ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, PROGRAMS

Social Events

Virginia Governor's International Education Day 2006
International Week (every spring)
Thanksgiving Luncheon
Events & Reminders For New International Students - SPRING 2008
Other Events and Reminders for 2007 - 2008 (University Life Calendar)
International Education Week 2007

In celebration of this year's International Education Week (November 13th - November 17th), OIPS was staffing informational kiosks at the Johnson Center aimed at increasing awareness of International Education Week, as well as sharing facts and benefits of international education. Students were given a chance to take a Global IQ Quiz.

 

 

 

 

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International Week 2008 (April 5 to 12)

Mason: One Community, Many Identities

International Flags Display in Johnson Center

International Week is a well established tradition at George Mason University to celebrate the presence of students from overseas including university international and immigrant student population. For immigrant students International Week at Mason provides an opportunity to share their cultural heritages. Many of the students are involved in the nearly 20 student organizations that come under the International Student Umbrella (ISU) in the Office of Student Activities. These organizations cover a variety of ethnic groups, including the Armenian Student Association, the Bengali Patriots, and the Caribbean Student Association, and a number of these organizations sponsor cultural nights throughout the week. Students are responsible for all the programs happening during the week from fashion shows to cricket tournaments. Good ethnic food and superlative international music and dance performances draw community attention since the very inception of the International Week.

International Week 2007 (April 7 to April 14)

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International Thanksgiving Luncheon

International Thanksgiving LuncheonOn Monday, November 19, 2007 in Johnson Center Dewberry Hall the Office of International Programs and Services together with the English Language Institute will host an International Thanksgiving Luncheon for all members of Mason's International community with the special invitation to Mason Study Abroad returnees and students majoring in Global Affairs.

Thanksgiving is a unique American celebration which originally was a harvest feast. It is a time of thanks, gatherings and holiday meals and a time for turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and holiday parades. Thanksgiving Day in America is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, which this year is November 23rd.

International Thanksgiving LuncheonOIPS and ELI want to offer their international students a taste of Thanksgiving and the presence of each member of Mason's international community to help share this celebration is greatly appreciated. Moreover, International Thanksgiving Luncheon is a great opportunity to share some elements of similar Harvest/Fall traditional holidays celebrations around the world! OIPS would assist you in organizing a showcase or a short presentation on the Harvesting tradition of your country/culture.
Proposals for dance/song performances are also welcome!
You may also bring international dishes that could give a nice international flavor to our traditional holiday menu!

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On-going Programs

Language Partner Program
Conversational Club with the International Association
George Mason University International Classroom
International Spouses Network
International Leadership Activities

Language Partner Program

Do you speak a foreign language?

Would you like to learn another language?

Would you like to learn about another culture?

The new Language Partner Program involves pairing two fluent speakers of different languages who meet on a regular basis to practice their language skills. By working together as a team, the partners learn from each other. Once matched, partners determine when, where and how often to meet.

If you would like to participate, please fill out the application form (MS Word) or
Language Partner Program (PDF) and email it to amenyayl@gmu.edu or mail to:
Office of International Programs and Services
4400 University Drive, MS 4C3
Fairfax, VA 22030
.

Note: we cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide you with a language partner.

This program is only open to GMU students, faculty and staff.

Conversational Club with the International Association

International AssociationThe International Association is a recognized student association that promotes understanding between nations/cultures and helps Mason community from all nations across the globe (particularly those newly arrived to the United States) adjust to and enjoy all this area has to offer! If you are interested, join the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION and invite your friends!!! ( http://gmu.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5165589933)

This group is for openminded people of ALL cultures who are interested in sharing their culture and learning about others. Members are dedicated to having fun as well as helping those newly arrived. The group stand for tollerance, understanding and the appreciation of all cultures.

International Association will be balancing fun/social activities with cultural awareness and helping the newly arrived/adjusting.International Coffee Hour

Conversational Club that OIPS launched in Fall 2007 semester started as a club for fun and useful discussions on a range of vital topics (students' choice); students explore their own culture in regards to its similarities and contrasts to American culture and other foreign cultures. Informal setting, snacks and drinks, interactive activities at the club meetings give students the chance to get to know other people who participate in the Language Partner program, in addition to a meeting with your language partner and meet members of the International Association. Conversational club meetings take place every other Friday from 6:30 to 8 pm. You can attend club meetings regardless of whether you are a participant of the Language Partner Program.

International Coffee Hour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Leadership Conference

JMU and Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) partner together to offer an annual leadership conference to international students studying at universities in the United States. Various workshops focused on leadership development are combined with evening activities and a special keynote speaker. Students from a five-state regional area attend this conference. The International Student Leadership Conference has its own web site within the oIP site. Please click on the following link to visit: www.jmu.edu/international/islc.

The 8th Annual International Student Leadership Conference in Harrisonburg, Virginia, will take place on March 28 and 29, 2008. The theme of the 2008 conference will be "Impossible is Nothing" The Conference will be hosting more than 200 individuals from around the world, currently studying at colleges and universities in the United States.

Early registration ends on March 7, 2008. If you are interested in participation, please fill out the Application Form and return it to OIPS or e-mail it as an attachment to amenyayl@gmu.edu. If the form is not available on your computer, please pick it up in OIPS. There is no fee for Mason’s international students to attend. $10 refundable deposit will be returned to you at the Conference site. Registration fee: OIPS will cover the cost of registration with only a $10 refundable deposit from the student if we receive your information before March 5. After March 5 this will increase to $20. Transportation: OIPS will provide free transportation to the Conference location from GMU campus and back. International Leadership Conference 2007 Participants: Students who attended ISLC last year are welcome to join us by paying a $25 fee. Students who did not participate in ISLC previously are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Campus Programs for International Students

International Component of Peer Empowerment Program

Peer Empowerment Program has an "International Component " for international students where international students meet up and explore areas of interest, make acquaintances, experience the American culture and hobbies. It provides support and resources to international students dealing with personal and academic concerns as well as the unique challenges posed by culture-shock and acculturation. It features such programs as International Chat, the Celebration of the United Nation Day in October 24, International Student Mentoring Program, Forum for International Students, "Friends, Food & Film", and "A Taste of Cultures". For more information, contact Peer Empowerment Program, Student Union Building 1, room 221 or call 703-993-2380.

Free English Improvement Workshops at English Language Institute

THE ENGLISH CONVERSATION PROGRAM

The English Conversation Program offers non-native speakers of English the chance to improve their spoken English by meeting for conversation for an hour each week. Participants are organized into small groups, each led by an American graduate student. Meetings are held on the Fairfax campus at various times throughout the week.
Free.

To sign up for the conversation program or for more information on the conversation program or workshops, contact Melissa Allen at malle2@gmu.edu or 993-3642.

English language improvement programs are also offered at the Prince William and Arlington campuses. For more information about the Prince William program, contact Valerie Ruiz at vruiz@gmu.edu; for more information about the Arlington program, contact Carol Auerbach at cauerbac@gmu.edu.

The Writing Center Workshops

The Writing Center offers English as a Second Language (ESL) assistance and a popular series of workshops designed to help students working on research papers.

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Community Connections

Friends In Deed

Friends In Deed (FID) is a Christian organization designed to assist international students of all races, nationalities, and religions at George Mason University by promoting friendship and hospitality.

Meridian International Center

Meridian International Center is a non-profit institution that promotes international understanding through the exchange of people, ideas and the arts. Established in 1960 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Meridian offers a wide array of outreach, exchanges, and arts programs. International Classroom Program is offered by Meridian International at George Mason University.

East West DC International Connections

East-West DC International Connections is designed to "help new internationals get connected to social circles in DC, while creating an educational forum for world travelers and citizens."

Truro International Programs and Services (TIPS)

Truro International Programs and Services (TIPS) is sponsored by Truro Episcopal Church of Fairfax, VA. Its purpose is to promote friendships between Americans and internationals. It is open to people of all nationalities and religious backgrounds. TIPS seeks to be a resource to meet the cultural and personal needs of our community's international friends and newcomers.
Most TIPS activities are free, and people of all nationalities, religious, and cultural backgrounds are welcome. For more information about programs, activities and services call the TIPS office at 703-273-1300, ext. 530. Or send an email to TIPSTRURO@juno.com. website is http://www.trurochurch.org

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Last updated: February 11 , 2008