The Cultural Connections Program and the Office of International Programs is hosting a new initiative called “International Suitcase”.

The purpose of the “International Suitcase” is to answer to the needs of international students when they first arrive in the USA – an environment generally so very new and foreign to them.

“International Suitcase” will be held on August 18, 6 -8 pm during the International Welcome Week scheduled for August 15-20. We would like to ask for your support in making this event a success.

International Suitcase is to be like a “resident hall-drive” in an effort to help supply international students upon their arrival with some essential or other items. Surely you can imagine what it is like to arrive in a foreign country, not knowing the lay of the land or the public transport system, and entering a new dorm room with only the things that fit in your suitcase… – a basic lamp or a blanket usually were not what got packed. Yet, even a tiny bit of comfort at the beginning of such a major transition can help to reduce anxiety and stress...

Here are some items we’d like to collect for use and re-use by our international students:

· Lamps (lamp stands, desk lamps)

· Bedding: blankets, pillows, and other bedding items, and
towels

Essential electronics: irons, hair-dryers, etc.

• Kitchen supplies: mugs, cups, plates, silverware, pot or pans, etc.
• Winter gear: warm jackets for indoor or outdoor use
• Rain gear: umbrellas, rain ponchos or rain boots
• Cleaning supplies: brooms, brushes, trash bins etc.

Drop off:
1. Office of International Programs, August 1-17, 8:00 -5:00
2. Student Union, August 18, 8:00 – 5:00 pm, Room 410 (Catalpa)

We are confident that the “International Suitcase" will substantially add to the University’s efforts for giving new international students a warm welcome to campus.