Programs and Services
ISSA provides many programs and services to international students, their families, and their friends. Please see below for a description of each program.
If you are interested in any of these programs, please email us at issa@nd.edu or call 574-631-3825
Mastering English
English Corner
This program is for those who would like to gather in small groups in order to practice English conversation in an informal setting. The meetings are facilitated by a native English-speaker and cover a variety of subjects. We have both an evening and afternoon circle.
Conversation Exchange Partners
An opportunity for cross-cultural learning and friendship, this program matches international students, scholars and spouses with those who speak a different language fluently. Though not a formal tutoring program, the meetings, arranged according to each partner’s schedule, allow participants the chance to practice and polish the language they seek to master. In some instances, the focus will be on English conversation only. To apply to this program please fill out the Conversation Exchange Partners (CEP) Program
English as a Second Language for SPOUSES of International Students
Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced English classes are offered for the spouses of international students and scholars. Classes are held in Sacred Heart Parish Lower Level classrooms.
Reaching Across Cultures
International Education Week (IEW)
Each year in November, we celebrate IEW with a week’s full agenda or speakers, panel discussions, and cultural events focused around an international theme and with the goal to increase internatioanl awareness on campus. In Fall 2009, IEW will be November, 16-20.
International Festival Week (IFW)
In mid-spring each year, ISSA sponsors IFW, a vibrant week-long celebration of the diversity of cultures on campus. Highlights include a Badminton Tournament, International Children’s Festival, a Cultural Extravaganza, a “Speed Language” event, a Chili-Pepper Eating Contest, and much more! In Spring 2010, IFW will be March 22-26. We welcome your participation! Contact us at issa@nd.edu if you’d like to be part of IFW.
International Ambassadors
A newly launched program in Fall 2009, International Ambassadors are a group of international and U.S, undergraduate and graduate students. This program is deisnged to increase student leadership in the international context on campus. The International Ambassadors work with ISSA staff to welcome new international students to Notre Dame, plan international events, contribute to the newsletter, and much more! New International Ambassadors are chosen in the Spring for the following Fall, with a few more chosen for the Spring Semester.
Spirituality from Around the World
Together with GSU, Campus Ministry, and other campus departments and organizations, ISSA invites all members of the community to a series of evenings exploring the beliefs and pratices of world faith traditions.
Family Friendship Program
An opportunity for international students and scholars to enter into friendship with a member of the Michiana community, where all participants can cross cultures and learn from each other. It gives the international students additional support for their adjustment to a new culture. This is not a home-stay program.
If you are a student, please fill out the following application and email it to issa@nd.edu
Family Friendship Program Student Application
If you are a host (family or single person), please fill out the following application and email it to issa@nd.edu
Family Friendship Program Host Family Application
Cultural Dinners
A series of residence hall dinners introducing the perspectives and traditions of the cultures of international students. This is an opportunity for international students to speak about their country, share a talent, discuss a current event, or provide some other cultural presentation for the university community.
International Speaker’s Bureau
A community outreach program, where we meet the requests from the community for international students to speak, present, teach, or perform in schools, churches, or civic organizations. It gives students the opportunity to share their talents and cultures for the community’s benefit and, at the same time, learn more about American culture through their participation.
International Women’s Club
Offers programming and support to the wives of international students and scholars. The club meets on a regular basis and plans activities and meetings of interest to the members. For more information email issa@nd.edu
Field Trips
ISSA organizes field trips throughout the year. These have included day trips to Chicago, Amish Country, Indianapolis basketball game as well as trips lasting several days to Niagara Falls and Washington, D.C. Look for announcement on our website in the listserv.