InterConnect coordinates opportunities for small groups of international students to experience an evening out as dinner guests of a local host or family. Guests enjoy a home-cooked meal, warm conversation, and possibly a short tour of the home.
With the help of community partners, InterConnect coordinates a variety of events where international graduate students can experience aspects of the local culture. Members of the community share their “know-how” as informal cultural guides.
InterConnect links international students with local hosts willing to share American traditions and celebrations with students. The most popular of these events is joining a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Events can include football tailgates to holidays throughout the year.
International Graduate Experiences is an ongoing series of seminar topics designed to help our international graduate students experience a more culturally integrated life while in Auburn.
Select sessions are offered to incoming and newly arrived students to foster a smoother transition into life in the U.S. and Auburn. Other InterConnect resources include our Relocation Guide (PDF) as well as the groups and events listed on this page.
In addition to new student sessions, various topics may be offered throughout the year for current students to deepen understanding of U.S. American values and culture, learn solutions to practical concerns, and enhance their day-to-day experiences.
Spouses and families of international graduate students are welcome to participate in many of the above events and activities coordinated by AU InterConnect. Ocassionally, campus and community partners offer events designed specifically for couples and/or families
For spouses of international students and scholars who have moved to Auburn, InterConnect offers a sense of community and networking through the International Women’s Group, which currently meets twice monthly and the International Men’s Network, a social group with occasional get-togethers. To engage with either of these groups, please contact intconn@auburn.edu.
The International Women’s Group was formed in 2012 to offer a point of connection for international women who have accompanied their spouse to Auburn (those who currently have dependent visa status).
Facilitated by women in the community, weekly meetings provide those from different cultural backgrounds an opportunity to build cross-cultural friendships, practice conversational English, and learn about helpful resources in the community. Children are welcome at meetings. For more information, email intconn@auburn.edu.
The International Men’s Social Group was formed in 2022 to help men who have come to Auburn on spousal visas to connect and develop friendships among those in a similar life stage and to meet locals as well. Primarily a time for food and great conversation, occasional topics on “how-to” or inside tracks will help internationals adapt to life in the US & Auburn. For more information on these bi-monthly meetings, email intconn@auburn.edu.
International Buddy Program (IBP)
IBP fosters meaningful friendships by pairing international students with domestic students in order to facilitate a smooth transition into American culture and college life. Buddy pairs allow the international students to be fully integrated into the Auburn family, while allowing domestic students to learn more about another culture and country.
fosters meaningful friendships by pairing international students with domestic students in order to facilitate a smooth transition into American culture and college life. Buddy pairs allow the international students to be fully integrated into the Auburn family, while allowing domestic students to learn more about another culture and country.
International Cultural Center
Housed within the Office of International Programs, the International Cultural Center hosts over 10 different initiatives with the goal to create engaging environments for learning and co-curricular experiences that support language acquisition, intercultural competency, and international engagement and partnerships. From the monthly Intercultural Cafe to hands-on Culture and Cuisine classes, visit here to learn the myriad of opportunities offered by ICC.
Auburn University has over 500 active student-led organizations. Among these are the International Student Organization (AU authentication required) and other several cultural and country-specific organizations. We encourage our international students to connect with one or more of these groups to have social support as well as to promote cross-cultural awareness.
To learn more about all student-led organizations and events, visit AU Involve.
