It is our volunteers that make all of these events possible, so if you would like to lend a helping hand--and have some fun while doing it--please do not hesitate to contact us!

Disclaimer:
The OISS provides a variety of programs and opportunities to Rice internationals with the purpose of cross-cultural education and enrichment. Many of these programs are led by community volunteers, who at times have unfortunately promoted their own special interests. If you find you feel uncomfortable in anyway while participating in one of these programs, please notify someone in OISS, so that we may address these issues. Our purpose is strictly cross-cultural adjustment, awareness, and enrichment.

Spouses of Internationals at Rice (SIR) 

Spouses of Internationals at Rice wishes to invite all wives and international women students to our monthly gatherings! We want to get to know you. Plan to eat lunch, socialize, share customs, traditions, holidays, and enjoy each others company. Supported by the Office of International Students & Scholars. SIR meets the first Wednesday of every month at noon. To find out more about this program, please contact OISS.

We invite you to join our free English and Culture classes! Please note that these classes are offered to you by volunteers who enjoy meeting and helping Rice internationals, and receive no compensation except the enjoyment of meeting and working with you. Even if you feel confident in your English language skills, we encourage you to join us for a fun opportunity to make friends and find out more about American culture. Click here for this semester's schedule. The classes typically offered include Beginning English Conversation, Advanced/Intermediate Conversation, English Idioms & Slang, and Grammar & Pronunciation.

For more formal English classes, you may contact Rice's ESL (English as a Second Language) Program. This program is not free, but is an excellent program for all different levels of English speaking abilities.

R.E.A.P. International

REAP International (Rice Experiences Advertised to Prospects –Internationally), is a program to increase Rice University’s visibility on a broad-based scale to prospective international students, overseas universities/schools, and overseas advising centers, through hearing about Rice students’ experiences. Rice University international students choosing to participate with REAP International will be serving as a type of “ambassador” for our school.

If you are currently an enrolled, degree-seeking international student on a non-immigrant visa at Rice, and are interested in visiting a high school, university/college, or overseas advising center in your home country during your visit home, please visit REAP International. This is a collaborative program between the Rice University Office of International Students & Scholar and the Office of Admissions.

V.I.P. - Valuable International Perspective

The V.I.P. website was launched in Spring 2008, and serves as a place to highlight international perspectives on a variety of topics. V.I.P. is an opportunity to complete the cultural exchange. It is a way to learn from the wonderful wealth of cultural and traditional differences and similarities, as well as individual perspectives that our Rice international students & scholars bring to our campus. We hope the information will provide great learning opportunities, as well as fun for Rice internationals as they share their great knowledge.

Culture Fair

An annual activity sponsored by ADVANCE (Advocating Diversity and the Need for Cultural Exchange). International and other organizations at Rice present pictures, food, native dresses, maps, handouts, etc. Culture Fair promotes cultural awareness on Rice's campus, and creates an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to deepen their understanding of different cultures. Prized are awarded to the best table and the best talent show at Culture Fair. Culture Fair 2005 was a huge success, so be sure to sign up to participate in next year's event. See the Culture Fair Photographs archive.

Friends of Foreign Students Program

An opportunity for you and a local family to meet and become friends during the year. The families enjoy knowing international students and helping them feel at home, and are interested in learning about other countries. This program is offered through a partnership with the Institute of International Education--Southern Region Office. Feel free to contact the OISS staff if you are interested in participating in the IIE's Friends of International Students and Scholars (FISS). Check out what previous international students have to say about the program:

 "One merit very special in my host family is that they accept the diversity of our social and cultural background as natural. They think it quite reasonable for people from different parts of the world to have different opinions about many things." -- Student from China

"I have an open invitation to have dinner with my host family every weekend. They are always ready to give helpful advice. I also had the opportunity to practice and improve my skills in English." -- Student from France

"I enjoy meeting new people and learning about new perspectives on things, and my conversations with the [host family] have been particularly interesting, though we haven't always seen eye to eye on everything. It was nice that the Host Family program could provide me with one more opportunity to meet someone new and learn something about how people live and interact with each other in this country." -- Student from India

"My host family has been very helpful and supportive and provided me with an American perspective on things in a very friendly and encouraging way. I am very appreciative to the IIE for giving me this delightful opportunity to meet and interact with such a friendly group of people. Thank you!!" -- Student from Pakistan

"It was nice to have someone invite us on several important occasions (Thanksgiving, Christmas, even days without any special meaning). Moreover, this was an opportunity to learn more about the American way of life, customs, and traditions." -- Student from Romania

International Community Holiday Celebrations

When it comes to American holiday traditions, we try to celebrate some of the special times with you. For example, in October we teach children of Rice international students and scholars about what it means to "trick or treat" on Halloween. Community volunteers host an annual Thanksgiving luncheon for Rice internationals each November--it is another wonderful opportunity to get to know each other!

Visiting Local Schools

Rice's OISS and St. Mark's, a local private elementary and middle school, have enjoyed nine years of collaboration. During the month of January, St. Mark celebrates its annual International Festival, where students conduct an intense study about countries around the world. Rice internationals proudly participate by teaching the children about different countries and cultures by preparing exciting interactive presentations.

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