International Student Programs

Academic Support

Additional academic support is available to international students through our Study Corner! Come study independently, work in small groups, or schedule a 30–60 minute one-on-one session on topics such as writing, reading, note-taking, study strategies, presentations, academic integrity, citing sources, and more.

Open study hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Fell Hall, Room 202.

Walk-ins are welcome for all weekly chat groups—no appointment necessary!

Appointments are required for individual sessions.

Register here for a one-on-one session: 

 

Weekly Chat Group Sessions	Details
Monday Warm-Up: Mondays 12:30 - 1:20 pm	Start your week strong! Join fellow international students in a friendly space with real talk about college classes, study habits, and ways to succeed at ISU. Prep for the week ahead!
Thursday Check-Up: Thursdays 11:00 - 11:50 am	Check your academic pulse! Chat with fellow international students to make sure you’re on the right track. Ask questions, learn, and draw motivation from others through advice and encouragement.
Friday Wrap-Up:  Every other Friday, 11:00 - 11:50 am before the noon Conversations Café Social Hour.	Prep for the weekend! Connect with international peers and get valuable tips on managing your academic load and maximizing your weekend—a great way to finish strong and plan ahead.

 

Conversations Café

Relax, connect, and join the fun! Enjoy global conversations, meet new people, and unwind with board games, snacks from a featured country, and stress-relieving activities. All are welcome to join the conversation—no RSVP necessary!

Date	Time	Location	Featured County
January 16	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby	Mexico
January 30	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby	Nigeria
February 13	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby	France
February 27	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby	China
March 27	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby	Ireland
April 10	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby	India
April 24	12:00 to 1:00pm	Fell 2nd Floor Lobby	Thailand

 

I-House Lunch and Learn 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
January 21	12:00 to 1:30pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	ISCS - International Student Career Series: Strategies for Finding a Job in the U.S. Presented by the Career Services Team
February 4	12:00 to 1:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Optional Practical Training Presented by the ISSS Team
February 11	12:00 to 1:30pm	Virtual	ISCS - International Student Career Series: Alumni Share How to get a Job in the U.S. Presented by the Career Services Team
February 17	12:00 to 1:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	How To Manage your Finances Presented by the I-House Team
March 3	12:00 to 1:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	How To Search For Scholarships Presented by Financial Aid and the I-House Team
March 17	12:00 to 1:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	How to Adjust to the Changes in the Weather Presented by the I-House Team
April 2	12:00 to 1:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Navigating Curricular Practical Training Presented by the ISSS Team
April 3	12:00 to 1:30pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	ISCS - Immigration Clinic: Life After OPT Presented by the Career Services and I-House Team
May 1	12:00 to 2:00pm	OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall	Spring 2026 Farewell Celebration 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, cultural, or historic interest and share in these experiences 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
February 28	7:00am to 9:30pm	St. Louis Trip	We will visit the zoo (weather permitting) or city museum, the mall, and the gateway arch.
March 21	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 18	8:30am to 5:30pm	Starved Rock Trip	We will spend the day exploring Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, IL.