Community Council for International Students

What is CCIS?

CCIS is an all-volunteer group of people dedicated to making Northwestern University's international students feel welcome in this country and at Northwestern. We do this by offering a variety of social and informational programs. If you are an international student or a community volunteer who would like to participate in one of these programs, see the contacts listed below.

CCIS History

The Community Council for International Students (CCIS) was founded in 1971 by a group of women who had lived and/or traveled extensively in other countries. The original mission holds true today: "to provide a cross-cultural exchange of ideas, information, and friendship." More than 4,500 students from over 60 countries have found CCIS to be a wonderful resource for making their stay in the U.S. easier and more enjoyable.

CCIS Programs

Homestay
Foster Relative
English Conversation Partners
English Conversation for Spouses
Children’s Playgroup
International American Women’s Group
Social Activities

Homestay

Students are housed by a local individual or family for 2-5 days before classes begin. This offers an opportunity for getting well acquainted within a close family setting in a very short period of time. Students are included in various family activities throughout their stay at Northwestern.

Homestay Application (PDF)

For more information, please contact:
Greta Sims: 847-328-7394 or rgsims@att.net 
Bonnie Wefler: 847-866-7084 or dwef@aol.com

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Foster Relative

Students are paired with a local individual or family who will include them in various family activities throughout the student’s entire stay at Northwestern.

Foster Relative Application (PDF)

For more information, please contact:
Greta Sims or by phone at: 847-328-7394
Sylvia Alvino or by phone at: 847-328-7516

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English Conversation Partners

Students enrolled at Northwestern practice and improve their English conversation skills by meeting with a CCIS volunteer conversation partner on a weekly basis at mutually agreed upon times and locations. There is a one-time $10 fee to students who participate in this program.  

Conversation Partners Application (PDF)

For more information, please contact:
Joan Fragen: 847-446-0184 or joanmaur@aol.com

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English Conversation for Spouses

Spouses meet weekly in a small group to speak English and exchange ideas and cultural practices in a fun, informal setting. There are two classes to choose from:

  • Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:00p.m. (year round, except from June 20 to Sept. 17); and
  • Thursdays, 10:30 - 11:00a.m. (year round, including summer).

Both classes meet in the lower level lounge of Englehart Hall. For further information, see the information posted below.

English Classes for Spouses Information (PDF)

Contact for Thursday class:
Heather Hehman: 847-256-5116 or jay.heather@sbcglobal.net

Contact for Wednesday class:
Maureen Sheehy: 847-730-5190 or sheehyms@comcast.net

Children’s Playgroup

Children and parents play and work on English and social skills in an informal setting. This group meets every Tuesdays from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. in the lower level of Englehart Hall.

Children's Playgroup Information (PDF)

For more information, please contact:
Elfriede Blanco-Gonzalez: 847-251-0219 or elfriedeu@aol.com

International American Women’s Group

Women from various nationalities attend regular social activities to make new friends and learn international customs and cultures. This group dispands for the summer. It will reconvene in September with a welcome coffee at a CCIS member's home.

For more information, please contact:
Anita Yamada: 847-869-3634 or anitayamada@comcast.net
Kim Mulligan: 847-784-9024 or kimmulligan@comcast.net 

International American Women's Group Fall 2009 Calendar!

Social Activities

Throughout the year, students and volunteers will also be invited to picnics, dinners, and receptions.

For additional information, please contact CCIS President Betty Dickman at 847-866-8826 or efd33@sbcglobal.net.