International Place Programs and Services
Programs and Services for Newly Arrived International Students and Scholars
Airport Pick-up - For newly arrived international students and scholars, International Place can assist wtih a complimentary airport pick-up, however, we must receive 2 weeks advance notice. In order to request this service, please complete and submit our New Student/Scholar Form as soon as you have made your travel arrangments. This service is also available to family members accompanying you upon your arrival.
Temporary Homestay - For newly arrived international students and scholars, International Place can assist by arranging a complimentary temporary homestay with a local volunteer host family, however, we must receive 2 weeks advance notice. In order to request this service, please complete and submit our New Student/Scholar Form as soon as you have made your travel arrangements. This service is available for a maximum of 5 nights and is intended to be used while the student is awaiting dorm move-in or is in the process of finding permanent housing, Please note that Temporary Homestays can only accommodate students and scholars (and not accompanying family members) and is available only just prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters. Please see our Housing and Local Resources Page for more information on additional types of accommodations.
Assistance with New Arrival Necessities - Upon arrival International Place is able to assist students with new arrival necessities such as opening a bank account and purchasing a cellphone or SIM card, or finding permanent housing. We offer trips to local vendors and bring various vendors to campus during our New International Student and Scholar Orientation Program.
New International Student and Scholar Orientation - What sets the New Interntional Student and Scholar Orientation program apart from other orientation programs at The Claremont Colleges, is that our orientation is tailored to an international and overseas student and scholar's perspective. Whether you are a visa student or scholar, or hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and have lived abroad, you are very welcome to attend! The aim of these programs is to help introduce students and scholars not only to The Claremont Colleges and the City of Claremont, but also to address issues unique to the international and other overseas student and scholar experiences. Our program includes a day trip, important information and a great chance to meet other international students and scholars from all 7 Claremont College institutions! Please see your college’s schedule here and let us know you are coming by completing the New Student/Scholar Form.
Services for All Students and The Wider Community
General Resource on Issues Faced by International Students and Scholars - Throughout your stay at The Claremont Colleges the staff of International Place is happy to provide any assistance we can. If we cannot answer your question/provide assistance with a given issue, we will certainly be glad to help guide you towards other resources or offices that will be able to. "If you don't know where else to go, come to I-Place!"
Trips to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Social Security Administration (SSA) - If you need to apply for a driver's license, the California State Identification Card, or a number from the Social Secutiy Administration, I-Place will assist you by providing trips to these offices on most Fridays during the academic semesters. Please click here for more information and the schedule for I-Place Trips to the DMV and SSA.
Friday Shopping Trips - On most Fridays during the Fall and Spring semesters*, International Place provides transportation to local shopping destinations, Target and Montclair Plaza. You do not need to sign up in advance for these trips, however students should know that space is limited for each trip. If you would like to ensure a spot on one of these trips, please come into our office and let us know, or send an e-mail to ipoffice@cmc.edu including the date and time of your desired trip. We will confirm by e-mail whether or not there is space for your requested trip.
*These trips start the first Friday of each semester, but are suspended on some Fridays that fall during extremely busy periods or Fridays that fall near acadmic breaks. We will give at least 2 weeks advance notice for tips that are suspended.
Please click here for the Friday Shopping driving schedule! (coming soon!)
English Conversation Partners - For graduate students who would like to practice English with a Conversation Partner, I-Place can help find one for you! Please contact us at ipoffice@cmc.edu.
Lunch and Conversation Program (L&C) - A presentation series featuring speakers addressing topics in multicultural and international affairs. The presentation is accompanied by a delicious lunch of authentic cuisine from around the world. Mealcard swipes from undergraduate students are greatly appreciated, however, not necessary. There is no charge for graduate students. Faculty, staff and community members pay $6.00. L&Cs are always held in McKenna Auditorium, located next to International Place on the campus of Claremont McKenna College. Lunch is served starting from 11:45AM; presentation begins at 12:15PM. Click here for our current L&C schedule or contact us of you have any questions
International Banquet - The International Banquet is an annual formal dinner organized by International Club, with assistance from International Place. The event showcases the food and arts of the international students and scholars of The Claremont Colleges. Students from across the consortium join together to plan the banquet and participate in a variety of areas including: menu-planning, decorations, publicity, ticket sales, food preparation, serving, performance and more! For more information on the International Banquet, please contact Jessica Alampay at jalampay@cmc.edu. Please click here for more information and pictures of past festivals!
International Festival - The International Festival is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year at The Claremont Colleges. International Place organizes this event over several months, beginning at the end of the fall semester. Students, the various colleges and the dedicated Community Friends of International Students provide an enormous amount of support by volunteering their time, experience, talent and energy to make the International Festival happen. If you are interested in helping organize the International Festival or volunteering in any way, including performance, please contact Jessica Alampay at jalampay@cmc.edu. Please click here for more information and pictures of past festivals!
Day Trips - For destinations within the Los Angles area International Place plans day trips that allow students to get away from campus and explore California beyond Claremont! Typical destinations include: Downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Newport Beach, The Grove, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, La Brea Tarpits, Dodger’s Stadium, The Los Angeles County Fair and more! Students must sign up in advance for these trips to ensure adequate space in vehicles.The cost of these trips depends on the type of transportation and other arrangements made by I-Place; however the cost is always modest.
Overnight Trips - For breaks during the academic year, International Place plans overnight trips to popular destinations in the region. Past trips include: San Diego, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park. Students must sign up in advance for these trips to ensure an adequate number adequate accommodation and space in space in vehicles.The cost of these trips depends on the type of accommodation and transportation arrangements made by I-Place; however the cost is always modest.
Study Breaks – Study Breaks are a chance to relax with friends, listen to music and enjoy yummy snacks at International Place. Study Breaks are held twice a semester, and are always held at International Place from 8:00PM-10:00PM. Please see our Calendar page for upcoming Study Breaks. If you would like to help plan or set-up a study break, please contact Jessica Alampay at jalampay@cmc.edu.
Sunday Suppers – International Place invites the entire International Community – and their friends and family – to dinner twice a semester. Sunday Suppers are usually held at McKenna Auditorium, on the campus of Claremont McKenna College from 5:00PM-6:30PM.
Programs for Spouses and Families of International Students - Community Friends of International Students sponsors programs and activities for spouses and families of international students. These include English conversation groups, trips and other special events. For more information, contact Rita (ritamum@verizon.net) or Tamara (tamaralindvall@yahoo.com)
Additional Programs of Interest (not organized by International Place)
Ramadan Observance - please click for flyer
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