Center for International Studies
Established in 1996, the Center for International Studies provides enhanced international experiences for USC Upstate students and faculty members as well as interaction between the University and the International community. Due to the reciprocal agreements with various universities around the world, USC Upstate is able to offer students the opportunity to study or conduct internships abroad. For international students, the Center provides curricular and personal support as well as assistance with internship placements in international and American local businesses.
Study and Research Abroad
The Center for International Studies coordinates studies and research abroad for both students and faculty. An extensive and growing study abroad resource library provides students with a wealth of information on various study destinations around the globe. Students can choose between USC Upstate faculty-led summer programs or semester and full-year study abroad programs. In addition to the resource library and individual counseling, the Center also conducts orientation programs for students considering a study abroad program and for faculty planning individual or class projects abroad.
Funding for Study Abroad
Students can apply for $500 to $1,000 study abroad travel awards through the International Education Fund. The Global Discovery Program is a competitive program that allows selected students to travel free of charge to a different country each year. An award of $2,500 is available to two faculty members each year to attend one of the international faculty development seminars organized by CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange). Information is also available for both students and faculty on outside scholarships such as Fulbright grants or the Gilman Award. Financial aid is available for studies abroad with partner universities.
International Academic Projects
The Center for International Studies assists faculty and staff in internationalizing their curriculum and co-curricular programming. The Center coordinates and/or supports a variety of international academic projects on campus, including:
- International internships
- International Studies Minor
- Lectures and discussions on international topics
- Support for visiting professors and artists
- Regional conferences on international topics
Support for International Students
Every year, USC Upstate welcomes international students from more than 70 countries. The Center for International Studies provides a focus for all international activities at USC Upstate and provides a "home away from home" for international students. International students can take advantage of the following services and activities:
- Orientation program for new international students
- English language support
- Tax workshop for F-1 international students
- International Club (For more information, contact Club Advisor Kathryn McLaughlin-Rojas at 864-503-5675).