History

The Pennsylvania Governor's School for International Studies (PGSIS) began in 1984 at the University of Pittsburgh.  Since its inception, more than 1,900 students have participated in this specially designed, residential experience every summer.  PGSIS is one of eight Pennsylvania Governor's Schools of Excellence funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

Mission

PGSIS serves the primary purpose of providing a select group of academically talented and highly motivated high school students with a challenging, integrated introduction to the social sciences and the world langugage and culture studies that are important to any global education program.

Click here for a complete description of the most recent PGSIS Overview and Mission.

Setting

PGSIS is situated on the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh, a major internationally recognized research university in the culturally diverse city of Pittsburgh.  While at PGSIS, students attend classes in university facilities, reside in one of the university's dormitories and eat meals in university cafeterias. Students also have access to many of Pitt´s computer labs, libraries and athletic facilties.

In addition to acting as PGSIS' host, the university is also a resource for PGSIS faculty, course development and other program activities. The faculty is mainly comprised of university/college professors.

Residential staff include upper-level undergraduates, graduate students and young professionals, most of whom have lived, worked, and/or studied abroad. Most staff members are themselves graduates of PGSIS.

This combination of experience and qualified personnel, along with access to the resources and facilities of the University of Pittsburgh, creates a unique and highly supportive living and learning environment for PGSIS students.