INTERLINK
Announcement:
We regret to inform you that INTERLINK will not be accepting applications for the spring 2010 semester due to personnel changes. We fully anticipate resuming INTERLINK in the fall of 2010.
If you are an international student looking for additional resources, please contact Mrinal Rao at INTERLINK@illinois.edu for related workshops being offered during spring 2010.
What is INTERLINK?
INTERLINK is an international student mentoring program, where international students have the opportunity to be paired with a University of Illinois student, faculty, or staff member who can provide support in adjusting to American culture.
INTERLINK welcomes participants from all backgrounds. The program values diversity in all its forms including (but not limited to) race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and sexual orientation. The program is built upon respecting and understanding differences in a way that promotes personal growth and a broader worldview for all participants.
Back Issues of Interlink Newsletters.
For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
INTERLINK Kick-Off Event, Fall 2009
click here to see more pictures from INTERLINK event
Are you an International Student?
Imagine this scenario:
You were overjoyed when you received an acceptance letter from the University of Illinois. You packed your belongings and said good-bye to your loved ones. You left all the familiar places and people. However, right when you arrive at the university of your dreams, you have some difficulties. People don’t understand what you are trying to say. You don’t know anyone who can help you. Where do you get books, how do you register for classes, where do you shop for food? You might feel alone and frustrated, and cannot tell your friends or parents at home what you are going through because you do not want them to worry.
If this sounds familiar, consider INTERLINK at the University of Illinois – we are here to help!
What can INTERLINK offer you?
- A solid base of social and emotional support
- Space where your thoughts are shared and valued
- Space to improve your English conversation skills
Are You Interested in Being a Mentor?
Imagine This Scenario:
You were excited to be a newly arrived student/staff/faculty at the University of Illinois. You were impressed by the huge campus and looking forward to becoming familiar with your surroundings so that you no longer felt the awkwardness of being “new.” For some of you, there were additional challenges because English was your second language and you may have been thousands of miles from your home. So you turned to new friends and colleagues, and eventually adjusted to life at University of Illinois and Champaign-Urbana.
Similarly, many international students struggle with their transition process and could use support from a person like you! If you are interested in mentoring an international student, consider INTERLINK at the U of I.
Make an Impact
- As a mentor you will not only broaden your horizons by learning about other cultures, you will also impact someone’s life for the better.
- International students face different sets of challenges. For some it can be communicating effectively while others may need someone who can introduce them to US culture. Often, what an international student may need is a person who they can go to for help and advice.
- INTERLINK offers a unique opportunity to do volunteer work.
