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We extend a special welcome to all new international students and visiting scholars at Portland State University. As an international student or scholar, you have a unique opportunity to expand and share your cultural, social, and academic experiences. The information on this website has been compiled to assist you in identifying helpful campus and community resources. We hope you will find the information you need here, but we also realize that a resource like this has its limitations. Therefore, we encourage you to come to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) with any questions you might have. Not only can we help you with immigration questions, we can answer questions about Portland State University, the city of Portland, and the surrounding area.

Many of you may be leaving home for the first time to study in the U.S. Others may have been away from home before but never for such an extended period of time. Leaving home to study in another culture is both an exciting and stressful process. There are many challenges to be faced. Having to live in an unfamiliar culture and to conduct daily business in a new language can sometimes make simple tasks feel like monumental events. We would like to help you through the adjustment process as much as possible. The International Student Orientation is just one event designed to assist you through the adjustment process. Also, the ISSS staff is here to meet with you on a one-on-one basis. ISSS is a place where you can come for information and support. We also act as an information clearinghouse. This means that if you cannot find a class, an apartment, are baffled by a teacher or student's behavior, or you just simply need to know where to find a good cup of coffee, we can offer advice or suggestions. In other words, do not be afraid to come in and ask questions!

This website highlights essential information about academic life, your immigration responsibilities, cross-cultural adjustment issues, and necessary general information about housing and health care. We also encourage you to buy and read the Portland State University Bulletin, which can be purchased for five dollars at the PSU Bookstore. It contains important academic information, and outlines academic requirements for all fields of study. Please feel free to call upon us at ISSS for questions you might have throughout your stay at Portland State University. Our office is located East Hall, 632 SW Hall Street (on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Hall Street). Again, welcome to the Portland State University community. We wish you an enjoyable and successful academic career.