Events and Programs

College 101 is open to all undergraduate students. The program is designed to help international students adapt to their life at Syracuse University and in the United States of America. Throughout the academic year there will be a series of engaging activities that help international students with their daily life. Topics covered will include health insurance, banking, public transportation, housing and so much more!

The Connections Program is open to all first-year (freshmen, transfer, exchange) and second-year undergraduate international students. It connects international students to the Syracuse University campus and local community. The program offers special access to events for its participants, such as trips around Syracuse, game nights, pumpkin carving, bubble tea socials, cultural celebrations, free individual tutoring through CLASS and much more!

The English Conversation Group program promotes friendship and understanding between our English-speaking Group Facilitators and international students, scholars and spouses. It provides participants an opportunity to practice and improve their English language skills through informal conversations. This program was founded in 1987 by our beloved Riet Dekleermaeker.

Conversation groups usually consist of four to five international students and an English-speaking Group Facilitator. Groups meet for approximately one hour once a week.

Fall 2024 Sessions

During Fall 2024, we will be offering English Conversation Groups in person.

• Sessions will run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Each session will take 1 hour.

Interested in joining an English Conversation Group for Fall 2024? Complete the registration form and we will contact you.

Become a Group Facilitator

Our English Conversation Group Facilitators are volunteer students, staff or faculty at Syracuse University who are fluent in English and lead a weekly group of students. Facilitators focus on making all students in their group feel welcome and assist with guiding questions and discussion topics. Facilitators help to make sure everyone in their group has equal speaking time.

Interested in being a Group Facilitator? Complete the Fall 2024 registration form and we will contact you.

Benefits of Being a Facilitator

• Make great connections with international students.
• Gain leadership and facilitation skills.
• Highlight the position on your resume, and you can use us as a reference.
• May be able to use this role to fulfill service requirements from another organization, such as the Honors Program.

The International Festival Celebration is an annual large-scale showcase of cultural traditions and talents from our student body. This event is a cross-collaboration between the Center for International Services and numerous student organizations celebrating cultural enrichment in the Syracuse community.

The Center for International Services provides participating student organizations with a budget and resources to host a variety of traditional foods and activities at the International Festival each year.

Please visit the International Graduation webpage to learn more.

This annual Syracuse University event is a beloved tradition among international students. The celebration is an opportunity to share North American Thanksgiving food and traditions with people from around the world. This event dates back to 1982 in Hendricks Chapel and was founded by Dr. T.E. Koshy. It has been held at Syracuse University every November since, except for 2010-2012; International Thanksgiving Celebration was brought back by Chancellor Syverud and Dr. Chen in 2013.

The 40th International Thanksgiving Celebration will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. International students will receive more information in the Fall 2024 semester.

Upstate New York is a place rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Intro to Upstate New York is a travel program that leads our international students through many wonderful places in Upstate New York and beyond the University campus.

2024-25 Programs

Details to follow shortly. Past programs have included trips to:

• Niagara Falls State Park
• Shopping Trips
• Corning Glass Museum and Cornell University
• Rochester Museums
• Auburn and Skaneateles Lake

Please keep checking this page for the trips itinerary and other short trips such as the Syracuse Regional Farmer’s Market, Downtown Syracuse and other places of interest in Syracuse and throughout Upstate New York.

Mix It Up is an initiative to further inclusion and intercultural understanding at Syracuse University. This event is committed to embracing all groups in the student body, providing them with a welcome and comfortable space for dialogue and creating opportunities for students to engage with others on various topics in a small group setting. Discussions explore identity, intercultural communication and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of fellow students. We offer participants a free meal and space for great conversation.

Fall 2024 Schedule

• Location: Center for International Services (310 Walnut Place)
• Time: 5-7 p.m.
• Dates: Coming soon!

Become a Facilitator

Our Mix It Up Facilitators are volunteer Syracuse University students, staff or faculty that lead the discussion component with a small group of students. Facilitators focus on making all students in their group feel welcome, enjoy the meal together and assist with asking discussion questions. Facilitators help to make sure everyone in their group has equal speaking time.

Interested in being a Facilitator? Complete the Mix It Up Facilitator Registration Form.

Benefits of Being a Facilitator

• Make great connections with other students.
• Gain leadership and facilitation skills.
• Highlight the position on your resume, and you can use us as a reference.
• May be able to use this role to fulfill service requirements from another organization.
• Enjoy a free meal and great atmosphere!

Phi Beta Delta Alpha Sigma Chapter Syracuse University is the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education and intercultural engagement in the community. This honor society recognizes undergraduate (must have a 3.4 GPA) and graduate students (must have a 3.7 GPA), including students who study abroad, as well as faculty and staff involved in international research or commitment. Executive board members from Phi Beta Delta Alpha Sigma Chapter Syracuse University select nominees for recognition based on their academic performance and/or commitment to internationalization on campus.

We are seeking nominations and accepting applications for membership from individuals on campus who contribute to international awareness and engagement. The Application Form will be available in Spring 2023.

Email the Center for International Services with any questions.

Learn more information about the International Phi Beta Delta Honor Society and its chapters around the world.