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Student Organizations and Leadership Development

Northwestern University has a large and diverse international student community. There are several student groups based on identity of affinity; associated with a country or region; language groups; and really anything you can imagine!  

Find your student organization or group at Cats on Campus

The Office of International Student & Scholar Services advises and sponsors three student groups and an undergraduate International Peer Advisor program.

International Peer Advisors (IPAS)

Starting college in a new country can be exciting and overwhelming. International Peer Advisors (IPAs) help ensure international Wildcats arrive at Northwestern feeling welcomed, supported, and connected from day one by assisting with International Wildcat Welcome (IWW).  IWW is designed to support students as they begin their Northwestern journey, combining information sessions, community‑building activities, and excursions in Evanston and Chicago to help students feel prepared, connected, and confident from the start of their academic journey.

International Peer Advisors (IPAs) are central to this experience. In partnership with the IPA Executive Board, the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) and Wildcat Welcome, IPAs welcome new students, coordinate and facilitate IWW events and activities, and serve trusted mentors during one of the most important transitions of a student’s college career.

This volunteer leadership opportunity is ideal for students who are passionate about global engagement, peer mentorship, and helping others feel at home at Northwestern.

Why Become an IPA?

As an International Peer Advisor, you will:

  • Make a meaningful impact on the first‑year experience of international Wildcats.
  • Develop leadership, communication, and cross‑cultural skills.
  • Build strong relationships with fellow IPAs, campus partners, and OISS staff.
  • Play a key role in shaping a welcoming and inclusive international community at Northwestern.

Benefits

  • Early move-in
    • IPAS will receive housing and dining coverage during the period of the final training, immediately before IWW and during IWW
  • Certificate of Completion
    IPAs receive a certificate recognizing their service, leadership, and contributions to the international student community.

Qualifications

  • You must be a current Northwestern undergraduate student interested in welcoming and supporting international students
  • Commitment to collaborating with OISS and OSTE to support a successful transition  for incoming students.
  • Professionalism, reliability, cultural awareness, and enthusiasm for peer mentorship

Responsibilities

  • Lead an IPA group to welcome, guide, and support incoming international students while fostering a sense of belonging and community
  • Collaborate with a fellow IPA in your
  • Assist with the planning and facilitation of International Wildcat Welcome events for new first‑year and transfer students 
  • Participate in required training and team‑building sessions during Spring Quarter and Summer Break
    (Monthly meetings from March-September)
  • Arrive on campus by Friday, September 11 and participate in mandatory pre‑orientation training on Saturday, September 12
  • Uphold university policies and maintain good academic standing

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
  • Interviews: February 23–27, 2026
  • IPA Monthly Trainings: March–September 2026

Questions?

Contact ryan.radebaugh@northwestern.edu for more information.

Apply

Ready to support new Wildcats and help shape a welcoming international community?

Apply here: 2026 IPA Cohort

OISS-Sponsored Groups

International Student Association (ISA)

ISA is a student group for international undergraduates. ISA is a home away from home that strives to build a cohesive international community, and the group seeks to promote interaction among students from different cultural and religious backgrounds.   Join a committee, attend an event, make new friends and learn about other cultures!  

Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA)

G-ISA aims to foster greater cross-cultural understanding by promoting interaction, providing information and ensuring inclusion for and by the graduate international community of Northwestern University.