MISSION STATEMENT

Founded in 1952, the International Hospitality Committee (IHC) organizes volunteer programs to help international students, faculty, staff and their families during their stay in the Champaign-Urbana community. The goals of IHC are to promote an enjoyable cultural and educational experience for international visitors, to facilitate their adjustment to their new environment, to aid them in improving their English skills and to encourage understanding and friendship between local residents and people from other countries.

MEMBERSHIP

IHC is composed of community volunteers dedicated to providing a variety of support services for international visitors at the University of Illinois. The committee also works in close cooperation with the Office of International Affairs.

New members are always welcome to participate in any of the following activities and programs. There are no fees or dues, but monetary donations are always welcome. As a member, you will be invited to attend our fall and spring general meetings, which feature a topic of international interest. In addition, you will also receive our bi-annual newsletter entitled Hand in Hand.

PROGRAMS

IHC organizes the following programs, all of which are free of charge and may be joined at any time. Transportation can be arranged if necessary.

For more information about any of these programs, please contact the University of Illinois Office of International Affairs at 333-1303, Martha Diehl at 398-6341 or Vivienne Mackie at 328-1569.

The Lending Storeroom

The lending storeroom is operated for the benefit of University of Illinois international students, faculty, staff and their families. Various household articles are loaned free of charge to be used as long as needed by these individuals while at least one person is involved with the University of Illinois. The storeroom is located at 2044-A Orchard Street in Urbana. It is open from 9:00 - 11 a.m. every Saturday.

Special Projects

IHC assists the University of Illinois Office of International Student Affairs with various other projects such as student registration and orientation, temporary housing, transportation, etc.

English Conversation Class

English conversation classes are informal groups of international men and women who meet weekly with volunteer leaders from IHC to gain practical experience speaking English.

Friendship Groups

Friendship groups are informal groups of American and international women who meet on a regular basis, at least once per month. Through a variety of activities, participants learn more about the local Champaign-Urbana area, share fun and friendship with people from other cultures and practice speaking English. Women from all countries are welcome.

International Friends Program

The International Friends Program offers an international visitor the opportunity to learn more about American life and culture by sharing with local residents various events such as a home-cooked meal, a holiday celebration, an outdoor activity, a movie, a day trip, or simply a cup of coffee and conversation. Activities can be as casual or as formal as you desire, and should be at the convenience of you and your student.

Participation is open to anyone, married of single, with or without children. Befriending an international student can be a mutually enriching experience. For more information about IHCÍs International Friends Program, contact Nancy McGlathery at 352-6902.

Welcome Dinners

In August of each year, local families invite groups of new international students to share a meal. Some families serve a dinner or buffet in their home; others have a picnic in their backyard or at a local park. For many new students, this is their first contact with a local family or individual.