The International Education Center

Students from thirty different nations - five different continents - are studying at Georgia College & State University. GCSU students can study abroad most anywhere in the world - including through Georgia College's unique "Border-Free GCSU" opportunities.
International Students Taking Selfie
Students Taking Selfie in Front of Waterfall and Rainbow.
GCSU Students at Victoria Falls, Zambia

Welcome!

The International Education Center of Georgia College & State University (GCSU) promotes international and cross-cultural learning and understanding, excellence in student learning and the acquisition and practice of skills important in the global workplace, and  - as Georgia's designated public liberal arts university - the value and importance of the (New window) liberal arts tradition.  The International Education Center (IEC) is located in the historic Bone House across the street from Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion (1839) on South Clarke Street.

Founded in 1889, Georgia College & State University is accredited by the internationally-recognized Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.

  • GCSU's academic programs are accredited by many prestigious accrediting and professional agencies
  • The quality of GCSU's world-class, transformative, and student-centered education is attested to by its high national rankings.
  • Interested in studying science and technology? Learn about STEM at Georgia College & State University.

The IEC is the vibrant home - and center of personalized assistance - to the academically-gifted students from around the globe who increasingly make GCSU their institution of choice and enrich our campus and regional community. 

  • Scholarships and transfer scholarships are available!
  • Meet some of our great GCSU students: Check out the International Club's 2023 "International Fest" video further below!
Apply to GCSU

For complete information about applying to GCSU, consult “International Admissions” on the menu to the right.  GCSU is a Common App university!

  • Admission requirements.
  • Scholarship information.
  • Application deadlines.
  • GCSU welcomes - and encourages - applications from students with disabilities, and from students from diverse and/or challenged and "at-risk" backgrounds.  All are welcome at GCSU and beautiful Milledgeville.

The IEC assists the university by:

1) Developing domestic and international graduates prepared for success in a global economy, ready to lead and to shoulder their responsibilities as informed citizens of an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. 

Study Abroad, Border-Free, and International Exchange

The Center facilitates and coordinates international academic study, research, and internship opportunities for all GCSU students, as well as partnerships and exchanges with institutions abroad. 

  • Presently, nearly 300 GCSU students - representing over thirty different majors - study abroad for academic credit each year in nearly two dozen separate nations worldwide. 

Students may study abroad on short-term programs - often with faculty in their majors - or through semester or even academic year-long programs at major universities throughout the world.

  • Students may also acquire international experience - without travel - through GCSU's innovative "Border-Free GCSU" opportunities.

Explore in detail the many options available for students to pursue studies abroad.

GCSU's Dedication to the Health and Well-Being of Students Studying Abroad

Safety, well-being and other related considerations are essential components of each and every education abroad program offered by Georgia College & State University.  GCSU adheres to the highest professional standards of safety and risk management in education abroad as established by the leading organizations in the field. 

All GCSU-organized programs require students, faculty, and staff to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service of the U.S. Department of State that facilitates the easy registration of travelers' plans with their destination's nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  In this way, those offices are aware of participants' presence abroad and - in the event of need - may reach out to them directly. 

  • Additionally, all study abroad students, faculty, and staff are covered by comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance plans specifically tailored for the unique needs and circumstances of study abroad participants.
  • All of the above critical information (and more) is delivered in pre-departure group orientations and/or in one-on-one advising sessions.

For more information on these matters - or to pose specific questions related to studies abroad - kindly e-mail the International Education Center's study abroad specialists at studyabroadinfo@gcsu.edu or call the IEC office at (478) 445-4789. 

2) Promoting and supporting the international research needs and interests of GCSU faculty.

Support for Faculty and International Scholars

The IEC provides specialized assistance to the university’s dedicated – and student-centered - faculty members to conduct international research - and/or create and lead faculty-led study abroad programs – as well as providing valuable support to GCSU’s international faculty and to international visiting scholars and artists-in-residence. 

  • International research opportunities for faculty - such as the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Program are promoted, managed, and supported through the International Education Center.
  • For complete information about the Fulbright program and available opportunities, contact the IEC.

3) Offering cultural and educational programming both on-campus and within the local community

Community Connections, Support and Programming

As a decidedly community-oriented unit dedicated to global engagement, the IEC organizes a strong array of cultural and informational programming, and provides support for community initiatives such as the annual Passport Fair - offered in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State - and the Connections community friendship and mentorship program that supports GCSU's international students.

  • Community members interested in becoming more directly involved with our international students should consider joining our Connections program.  Contact the International Education Center (478-445-4789) for complete information.

The IEC also advises and supports the International Club - one of the largest and most active student organizations on campus - comprised of both domestic and international students. 

  • A collaboration of the International Club and the IEC, the annual International Fest is a highlight of the GCSU Fall semester.

International Fest

4) Serving as a clearinghouse of expertise connecting GCSU, Milledgeville, the region, and the state with the world - and the world with it.

The IEC Professional Staff

The International Education Center is led by the center’s director, the Assistant Vice President for International Education, who serves as the university's senior international officer.  The director is supported by a full-time staff of four international education professionals with specializations in the fields of: Education Abroad; Immigration and International Admissions; and International Student Services - all of whom carry responsibilities related to student and faculty support, plus programmatic activities and initiatives. 

The office is further assisted by an administrative assistant trained in the complexities of international education and services, and a graduate assistant, plus several student interns and student workers having interests in service, diversity, and international affairs.  The work of the center is enhanced by the input of several committees with participation by faculty and staff, as well as by those who serve on the University System of Georgia’s system council and committees, including councils representing activities in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  The office and its staff maintain active memberships in the most important national and international professional organizations related to international education, including UNESCO, the International Association of Universities, NAFSA, the Forum on Education Abroad, EAIE, and many others.