With a 127-year history, California State University, Chico (CSU, Chico) is the second-oldest California State University campus. The 16,000-student University prides itself on its heritage while continually focusing on the future and finding new opportunities to enrich the student experience.

 

Students at CSU, Chico have the opportunity to engage in over 100 undergraduate majors and options and 30 graduate programs. Its O'Connell Technology Center, in particular, hosts a variety of rigorous programs ranging from mechatronic engineering to sustainable manufacturing, enabling students to be prepared for current global challenges. The University also provides ample research opportunities through its 3,950–acre Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve and the 300–acre Butte Creek Ecological Reserve.

 

CSU, Chico has established bilateral relationships with two major Brazilian universities: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) and Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP). Its connection to UFMG goes back to 2008, when the head of CSU, Chico’s Geography and Planning Department traveled to Brazil to complete research with UFMG faculty. On a recent visit to Brazil, CSU, Chico faculty and administration became very interested in building future ties with universities in Brazil’s northeast region.

 

 

“We have a very strong interest in Brazil,” said Dr. Frank Li, Director of the Office of International Education. “We have been engaging in outreach activities and bilateral relationship building. We have also been strengthening our service through Brazil’s Science Mobility Program (BMSP) that we have been involved with since 2011.”

 

CSU, Chico received over 20 BSMP students last year and will host 58 in the fall semester of 2014. Brazilian students thus far have thrived at CSU, Chico. Last year, four BSMP students traveled to the Robotics National Competition and won first place, against students from the likes of Stanford University and UC Berkeley.

 

The University also has a long history of providing high quality English language training to students, educators, and faculty of English as a second language through the American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI), an Intensive English Program on campus. Last year, CSU, Chico hosted teachers from 16 countries and looks forward to hosting Brazilian educators in the future.

 

The Office of International Education has created a strong and effective structure of support services to accommodate the needs of international students. For instance, all non-native English-speaking students have access to free tutoring through CSU, Chico’s ESL center to further ensure student success. They also run conversation groups to provide students with the opportunity to not only practice and improve their English language proficiency, but also integrate with the domestic students who volunteer through a Buddy Mentor Program. With high quality academic programs, strong support services, and picturesque surroundings, CSU, Chico is an ideal place to study and do research.

 

Looking forward, Dr. Li expressed, “We are very passionate about what is taking place in Brazil. CSU, Chico is excited about the possibilities of collaboration with Brazilian faculty, students, and professionals in higher education.”