The Office of International Programs (OIP) strives to strengthen international education and global learning at the University as well as in the Charlotte community. On campus, it seeks to make international understanding, intercultural competency and global awareness a fundamental part of the curriculum and an integral part of campus life through innovative and accessible programming. The Office of International Programs serves as a center of leadership and responsibility for the international role and mission of the University. OIP constituent units include OIP Administration (OIPA), the Office of Global Education and Engagement (OGEE), the Office of Education Abroad (EA), the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO), the English Language Training Institute (ELTI), and the Office of Intercultural and Educational Experiences (OIEE). In addition, OIP is the campus host for the World Affairs Council of Charlotte.
OIP Administration
The Office of International Programs Administration unit (OIPA) includes the Assistant Provost, the finance office, and administrative staff. OIPA provides overall leadership and direction for the Office of International Programs and its constituent units; develops, supports, and organizes a wide range of on- and off-campus programming; supports faculty development through various initiatives; guides the development of institutional agreements and ongoing partnerships with foreign universities; and provides leadership and advice to promote campus internationalization efforts.
Office of Global Education and Engagement
The Office of Global Education and Engagement (OGEE) orchestrates academic and co-curricular opportunities to infuse global and intercultural learning for University constituencies and the Charlotte community. OGEE facilitates student development and learning through its campus international and cultural programming, as well as public service. As such, OGEE implements various internationally focused campus events including, but not limited to International Education Week, International Women’s Day, UNC Charlotte International Festival, International Speaker Series, and activities associated with the Mu chapter of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars.
OGEE offerings promote global learning and engagement. OGEE (1) implements the Global Engagement Scholars Program (GESP), designed to strengthen global competencies and understanding; (2) oversees the Global Gateways on-campus internationally themed living community, offering students the opportunity to live together while participating in intentional cultural learning activities; (3) implements country-culture workshops to enhance the community’s global understanding and (4) coordinates the Globally Networked Learning (GNL) program which promotes access to global learning opportunities to all through virtual international collaborative projects in courses that are taught by UNC Charlotte and overseas faculty.
In addition to campus-based programing, OGEE supports OIP’s public service work to initiate and respond to the international needs and interests of the Charlotte community. Current programs include: (1) Great Decision, an annual series of lecture/discussions on key policy issues; (2) cross-cultural training, custom-designed workshops that focus on appreciation for other cultures and development of skills in effective communications across cultures; and (3) International Festival, a celebration of cultural diversity and “marketplace” style program featuring international foods, music, and dance from more than 50 countries.
Office of Education Abroad
The Office of Education Abroad (EA) is committed to providing quality, accessible global learning opportunities to all students to enhance their studies in an experiential environment abroad. Further, EA supports faculty initiatives to create innovative study abroad, exchange, and virtual international programs to enhance learning and student success.
Students are encouraged to consider the benefits of an academic program through study or experiential learning abroad. In addition to University-administered programs, EA has partnerships with program providers facilitating access to additional programs from a worldwide framework of opportunities. Students can select from year-long, semester, summer, short-term, or virtual programs.
In addition, EA provides students the opportunity to implement theoretical knowledge into practice beyond the UNC Charlotte classroom, challenge their assumptions of and learn more about different cultures, and explore their own relationship with the changing global landscape while making progress toward their degree requirements.
International Student and Scholar Office
The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) provides support, services, and programs that assist international students and visiting scholars in achieving their educational and personal goals while fostering an appreciation for a culturally diverse learning environment in the larger University community.
UNC Charlotte hosts a vibrant international community. About 1,500 non-immigrant international students and more than 100 international scholars and faculty, representing nearly 100 countries around the world study, teach, and conduct research at UNC Charlotte. The ISSO conducts orientation, cultural programming, and individual advising; provides assistance with navigating complex immigration regulations; and otherwise supports the international community. International and/or U.S. domestic faculty or staff who wish to learn more about immigration matters or work with international students may attend various workshops offered annually. The ISSO also supports diversity programs to encourage international and domestic students’ interaction, such as the International Coffee Hour, Friendship and Culture Exchange Program, and the Ambassadors programs.
English Language Training Institute
The English Language Training Institute (ELTI) serves as our University’s intensive English language program (IEP) by introducing and refining the English language and cultural adaptation skills that students will need to succeed in their academic careers. Students complete the program well prepared for academic study at UNC Charlotte or other U.S. colleges and universities.
The ELTI offers six levels of English language instruction to participants from a diverse range of countries each semester. In addition to benefitting from 18 hours of instruction each week, students have the opportunity to attend UNC Charlotte academic classes, meet with U.S. conversation partners, and tour area schools and sites of cultural interest. On average, students study with ELTI for two semesters.
ELTI also evaluates new graduate teaching assistants at UNC Charlotte for whom English is a second language. An enrichment program is offered each semester for graduate teaching assistants who quality. The course reinforces communication skills that are vital in the classroom, such as incorporating functional language cues, using accurate vocabulary, and improving pronunciation.
Office of Intercultural and Educational Experiences
The Office of Intercultural and Educational Experience (OIEE) promotes intercultural awareness, education, and professional training by designing and implementing custom on campus short-term programs for both domestic and international partners.
Each program is developed in collaboration with institutional, regional, and overseas partners as well as University faculty to deliver strong, outcome-focused programs. These highly desirable learning experiences prepare individuals to be successful in an increasingly global society. Program offerings include a wide array of academic and professional development topics, such as education, leadership, marketing, STEM, and language immersion.
Each experience is custom-designed and infused with experiential learning and cultural, social, and recreational events, as well as opportunities for engagement with the Charlotte and University communities.
World Affairs Council of Charlotte
Founded in 1983, The World Affairs Council of Charlotte (WACC) serves as a community outreach program for the Office of International Programs at UNC Charlotte. By serving as a regional center for education and discussion of world affairs, WACC provides leadership for global thinking, understanding that a broad perspective is necessary for effective competition in the global economy and for responsible citizenship in an increasingly interdependent political world. The WACC hosts internationally renowned speakers to address topics ranging from economics to globalization to foreign policy.
The WACC also serves as a resource for the local school community providing educational programming and scholarships. Each year, WACC awards nearly $35,000 through their Council Scholars program which provides funds to area K-12 educators to support international education initiatives. In addition, WACC has established close ties with the local school districts, providing learning resources to local K-12 student populations. Since 1996, the organization has directly affected over 700 teachers and more than 75,000 students.
