Whether you are an international student studying at the University of South Carolina or a domestic student interested in intercultural opportunities, a variety of programs and events are available on-campus and in the community promoting cultural awareness and opportunities for student involvement.
Thinking Globally
This is a great volunteer program that allows both study abroad returnees and international students the opportunity to interact with UNIV101 classes and give presentations on their international experiences. If you want to work on your public speaking skills or simply want the chance to get involved on campus this is the program for you!
Thinking Globally Presentation Schedule
Carolina Global Community (CGC)
This is an on campus residential community designed to bring both American students and international students together in a unique living arrangement. Click Here to Learn More!
Click Here to learn about other International-themed Housing Options.
Global Connections
Global Connections is a mentoring program that pairs up current South Carolina students with incoming international students. The current students act as virtual mentors to help ease the new students' transition into life here at the University of South Carolina and Columbia area.
Apply now to become a Mentor for Global Connections
Request a Mentor
International Student Association (ISA)
ISA is the most diverse student organization on campus. Both American and international student members participate in a ton of fun events throughout the year like cultural dinners, off campus destination trips, and World Night.
Check out the ISA Face book page! In addition to ISA there are a variety of other international organizations you can check out

Members of South Carolina’s Students Associated for Latin America (SALA) organization perform in the Annual World Night event.
World Night
The largest international event on campus, World Night is a fun filled evening of cultural performances, cuisines, and fashions in the spring.
International Education Week
Observed all around the United States in the fall, International Education Week provides students, faculty, and staff members the opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange through a variety of events. Around the World Trivia Night, International Movie Night, and Cuisine Days are just a sampling of the fun and educational events the International Student Services office sponsors

Students engage in a service project helping renovate homes in the Columbia area.
Student Voices
Student Voices is a program held several times throughout the semester. Through round table discussions, students have the opportunity to voice their opinions and provide feedback to the International Programs staff and campus community regarding programs and services.
Community Service
Throughout the year the International Student Services office plans various off -campus service projects for students. Projects in the past have consisted of working with the Columbia chapter of Home Works to help paint and renovate a house in the community. In addition to service projects we offer, check out the University’s Community Service Programs website for more opportunities
Study Abroad
See the world for yourself and earn credit toward graduation by studying abroad for a summer, semester, or an academic year. Check out the study abroad website for a list of all the programs the University of South Carolina offers.

Members of the Saudi Student Association participate in the International Organization Bazaar in celebration of International Education Week at South Carolina.
Study Abroad Fair (Fall) & Study Abroad Night (Spring)
Talk with study abroad returnees and South Carolina exchange students about their international experiences. If you are interested in participating, contact Study Abroad at scabroad@mailbox.sc.edu or 777-7557.
English Programs for Internationals (EPI)
Visit EPI and learn more about the Conversation Partner Program which gives you the chance to become a language exchange partner with an international student for a minimum of one hour per week. This is a great way to meet new people and learn about new cultures while helping someone improve their English language skills!
In addition to programs and events sponsored by the International Student Services office, check out these other opportunities on campus for involvement and cultural awareness…
- The Walker Institute of International and Area Studies at USC
- Consortium for Latino Immigration Studies at USC
- Foreign Language Learning Center at USC
- Carolina Productions
The greater Columbia area offers many cultural events and opportunities that are definitely worth taking a look at as well…


