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The Indiana Daily Student

Culture Centers: helping students transition to IU

News-filler

At IU, the Office of International Services, along with various culture centers, work to try and make the transition to IU as easy as possible for international students. Here's what you need to know about each center.

The Office of International Services makes the transition to American culture easier for international students, providing resources on everything from communication to visas.


Helene G. Simon Hillel Center is, as their website describes, a "home away from home on campus" for a diverse Jewish student population. The IU Hillel Foundation was founded on campus in 1938. Hillel provides religious, cultural and social programming opportunities to assist in the creation of a Jewish community on the IU campus. 

Address: 730 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401

Phone: 812-336-3824


IU students Olivia Turi, Evan Weis and Max Gruenberg raise cups of grape juice during a pre-meal blessing in January 2017 at the Helene G. Simon Hillel Canter. Hillel is one of the many religious organizations on campus.
IU students Olivia Turi, Evan Weis and Max Gruenberg raise cups of grape juice during a pre-meal blessing in January 2017 at the Helene G. Simon Hillel Canter. Hillel is one of the many religious organizations on campus. Marlie Bruns



The Asian Culture Center was established in 1988 and is the oldest Asian culture center of its kind in the Midwest. The center provides language sessions on Hindi, Korean and Mandarin for those interested in learning more about the language and culture.

Address: 807 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN 47408

Phone: 812-856-5361


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Joyce Rogers, center, vice president for development and external relations for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, addresses students at the 16th anniversary of the creation of the IU Asian Culture Center in 2014.  IDS file photo



The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center is home to the African American Arts Institute, which has several events and performances throughout the year by groups like the IU Soul Revue, the African American Dance Company and the African American Choral Ensemble. The center’s programs and organizations help to promote an awareness and understanding about the experience of black students at IU. 

Address: 275 N. Jordan Ave., Bloomington, IN 47405

Phone: 812-855-9271


Graduate student Kristen Hurns participates in an activity focusing on privilege and diversity at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity Summit. The summit was put on at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center.
Graduate student Kristen Hurns participates in an activity focusing on privilege and diversity at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity Summit. The summit was put on at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. Sam House


The La Casa Latino Cultural Center was established in 1973 with the idea and purpose of creating better cultural awareness about Latino culture and history. The center presents arts performances and cultural events and is a link between the University, the city and the Latino community.  

Address: 715 E. 7th St., Bloomington IN, 47408


Phone: 812-855-0174 


Dance group "Paso a Paso" teaches the crowd of students at La Casa Latino Cultural Center how to do different well-known Latin American dances.
Dance group "Paso a Paso" teaches the crowd of students at La Casa Latino Cultural Center how to do different well-known Latin American dances. Ty Vinson



The First Nations Educational and Cultural Center was opened in 2007 as a way to create a welcoming environment for indigenous and native students. The center also has an annual IU Traditional Powwow, which is popular among students. 

Address: 712 E. Eighth St., Bloomington, IN 47408

Phone: 812-855-4814


Performers stand during the First Nations Traditional Powwow on April 9, 2017, in Dunn Meadow. 
Performers stand during the First Nations Traditional Powwow on April 9, 2017, in Dunn Meadow.  Fuad Ponjevic


IU's LGBTQ+ Culture Center is open to everyone and serves as a gathering space for LGBTQ+ students who might need encouragement and resources to help build meaningful relationships and friendships upon arriving at college. The Center also recently started a peer mentor program for those interested.

Address: 705 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN 47408

Phone: 812-855-4252


LGBTQ+ Culture Center
The LGBTQ+ Culture Center is located at 705 E. 7th St., across the street from the Indiana Memorial Union. Matt Begala
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