Connect. Learn. Grow. (CLG) Workshop Series provides richer and deeper level of information and advice beyond our regular orientation. Often times international students and scholars are overwhelmed by so much information they get during orientation period, and many pieces of valuable information may get lost. IHouse offers international students and scholars further opportunities to learn how to navigate their life at Duke and in Durham.

We are looking for bloggers who will write a blog post for IHouse after attending one of the CLG workshops. If you are interested in contributing, please email SangHee Jeong at sj44@duke.edu including the workshop you want to write about.

SPRING 2013 Schedule (Thursdays 5:00 ~ 6:30 pm)

1/17   CLG Kick-Off and Welcome/Welcome Back Dinner and Open House
1/24   How to Purchase a Second-Hand Car
1/31   Introduction to US Taxes
2/7     Small Talk and American Culture
2/14   Intercultural Relationship Building
2/21   Immigration Issues
2/28   Traveling in NC
3/7     Communication Etiquette
3/14   Tour of Lemur Center
3/21   Mocktail Party

If you need more information about a specific CLG topic, please keep an eye on the IHouse announcements on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/Duke.IHouse). If you have ideas for new topics, please let us know. Contact I-House at ihouse@duke.edu for more information.

The Duke Language Partners program matches non-native speakers with native speakers of various languages for weekly conversation exchange. You can meet with your language partner anytime depending on your schedules, but we recommend you to meet at least once a week. Through the program, you can practice a foreign language, learn about another culture and gain language-tutoring experience as well. Please email Sanghee Jeong for more information.

Apply to be a Duke Language Partner.

Download the Duke Language Partners Brochure.

Each Monday from 5:15 to 6:15pm, International House provides a casual, small-group setting where all members of the Duke community--students, scholars, spouses, and staff--can practice conversational English.

Topics include American culture, social systems, and issues related to daily life. Come and you will have chances to share your experience in the U.S. with others. Through discussions in small groups, you will also learn about other cultures from various countries.

Continued attendance is not necessary but recommended.

Please email Sanghee Jeong for more information.

Are you interested in speaking the second-most spoken and studied language in the United States?  Practice your conversation Spanish and meet people from around the world, including native Spanish speakers. Our conversations are informal and interesting. 

Every Monday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at International House. For more information, contact Luis Vergara.

Are you learning Chinese? Do you want to practice the language and learn more of the Chinese culture? Come and join our brand new Chinese Conversation Club.

We recommend that you have basic knowledge of Chinese language (equivalent to Chinese 101) so that you can enjoy conversation in Chinese.

Native Chinese speakers are welcome to participate as volunteers and help learners from other cultures to improve their Chinese.

Questions? Email Sanghee Jeong for more information.
Check the Chinese Conversation Club website for previous topics and practice materials

The International Friends Program pairs incoming internationals with locals to promote friendship and culture exchange. Local citizens may wish to learn more about another country, reconnect with a country in which they have lived or traveled, or assist someone settling in to life in Durham. Internationals may wish to learn about U.S. and local culture, customs, traditions and daily life.


Applicants are matched based on interests. Participants must commit to continuing their partnership for one academic year. Friends are expected to meet for at least 3 times per semester.

• Apply to participate in the International Friends Program
• Download the International Friend Program Manual

Please email Paige Vinson for more information.

Global Café is a weekly informal gathering that brings together members of the Duke community - students, international scholars, exchange students, spouses and staff!

Come to the International House to join old friends or make new ones over FREE coffee, tea, and pastries!

WHERE? International House, 300 Alexander Ave. You can park at the back of IHouse, or you can reach us by taking C2 bus (East-Central-West bus) from the bus stop in front of Duke Chapel. 

WHEN? 9:30 -10:30 am on Fridays

Come and take a bite out of our delicious world!

Questions? Contact ihouse@duke.edu for more information.

Engaging with international students and helping them acclimate to American culture is a great asset for domestic student's professional development.  Expanding your knowledge about other cultures and navigating how to socialize and work with people or different cultural backgrounds is a valuable learning experience, especially in an increasingly globalized job market.

International House, in collaboration with the Career Center, has developed the Global Engagement Program to provide domestic students with beneficial interactions with international students and scholars at Duke, and to prepare them to be true global citizens.

In the GlobalEngagement Program, selected students will be involved in International House educational activities for a semester and receive training on cross-cultural awareness and communication, as well as global career and leadership development.  Upon successful completion of the program, students will get a certificate that is officially endorsed by International House and the Career Center, which can be used to strengthen their resume.