International Student Programs

How Do I? Workshops

Additional workshops addressing specific academic topics that are catered to international students. These workshops will occur in person on Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:15pm in Fell Hall Room 212.  The workshops will cover topics such as citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, and more. The Spring 2025 semester schedule is listed below. Snacks provided.

Dates	Topic
February 6/7	How do I narrow a topic into a thesis or research question?
February 13/14	How do I identify reliable sources for my research paper?
February 20/21	How do I read and analyze research articles?
February 27	How do I create an annotated bibliography (summary, analysis, response)?
March 6	How do I summarize, paraphrase, & quote correctly & avoid plagiarism
	Spring Break
March 20	How do my team and I succeed in completing group projects?
March 27	How do I write a useful and effective outline?
April 3	How do I format an APA-style paper?
April 10	How do I write a strong literature review?
April 17	How do I polish my draft using editing and proofreading strategies?
April 24	How do I plan and prepare for final exams and projects?
April 28+	Individual Appointments in Study Corner Before Exam Week

 

Coffee with a Cop

The Illinois State Univeristy Police Department (ISUPD) and I-House have put together a series of programs designed to allow students to ask questions about important safety topics and get to know members of the ISUPD team.  The final event in this series is a Movie Night at the Normal Theater!

Date	Time	Location	Topic
January 25	2:00 to 3:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Avoiding Scams
February 27	2:00 to 3:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Safety Tips
March 27	2:00 to 3:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Navigating Conflicts
April	TBD	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Movie Night!

 

Conversations Café

Come join us to practice your English skills and make lasting friendships while enjoying some coffee, tea, snacks, and playing board games.  All are welcome!

Date	Time	Location
January 31	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby
February 21	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby
March 28	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby
April 25	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby

 

I-House Featured Programs

The I-House Team hosts a number of fun and engaging events throughout the semester to provide international students with information on important programs and services offered by the OIE and other departments and units around campus.  All international students are highly encouraged to attend these events to learn how to make the most of their journey at Illinois State University.

Date	Time	Location	Topic
February 4	12:00 to 1:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Optional Practical Training Presented by the ISSS Team
February 12	12:00 to 1:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	How To Search For Scholarships Presented by Financial Aid/I-House Team
March 19	12:00 to 1:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Weather Emergency Escape Room Challenge Presented by Emergency Management
April 9	12:00 to 1:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Curricular Practical Training Presented by the ISSS Team
May 2	12:00 to 2:30pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Spring 2025 Farewell Lunch Hosted by the I-House Team

 

I-House Trips

Join us for exciting day-trips outside of Bloomington-Normal!  These trips are designed to allow international students to explore different sites and cities of social, cutlural, or historic interest and share in these experinences with other students.  There is a cost to attend each event and you must register ahead of time through our Touchnet site.

Date	Time	Event	Details
March 1	7:00am to 9:30pm	St. Louis Trip	We will visit the City Museum, the Galleria Mall, and the St. Louis Arch.
March 29	8:30am to 5:30pm	Springfield Trip	We will visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Illinois State Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Tomb.
April 26	8:30am to 5:30pm	Starved Rock Trip	We will spend the day exploring Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, IL.