International students bring a diversity to our campus that is essential to the enrichment of the school and to the university as a whole. Non-native English speakers may face special challenges in the school where a high priority is placed on English-language communication skills. English as a Second Language (ESL) students are expected to write in English at the same level reasonably expected of other journalism undergraduates. ESL students are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with campus resources specifically devoted to developing their English-language communication skills. Various campus resources can help ESL students who need to bring their English skills to a level that would permit them to succeed in the major.
Academic English for International Students (AEIS) is part of the American English Institute and is located in 112C Pacific Hall. The phone number is (541) 346-3945. They can administer placement tests on pre-arranged dates and place ESL students in classes such as AEIS 110, 111 and 112 (Written Discourse I, II and III) which specifically address the needs of ESL students.
Tips for international students
Non-degree-seeking/exchange students:
- Inform your journalism advisers if you are a non-degree-seeking student (also called an "exchange student"). Non-degree-seeking students are those who are at UO for only a year (or less) and will return to their home country and home institutions after that period.
- Advisers sometimes have to do special overrides before non-degree-seeking students can register for certain journalism courses. Sometimes, this override cannot be granted until the student has spoken with the course instructor and received his/her permission to take the course. This can take time so plan ahead! Journalism courses often fill up quickly. If you do not obtain the override early enough, you miss your chance to take the course.
Freshman/Transfer/Post-Baccalaureate students:
- If you do have to take AEIS courses, complete them as soon as you can. You should not take WR 121 until you have completed your AEIS courses.
- Always maintain full-time status by registering for at least 12 credits each term. Consult your adviser in the International Student and Scholar Services office if you have to drop below 12 credits. There may be serious implications if you don’t.
- Transfer students with more than 90 credits are cautioned that it is not possible to complete this major in two years. Work closely with your journalism advisers to minimize the time it takes to graduate, but expect at least 2.5 to 3 years of study at UO.
- Post-baccalaureate (also called "second bachelor's") students must provide their journalism advisers with an English version of their academic transcripts from their first degree. Most post-baccalaureate students can expect to complete this major within 2.5 years. Work closely with your journalism advisers. Remember also that post-baccalaureate students always register on the first day of priority registration. Always take advantage of that.
- Check in with the International Student and Scholar Services office before leaving the country to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork to reenter the United States.
- If required to do so, contact your country’s embassy or consulate as soon as you arrive. Some countries require their citizens to register themselves for tracking purposes. Keep your contact information current with them.
- Make photocopies of your passport, identification card or driver’s license and your I-20 and keep them safe. Consider opening a safe deposit box at a local bank to store these documents.
- Remember, the American education system encourages its students to speak up if they have a question or concern. You are expected to participate in class. A lot of instructors allocate part of your final grade to “class participation.” Don’t miss out on this exciting experience!
