Programs for International Students

Clubs - There are several clubs that are geared specifically to international students.  Many of the clubs are based on nationality or culture. Current members will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

CU International - CU International is a group of student volunteers who do programming for international students, scholars, and faculty.  Their members include both international and domestic students.   Newly arrived international students usually first meet CU International members during check-in at ISSS.  They are the friendly students who answer questions at check-in and organize campus tours.  They also plan dinners and other events where new students can meet each other.  Throughout the academic year, CU International continues to set up weekly dinners at a different location each time, known as "Wednesday at Somewhere." They provide support and service, such as fundraising, to international students experiencing sudden and unusual difficulties. 

Another CU International weekly event offered throughout the academic year is the highly popular International Coffee Hour.   On Friday afternoons from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., when academic year classes are in session, all CU students, scholars, faculty, and staff are invited to an informal international gathering in the University Memorial Center (UMC) across from Baby Doe's. Bring a friend!  Great people, great conversation, free refreshments!  No reservations are required.  This recurring event is co-sponsored by the Office of International Education and the CU Parents Association.  Questions?  Call 303-492-8057 and ask for an ISSS adviser.   For information about CU International events, look at the weekly ISSS newsletter, fs-adviser.

International Festival - The International Festival is a celebration of the many cultures and countries represented on the CU-Boulder campus.   It is held on the Saturday following the Conference on World Affairs in mid-April.  In a carnival-like atmosphere, international students showcase their country and culture through displays, performances, and samples of food.  The Festival is extremely popular and attendees number in the thousands.  The Festival is organized by a committee of international students at CU-Boulder, with the guidance of an ISSS staff member. To join the organizing committee, contact Becky Sibley at rebecca.sibley@colorado.edu.

Boulder Friends of International Students - BFIS is a non-profit organization founded in 1948 and is composed of 200 people from throughout the Boulder area. The organization's members host international students while they study here by taking them to events in the area, inviting them to dinner, or taking them on trips. They help students adjust to life in the US and learn about American customs; they are also interested in learning about the students' countries and cultures. In addition to the Welcome Picnic in the fall, BFIS organizes other events throughout the year as well.

BFIS matches students with members of the Boulder community. A friendship host could be a couple with or without children, or a single person with or without children. Students do not live with their hosts, but get together from time to time for dinner, picnics, holidays, conversations or other activities. Hosts may also help students get settled when they first arrive. Participation is voluntary, but if you do ask for a host, we expect you to see the host at least once a month.

Please complete the BFIS Host Family Program Information Sheet if you would like a host family. A member of BFIS will send you a letter with information about your host when he/she finds a host for you. You can contact your host when you get the information. BFIS will try to match you as quickly as possible, but you may not be matched before you arrive in the U.S. If you have not received a letter with information about a host before you arrive, please ask an international student adviser when you check in at ISSS.