As an international student at The University of Chicago, it can be challenging to find the exact place to go for any given service. In this blog post, we will highlight many of the services offered for various needs and give you scenarios in which you’d seek out some of these specific offerings.
Linguistic:
Culture & Identity:
General and Career:
Health & Safety:
Now we will provide examples of how these services can be used.
Student 1: International Career-focused Masters Student
- ELI: I’d definitely take the Professional English course one quarter because it focuses on “increasing awareness of cultural norms and improving English fluency for use in the North American workplace.” I’d also like to join the weekly extracurricular activities as a way to improve my English and meet new people during my short time at UChicago.
- Center for Identity & Inclusion: I would attend one of their ongoing workshops as professional development. An upcoming one of interest to me: ‘Fostering Inclusive Leadership.’
- International House: I am interested in the Language & Culture tables at I-House as a way to network with other international students
- Spiritual Life: What a great opportunity to connect with my faith community while away from home.
- OIA: I’d sign up for an informational session about Tax information for International Students
- UChicagoGRAD: I’d meet with a Career Advisor, attend one of the many career events, and research jobs & fellowships through GRAD Gargoyle.
- Wellness: Resilience in Diversity: International Student Therapy Group, offered on Fridays over Zoom sounds great!
- Safety & Security: First, I’d download the UChicago Safe App. I’d also take advantage of the Lyft Ride Smart service.
Student 2: International Academia-focused PhD Student
- ELI – Academic English Pre-Matriculation Program to kickstart my academic career
- Center for Identity & Inclusion – FLI Network to gain a community of support
- International House – Global Mentorship Network to receive some guidance from a fellow student
- Spiritual Life – 20 Minutes Still Meditation to take a pause
- OIA – Advising appointment to ask questions about my visa status
- UChicagoGRAD – Structured Writing Accountability Groups to keep myself accountable while writing my dissertation
- Wellness – Let’s Talk to check in on my mental health
- Safety & Security – University Shuttles to get around campus and beyond
What about you? Take a moment to evaluate your own goals and consider which University departments and programs would best help you achieve those goals.
For more information on services around campus meant to help International Students, you can look into those mentioned above or check out the group on campus called IGSAB (International Graduate Student Advisory Board). This group aims to be a resource that brings together departments that serve International students.