International clubs help students integrate

The Chinese Students and Scholarship Association creates samples for the International Foods Night. The event was held on Nov. 13, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Courtney Sowder

It can be overwhelming as an international student to be completely separated from your culture and language.

International student clubs can help you become involved in campus activities, make friends and connect you to support for homesickness, assimilation and adaptation.

Most organizations are open to all ISU students and focus on engagement on campus and throughout Ames by teaching about different countries and celebrating cultural traditions together.

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) offers opportunities to get involved without joining a specific club..

The Cultural Ambassador Program is for international students as well as American students. It is a buddy program that allows for a mutually beneficial relationship between an international student and an American ambassador.

You and your ambassador will work on language, get to know campus and the Ames area, as well as play games, go to movies or study together.

There are day and overnight trips sponsored by the ISSO. It’s a great way take a break from campus and experience more of America.

Coffee, Tea, & English is a free and fun way to transition into America.

On Friday afternoons from 4:30 to 6 p.m., get together with students and community members who have volunteered to come and learn more about American culture and language.

The program is co-sponsored by Bridges Internation, Cru & International Students and Scholars Office and is held at Gerdin Business Building/Lobby Café.

For more information on the ISSO visit: https://www.isso.iastate.edu/

For more information on international clubs: https://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/orgtype/15