The MQE takes great pride in its international student community. Through its first three cohorts, over 25% of its student body has been international, representating China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, and Nigeria. We recognize that our program learns as much from them and their perspectives as they do from us.
We also recognize the challenges that come with being an international student in the United States, which is why we are especially committed to providing support and enabling success. Our two program directors, Brian Deutsch and Stasia Lopez, have decades of experience in international education, study abroad, and student services in numerous countries and contexts, and are especially sensitive to the needs of international students and their families. We build this sensitivity into the entire MQE experience, from the application process through onboarding and orientation through coursework and beyond.
Below you will find links to resources around the University community that you may find useful during your stay here. Beyond linking to international-focused resources, though, we aim to also build bridges to the greater Pitt community by encouraging our students to participate in all that Pitt has to offer. Our doors, and inboxes, here at the MQE are always open for you, and we are committed to welcoming you to Pittsburgh.
University Resources for International Students
- Office of International Services (OIS) - Your primary contact for immigration questions, on-campus employment information during your stay at Pitt, and workshops.
- Pay special attention to the wealth of resources and presentations on Optional Practical Training (OPT). Your OIS representative requests that you famliiarize yourself with these tutorials before setting up meetings to discuss your OPT plans with them.
- Global Ties - Fostering relationships among international students and the Pitt community
Academic Success and Well-Being
- Campus Recreation - information about fitness centers and classes available to students for free
- Hillman Library workshops - free workshops and tutorials on software, research tools, ETDs, and more
- Counseling Center at Pitt - free individual and group counseling sessions, among other free resources
- Oral Comm Lab - Department of Communication center that provides free individual and small-group instruction on topics including public speaking, working in groups, argument and deliberation, and audience analysis
- Center for Communication - through the University Center for Teaching and Learning, offering workshops on presentations, posters, writing, and more.
- Software Download Service - numerous titles---including ArcGIS, AutoCAD, EndNote, MATLAB, and Office---available to students for free download
- Student Support Services and SSS events
- University Center for Teaching and Learning - free workshops and events for current and prospective instructors, as well as an Excellence in Pedagogy badge
- Writing Center - free individualized tutoring and weekly writing workshops
Community Resources for International Students and their Families
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - lots of free programming---including language classes, book groups, baby and kid playgroups, movie screenings, and yoga classes---useful to everyone, and international students with families may find these especially helpful in getting out of the house and meeting people
- PRISM - community for international students, scholars, and families in Pittsburgh.