International Student Services, Certificate
The Certificate in International Student Services (CISS) program offers preparation to provide international student services as a component of campus internationalization. Students will gain theoretical and applied knowledge regarding student services (international and domestic), expanded cross-cultural awareness and global consciousness, as well as enhanced intercultural communication skills. Recognizing the unique contribution of international students to the learning environment, students who complete the certificate program will be prepared to provide services and programs to meet the needs of international students.
The 15-hour certificate program includes 9 hours of required courses and 6 hours of restricted electives. The program requires a study abroad course and/or an internship abroad depending on student's international experience (as determined by the advisor upon initial admission to the program). The CISS may be completed as a stand-alone program, or students admitted into the MAE in Student Affairs may incorporate up to 12 hours of the certificate program into their program of study.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers a range of job opportunities for international students, especially through on-campus employment, internships, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. The university has a strong career services center that supports students with resume building, interview preparation, and connecting with employers through job fairs and networking events. WKU’s location and industry connections also provide students with access to part-time jobs and full-time career opportunities in various fields such as business, technology, health sciences, and education.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Evidence of ability to communicate in English
- TOEFL: 79 iBT (including the Home Edition and Paper Edition tests)
- IELTS: 6.5
- Successful completion of ESLi at WKU
- Completion of ELS Level 112
Note: English proficiency scores are not required if the applicant's country of citizenship in on this list
Adequate academic preparation in the field of specialization
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
17907 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 95 USD