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Programming and Events

Northwestern University and the Office of International Student & Scholar Services as well as the surrounding community offer a wide array of opportunities to get involved in the NU community and beyond. The OISS strives to enrich the academic, extra-curricular, and cultural experience of our international population by providing information and connections to the diverse range of available opportunities.  

We encourage you to follow the OISS on  Facebook to stay informed of the latest events and news! You can also check the OISS Event Calendar. 

Community Group

Community Council for International Students (CCIS)  The CCIS is an all-volunteer group dedicated to making Northwestern University international students feel welcome in this country and at the University. They offer a variety of social and informational programs. Visit CCIS for more information on how conversation partners & groups, to involved. 
 
For information about international student groups, please see our Student Organizations page.

Get Involved at Northwestern

Coffee Talk - Evanston campus and virtual

Coffee Talk is a welcoming space tailored for international students & scholars as well as those who have or are interested in international experiences. Attendees can: 

  • Connect and interact with other international students on-campus over coffee, tea, snacks, and fun games. 
  • Support each other in navigating friendships, cross-cultural adjustment to academics and living in the US, overcome imposter syndrome, homesickness, relationships, career, stress and anxiety, and other relevant topics.
  • Grow self-confidence and cultivate a sense of belonging on campus. 
  • Celebrate the pride and resilience of international students.
  • And take a break from studies! 

The Coffee Talk program is co-sponsored by CAPS and OISS, and each meeting will be hybrid: In person at OISS or attend virtually via Zoom. 

  • Where: In-person at 630 Dartmouth (OISS) or attend virtually via Zoom
  • Zoom link: Use this recurring Zoom link for all Fall 2023 Coffee Talk Meetings. Please note that attendees need to connect from a private space to protect the confidentiality of this support space, please try to attend the full meeting if possible
  • Fall 2023 meeting times: Every other Friday at 3:00 - 4:00 PM, beginning September 29th
    Dates: Sept 29, Oct 13, Oct 27, Nov 10
  • Facilitators: Jennifer Mazzetti, Psy.D. and Manisha Rustagi, Ph.D.
  • CAPS and OISS will provide tea, coffee, and snacks for all in-person attendees.

Coffee Talk "Fika Time" - Chicago campus

Coffee Talk is a monthly gathering space for all international students. The gatherings will be hosted by CAPS staff to help facilitate meaningful conversations where one can share their experience as an international student and build community support. On the Chicago campus, Coffee Talk is also known as “Fika Time," which is a Swedish cultural practice where people take time from their busy day to socialize with others while enjoying coffee, tea and treats. There will be simple snacks to accompany our conversations in the spirit of fika!


Coffee Talk “Fika Time” is a welcoming space where participants can: 

  • Cultivate a sense of belonging and connection on Chicago campus; 
  • Share and connect around the study-aboard experiences and navigating cross-cultural adjustments in academics, career, relationships, etc.;
  • Gain new understanding and resources for emotional wellbeing and coping skills;
  • Celebrate the pride and resilience of international students;
  • And take a break from studying!

Time: Every first Friday of the Month, 3:00-4:00PM (please arrive on time)

Dates: September 8th, October 6th, November 3rd, and December 1st, 2023  

Location: Abbott Hall Room 332, TGS Conference Room - Chicago Campus

Facilitators: Angel Cheng, PhD and Chicago CAPS staff. For any questions or inquiry, please contact Dr. Cheng at angel.cheng@northwestern.edu.

To help CAPS plan for the event, to receive reminders and updates about Coffee Talk “Fika Time” for International Students, please RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/HGJ41wvy19

Wildcat Connection

With more than 400 extracurricular clubs and organizations, Northwestern offers a huge range of amazing activities outside the classroom. 

Wildcat Connection

NU Nights

This student-run organization hosts free alternative events for the Northwestern community. They provide both on and off-campus programming that usually runs from 8 to 11 PM (typically, but not always, on Fridays).

NU Nights

Northwestern Sports

Attend a "Big 10" sporting event and show your Wildcat spirit!

NU Sports

Northwestern Fitness and Recreation

NU students with a valid WildCARD have access to worldclass NU Recreation Facilities. The facilities offer a range of activities including swimming, basketball, squash, racquetball, tennis, group exercise classes, weightlifting, badminton and intramural and club sports, and much more. 

NU Recreation