skip navigation

Programs

The Office of International Students and Scholars is pleased to provide a variety of programs to assist international students with their adjustment and integration to the University of Arkansas, the local community, and American culture. Below you will find brief descriptions of each of our programs. For more information please follow the links to the right.

Planning Your Arrival

The ISS Office has prepared helpful information to ensure students make all the necessary preparations for coming to the University of Arkansas.

Conversation Club

Conversation Club begins each semester and meets for approximately 1 hour each week for 8 weeks. It is designed to to promote friendships, discuss culture, and improve conversational Engish. Each group is led by two Americans.

Cross Cultural Mentor Program (CCM)

CCMs are selected students who volunteer their time each semester to lead new international students through orientation and to serve as a point of contact throughout the school year.

Friendship Family Program

The Friendship Family Program matches international students with American families. This is not a live-in program. Families are encouraged to do something once a month with their student throughout the school year to introduce them to everyday American life..

Global Greeks

This program, offered on a limited basis, pairs international students with Greek chapters to understand Greek life, exchange culture, and build friendships.

International Culture Team

The International Culture Team is made up of a core of about 50 students from over 30 countries. This team visits local classrooms, businesses, and community organizations for the purpose of sharing culture.

Dinner in the American Home

During each orientation this opportunity is provided to allow new students to spend a few hours in an American home for a personal welcome to Arkansas.

Field Trips

Field Trips are taken each year to Little Rock, Mountain View, and Tahlequah as well as a different major city. These trips introduce students to surrounding area attractions and cultures such as Civil Rights history, Clinton Presidential Library, Ozark Folk Center, Blanchard Springs Cavern and the Cherokee Heritage Center.

International Education Week (IEW)

IEW takes place each November and is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of State to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange. Events such as the International Bazaar and Study Abroad Photo Contest highlight international education opportunities at the University.

Intake and Orientation

Intake is required for every new international student so students can present their immigration documents and gain an understanding of important information regarding their immigration status. Each Fall and Spring, during orientation we welcome new students to the campus and community with many different informative and fun events.

Spouse and Family

Spouses and families of students have a variety of needs as they settle in the community. The ISS Office has prepared a resource document of contact information to assist in this transition.

Student Cultural Organizations

Registered Student Organizations are organized and led by students. They sometimes vary from year to year but there is always a variety of cultural organizations for students to connect over common interests and cultures.