INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL SERVICE PROGRAM (ICSP) SCHOLARSHIP

Guidelines and Application Information

The International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) is a scholarship program for international students dedicated to
promoting the recognition of commonalities and appreciation of differences through first-hand knowledge and
experience. Portland State Universitys ICSP participants are required to commit at least 90 hours each academic year to
giving cultural service at Portland State University (PSU) and in the Portland community. Cultural service includes
volunteering at international events on campus or speaking or giving demonstrations to schools or community groups
about the heritage and culture of your country and/or your experience as an international student.

Portland State University students selected as ICSP participants receive a partial tuition remission scholarship equal to
approximately half of the non-resident tuition charged during fall, winter, and spring terms. The scholarship funds are
provided by Portland State University and distributed in the form of tuition remission scholarships applied to the
students university account. ICSP funds cannot be converted to assist with living expenses, books, or other fees. The
number of participants in the ICSP varies from term to term.

Eligibility Requirements:
Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on all Portland State University coursework (not including
transferred credits).
Hold a valid F-1 student visa and be maintaining that status.
Have clearly defined degree goals and be making satisfactory progress toward completion of a degree program.
At the time of entrance to the ICSP, have been enrolled fulltime at PSU for a period of time according to the
outline below:
Undergraduate student who has been enrolled at PSU fulltime for at least one full academic year (at least
sophomore status, 45 credits completed)
Transfer undergraduate student of at least sophomore status who has been enrolled at PSU fulltime for at
least one term
Post-bacc, graduate, or PhD student who has been enrolled at PSU fulltime for at least one term (not
including ESL coursework)
Students who have completed levels 4 and 5 of IELP at PSU are considered transfer students and should
have completed at least one fulltime term of PSU coursework at the time of entrance to the program

The following categories are not eligible for this scholarship: Students who pay resident (in-state) tuition, students
receiving other fee remission awards (including graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships, International Student
Retention Scholarship (ISRS), etc.) and those with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) except those through
Economic Hardship.

Selection criteria:
International students demonstrating a willingness and ability to share their culture with the community, financial need
and high academic achievement are encouraged to apply for the International Cultural Service Program Scholarship.
Selection is based on a variety of factors including demonstrated financial need, depth and quality of essays,
demonstrated passion for participating in cultural activities, demonstrated performance and presentation skills, strong
academic records, strong written and oral communication skills, and a diversity of representative countries in the
program.

Revised: 1/24/2017
Conditions of the Award:
The award amount is $3,000 for undergraduate students and $2,500 for graduate students per term.
The scholarship is awarded in Fall, Winter and Spring terms only; awards are not given in Summer term.
Students who receive ISRS or a Graduate/Teaching Assistantship may not also receive the International
Cultural Service Program Scholarship for the same term.
Awardees must maintain a full course load each term, unless authorized for under-enrollment by an advisor in
the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. Undergraduates must complete a minimum of 12
credits each term, and graduate students must complete a minimum of 9 credits per term. If there are any
extenuating circumstances, the ICSP advisor should be notified immediately.
Scholarship recipients must maintain a PSU cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above.

Your Application Packet MUST include (Incomplete applications will not be reviewed):
Completed application form.
Personal Statement: A short (500 words) essay describing your life experiences and goals for the future. This
may include, but is not limited to; cultural influences in your life, academic/career history or goals, and how a
degree from PSU will assist you in fulfilling your goals.
Financial Need Statement: A short (250 words) description of your financial situation. This may include, but is
not limited to; changes in your financial support and a detailing of your expenses and finances. Bank statements
should not be included.
Cultural Service Statement: A short (500 words) essay detailing your experience with sharing your culture with
others through community projects, presentations, or volunteer tasks, including a description of the work you
did, the type of audience, and what you learned or gained from that experience.
One sample Powerpoint presentation of approximately 5-10 slides about a particular topic unique to your
culture.
Two completed recommendation forms submitted by instructors, academic advisors, or supervisors who can
speak to your suitability for the ICSP. International Student Advisors from the Office of International Student
and Scholar Services at Portland State University may not be used as references. Peers or family friends are not
acceptable as references. At least one recommendation form must be from a source who can speak to your
academic performance. You are responsible for making sure your recommenders submit these forms in English
by the deadline. Recommenders can access the form at the Apply tab of our website: www.icsppdx.com.

Application Deadlines:
Fall term: May 15th at 5pm
Winter term: October 15th at 5pm
Spring term: February 15th at 5pm

Deadlines are strictly enforced. Applications turned in after the deadline will be reviewed with the next terms
applicants. If the deadline falls on a non-business day, applications will be due on the next business day.

Submit your application with all attachments in one email to: Or Submit your application packet in person to:
Rachel Dietz International Student Life Office
International Student Life Advisor East Hall, Room 122
Phone: 503.725.9766 Portland State University, PO Box 751
Email: rkrueger@pdx.edu Portland, OR 97207-0751

Revised: 1/24/2017
 Scholarship Application
International Cultural Service Program (ICSP)
Portland State University
632 SW Hall Street, Room 122
Portland, OR 97201

Application Date: _____________________

Applicant:

___________________________________________________________ _____________________________
Family Name Given Name Student ID Number

______________________________ _________________________________ ________________________________

Telephone Number Preferred Email Address Date of Birth (Month / Day / Year)

_____________________________________________________________ Visa Type: F1 Other

Country of Citizenship
(Please indicate if you hold citizenship in more than one country or if you were born in one country and raised elsewhere. You may explain your situation in your
personal statement.)

Have you (or someone on your behalf) applied for a U.S. permanent visa? ______________ Yes (indicate type) _____ No

Undergraduate __________________________ ____________

Major GPA
Post-Baccalaureate
__________________________ _____________________________
Graduate Anticipated Graduation Date Term & year you started at PSU

Have you attended a college or university besides PSU? _____ Yes _____ No
If yes, list colleges/universities with locations and dates attended:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you currently employed? ____ Yes ____ No

If yes, list where and number of hours per week below:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have someone who supports you financially (parents, relative, sponsor)? ____ Yes ____ No
If yes, how much financial support (estimated in U.S. dollars) do they provide you each term? (Please explain your financial situation
in the Financial Need Statement.)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you married? ____ Yes ____ No Is your husband/wife living with you in the U.S.? ____ Yes ____ No
Is your husband/wife a U.S. citizen? ____ Yes _____ No Is your husband/wife a student? ____ Yes ____ No
Do you/will you have children living with you in the U.S.? ____ Yes ____ No If yes, how many children? _____________________

Revised:1/24/2017
List any organizations or activities in which you have had a cultural sharing experience (please explain more thoroughly in the
Cultural Service Statement):

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

As you will be called upon to share your culture with a wide variety of audiences, please list here all the topics you are prepared to
address as you represent your country and cultural background. Include a list of the materials you have to illustrate your
presentations (Powerpoint or other presentation software, photographs, clothing, instruments, artifacts, etc.) Please also list or
describe any special skills you can teach or demonstrate which reflect the cultural arts of your country (dance, singing, cooking,
music, games, etc.). Please go into more detail in your Cultural Service Statement, and use this section as place to list information.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recommendation Forms (should be from academic advisors or professors):

Please ask two recommenders to complete the recommendation form at the Apply tab of our website before the application
deadline. Please visit our website at www.icsppdx.com for more information about appropriate references and a direct link to the
recommendation form.

_______________________________________________ _________________________________ ______________________

Recommender Name Relationship to Applicant Email

_______________________________________________ _________________________________ ______________________

Recommender Name Relationship to Applicant Email

Student Certification
I affirm all information in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I will promptly inform the
Scholarship Advisor of any changes in the information reported here.
Failure to provide correct information will cancel award eligibility.
I am aware that my application information may be subject to independent verification by the
Portland State University International Cultural Service Program Scholarship Committee.

_______________________________ __________________________
Your signature Date

Revised: 1/24/2017