Get Involved!

Programs for the entire USI community are designed to enhance each student’s academic experience and to help us all learn more about each other and the world in which we live. If you’d like to get more involved on campus and in the local community, check out some of the following programs:

International Club
Any student at the University of Southern Indiana can be a member of the International Club for an annual membership fee of $30.00. Students can apply for club membership by visiting the IPS office. The club sponsors trips, dinners, outings, international programs, and many other interesting and fun activities. Meetings are held every other week in the University Center. For more information on the club and its activities, check them out on Facebook! 

Friendship Partners Program
The Friendship Partners Program is designed to encourage international student involvement with American families in the Evansville community. We hope that this type of interaction will be beneficial to the students and families alike. Casual social occasions (dinner, sports activities, holiday visits, etc.) are perfect times to get together with each other, for friendship and relaxation. (Please note: this is not a homestay program.)

The host family is NOT responsible for:
- homestay
- money matters
- immigration regulations, visas, work permits, etc.
- academic counseling, class attendance
- registration procedures and payment of tuition

Becoming involved in the program is easy! Interested families and students can download the appropriate application here:
American family application
International student application

International Outreach Program
International Outreach Programs are coordinated by the Office of International Programs and Services. They provide international students with the opportunity to share their culture and language with American community groups, school children, and area business persons. If you would be interested in serving as an "ambassador" for your country, please fill out the following form:
International Outreach Volunteer Form

Small World Program
Conversation partners are American and international students interested in meeting to practice English and to broaden their horizons by learning more about each other. This program is a bridge between cultures, and quite often, long lasting friendships develop between conversation partners. Just what does a conversation partner do? An American student and an international student are paired together. The two then meet on a regular basis to speak English. The benefits of the experience can be great!

- The international student is given the opportunity to meet an American student on a more personal level.
- The international student is given the chance to SPEAK ENGLISH and to hear English as it is spoken every day, including slang, idioms, etc.
- Learning about American culture is another benefit enjoyed by international participants.
- American students benefit by learning about another culture and becoming a friend to the international student.
- Participants develop a different perspective of their own country as well as other countries.

Becoming a conversation partner is easy!

- Complete an application form and return it to the IPS Office. To download the form, click here:
  American student application
  International student application
- Based on the information given on your application, you will be paired with a Partner.
- You will receive an e-mail with your partner's name and phone number and a brief description of some of his/her hobbies, activities, and interests. Usually, we ask the American partner to make the initial contact to set up the first face-to-face meeting.

Please be patient! It may take a couple of weeks for the office to match you with a Conversation Partner, depending on how many people apply for the program at any given time.

Global Community Living-Learning Community
The Global Community LLC is an opportunity for American freshmen and international students who are interested in living in an international living/learning environment. Residents can learn more about the world through the exploration of cultures and global issues by interacting with one another on a daily basis. The Global Community allows friendships to develop along with respect and appreciation for the world at large, while celebrating our colorful diversity. A resident assistant lives on the floor, and several USI staff members work closely with the program. The Global Community is sponsored by the Office of International Programs and Services in cooperation with the Office of Residence Life.

Global Community Programs
Global Community’s weekly programs provide students with a diverse view of different countries, cultures and customs. Programs include country, culture and activity nights, along with international fun nights. The majority of these programs are open to the entire USI community. The majority of these programs are open to the entire USI community, although special community-building programs are offered exclusively to members of the floor. The floor also sponsors trips occasionally that allow students to bond, participate in fun and educational events, and see more of the Midwest. Those interested in presenting a program for the Global Community should contact Andrea Barnard in the International Programs and Services Office.