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Illinois International News
Illinois International News is a collection of globally-focused blogs and stories from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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  • ISSS recognizes campus partners, colleagues for outstanding service, dedication to international education

    by Marta SchneiderDec 1, 2025 5:15 pm

    International Student and Scholar Services will host their annual awards ceremony on Dec. 3 to honor the remarkable dedication, exceptional service, and significant contributions made by campus and community members in support of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s international population.

  • 'Place Making and Rural Tourism in China' wraps up transdisciplinary project

    by Analicia HaynesDec 1, 2025 3:15 pm

    One of two projects funded by the transdisciplinary grant program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is wrapping up an extensive and collaborative research, planning, and design process.  

  • Inaugural conference goes 'beyond borders' for collaboration on mental health research and services

    by Analicia HaynesDec 1, 2025 8:00 am

    The Beyond Borders: Global Collaborations for Mental Health Research and Services conference connected more than 200 students, scholars, and practitioners, both in person and online, over two days of open dialogue regarding mental health.  

    This first-of-its-kind event, which took place Oct. 9-10, was one of 11 projects funded by the Vision 2030 Global Strategy Implementation Grant, which provides funding to support activities and/or programs across campus that seek to specifically address one or more actions under the priorities outlined in strategy. The grant is funded by the Office of the Provost and administratively supported by Illinois International.    

  • Illinois remains a leading destination for international student enrollment, sees increase in study abroad participation

    by Marta SchneiderNov 26, 2025 3:15 pm

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is once again a top destination for international students, according to data from this year’s Open Doors report. The report, released on Nov. 17 by the Institute of International Education (IIE), ranks Illinois second in the nation among public universities for the most international students.

  • Mortenson Center Associates Program 'poised for impact' in 2026; applications accepted until Nov. 21

    by Analicia HaynesNov 14, 2025 10:45 am

    The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs is accepting applications for the 2026 Mortenson Center Associates Program until Nov. 21.  

    This program will offer individuals working in a library or information services setting outside the United States an opportunity to explore critical issues and trends in the library field and engage with librarians implementing cutting-edgeprograms and services.  

  • Global South Fellow describes research; gives thanks to mentorship received during fellowship

    by Analicia HaynesNov 3, 2025 9:45 am

    Elsa Zawedde, a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Law, was one of the first individuals to receive a BRIDGE Global South Fellowship. In this two-part series, she explains how the fellowship helped her develop her research. She also dives into what she's working on and how, if implemented, it would change the way law schools develop future lawyers.

  • BRIDGE Global South Fellow defines cultural humility, highlights its importance in law school teaching

    by Analicia HaynesOct 27, 2025 3:00 pm

    Elsa Zawedde, a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Law, was one of the first individuals to receive a BRIDGE Global South Fellowship. In this two-part series, she explains how the fellowship helped her develop her research. She also dives into what she's working on and how, if implemented, it would change the way law schools develop future lawyers. 

  • Illinois International associate director shares Fulbright experience

    by Analicia HaynesSep 29, 2025 11:30 am

    Shuo “Erica” Wang, the associate director for Global Relations at Illinois International, shares her experience after receiving Fulbright International Education Administrator (IEA) Award.  

  • Illinois Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr. visits University of Birmingham for first time

    by Analicia HaynesSep 19, 2025 11:30 am

    Two-day visit marks significant moment in strengthening the transatlantic partnership with Birmingham

  • Coffee, Chemistry, and the Community: New course takes transdisciplinary approach to understanding Panamanian coffee community

    by Analicia HaynesSep 8, 2025 12:30 pm

    CHEM 199 is a transdisciplinary, community-based learning program that focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and other topics of importance within the coffee community in Panama.     

  • Illinois Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr. welcomes new international students during annual reception

    by Analicia HaynesSep 5, 2025 12:00 pm

    Charles L. Isbell Jr., the new University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chancellor, offered advice and words of encouragement during the New International Student Welcome Reception and Resource Fair on August 21, 2025 inside the Krannert Center for Performing Arts.   

  • Illinois, Birmingham announce 2025-2026 BRIDGE Seed Fund Grant recipients

    by Analicia HaynesJun 30, 2025 3:30 pm

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Birmingham are thrilled to announce the recipients of the Birmingham-Illinois Partnership for Discovery, Engagement, and Education (BRIDGE) Seed Fund Grant for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.   

    The BRIDGE Seed Fund is a joint initiative designed to stimulate collaboration and research between Illinois and Birmingham. It provides funding to support faculty-led projects that foster academic engagement, research development, and educational exchange.  

    This year, 14 projects will receive funding to pursue joint research on a variety of topics.   

  • Student Spotlight: Joanna Adewunmi shares her Illinois story; offers advice for new international students

    by Analicia HaynesJun 11, 2025 9:30 am

    Joanna Adewunmi is a doctoral candidate in the School of Information Science, wrapping up her second year at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  

    During her time on campus, she has made helping the international student community a top priority. 

    Which is why, in August 2024, exactly one year from when she first came to the United States as a new international student, Adewunmi volunteered for the ISSS Shuttle Service.  

  • ‘I’ll always remember this school:’ Gloria Porras reminisces on life-changing experience at Illinois, IEI

    by Analicia HaynesJun 5, 2025 10:00 am

    Gloria Porras, a former student of the Intensive English Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, talks about her time on campus and her experience in the Scholars at Risk program. 

  • Illinois receives 2025 IIE Heiskell Award for BRIDGE partnership

    by Alicia LozanoMay 27, 2025 11:30 am

    The BiRmingham-Illinois Partnership for Discovery, EnGagement and Education (BRIDGE) is continuing to gain global recognition after being selected to receive the 2025 Institute for International Education (IIE) Heiskell Award for Sustainability.