Culture centers help students find a home

A cultural organization might help you find your niche at IU, whether you are ready to learn about other cultures or you want to find a place to feel at home.

The Office of International Studies is a great place to start, and it can point you in the direction of many of the other of IU’s culture centers.

“I find that an international student, often more homesick, will enjoy more cultural specific events,” said Lillian Casillas, director of the La Casa Latino Cultural Center.

That is what she tries to provide for students who come to the center. Known as La Casa (or “the house” in Spanish), to many students it becomes just that — a home.

From the annual Festival Latino to the home-cooked dinners, Casillas and her staff work year-round to put on programs in hopes of educating on culture and providing resources to students.

“As soon as the students come to campus, I like to have an open house,” Casillas said, “so that they know we are here.”

Comfort is what the Center for Human Growth tries to provide with its international student support group. The support group offers a five-session series that focuses on different topics such as homesickness, adjustment issues and stress management.

The program is just one of the resources the center offers as part of its counseling services.

Yvonne Mok, a master’s student doing her practicum at the center, encourages everyone to take advantage of the services.

“The programs are good for getting to know more about American culture,” she said. “We can share our experiences and support one another.

IU CULTURE CENTERS

FIRST NATIONS EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER
Weatherly Hall 203
400 N. Sunrise Dr.
812-855-4814

HELENE G. SIMON HILLEL CENTER
730 E. Third St.
812-336-3824

ASIAN CULTURE CENTER
807 E. 10th St.
812-856-5361

LA CASA LATINO CULTURE CENTER
715 E. Seventh St.
812-855-0174

NEAL-MARSHALL BLACK CULTURE CENTER
275 N. Jordan Ave.
812-855-9271

More resources to help you adjust
Language Conversation Clubs
The International Center offers many opportunities to practice almost any language you want to learn. They’re free, and the schedule is available at ois.indiana.edu.