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 great conversations, meet new people, and unwind with snacks, games, and stress-relieving activities. All are welcome to join the conversation—no RSVP necessary!
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 22 | 12:00 to 1:00pm | Fell 2nd Floor Lobby |
| September 5 | 12:00 to 1:00pm | Fell 2nd Floor Lobby |
| September 19 | 12:00 to 1:00pm | Fell 2nd Floor Lobby |
|
October 3 |
12:00 to 1:00pm | Fell 2nd Floor Lobby |
|
October 17 |
12:00 to 1:00pm | Fell 2nd Floor Lobby |
|
October 31 |
12:00 to 1:00pm | Fell 2nd Floor Lobby |
|
November 14 |
12:00 to 1:00pm | Fell 2nd Floor Lobby |
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 |
| September 9 |
12:00 to 1:00pm |
OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall |
Optional Practical Training Presented by the ISSS Team |
| September 26 | 12:00 to 1:00pm | OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall |
How To Search For Scholarships Presented by Financial Aid/I-House Team |
| October 29 | 12:00 to 1:00pm | OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor Fell Hall |
Navigating Curricular Practical Training Presented by the ISSS Team |
| December 5 |
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, 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 |
|
To be determined |
7:00am to 9:30pm |
Chicago |
We will visit Millennium Park. Participants are free to explore the city during the day. |
| October 25 |
8:30am to 5:30pm |
Starved Rock Trip |
We will spend the day exploring Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, IL. |
| November 15 |
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. |