The Office of International Affairs is honored to host a number of special programs, Centers and Institutes promoting cultural understanding and engagement across the globe. Through our centers and institutes we offer opportunities for growing in knowledge and understanding of particular regions, including seminars, classes, cultural events and foreign language classes.

<<Use photo link block?>>

Institute for Asian Studies
Founded at PSU in 1997, IAS promotes understanding of issues pertaining to Asia through interdisciplinary faculty and academic professionals across more than 30 departmental units at PSU. Provides all levels of Asia resources for the campus and wider community, including lectures, events.

From their "About" page

Housed in the Office of International Affairs , the Institute for Asian Studies (IAS) unites and works in cooperation with the Center for Japanese Studies and the Confucius Institute at PSU to serve as a a nexus and resource hub for Asia related programming.

Through networking, collaboration, partnerships, the cultivation of sponsorships, and fund-raising the Institute for Asian Studies aims to enhance Asian Studies programming and events that serve PSU students, faculty and staff, as well as the greater community. Drawing on the expertise over 70 faculty and academic professionals, across over 30 disciplines, the Institute for Asian Studies coordinates, sponsors and promotes a variety of Asia related events both on and off campus, including: public lectures, film screenings, visual art exhibitions, Asia related performances, education and cultural events, conferences, seminars, and special programs.

Working with PSU administration and faculty, the Institute, develops strategies for increasing the coherence and effectiveness of Portland State’s Asia programs and its profile in Asia. At the same time, IAS strives to facilitate coordination, collaboration and information/knowledge exchange with local, regional, national and international organizations on Asia related projects.

The Confucius Institute at Portland State University (CIPSU)

The Confucius Institute at PSU promotes educational exchange and cooperation between the US and the People’s Republic of China through Chinese Language and Culture classes, events and lectures, conferences and many other programs.

From their "About" page onfucius Institute was launched in May 2007, and the first to be established in the Northwest U.S., is an integral component of the Office of International Affairs programs and activities. With the support of our sponsor, the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban 汉办) and our partner, Soochow University (苏州大学) in China, the goal of CIPSU is to promote a deeper understanding of Chinese language and culture in the greater Portland area and to foster mutually beneficial educational exchanges between the United States and China.

CIPSU’s offerings include non-degree Chinese language and culture courses for pre-K and K-12 students; college and graduate students; business, corporate, and government employees; and the general public. In addition, CIPSU offers Chinese language teacher professional development and training; Chinese proficiency HSK/YCT/BCT tests; academic programs and lecture series related to Chinese culture and contemporary China; and scholarships for PSU and Oregon students. The Institute also organizes and hosts local, regional, national, and international conferences, forums, symposiums, and seminars.

CIPSU hosts visiting faculty from China and has a board of directors drawn from the greater Portland area. The board consists of professors from Portland State University and other educational institutions, as well as Portland-area businesses and individuals with a strong interest in China.