International Student Services

As an international student at PLU, we want you to feel welcome on campus. In order for our international students to be successful at PLU, we have a number of student services available through our International Student Services Office and other offices around campus.

PLU at a Glance
PLU's academic program blends professional and liberal arts studies, and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church. It is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and holds specialized accreditation in Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Education, Marriage and Family Therapy, Music, Nursing, and Social Work. PLU is located on a 126-acre campus in suburban Tacoma. The campus is surrounded by Pacific Northwest scenery such as Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound. The Pacific Ocean is only a few hours away by car. PLU is minutes from the freeway with quick access to downtown Tacoma. Seattle, a major U.S. city with a population of 1.5 million people, is only 40 miles north. Both cities provide music, theater, shopping, and other benefits of urban living.

The western part of the state of Washington enjoys a moderate maritime climate. Daytime temperatures average in the upper 70s (21C) in the summer, and mid 40s (4C) in the winter. The annual rainfall averages 38 inches (96cm). In spite of the mild winters in the cities, skiing and snowboarding are available all winter in the Cascade Mountains, just an hour drive away.

Living Accommodations
PLU strives to offer living accommodations that are affordable, comfortable, and safe. All residence halls have kitchens, television rooms, and laundry facilities. Most halls are co-ed by floor, have two students in each room, and house all ages of single students. Harstad Hall is all female, Kreidler Hall is reserved for older and graduate students, and South Hall is apartment style living for juniors, seniors, and married couples. Internet hookup is available in each residence hall. Telephones are provided in each room with automated answer/messaging capabilities. PLU also offers four different dining options with one dining hall, two coffee shops, and a pizza parlor (The Bistro). Students with dietary restrictions are accommodated. For more information about the residence halls, click here.

As a single, full-time student, you are provided housing on campus for four years. PLU believes the residence hall experience is so valuable that all students live on campus until they are 20 years old, are a junior, or living with a relative, guardian, or host family. Exceptions are occasionally granted on the basis of cultural, religious, or dietary preferences. A number of apartment complexes and houses are located in the area surrounding the campus for students who elect and are qualified to live off campus.

Academic Calendar
The academic calendar is based on a 4-1-4 year, with two four-month semesters and an optional four-week January Term. Freshman students are required to enroll during January; enrollment is optional for all other levels.

Fall Semester: September-December
January Term (J-Term): Four weeks in January
Spring Semester: February-May

English as a Second Language
The American Cultural Exchange operates a Language Institute, which is an affiliate of PLU. The Institute offers intensive English classes designed to prepare students for studies at U.S. colleges and universities or for other professional work requiring English proficiency. The Language Institute curriculum is an intensive five-level program from Beginning to Proficiency. Some students attend the Language Institute before beginning their studies at PLU.

Coordinator for International Students
The Coordinator provides assistance to international students in adjusting to the university and in meeting both educational and personal needs. Services include orientation, registration, advising, and an on-campus liaison with other university offices. Assistance with immigration, government regulations and procedures regarding temporary travel, work and extension of stay is also provided.

Campus Services
There are a variety of services offered at PLU. A few key services are:

The Health Center is staffed with one nurse practitioner and one physician assistant. A physical is available for consultation and referral. Services available include outpatient primary care, immunizations, allergy shots, and preventive health care.

Academic Assistance provides help with individual course content, facilitates small study groups, and offers peer tutoring.

The Writing Center provides a place for students to meet with trained student readers to discuss their academic, creative, and professional writing.

The Library offers a multi-media center with the latest in technology, study spaces for 850, and over 500,000 books, magazines, microfilm and audio-visual materials. There are also direct loan agreements with other colleges in the area, and students can access the PLU on-line public catalog from their residence hall room and apartments off campus.

The Computer Lab contains IBM PCs, MACs, and LaserJet printers. Students can research and exchange information via the Internet. Student consultants are available to assist you.

The University Center is a social center for students. It houses the campus bookstore, coffee shop, dining hall, and a game room for students. The main computer lab is located here as well.

Athletic Facilities include two well equipped gymnasiums, fitness/weight center with an indoor jogging track, indoor Olympic size swimming pool, nine hole golf course, and tennis, racquetball and handball courts.

Additional considerations:

• All written materials must be submitted in English. This includes transcripts, statement of goals and letters of recommendation.
• A $35 application fee must accompany all applications.
• A $200 advance payment ($300 for graduate students) is required upon acceptance before an I-20 is issued.
• All fees must be paid in U.S. funds and make checks payable to Pacific Lutheran University. Fees may also be paid by credit card.
• Remember to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)! The test is usually administered four times a year, with scores available in four to six weeks. Request that the testing agency send your scores directly to PLU.