Make Connections

Organization for the Active Support of International Students (OASIS)
Multicultural Student Organizations
International Classroom Journey
International Women's Club
Friends of International Students (FIS)

Organization for the Active Support of International Students (OASIS)

Organization for the Active Support of International Students (OASIS) is a University of Iowa student organization, which gives voice to the rich diversity of international students present on the UI campus. Goals of this organization include: helping students develop a sense of belonging, facilitating collaboration between the various nationality groups on campus, and increasing communication between UI administration and the international student body at large.

Multicultural Student Organizations

The Office of Student Life provides a comprehensive list of multicultural student organizations at the University of Iowa to connect students with the campus, develop leadership skills, and have fun.

International Classroom Journey

Offered through International Programs at the University of Iowa, the International Classroom Journey (ICJ) matches elementary and secondary classes with volunteer cultural ambassadors.  The volunteers are primarily UI international students, scholars, UI study abroad returnees as well as international residents of the community.  Trained to give interactive presentations, the programs is beneficial to K-12 students, educators, and speakers as cultural knowledge and international experiences are shared.

For more information, please contact ip-outreach@uiowa.edu or (319) 335-1433.

International Women's Club

The International Women’s Club (IWC) (website in progress) is a group of women from around the world who meet to share activities that promote intercultural friendships and understanding. Founded over fifty years ago, group activities include: English classes, coffees, cooking classes, and craft sessions; excursions to local cultural events; and special group holiday celebrations. If you are interested in joining the club, please contact Joanne Madsen at jsmadsen@mchsi.com or Shelagh Hayreh at shelagh_hayreh@yahoo.com for more information.

IWC Membership Form

iwc_may_2013_newsletter.pdf

Friends of International Students (FIS)

FIS on Facebook

Friends of International Students (FIS) is a non-profit organization comprised of Iowa City residents interested in meeting and helping international students at the University of Iowa. FIS is affiliated with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University of Iowa and is organized by community volunteers. 

Goals and Participation

The FIS organization would like every UI international student to have the opportunity to meet an American and share a valuable intercultural friendship. For the student, an FIS friend may give them the chance to learn about American lifestyles and culture. Students are far from home and often struggling with the English language and/or dealing with the demands of a difficult academic program. They appreciate FIS friends who are neither teacher nor parent to offer company, support, warmth and friendship.

Membership

Membership is open to all international undergraduate and graduate students, single, married, with or without families. All Iowa City and surrounding area citizens are also welcome to join FIS as friends. FIS is a flexible program with no set activities or time commitments. Once a friend and student are matched, they can decide what they would like to do together. Friends are expected to be in touch with their students at least once a month, and invite them for major holidays and FIS activities. Students should also take pride in inviting their Friends to their activities. For more information download the FIS brochure.

Friend Application

Student Application

If you are genuinely interested in international exchanges on a personal level, please fill out an application and send via e-mail to iowa.fis@gmail.com or postal service to:

International Student and Scholar Services
1111 University Capitol Centre
University of Iowa,
Iowa City, IA 52242

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