. Through this portal, you may be able to connect with other students online, particularly those who may not be able to access the service in person.

Frequently asked questions

Wichita State University has a list of international student associations. Check if there is a student association for your country. You can also meet other students from your country during student orientation.

The university creates a Facebook group each semester where students can connect with each other. Invites are typically sent around three months before the semester begins.

All first-year students, including international students, must live in Shocker Hall, The Suites, or The Flats during their first two semesters. You can make a housing reservation before arriving in Wichita.

Wichita State University requires international students to have medical insurance. You will be charged for medical insurance unless you can provide proof of coverage from another provider that meets U.S. Affordable Care Act benefit requirements. A TB blood test is also required for all new students.

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