International Education, Programs, and Services

The Global Engagement Office (GEO) was established in 1973. The GEO provides essential support services for international students, visiting scholars, and students studying abroad. The GEO seeks to develop, serve and support international education at West Chester University (WCU) as a way of building understanding and peaceful cooperation between peoples, cultures and nations. The GEO exists to assist international students gain entry to WCU, to serve these students once enrolled and to educate U.S. students globally by fostering opportunities for education abroad and exchange programs.

The experienced GEO advising staff assists international students during their transition to American higher education and life at WCU. The GEO can provide basic information and assistance with a variety of other visa classifications. Advisors connect new and current international students and help them make a comfortable transition to the University. The staff provides continuous immigration guidance and support throughout the duration of the student's academic program. This school is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. The GEO also maintains certification from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to issue immigration documents leading to F and J visas.

The GEO also assists students interested in studying abroad. WCU offers more than 700 study abroad programs where students can participate in a cultural immersion experience. WCU has affiliate partners that offer programs worldwide, with academic year, semester, summer, and winter term options. In addition, WCU offers faculty and staff-led programs around the world in a variety of academic disciplines, including both for-credit and noncredit options during winter, summer, and spring break. These programs offer students the opportunity to live, study and travel abroad with their peers and a WCU faculty or staff member to complete WCU coursework towards their degree requirements.

The GEO oversees the institution's Passport Acceptance Facility. The GEO staff serve as acceptance agents who are authorized to receive and execute applications for a U.S. passport book and/or passport card. The GEO is also home to the Global Engagement Center (GEC). The GEC is a space for international students, scholars, and domestic students who are engaged in our many programs, services, and events throughout the year. The GEC houses the Passport Acceptance Facility, multi purpose room, multi-faith room, and student lounge.

The Global Engagement Office is located on the 3rd Floor in Mitchell Hall. The Passport Acceptance Facility and the Global Engagement Center are located on the 4th floor in Mitchell Hall. More information is available by visiting the Global Engagement Office website, calling 610-436-3515 or emailing international@wcupa.edu or studyabroad@wcupa.edu