International Peer Leader Program

The International Peer Leader Program (IPLP) at KSU consists of high-achieving KSU students who are recruited to come and share their experiences and expertise with new international students, particularly during orientation. As student leaders, Peer Leaders train hard and volunteer at the International Student Orientation to help the new students acclimate. Peer Leaders also mentor our new students and share tips to becoming successful at KSU. Additionally, they keep in touch with new students throughout their first semester at KSU and provide support for additional questions, comments, and concerns.

    • Make new friends;
    • Learn about different cultures;
    • Enhance teamwork & leadership experience;
    • Develop organizational & interpersonal skills;
    • Have a positive impact as a mentor;
    • Become a Globally Competent student.
    • Be in good academic standing;
    • Be a returning, full-time KSU student;
    • Be available for Training through International Student Orientation;
    • Be available for International Student Orientation;
    • Host at least one workshop on American Culture at the Global Village;
    • Commit to the Program for the full Fall semester;
    • Attend several on-campus events throughout the semester and encourage the new students to attend and/or get involved on campus as well!
KSU students at the international booth.

If you feel passionately about helping others and want to play a larger role in the international student community at Kennesaw State University, apply now for the International Peer Leader Program! Join a dynamic leadership program, which will allow you to share your knowledge of KSU with new incoming international students and help in their transition to US Culture and the American Collegiate System.

Please email any questions, comments, or concerns about the program to the Global Village staff below.

email

International Student Orientation

The Global Village would like to extend a warm welcome to you as you embark on your academic career at Kennesaw State University. Welcome!

Details about International Student Orientation coming soon.

International Students are required to attend the International Student Orientation.

For dates and locations, please read the details below.

    • Engineering Majors: If you are transferring to KSU and an Engineering Major, please email all of your transfer documents and information (and any questions you may have about what to send) to engineeringinternationaltransfer@kennesaw.edu.

    • J-1s and Scholars: For information on registration and housing, please contact: isss@kennesaw.edu. 

    • F-1 Questions: isss@kennesaw.edu

    What Do You Need to Have Ready in Order to Register for Class?

    1. Your NetID activated.

    2. Check for holds on your account.

    3. You can look at what classes are offered at Registrar.
      • Click on "Schedule of Classes"

    4. Have an idea of what field you are interested in or what major you want.
      • You do not have to decide on a major yet!
      • You will be taking core classes, but have an interest in case you need to pick an elective
      • Electives are the BEST way to try out different majors!

  • The International Student Orientation is MANDATORY (REQUIRED) for all NEW KSU international students, even if you are transferring from another institution in the United States.

    This orientation is different from the KSU IGNITION orientation, so even if you attended those sessions, you will still need to attend the International Student Orientation. This orientation is specifically designed to give international students pertinent information about immigration status, KSU involvement, and academic success. Learn more about the KSU IGNITION Orientations.

    Questions that will be answered during the International Student Orientation:

    • What do I need to do if I leave the country?
    • What services does KSU have to help me?
    • Where can I go if I need help?
    • What is an “in-state tuition waiver"?
    • What organizations can I join?
    • What is American culture like?
    • Where can I meet new people?
    • What is the difference between OPT and CPT?
    • What does the Global Village do?
    • How do I keep my visa status?

    Date/Time: August 8, 2024
     12:30-4:30 PM

    August 9, 8:30 AM -3 PM

    Location: Joe Mack Wilson Student Center, Marietta Campus of KSU

    BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED!

  • Orientation Exemptions:

    1.  Returning KSU/SPSU Students may be exempt if they already went through a KSU International Student Orientation within the past three years (this means that if you were an SPSU student and attended an International Student Orientation PRIOR to the merger between KSU and SPSU, you may NOT be exempt);

    2.  PhD Students who will be attending their department’s orientation;

    3.  Executive MBA Students (note that traditional MBA students are required to attend).

    If you feel that you may be eligible for an orientation exemption, please reply to this email detailing your reasons and we will promptly respond. Be sure to email us if you feel you should be exempt, or you risk a hold being placed on your account.

    If you do not fall into these three categories, you are REQUIRED to attend orientation. If you do not attend orientation, please email and schedule a meeting with Global Village staff at globalvillage@kennesaw.edu as soon as you get to KSU.

    If you have any questions about orientation, please email the global village staff at globalvillage@kennesaw.edu. 

    Check your email for more details on the orientation!

  • Please, make sure you register for Orientation! Global Village will be sending you monthly updates via email to prepare you to your Fall semester at KSU.

    You will be required to complete Pre-Arrival Modules. Further details will be sent to the e-mail you provided when you register for Orientation.

Academic Intervention

At the Global Village, we strive to support and ensure the success of all KSU students. For international students, remaining “in status” is an essential part of staying in school and graduating. 

International students, whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 become at risk of losing their visa and not completing their degree program.  
 
If you are an F1 visa student, and your GPA falls below 2.0, our office will contact you to schedule an appointment and discuss ways in which we can assist you in increasing your GPA.
  
Some of the resources we may suggest include one-on-one weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly advising with professional staff on study skills; referral to the Writing Center or ESL Center; referral to the Counseling and Psychological Services Office, and more depending on the individual student needs.