Illinois State University (ISU) invests in the success of her students. This is evidenced by the fact that ISU boasts some of the nation’s highest graduation rates, lowest levels of student debt, and a strong network of alumni who are known for their generous financial support in addition to regularly volunteering their time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISU students have access to state of the art facilities such as the recently renovated Hancock Stadium and the Student Fitness Center, as well as new student housing complexes. ISU is building new facilities for the prestigious nursing program and a $54 million fine arts complex. Excellent resources contribute to a strong learning environment where teachers focus on teaching, and ISU is proud to offer highly ranked programs in education, accounting, business, actuarial science, agriculture and more – a total of 59 majors are available. ISU encourages all students to pursue internships in order to gain valuable practical experience with businesses and organizations in Illinois.

 

Founded in 1857, the College of Education is the oldest college in the University and enrolls more than 3,000 doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students. It currently produces the largest number of baccalaureate teachers and special educators in the nation.  With an accreditation from The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954 and well-developed program offering, it is no wonder that nearly a quarter of ISU’s students are enrolled in its educator program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISU recognizes the positive influence of a culturally diverse, global-thinking student body and has made it a top priority to attract foreign students to ISU. University President Larry Dietz is committed to enhancing ISU’s international focus, and the university has developed a strategic plan to increase the number of foreign students at ISU as well as to encourage local students to study abroad.

 

Currently, 400 international students hail from 67 different countries and have access to special international advisors who facilitate both academic and cultural support programs. ISU’s on campus Intensive English Program enables students to have a successful beginning at ISU with several levels of programs available for incoming and existing students. International students live with US students in ISU’s International House, where social and academic events are organized to help students integrate into the ISU community with the support of their international peers.

 

With over fifty students participating this fall 2014, ISU has participated in the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program (BSMP) since the program’s beginnings. ISU partners with the Brazilian universities Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, and several others. Brazilian Portuguese classes are now offered to students at ISU, while professors from Brazil are welcomed to ISU to study English. These measures and others are further strengthening the goals of creating a meaningful ISU-Brazil community.