International students
Housing
International House (I-House) International House is a multinational residence and cultural center housing approximately 600 residents, half from the US and half from over 60 other nations. The mission of I-House is to promote international understanding and fellowship among people of all nations, races, and cultures. Room and board scholarships are available (510/643-5308). Non-residents are welcome to become members and to participate in the broad program of recreational, cultural, and educational activities (ihouse.berkeley.edu; 2299 Piedmont Avenue; ihprogra@berkeley.edu; 510/642-9460).
Student groups
Check the ethnic/cultural student groups on page 86 for country-specific student organizations, such as the Berkeley Cambodian Student Association, the Cal Japan Club, or the Hong Kong Student Association.
Support
Berkeley International Office
Berkeley International Office offers a variety of services and special programs for international students and scholars at Berkeley. Guidance on immigration matters, advising on personal difficulties, or information on almost any topic of special interest is available. All new international students (undergrads, grads, and transfers) are required to check-in with Berkeley International Office before starting their first semester (internationaloffice.berkeley.edu; 2299 Piedmont Avenue; InternationalOffice@berkeley.edu; 510/642-2818).
The Equipment Loan Center provides household necessities, such as cooking pots, dishes, and bedding for international students and scholars who have been at UC Berkeley less than a year. Students and scholars can borrow items for a $10 fee. It is a quick and inexpensive way for newcomers to acquire some basic supplies. Contributions are always welcome. The Equipment Loan Center is open July through September, every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm. During October through May, it is open on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 12:30 to 3:30. For more information, stop by the Equipment Loan Center (universitysectionclub.berkeley.edu/StudentServices/index.shtml; Building F on Haste Street; usectionclub@berkeley.edu; Sigvor Thornton, 510/524-6433; Linda Wei, 510/524-0414; or Kathy Graburn, 510/845-1537).
The Centre at the University YWCA is a weekly event sponsored by the UC Berkeley Section Club, Foreign Student Committee. This group of faculty spouses volunteer to provide a place for spouses and children of international students and scholars to find friends and learn about their new surroundings through discussion, field trips, guest speakers and each other. Parents are encouraged to bring young children, and guests are always welcome (contact Grace Kobayashi, 510/526-4205; Marjorie Sauer, 510/525-8918; or Sylvia Rock, 510/649-8236; YWCA; 2600 Bancroft Way; 510/848-6370).
English in Action matches international students and scholars with native English-speaking students and community members to master the language and learn about American culture (ywca-berkeley.org; 2600 Bancroft Way at Bowditch; info@ywca.berkeley.org; 510/848-6370).
Financial aid, see page 26.
Immigrant students
Multicultural Immigrant Student Program (MISP) offers programs and support activities that help immigrant and refugee students adjust to campus life and enhance their opportunities to achieve academic success. MISP seeks to raise awareness, build alliances, and effect policy change through a variety of educational activities (multicultural.berkeley.edu; 249 Cesar Chavez Student Center; 510/643-5497).