Our Mission:
International education at Murray State University involves all aspects of academic and campus life: teaching, residential living, special programs and events, relations with other institutions at home and abroad, student and scholar services, study abroad programs, and English as a Second Language study and activities.

As the University’s central focal point for international education, the Institute for International Studies directly provides support for international students and scholars, MSU students studying abroad, international visits, and community education.

Mandated by the university’s mission statement to promote international education, Murray State has historically been at the forefront of Kentucky’s effort to globalize higher education in the Commonwealth.

Specifically, the Institute for International Studies promotes these efforts through:
- Support of international studies activities across the campus and surrounding communities
- Study Abroad programs and assistance with volunteer programs and internships abroad for students
- International student recruitment and retention
- Faculty & Professional Staff international professional development experiences such as Europe in Transition Seminar in Regensburg, Germany; Discover Korea; Discover China; and other development programs abroad
- Student exchange programs abroad
- Assistance to visiting international scholars and faculty
- Logistical assistance for faculty teaching or research
- Assistance for faculty who have questions on working with international students in advisement and in the classroom
- Cooperation with the university’s graduate program in TESOL
- The English as a Second Language Program
- Special programs including short and long-term group study in English
- Other cooperative support for departmental initiatives

English as a Second Language Program:
The ESL Program at Murray State University emphasizes language proficiency in all skill areas (speaking, listening, writing, reading, and grammar) and provides students with an overview of American culture.

Information on the ESL curriculum can be found at your left side column. Our typical student has completed secondary school at home and is preparing to enter college.

The average ESL class contains 10-12 students, making it possible for each student to receive the instructor's attention - an environment well-suited for student success.