Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of International Education and Development is to promote the concept of internationalization across the campus, and to improve intercultural communication and understanding among WOU’s students, faculty and staff, as well as to support and enhance international students’ and scholars’ academic, cultural, and social interaction at Western Oregon University.  The office provides diverse education abroad programs and international opportunities to WOU’s students, faculty, and staff, and supports the university’s goal of increasing participation in and advancing programs that facilitate understanding and the exchange of people and ideas in international and multicultural arenas.

The office also serves as the primary link between international students and visiting scholars, the university and the community.  Our office works with international students and visiting scholars from all over the world to make their stays in the U.S. positive, enriching and fulfilling through cross-cultural programs and quality service.

International Education:

  • Promotes globalization and diversity on campus.
  • Provides information, assistance and consultation on concerns and matters pertaining to international students and scholars.
  • Explores and executes cooperative programs with international institutions.
  • Assists international students and scholars in the pursuit of their personal, academic and professional goals.
  • Facilitates personal and cultural transitions that occur while studying abroad.
  • Strives to increase international enrollment and involvement at WOU.

Study Abroad and Exchange:

  • Advises students about their study abroad and international internship options and assists them in finding the programs that best meet their needs.
  • Provides optimal experiences abroad for students that combines learning inside and outside the classroom.
  • Works with students before they leave and after they return to help integrate their experiences into their Western Oregon University undergraduate careers.
  • Continuously assesses and improves study abroad and international internship programs at WOU.
  • Develops opportunities for international exchange and dialogue.
  • Strives to be creative, proactive, and responsive, and to emulate and set best practices in the education abroad field.