Many IU students are too devoted to their academics, extra-curricular activities or close-knit college community to study abroad. Thankfully, traveling overseas is not the only way to experience other cultures -- to get the chance to make small talk in Chinese or Hindi at a traditional celebration or ceremony. The Leo R. Dowling International Center serves the diverse needs of international students at IU and offers a lesser-known but invaluable gateway for American students to the international experience.
For students who haven't studied overseas and won't be able to because of demanding major requirements and extra-curriculars, hosts of international experiences are within walking distance from any IU dorm. The Leo R. Dowling International Center, located on Jordan Avenue next to Read Quad, reaches out to the large international community at IU with cultural events, international conversation clubs and conversational English tutoring.
Students studying Chinese, Korean, Japanese or Hindi, to name a few, can attend weekly meetings with native speakers to hone their language abilities. The often small and intimate conversation clubs provide a friendly crash course for any student wanting to improve speech fluency.
Each Saturday, the International Center opens its doors for international students who want extra conversational English practice. This Practical English Tutorial Program gives IU students the opportunity to learn about how American language, culture and politics measure up to those of other countries. It also allows American tutors to directly influence how visitors perceive America.
PET tutor and IU junior Brett Norris began tutoring international students his freshman year. Norris said the tutoring experience has given him valuable communication skills for his future.
"I also feel satisfaction in being able to make international students and scholars feel welcome and supported at IU," Norris said.
IU's international services are some of the most expansive among U.S. universities, charged with catering to the needs of a huge international student and faculty community in Bloomington. More than 11,000 students, faculty and staff took advantage of the international center last year. However, it only attracts an average of 30 student volunteers annually.
We should take pride in the diversity of our academic community by not only taking advantage of the center's services, but also by contributing our own time to help make the awkward transition from home country to host country that much easier.
The variety of services and programs the center offers accommodates interest in most areas of the world with an incredible amount of activities. Sandra Britton, the center's director, said the most popular events at the international center are Friday's noon musical concerts and evening coffee hours. These relaxing activities, featuring musical and dance performances by students from all over the globe, are some of the simplest ways to get involved with the international community at IU.
For those students hankering after an international experience, there is no need to wait to take a peek beyond American boundaries.
