The Center for Global Education

The Center For Global Education is responsible for advising and assisting international students with the transition of living and studying in the United States and assisting students in developing global opportunities such as study abroad and involvement in campus international activities.

It is the mission of The Center For Global Education to enhance opportunities for global understanding through the exchange of students, scholars and faculty between Capital University and other countries. We affirm that international educational exchange can advance learning and scholarship, build respect and understanding among different people, and encourage responsible leadership.

How do we support our international students at Capital University?

We are happy to have you as students at Capital University. Capital University has approximately 100 international students from 23 different countries. The Center For Global Education is here to help you with your transition as you live in the United States and to support you in meeting your educational goals! The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Later meeting hours can be requested on an individual bases by contacting oie@freeflowlife.net.

Customized Courses

UNIV 193-02: Career Development through an International Lens

Offered in the fall semester, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5pm - 5:50pm
This course is designed for students who are international students, or U.S. students who have grown up in other countries, to understand how to use important career development tools, work authorization, and the importance of engaging in high impact practices during a student’s college experience. It is a very practical course with a lot of student interaction and an opportunity to practice important career development skills.

Here are what former participants have said about the course:

“Career development class gave me a much better view of what I will face as an international student. It gave me a perspective on how to handle educational, professional, and social life. Miss Jennifer Adams and Miss Jennifer Vrobel demonstrated the class application in a perfect way. It was the kind of class where everyone was part of the enjoyable class interaction” - Hasset Negussie (Ethiopia)

“The Career Development class is advantageous if you are looking to find an internship, get a job or any other type of work experience in the United States as an international student. I learned important information that is not taught in any other class and, as a result, I feel a lot more confident in applying for jobs and internships now than I did before. I would recommend this class to any international student, even if they do not intend to work or do an internship in the United States, as circumstances can always change and this class can only benefit them.” - Ishan Thapa (Nepal/Brunei)

“The Career Development Course provided me with important career-related information that is specifically tailored towards international students. The guidance provided in this course helps International students plan their CPT, OPT, and any future career-related endeavors.” - Amodh Thapa (Nepal/Brunei)

If you have any questions about the course, please contact jadams@freeflowlife.net or jvrobel@freeflowlife.net.

Other ways we support our international students:

  • International Student Orientation prior to first year or departmental orientations
  • Airport Pickup for students living in on-campus housing
  • Continuous support as you adjust to life in the united states
    Local excursions
  • Access to all university support services

Highlights for 2022-2023

Global Student Association (GSA)

GSA is a recognized campus student organization with membership open to all Capital University students. This organization plans cultural events to provide opportunities for Capital University students, faculty and staff to learn about world cultures and events that shape our world. The organization also plans social and community service events for its members. Watch your e-mail for important announcements and follow GSA on Instagram.


GSA Executive Board for 2022-2023 Academic Year

President: Grace Djaodo (Social Work)
Vice President: Joy Ayinde (Biology Pre-Med)
Treasurer: Kirubel Asfaw (Business Management, Data Science Minor)
Secretary: Josh Baron (Environmental Studies)
Service Chair: Daniel Mlinga (Biology Pre-Med)
Publicity Chair: Halima Ag Boula (International Studies)

More Resources for International Students

Aya Ueki International Student Scholarship

The parents of Aya Ueki established a scholarship to honor and celebrate the memory of their daughter, a former Capital University and Hokuriku Gakuin University student, who had a love of global learning. International students who have completed at least one semester at Capital, who are in good academic standing, and who have demonstrated campus involvement are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is open to any academic program of the university (ESL, undergraduate, graduate studies and the adult degree program.) The scholarship may be used to help cover tuition costs for the following fall and spring semester, but is not available to be used towards summer tuition or to pay off previous university debts.

Students who meet the qualifications can apply for the Aya Ueki International Student Scholarship using the online form.

Exchange Students

Students or scholars from one of Capital University Partner Institutions may apply to Capital University as part of an exchange program. Each year, the number of available participant spots is determined but the number of students who participated the previous year. Generally, there are between 1 – 3 places available each year for each exchange partner.

Exchange Student Requirements

To participate in an exchange program, students must provide the following documents:

  • An exchange application with a signature from the partnering institution indicating you have been approved by them to participate.
  • A Financial Affidavit-of -Support form and a current bank statement translated in English. Students need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to live and study in the U.S. while participating in the program. This is determined by the length of time you will be studying. Students should keep a copy of this information for themselves as they apply for a F-1 student visa.
  • Copy of the Information page of the passport
  • Demonstration of English proficiency. If students are enrolled in Capital courses, students may demonstrate they have sufficient English skills from taking one of the following exams; TOEFL or IELTS, scores.
General Forms

All students should update their address in MyCap within 10 days of a move. Immigration regulations require an address update in SEVIS. Please send an email to oie@freeflowlife.net to make sure address has been updated.

Letter Request Form

Complete this form online and we will process your request as soon as possible.

Vacation and Travel Request Form

Complete this form (PDF) and submit it with your I-20 to Lesly Boateng, RM 121, Harry C. Moores Student Union.

International Student Employment

Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an opportunity for you to have temporary employment to gain practical experience in your field of study. Generally, an F-1 student is eligible for a MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS of this type of employment for each educational level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.).

Download OPT Instructions

STEM Optional Practical Training

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. STEM OPT provides an opportunity to extend Optional Practical Training for an additional 24 months for graduates who completed a program of study in a STEM major. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that the major and the major CIP code listed on the student’s I-20 matches up with their list of STEM CIP codes. The list of Capital majors meeting these requirements is listed on the STEM OPT instructions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also requires that employers meet specific requirements before a STEM OPT extension can be considered. Employers must have an e-verify employment number and must also work with the employee to complete, sign and regularly evaluate the employee on form I-983; training plan. A person who is eligible for a STEM extension must file this application before the end date of their current OPT. Unlike a traditional OPT application, a STEM extension requires employment and a specific employer prior to applying.

Download the full Fact Sheet

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training-paid or volunteer temporary employment-is a way for students in F-1 immigration status to gain practical experience and work authorization in their field of study before they graduate. Students must be earning academic credit for the internship or clinical work during CPT, or the work must be either a required or integral part of the academic program as documented in the University Bulletin or the Student Handbook for the academic program. Eligibility requires students to have been full time in a qualifying immigration status for one academic year, or on F-1 status for one academic year. ESL students are ineligible for CPT. The controlling federal regulations is 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(f)(10).

Download the full Fact Sheet and Form

Global Student Association

GSA is a recognized campus student organization with membership open to all Capital University students. This organization plans cultural events to provide opportunities for Capital University students, faculty and staff to learn about world cultures and events that shape our world. The organization also plans social and community service events for its members. Watch your e-mail for important announcements and follow the activities on Instagram.

Popular trips and events have included:

  • Trip to Old Man’s Cave and Hocking Hills State Park
  • Shopping trips to Easton
  • Culture Night
  • Halloween Pumpkin Carving
  • Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo
  • Skiing or Tubing at Mad River Mountain
  • Ice Skating
  • Trips to Columbus Metro Parks
  • Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration

Open Advising Hours

Contact Us

Director: Ms. Jennifer Adams, M.A.
014 Harry C. Moores Student Union (near the Capital Mail Room)
Phone: 614-236-6170
Fax: 614-236-6290
E-mail: jadams@freeflowlife.net or cge@freeflowlife.net

An international student provides information at a booth during Capital's welcome weekend