Building Community

students at pumpkin farm trip sitting on a big swing

Come together with fellow international students, scholars, employees and their dependents to experience community at casual social gatherings, educational cultural events and outings where we collectively explore Chicago institutions and Midwestern traditions. Most events are free for members of the UIC international community.

Register for upcoming events

Chicago Auto Show Heading link

Two students stand in front of a yellow sports car, smiling.

The Chicago Auto Show has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent and is the nation’s largest with more than one million square feet of displays. Each year, OIS organizes free transportation to McCormick Place and admission to the exposition for members of the UIC international community. This event is a favorite of engineering students and car enthusiasts alike!

The 2024 OIS Outing to the Chicago Auto Show is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15!

Pumpkin Farm Trip Heading link

ALT tag: “Flyer for a Pumpkin Farm Trip organized by the Office of International Services at UIC. The event is on Saturday, October 5, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The flyer includes a photo of a group of people standing among pumpkins with a vintage truck in the background, along with illustrations of pumpkins and corn. Register at the OIS front desk. Seats are limited!.”

For many Midwesterners, fall is a season to be outdoors, celebrate the harvest, and kick off a holiday season that begins with Halloween at the end of the month. Each year, OIS organizes a trip to a local farm where members of the UIC international community can experience some of the traditions of the season, including pumpkin picking, navigating a corn maze, creeping through a haunted house, hay rides, and tasting fresh apple cider.

The 2024 OIS Pumpkin Farm Trip is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5!

OIS Coffee Hours Heading link

Two students sit on chairs in the OIS lobby holding plates with snacks while talking.

OIS Coffee Hours occur multiple times a year and are a great way to connect with the UIC international community and your OIS Advisors in a fun and casual way. Stop by for a hot beverage and a sweet treat and stay for a chat or advising session. During the OIS Holiday Coffee Hour in December, attendees can enter to win a raffle prize! Registration is not required to attend and family are warmly welcomed. We hope to see you at the next OIS Coffee Hour!