The Office of International Studies is a great place to start, and it can point you in the direction of IU’s many other culture centers.
“I find that an international student, often more homesick, will enjoy more cultural specific events,” said Lillian Casillas, director of the La Casa Latino Cultural Center.
That is what she tries to provide for students who come to the center. Known as La Casa, which means “the house” in Spanish, to many students it becomes just that — a home.
From the annual Festival Latino to the home-cooked dinners, Casillas and her staff work year-round to put on programs in hopes of educating and providing resources to students.
“As soon as the students come to campus, I like to have an open house so that they know we are here,” Casillas said.
Comfort is what the Center for Human Growth tries to provide with its international student support group. The support group offers a five-session series that focuses on different topics such as homesickness, adjustment issues and stress management.
The program is just one of the resources the center offers as part of its counseling services.
Yvonne Mok, who did her master’s degree practicum at the center, encourages everyone to take advantage of the services.
“The programs are good for getting to know more about American culture,” she said. “We can share our experiences and support one another.
IU CULTURE CENTERS
HELENE G. SIMON HILLEL CENTER
730 E. Third St.
812-336-3824
ASIAN CULTURE CENTER
807 E. 10th St.
812-856-5361
NEAL-MARSHALL BLACK CULTURE CENTER
275 N. Jordan Ave.
812-855-9271
LA CASA LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
715 E. Seventh St.
812-855-0174
FIRST NATIONS EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER
712 E. Eighth St.(renovations to be completed fall 2014)
812-855-4814
MORE RESOURCES
Language Conversation Clubs
The Office of International Services offers many opportunities to practice almost any language you want to learn. They’re free, and the schedule is available at ois.iu.edu.
