Academic Support
Additional academic support is available to international students through our OIE academic team and the Global Redbirds 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.
For support requests or Global Redbirds Corner (Fell 202) use, please connect with our academic team.
Student Success and Advocacy Initiative (SSAI)
The Student Success & Advocacy Initiative (SSAI) is a peer-based professional development and leadership program designed to help graduate and international students build community, develop leadership skills, navigate campus, and become confident advocates for themselves and others.
Through peer mentorship, workshops, leadership opportunities, and advocacy, SSAI provides students with opportunities to develop practical skills, apply what they learn, and use those skills to support and mentor fellow students.
At SSAI, professional development goes beyond learning. Students build skills, put those skills into practice, and grow into leaders who contribute to the success and belonging of others.
SSAI Leadership Pathway
You’ll earn a special SSAI pin as you progress through each stage of the Leadership Pathway:
01 | STUDENT ADVOCATE
The Training Stage
Develop leadership, communication, advocacy, and resource navigation skills. Everyone starts here as this acts as the training stage.
↓
02 | LEAD STUDENT ADVOCATE
The Mentorship & Leadership Stage
Expand your leadership by advocating for the student voice, supporting program initiatives, and contributing to student success efforts through peer mentorship.
↓
03 | REDBIRD STUDENT SUCCESS AMBASSADOR
The Advanced Leadership Stage
Serve as a student leader who represents SSAI values, organizes SSAI events for new cohorts, elevates student voices, mentors others, and promotes belonging across campus.
Interested in being a student advocate and mentoring other students? Please fill out this SSAI Interest Form.
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 |
| August 21 |
12:00 to 1:00pm |
OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
Italy |
| September 4 |
12:00 to 1:00pm |
OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
Peru |
| September 18 |
12:00 to 1:00pm |
OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
South Korea |
| October 2 |
12:00 to 1:00pm |
OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
Egypt |
|
October 16
|
12:00 to 1:00pm |
OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
Germany |
|
October 30
|
12:00 to 1:00pm |
OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
Ghana |
|
November 13
|
12:00 to 1:00pm |
OIE Lobby, 2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
Australia |
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 |
12:30 to 1:30pm
|
OIE Lobby,
2nd Floor
Fell Hall
|
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Presented by the ISSS Team
|
|
September 17
|
12:30 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 |
| September 23 |
12:30 to 1:30pm |
OIE Lobby,
2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
How To Manage your Finances Presented by the I-House Team |
| October 7 |
12:30 to 1:30pm
|
OIE Lobby,
2nd Floor
Fell Hall
|
How To Search For Scholarships Presented by Financial Aid and the I-House Team
|
| October 15 |
12:30 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
|
| October 20 |
12:30 to 1:30pm |
OIE Lobby,
2nd Floor
Fell Hall
|
How to Adjust to the Changes in the Weather Presented by the I-House Team |
|
November 3
|
12:30 to 1:30pm |
OIE Lobby,
2nd Floor
Fell Hall
|
Navigating Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Presented by ISSS Team
|
| November 4 |
12:30 to 1:30pm |
Virtual
|
ISCS - Immigration Clinic: Life After OPT Presented by the Career Services |
| November 19 |
12:00 to 2:00pm
|
OIE Lobby,
2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
American Thanksgiving Celebration and Cultural Learning Experience |
| December 4 |
12:00 to 2:00pm
|
OIE Lobby,
2nd Floor
Fell Hall |
Fall 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
|
|
TBD
|
7:00am to 9:30pm
|
Chicago Trip |
We will spend the day in exploring Chicago, IL.
|
| October 10 |
8:30am to 5:30pm
|
Starved Rock Trip |
We will spend the day exploring Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, IL. |
| November 14 |
8:30am to 5:30pm
|
Springfield Trip |
We will spend the day exploring the capitol of Illinois, Springfield, IL. |