Discover the World Through Conversation Partners
Conversation Partners, sponsored by the Office of International Education, matches international students with domestic students in an effort to promote global awareness, diversity in understanding, and cultural exchange.
As international students leave behind their family, friends, and culture, adjusting to a new environment is often difficult. As they adjust to their new surroundings, communication may also be a major concern. Conversation Partners helps international students transition into the United States and become immersed in American culture by becoming involved with American students on and off campus.
Getting to know people from another culture can be an eye-opening experience. By learning about individuals from diverse backgrounds, international and domestic students can expand their worldview and develop respect for those who are different from themselves. Teaching and learning from each other is mutually rewarding.
Benefits for international students:
- Experience American culture
- Learn about IUP and the surrounding community
- Practice your English (if this can be helpful to you!)
Benefits for domestic students:
- Experience a unique culture
- Learn a new language
- Add international experience to your resume without leaving Indiana
Partners are asked to meet once a week and have the opportunity to attend optional group events. During previous semesters, matches have had coffee, gone shopping, visited Pittsburgh, went boating at Yellow Creek State Park, attended sporting events, and more.
All students who apply are required to attend training to discuss the expectations of the program and to explore cultural awareness. No additional language experience is required to participate. Share the best of your culture!
International Student application
Please note that the application links change each semester. If the link is down, contact us with questions.
If you have any questions, please contact conversation-partners@iup.edu. This program is not available during the summer or winter sessions.
Note for International Students: Conversation Partners runs on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to international students in their first academic year at IUP.
Culture Café
Culture Café is an informal, social gathering for our international and domestic students. Some of the activities include culture sharing, games, movies, arts and crafts, painting, singing, and many others.
Take a look at our Fall 2025 calendar:
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Thursday, September 4: Culture Café Game Night, 5:00–6:00 p.m. (OIE)
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Thursday, September 18: Tie-Dye Party, 5:00–6:00 p.m. (Folger Student Center)
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Friday, September 26: Bowling, 3:30–5:00 p.m. $10 (Mohawk Lanes)
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Monday, October 6: Int’l Lunch Hour, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (Sutton Hall, Blue Room)
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Tuesday, October 7: Int’l Poetry Night, 7:00–9:00 p.m. (HUB Monongahela)
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Thursday, October 9: Int’l Karaoke Night, 5:00–7:30 p.m. (Folger Student Center)
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Thursday, October 16: Pumpkin Party, 5:00–7:30 p.m. (Elkin Hall Great Room)
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Friday, October 24: International Unity Day, 6:00–9:00 p.m. (HUB)
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Sunday, November 9: Ice Skating, 1:00–3:00 p.m. $10 (S&T Bank Arena)
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Wednesday, November 12: Int’l Lunch Hour, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (Sutton Hall, Blue Room)
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Saturday, November 15: Roller skating, 1:00–3:00 p.m. $10 (Indiana Mall)
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Thursday, November 20: Culture Café Race and Dance, 5:00–6:00 p.m. (OIE)
