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The International Friends Club (IFC) is a large group of American volunteers who help the SIUC international community in many ways. IFC volunteers come from all walks of life and play an important role by sharing American culture with international students and helping them adjust to life on campus. Volunteer responsibilities are limited to encourage participation and are available to college students, scholars, faculty and staff as well as area citizens. Students, scholars and volunteers may register for any of the programs listed below by contacting Elaine Conrad, Community Programs Coordinator, by phone: (618) 453-5774 or by e-mail: econrad@siu.edu.
English In Action: International students and scholars meet with American partners at least once a week for an hour of casual conversation. The purpose is to improve speaking and listening skills, vocabulary, and understanding while exchanging ideas and experiences. American students, faculty, SIUC staff members and community volunteers enjoy helping with English skills and often become good friends with their international partners.
Language Exchange: American and international partners meet at least once a week for one hour of casual conversation. Half the hour is spent speaking in English and the other half in the non-English language so that both partners are able to improve their second language mastery. The most commonly sought non-English languages include: Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, French and German, but arrangements can be made for others as well.
Speakers Bureau: International students and scholars visit local community groups to speak about their cultures and their countries. This program enables students to learn about various civic organizations and interact with the community. Speakers may wear native clothing and show artifacts, play music, or show slides from their countries. These presentations require only minimal planning, and international students who participate are given a certificate of appreciation at the end of the semester.
International Women's Friendship Group: International women are invited to enjoy various social, cultural, and educational activities offered by several American women who have been working together for more than thirty-five years. English classes at five different levels are available as well as sewing, cooking, cultural exchange, slide shows, potluck dinners, and picnics. Meetings take place at University Baptist Church on the corner of S. Oakland and W. Freeman Streets in Carbondale every Thursday from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. when classes are in session. Transportation and childcare are provided.
International Women's Support Group: International women meet at least twice a month with American and international coordinators to socialize, plan events, and develop ideas for an assortment of social and educational activities including: parties, sight-seeing, swimming, cooking, crafts, picnics and other family activities, educational trips, women's health programs, etc. International women are encouraged to share their skills and talents with the group to develop their leadership abilities for the enrichment of all.
International Potluck Dinner: Cooking has always been an important part of International Friends Club activities. This program allows the exchange of ideas, recipes, and cultural cooking practices with only minimal preparation. Once each semester, about 25 International and American guests are invited to dinner in a private home off campus. Each cook prepares an authentic dish to serve 12. The recipes are submitted in advance and included in a cookbook for all the guests.
Mother Care: Through this program, small friendship teams (4 women) are created to help SIUC international women with the joys and stresses of pregnancy in the absence of their extended families. In addition: pregnant international women are given printed information, Internet links, and videos to help them prepare for childbirth. Team members meet regularly for social activities with the international woman throughout her pregnancy and for at least 4-6 weeks after the birth. They are also “on call” to answer simple questions of offer advice when concerns arise.
Loan Closet: Household items and winter coats are available on loan to SIUC international students and scholars, visiting professors, researchers and dignitaries. Nearly new warm coats, pots and pans, dishes, eating and cooking utensils, linens, pillows, and blankets are available. All items are used but are clean and in good condition. Donations from the community and departing students are welcome.
Emergency Response Team: This team of dedicated professionals from a variety of backgrounds (lawyer, counselor, spiritual advisor, insurance specialist, nurse, police officer, women's specialist, etc.) provides counsel and personal support to international students and scholars in emergency situations. Members assist international students, scholars and their families in times of personal crisis or in catastrophic group circumstances.
Translation Incorporated: International students and scholars volunteer to act as translators for other students, community members, and groups.
Global Scholars Group: International scholars meet to discuss research projects, collaborate, and plan special activities .
International Coffee Hour: The Coffee Hour is a weekly informal social event created to promote social interaction and friendly conversation between the American and international communities. This little café is open to the public at the International Programs & Services Office on Fridays from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. when classes are in session. Several host groups provide free refreshments in turn throughout the semester. The Coffee Hour has become a pleasant place to meet friends and enjoy conversation and laughter with others at the end of the week.
IN GEAR
(International Network of Global Educational Activities in Rural Schools)
SIUC international student volunteers share their personal insights and cultural experience through the IN GEAR Program, an educational outreach service that promotes multicultural understanding and global thinking among local school children. Through IN GEAR, teachers and administrators may request one or more international visitors to offer a glimpse of life in their native countries. These 1-hour presentations may include: artifacts, videos, native dress, music, foods, language etc., but the most impressive and enjoyable experience is meeting and talking with the friendly and interesting students who come to SIUC from all over the world.
This unique panel presentation is available to schools, churches, and community groups as an educational service to the region. It is designed to promote better understanding of world faiths and encourage discussion of women's roles as defined by their beliefs and cultures. The panel is comprised of 3-4 international women who briefly discuss their religious beliefs and cultures followed by a friendly round table dialogue with the audience through which the speakers may better understand the definition and importance of spirituality in the United States. The intent is not to debate, but to explore the importance and impact of spirituality around the world from a woman's point of view.
