Special Programs
The Office of International Studies and Programs offers custom-tailored programs for special constituents and groups of visiting scholars. These programs focus on a combination of professional seminars, educational site-visits, day-long excursions to local cities including Chicago and St. Louis, and other socio-cultural events to provide program participants with a multitude of valuable social and educational experiences.
If you are looking to create a custom program for your students, please contact us.
Southwest University
Southwest University (SWU) in Chongqing, China, and Illinois State University (ISU) have engaged in several wonderful short-term programs since the two institutions began collaborating together in 2016. Currently over two hundred and fifty students from Southwest University have been able to visit the ISU campus and other locations throughout the region.
Coordinated by theOffice of International Studies and Programs, these special programs usually last between two and three weeks and include workshops on American society and culture, academic class observations, and socio-cultural engagement activities. Students are given the opportunity to interact with local families, ISU faculty and staff members, guest speakers, and current ISU students to develop an understanding of American culture and the academic structure of American universities.
Each group is also afforded the opportunity to take part in trips to Chicago, Springfield, and St. Louis, visiting a number of historic, cultural, and social landmarks including Willis (Sears) Tower, Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, the St. Louis City Museum, Galleria Mall, St. Louis Arch, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Illinois State Capitol Building, and Lincoln Tomb. Students are also given the opportunity to take part in a number of other locally-based excursions depending on the academic focus of the group.
ISU greatly enjoys its partnership with Southwest University and values the important impact that these programs have on our guests from SWU.
Visiting an Amish community.
At Milner Library with the ISU Seal
Attending a faculty seminar
Pulling an Amish buggy!
At Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago
With Sue the T-Rex at the Field Museum in Chicago!
On our way to the Willis Tower Skydeck
On stage at Braden Auditorium in ISU's Bone Student Center
Posing with the ISU seal at Milner Library
Getting seats at an ISU basketball game!
Posing for pictures at the ISU men's basketball game
Group photo in front of Fell Hall on the ISU Quad
In the media room at Busch Stadium in St. Louis
At the St. Louis Cardinals dugout in Busch Stadium
Taking photos in the media room at Busch Stadium
Lined up in the Cardinals dugout in Busch Stadium!
In front of home plate at Busch Stadium with the St. Louis Arch in the background!
Posing with the ISU seal at Milner Library
Standing on the steps of the Illinois Capitol Complex in Springfield, Illinois
Standing in front of Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago
Posing with Sue the T-Rex in the Field Museum!
Panama Bilingue Program
Panama Bilingue is a program developed by the Panamanian government which seeks to improve public education and economic development in Panama. To this end, groups of teachers from Panama are invited to come to the United States to participate and engage in cultural experiences, including trips to local historic and cultural landmarks, and attend lectures and presentations on education, curriculum, and instruction. The outcome of this program is that these teachers will be able to take what they have learned in the United States and use this information to enhance the educational experience in their classrooms when they return to Panama.
The Office of International Studies and Programs and the English Language Institute hope to continue this partnership in order to provide a quality educational experience to future groups of international guests.
Panama Bilingue students in St. Louis, MO
Panama Bilingue students at the Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield, IL
Panama Bilingue students on the bus to Chicago, IL
Panama Bilingue students with ISU President Larry Dietz, Provost Janet Krejci, Associate Provost Rita Bailey, Superintendent of Lab Schools Jeff Hill, and OISP Director Luis Canales
Panama Bilingue students at the International Seminar Series
Panama Bilingue students enjoying the International House Superbowl Party
Panama Bilingue students visit Chicago, IL
