International students can have a hard time getting accustomed to campus after making the long journey to Ames, but with the right support group, getting into the swing of things on campus will be easy.

The umbrella help group for international students is the International Students and Scholars Office or ISSO.

The ISSO is an office in place to promote the success of international students and scholars in a variety of ways. Most importantly, they help the international students maintain immigration status as well as deal with advising on employment, academics, scholarships and any other issues an international student may deal with. The best advice for international students is if you are ever in doubt about anything, ask your advisor.

They also host a variety of events. Dinner in Des Moines is one of the more popular events where 15 students are given free transportation to a restaurant in Des Moines where they can enjoy a meal with friends and socialize.

They also honor all their graduating international students with a dinner where they invite graduating students and recognize them.

ISSO also offers a course known as IFYE (International First-Year Experience) that is compulsory for all international students to take. It is meant to help international students make friends, get accustomed to the new culture and get to know the campus.

Outside of the ISSO, there are many groups on campus that vary depending on which group they represent.

Here are some of those groups:

Chinese Students and Scholars Association

The Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), is a student organization at Iowa State dedicated to serving the community of Chinese students and scholars and developing Chinese culture in the local community. The CSSA also provides a ‘freshman manual’ on their website to help students to join and get involved with the CSSA.

For more information email [email protected].

Egyptian Students Association

The Egyptian Student Association (ESA) represents the Egyptian community in Ames and strives for better communication between Egyptians and others.

Their group meets the first Friday of every month at 6 p.m. to discuss, share and celebrate Egyptian culture, customs and traditions. The group is open to everyone; whether you are an undergraduate, graduate or just a member of the Ames community, anyone can join.

For more information on where the meetings will be held and how to join contact [email protected].

Indian Students’ Association

According to their student website,”The purpose of the ISA is to ensure and enhance communication and cooperation among its constituents as well as between the constituents and the Ames community, especially the students, faculty, and staff of Iowa State University.”

They allow anyone to join, and, in fact they currently have more “non-ISU” members than they do members who attend the university.

The group hosts multiple special events throughout the year that sometimes coincide with Indian holidays or just celebrate a part of the culture.

Iowa State German Club

The Iowa State German Club is welcome to any new, returning or transfer students. As the name suggests, they are a club for people interested in German culture. They celebrate German culture by participating in German holidays, watching German movies, cooking German food, listening to an array of speakers and going on field trips.

According to their website, they say joining their club requires you must “be willing to try new things,” and you must “be alive.” In other words, “no zombies allowed.”

They hold meetings every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. in 2125 Pearson Hall.

Iowa State Saudi Club

The Iowa State Saudi Club holds monthly meetings and works to help and support Saudi students and their families at Iowa State.

Their events and meetings celebrate customs, culture and traditions with American and international students along with the greater Ames community.

Iranian Students’ and Scholars’ Association

The Iranian Students’ and Scholars’ Association aims to bring students and scholars from Iran, of Iranian heritage or are interested in Persian culture together. These goals are achieved through celebrations and group events.

While they don’t have scheduled meetings, officers meet to plan multiple special events that celebrate Persian culture including, Nowruz, Mehregan, Yalda and more.

The group says they celebrate persian culture “without advocating for or discriminating against political or religious views.”

ISU French Club

According to their website,”ISU French Club exists to promote the acquisition, practice and appreciation of French language and culture with those involved in the Iowa State University community.”

The monthly meetings are held in addition to one cultural event and a film night every month.

For more information on how to join, email [email protected].

Korean Student Association

The goals of the Korean Student Association is to promote interactions and communications among Korean students, faculty and their families.

The group is open to Korean students at Iowa State and members must be able to speak Korean fluently.

They meet weekly on a day during the school week that is decided at the first meeting of each semester. For more information contact [email protected].

Pakistan Student Association

”As a student organization we seek to bring together all Pakistani/domestic students and faculty on campus and within the greater of Ames community,” according to their website. “Through our various events each semester we hope to raise public awareness and promote an understanding of Pakistan, its culture, its heritage, and its politics.”

The meetings happen as needed. For more information on how to join contact them through their email, [email protected].

Puerto Rican Student Association

All people are welcome to join the Puerto Rican Student Association. Their function is to perform activities and initiate forums of discussion about Puerto Rico to introduce its culture to ISU students, faculty and staff. They also encourage Puerto Rican students to get involved in activities and provide a means to socialize in a multicultural atmosphere.

Their meetings are bi-weekly at 7:00 p.m. in Carver 0018.

Russian Club

”This club is for anyone interested in the Russian language and culture, who likes learning about and participating in international traditions and fun activities!” the Russian Club website states. “Natives are definitely welcome to join this club, though no knowledge of the Russian language is required. All meetings will be in English.”

Those meetings, however, have not been decided yet. Moving into the fall semester, that will have likely changed and a quick email to [email protected] will get you the information you need to get into the club.

Meetings include movie nights, learning the alphabet and vocabulary, cultural presentations, guest speakers, games and more.

Spanish Club

The ISU Spanish Club is a place for those with a passion for the Spanish language or culture to get together and participate in activities.

These activities are typically held in Spanish and include guest speakers, group discussions and games.

The weekly meetings are held in 3158 Pearson Hall on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Vietnamese Student Association

The Vietnamese Student Association works to create awareness and celebrate Vietnamese traditions, culture and history among the Iowa State community.

The group’s activities often include education on Vietnamese culture, history, current events and Vietnamese American issues. They plan events and explore leadership opportunities.

To get on their email list for their bi-weekly meetings, email [email protected].