Programs and Services
From a program that showcases the wide variety of American music to a club that offers programming and support to the wives of international students and scholars, ISSA provides many programs and services to international students, their families, and their friends.
Mastering English
Conversation Circles
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.
English as a Second Language
Beginning and Intermediate English classes are offered for the spouses of international students and scholars. Classes are held in the University Village Apartments Community Center.
Reaching Across Cultures
Evenings of Prayer from Around the World
Together with GSU, Campus Ministry, and other campus departments and organizations, the 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.
Food for Thought
A series of residence hall dinners introducing the perspectives and traditions of cultures represented by international students and scholars at the University of Notre Dame. International Student Services & Activities assists in planning a menu and a cultural presentation that invites all to gather around the table and discover new tastes and insights.
International Coffee House
An informal coffee hour on campus where interested international students volunteer 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.
American Culture Through Music Series
An ongoing series which presents American styles of music – gospel, blues, jazz, swing, rockabilly, rock-n-roll, country, square dance. Musical performances, lectures, and dance lessons touch on the cultural and historical aspects of each genre that make music a distinctive part of American culture.