It can be difficult to leave your family and friends behind to live in another country. However, most international students make new friends through activities, clubs, and organizations on campus. Explore some of the many ways in which you can get involved on campus. The Visit Springfield Illinois website also has excellent information on great restaurants, sites and attractions, arts, culture, history, shopping, and the Illinois Times is a great resource local upcoming events! You can visit Outdoors Adventures website for more fun as well!
Events
Spring 2025 events, activities, and workshops:
| DATE & TIME | Event/Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, January 9 | Spring 2025 New International Student Orientation | |
| Friday, January 17 5 pm – 7 pm | International Student Welcome Party | Union Ballroom |
| Friday, January 24 6 pm – 7 pm | Lunar New Year, Year of the Snake | Union Ballroom |
| Friday, February 7 2 pm – 4 pm | OPT Workshop for Spring 2025 graduates | Brookens Auditorium |
| Friday, February 7 7 am | One-day ski trip with Campus Rec | |
| Friday, February 21 11:30 am | International Mother Language Day | Union Entrance table |
| Wednesday, March 12 7 am - 7 pm | Trip to Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH) | Chicago, Illinois |
| Monday, March 17 12 pm - 1:30 pm | Virtual Career Prep for International Graduate Students | Via Microsoft Teams (see UIS Connection) |
| Wednesday, February 27 12 pm - 2 pm | Sprintax Nonresident Webinar & discussion session | Student Union North Ballroom |
| Friday, March 28 2 pm – 4 pm | OPT Workshop for Summer 2025 graduates | Brookens Auditorium |
| Saturday, April 5th 10:00 am | Trip to Engineering House at UIUC | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| Tuesday, April 15th 5:30 pm – 7 pm | Professional Etiquette Dinner with CDC | Union Ballroom |
| Friday, April 18th 9:00 am | Trip to St. Louis (Aquarium or Museum) | Missouri |
| Friday, 18th April 2 pm to 5:30 | Holi Party | Rec Park |
| Friday, May 9th 2 pm- 4 pm | International Congratulatory Ceremony | Student Union Ballroom |
*TBA= To Be Announced
Holidays
International Education
Local Organizations Supporting International Education
- Chicago Council on Global Affairs
- Indian Association of Greater Springfield
- Interfaith Coalition
- Islamic Society of Greater Springfield
- NPR Illinois
- Peoria World Affairs Council
- Sister Cities Association of Springfield, Illinois
- Springfield Commission on International Visitors
- The Hindu Temple of Greater Springfield
- World Affairs Council of Central Illinois
- World Business Chicago
Newsletters
- April Newsletter 2025 (PDF)
- March Newsletter 2025 (PDF)
- January Newsletter 2025 (PDF)
- December Newsletter 2024 (PDF)
- November Newsletter 2024 (PDF)
- October Newsletter 2024 (PDF)
- May Newsletter 2024 (PDF)
- April Newsletter 2024 (PDF)
- March Newsletter 2024 (PDF)
- February Newsletter 2024 (PDF)
- January Newsletter 2024 (PDF)
- December Newsletter 2023 (PDF)
- November Newsletter 2023 (PDF)
- October Newsletter 2023 (PDF)
- September Newsletter 2023 (PDF)
- August Newsletter 2023 (PDF)
- July Newsletter 2023 (PDF)
- June Newsletter 2023 (PDF)
If you have any questions about the events, please contact:
Erika Suzuki, Program Coordinator
217-206-8164
esuzu2@uis.edu