International Student Program in Language, Learning, and Community

• Required for students with intermediate English (CEFR B1–B2)
• Zero-credit, pass/fail course (appears on your transcript)
• No placement test needed; the Office of International Programs will enroll you
• No exit exam, but you must complete all course requirements
• The only option to test out of this course (and not be enrolled) is to take the TOEFL at the Roosevelt University testing center and attain a minimum score of 97. We will not accept scores from other tests or TOEFL scores taken at other testing centers. The cost of the TOEFL test at Roosevelt University testing center is $200.

• Meet and make friends amongst the global community that comprises the Roosevelt student body
• Weekly 1-hour on-campus workshop during Common Hour
• ~3 hours/week of online learning (vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening)
• Write a short paper and give an individual presentation
• Work on a group project about your home country or culture
• Join conversation sessions and cultural events

You’ll need to take the course again the next semester.

Practice speaking English in a relaxed group setting.

• Open to all Roosevelt students
• Led by the Program Coordinator or a graduate assistant
• Held in person at the Chicago Campus and online
• Topics change weekly

Book a 15-minute meeting with the English Language Support Coordinator for help with:

• Coursework
• English skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking)

The Office of International Programs (OIP) puts on various events each semester. These are often cultural events that reflect students’ countries and cultures as well as those of the international community. Many of these events are opportunities to socialize, meet university faculty and staff, learn something new, have some good food, and build a strong international community on campus. For ELP 199 students, attendance is required for at least four of these events.

As a mentee, you will:

• Build friendships and connections with other students
• Learn how to succeed academically at Roosevelt
• Discover important campus resources and services
• Improve your communication and intercultural skills
• Feel more confident and engaged in the Roosevelt community

Each mentor is paired with 1-3 new international students.

During the semester, you can expect:

• Two mentor meetings each month (one-on-one or in a small group)
• Weekly check-ins by text message
• Group activities and social events
• Workshops on academic success, campus resources, and student life
• Support before you arrive in the United States and throughout your first semester

Your mentor can help you connect with:

• Academic Advising
• Learning Commons tutoring services
• Laker Pantry
• Office of International Programs (OIP)
• Professors' office hours
• Counseling and Wellness Services
• Student Life and campus organizations

I am from India. I am currently pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Business Administration (MBA).

One of the things I love most about RU is its diverse and inclusive environment, which provides students with opportunities to connect and build relationships with people from communities all over the world. 

I chose to become a mentor because I understand the excitement and challenges of moving to a new country, and I hope to provide the same support that helped me adjust and thrive at Roosevelt University.

I am from Ethiopia and I am a Bachelor’s in Business Management student with a minor in finance. I like to cook and play soccer. One of the things I love about Roosevelt is the diversity of the student body: students come from all over the US and the world! I chose to be a mentor for new international students because I understand how exciting and challenging it can feel to adjust to a new country, school system, and environment. Having support during that transition can make a big difference, and I want to help make that experience easier for others.

My name is Simone, and I am an international student-athlete from Sicily, Italy. I am majoring in Finance with a minor in Marketing. I train with the Men’s Volleyball Team, and in my free time I enjoy playing beach volleyball, spending time with friends, especially over a cup of coffee, and staying connected with my family over Zoom. One thing I really appreciate about Roosevelt is its impressive campus environment and strong student support infrastructure. I chose to become a mentor for new international students because I know how important it is to feel supported in a new country.

My name is Aleksandra and I am from Serbia. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Organizational Development while competing as a student-athlete on the women’s volleyball team. In my free time, I love reading, writing, painting, and doing anything that lets me express my creativity and brings more meaning and joy into my life. One of my favorite things about Roosevelt is the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn from different cultures and perspectives. I chose to become an International Student Mentor because I remember what it felt like to start over in a new country, and I want to help other international students feel supported during that transition.

I'm Sofia and I'm from Colombia. I'm a second-year MM student in classical voice here at the CCPA, as well as one of the Spanish tutors for the Learning Commons. I love that here at Roosevelt, our potential has room to grow in a very rich and multicultural environment. As one of the international student mentors, I want to make sure you feel supported along the way and that you make the most of your experience here.