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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. 

Highlighted Events

Find more information about OISS highlighted events below:

  • Pathways to Permanent Residency Workshop : 

OISS is sponsoring a Lawful Permanent Residency immigration workshop on “Pathways to Permanent Residency”  presented by Chicago-based Immigration Attorneys William Schiller and Ian Wagreich. This workshop will be held in a hybrid format (in-person and virtual).

You must register to receive a ticket to attend this event if you choose to be in person, as there is only limited seating capacity

Date/Time : Fall 2025 - TBA

PLEASE SEE THE RECORDING OF THE  previous EVENT HERE

This valuable workshop will explore hot topics in immigration law, as well as immigrant visa processing trends, and options for permanent residence to live and work in the U.S. beyond OPT (F-1), J-1, H-1B - including PERM labor Certification, Special Handling, employment-based first and second preference options including National Interest Waivers; Extraordinary Ability Petitions; and Outstanding Professor and Researcher petitions; and Family based immigration options. 

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: 

Welcome to Coffee Talk Spring 2025!

All domestic & international students and scholars from both campuses are welcome to attend! Coffee Talk is a welcoming space for domestic and international students and scholars who are interested in learning more about global perspectives.

Topics include:

  • Self-care, managing stress, anxiety, and loneliness
  • Adjusting to Northwestern
  • Academics
  • Global friendships and relationships
  • Bilingual/polyglot identity
  • Missing home
  • Work-life balance
  • Festivals and celebrations
  • Practicing communicating in English
  • Building connections

CAPS and OISS will provide tea, coffee, and snacks for all in-person attendees.

Time: Every other Wednesday, 3:00-4:00PM

Dates: April 16th, April 30th, May 14th, and May 28th

Location: Each meeting will be hybrid: 

 In-person

  • Office of International Students & Scholar Services (OISS)
  • 630 Dartmouth Place
  • Evanston, IL 60208

 OR Zoom (Please scan the following QR code) 

  • Please note that attendees need to connect from a private space to protect the confidentiality of this support space. Please try to stay for the full meeting if able to.

 QR Code


Facilitator: Manisha Rustagi, Ph.D., Liaison to International Students

For questions and inquiries please contact: Dr. Manisha Rustagi.

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.

  •  

Coffee Talk is a monthly gathering space for all to discuss topics around international student wellness. On the Chicago campus, it is known as the "Fika Time." The gatherings are hosted by Chicago CAPS staff to help facilitate meaningful conversations where one can share their experiences. We are looking forward to sharing space, having coffee, tea, and treats with you. Please complete the RSVP form so we can plan accordingly.

Led by Dr. Angel Cheng – Chicago CAPS Staff Psychologist

Location: Abbott Hall Women's Center (Room 1400) on Chicago Campus
14th floor of Abbott Hall on the Chicago campus at 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611

Time: 3:30-4:30PM

Upcoming Date: Friday 5/23/2025

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