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 2026 events, activities, and workshops:

DATE & TIME	Event/Activity	Location
Wednesday, January 8th All DAY	Spring 2026 New International Student Orientation	Student Union Ballroom
Friday, January 16th 6 pm – 8:30pm	International Student Welcome Party	Student Union Ballroom
Friday, January 30th 2 pm – 4 pm	OPT Workshop for Spring 2026 graduates	Brookens Auditorium
Friday, January 30 7 am	One-day ski trip with Campus Rec	Andalusia, IL
Thursday, February 5 12 pm – 2 pm	Sprintax Webinar and Discussion	North ballroom
Wednesday, February 18 2 pm – 4 pm	Sprintax Webinar and Discussion	North ballroom
Friday, February 20 11 am – 2 pm	International Mother Language Day	Union Entrance table
Friday, February 27 11:30 am – 2 pm	Ice Skating in Nelson Center	Springfield, IL
Wednesday, March 11 7 am	The Field Museum in Chicago	Chicago, IL
Friday, March 27th 2 pm – 4 pm	OPT Workshop for Summer 2026 graduates	Brookens Auditorium
Tuesday, April 14 5:30 pm – 7 pm	Professional Etiquette Dinner with Career Development Center	Union Ballroom
Friday, May 8 2 pm – 4 pm	International Congratulatory Ceremony	Union Ballroom

*TBA= To Be Announced

Holidays

Holiday Resources

International Education

Local Organizations Supporting International Education

Newsletters

If you have any questions about the events, please contact:
Erika Suzuki, Program Coordinator
217-206-8164
esuzu2@uis.edu

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