If you would like to submit updates or additions to this page, please email ip-communications@uiowa.edu [1].
The Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC)
http://iccivic.blogspot.com [2]
CIVIC on Facebook [3]
CIVIC hosts emerging world leaders (businessmen, diplomats, academics, etc...) through programs focused on idea and cultural exchange. While sharing ideas and cultural aspects of their home countries, the networking opportunity also affords the guests to take what they have learned about Iowa and the U.S. home with them.
The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC)
http://icfrc.blogspot.com [4]
ICFRC on Facebook [5]
ICFRC arranges forums for local residents which feature speakers who share expertise or experiences on global matters in an effort to cultivate awareness of growing global concerns.
International Women’s Club
International Women’s Club (IWC) (website in progress) is a group of women from around the world who meet to share activities that promote friendship and understanding. Our activities include English classes; coffee, cooking, and craft groups; excursions; and special events. Membership is open to all women from around the world, including the U.S. We invite you to come and make new friends, share experiences, and learn about a wide variety of cultures. If you are interested in joining the club, please contact Joanne Madsen at jsmadsen@mchsi.com [6] or Shelagh Hayreh at shelagh_hayreh@yahoo.com [7] for more information.
Peace Corps at the University of Iowa
http://international.uiowa.edu/peace-corps [10]
The University of Iowa Peace Corps representative, Meredith Mahy Gall, is available to university and community members throughout the academic year. Each month she hosts a Peace Corps Information Session, attends area career fairs, interviews Peace Corps applicants, and shares her experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Botswana. You can also meet with Meredith during her open office hours and by appointment. Meredith can be contacted at 319.335.0347 or through email at peacecorps@uiowa.edu [11]. Meredith is also available to speak to classes, clubs, and organizations about Peace Corps opportunities.
Friends of International Students (FIS)
FIS on Facebook [12]
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 [13].
Friend Application [14]
Student Application [15]
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 [16] or postal service to:
International Student and Scholar Services
1111 University Capitol Centre
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
FIS email: iowa.fis@gmail.com [16]
