About the Office of International Programs
The Office of International Programs (OIP) serves as a clearinghouse and facilitator for international activities and exchanges at SFA. OIP serves students, faculty and administrators in disseminating information about study abroad, in encouraging and facilitating the organization of faculty-led study abroad programs and in administering Study Abroad Scholarships and International Programs Scholarships. Simultaneously, the OIP directs the recruitment of qualified international students as matriculated students and as ESL students in the American English Language Institute.
The OIP also assists faculty with teaching exchanges. The unit oversees the negotiation of cooperative agreements between SFA and foreign universities for the exchange of students and faculty and for the development of joint research projects.
The OIP contributes to the campus further by raising awareness of international issues and studies so that our students are better prepared for lives in an increasingly globalized society.
Study Abroad - Independent
OIP coordinates and facilitates opportunities for our students to experience independent study abroad. Students need to register with the Study Abroad Office, select from many opportunities and experiences which meet their academic goals, meet with their academic advisors to determine transferability of such courses to SFA, participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation and, upon return, provide an opportunity for debriefing on experiences, accomplishments and perception of the study abroad activity.
Students may opt for a single semester or more depending on the number of credits desired and the availability of appropriate courses. Opportunities are available through affiliations between SFA and universities abroad or from programs offered by other academic institutions. SFA recently joined with ISEP (International Student Exchange Program). Through this partnership SFA students have access to study in more than 120 partner universities around the world at the same tuition, fees, and room and board as SFA.
Scholarships and financial aid are available for most study abroad programs.
Study Abroad - Faculty-Led Courses
The OIP coordinates and facilitates opportunities for faculty to lead groups of SFA students using one or more of their courses (as included in approved inventory of courses).
The OIP will assist in developing logistical arrangements, programmatic support and travel arrangements and budget development.
Applications for faculty-led programs are available in the OIP office. A completed application must be sent to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for final approval. Once that approval is obtained, planning and fee collection may begin in earnest.
Faculty salaries are paid by departmental teaching allocation. Generally three or six hours credit is provided during Summer I or Summer II semesters. Travel costs of the instructor are prorated over the pool of registrants.
Students will pay SFA tuition and fees and their share of the programmatic and travel expenses. Scholarships may be available.
English Language Institute (ELI)
The ELI is an intensive English language program that provides international students with the necessary English skills to succeed in undergraduate and graduate university programs in the United States.
Unlike many American universities, SFA's ELI does not use TOEFL scores as the main criterion for admission. Best of all, students who successfully complete the program of study will be granted admission into the regular undergraduate or graduate program at SFA if other entrance requirements are met. No additional language test scores are needed.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the ELI application form on the ELI website: www.sfasu.edu/aeli. A Certification of Finances statement is included and is required for a visa..
- Provide diploma or certificate from high school.
- Pay a $50 non-refundable application fee (U.S. check, international bank draft or money order made payable to English Language Institute). Successful applicants will be sent a letter of acceptance and a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form). The I-20 form is required in order to apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate.
Successful applicants will be sent a letter of acceptance and a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form). The I-20 form is required in order to apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate.
ELI provides a range of instruction. Students will be placed in appropriate levels after their language skills are assessed by ELI staff. A full program of courses will typically include 20 hours of instruction, including conversation hours, computer lab time, as well as formal instruction in composition and writing, oral communication, reading, academic grammar, vocabulary, and U.S. life and culture. Students also have access to university computer facilities, a tutoring center, and a new student center, which houses a movie theater, restaurants, a bookstore and cafés.