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Speakers Service

International students are often asked to make visits to high schools, KU classes, civic groups, and other organizations to share their culture. This can be in the form of a formal presentation or an informal question/ answer session.

We keep a list of all interested international students and match them with campus or community requests.

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Media Contact Service

Newspaper, television, or radio reporters ocassionally request an interview with an international student from a particular country or region of wht world for the purpose of gaining insights, information, or opinions related to a news story they are producing. Topics may range from personal or cultural interests to current economic and political situations. The names and directory information for students who wish to participate in this service will be made available by ISSS to media contacts as applicable requests are received.

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Translation Service

Translators are periodically needed to assist new students arriving on campus who may not yet have the English proficiency to communicate and understand University policies.This often occurs in the case of a medical emergency. Other times, someone may just have a short letter or correspondence that they would like to have read or translated into English.

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Performers Service

Similar to the Speakers Service, this program provides students an opportunity to demonstrate a craft, skill or talent representative of their culture. Examples include dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument and calligraphy.

This program appeals to participants who would like to share something about their culture, but who do not feel at ease speaking in a formal situation.

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Homecoming Flag Parade

Before the kick off of the KU Homecoming football game, you have the opportunity to take part in an original KU tradition by carrying your country\'s flag in the Homecoming International Flag Parade.

This is a highly anticipated and memorable event full of school spirit and national pride as we celebrate diversity at the University of Kansas!

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World at KU

Organized in partnership with the office of international programs, WAKU is a recognition ceremony celebrating the successful programming of our international student organizations.

Students of all nations are encouraged to set up demonstration tables to represent their countries.

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International Awareness Week

Organized by the International Student Association (ISA), this week\'s activities include World Expo and Festival of nations.

Participating students set up demonstration tables for their countries by present cultural artifacts, traditional customs and apparel to an audience from the local community, KU, and area grade schools. This is one of the largest events of the year.

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Friendship Family Program

This community based program matches participating students with local families and individuals. This is not a live-in program, but an opportunity for friendship and promotion of cultural exchange from social activities. Activities can include but are not limited to occasional meals, game nights, parties, etc. Matches are made throughout the school year.

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Thanksgiving Homestay

Thanksgiving is an annual, one-day holiday for celebrating gratitude and unity. It takes place on the fourth Thursday of November, and marks the beginning of the \'holiday season\' for Americans. The Betty Grimwood Thanksgiving Home Stay Program is an opportunity fro students to stay with area host families for either the Thanksgiving holiday dinner or for the entire holiday weekend.

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Small World

This is a not-for-profit, volunteering community organization for non-student female spouses of KU international students, faculty, and scholars who wish to improve their English and learn about American customs. Additional information is available on their website or in the ISSS office.

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Instructions for Signing Up

Click on any program to find out more.
Add a program you\'d like to participate in by selecting the box next to it.
Click "Sign Me Up!" once you\'ve chosen all the programs you want to join.

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Orientation Volunteer

ISSS is looking for volunteers interested in helping during our New International Student Orientation for the beginning of the spring 2010 semester. Some volunteer duties include: greeting students as they arrive, checking nametags and documentation, directing students where to go, assisting Orientation Leaders in ice breaker games, group discussions, conversing and making students feel at home, monitoring doors during various sessions, setting up and cleaning up at our final party, and translating. Volunteering in the international orientation "YOU at KU" not only provides you a great team work experience but also gives you an opportunity to make new friends from all around the world.

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International Student Association

This organization merges all of the nationalities represented on the KU campus to promote international friendships and cultural appreciation. Members are treated to a variety of social events throughout the academic term. Highlighting the spring semester, ISA hosts a week of international awareness programs culminating in a Festival of Nations, which features talents and fashions from around the world.

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International Student Ambassador Program

The International Student Ambassador Program (ISAP) serves new and prospective international students who are interested in attending The University of Kansas (KU). International Student Ambassadors help new international students in the transition process from their respective foreign country or previous school to the United States of America and KU. International Student Ambassador fosters a friendly environment between students of all nationalities and actively raises awareness of the international culture on campus.

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