Break Programs

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Staying on campus during a break? Join us for fun activities and get connected with other students and find your home away from home. Popular activities include mystery cooking, diamond painting, tasting of international snacks, karaoke, board games, and field trips! Read a blog and a story to learn more.

Fall 2024

November 25

10th Annual Fall Break Cooking with Chefs

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
Location: ISR (Illinois Street Residence, 1010 W Illinois St, Urbana, IL 61801) 
Co-sponsored by International Education and University Housing   

Staying in town for Fall Break? Please join University Housing Dining Services and International Education for our 10th Annual Cooking with Chefs. Tell stories, make new friends, and share warm memories in addition to a delicious celebration meal prepared with and for you and our Chefs. RSVP is required. "You Teach" session recipe/ingredients must be received by November 8.  

Past Break Events

Summer 2024

Summer Break Programs are open to all and will run May 23 through August 7 and will primarily be held Wednesday afternoons 1-4pm, with lunch provided.

Cosponsors and campus partners include International Student and Scholar Services, Asian American Cultural Center, Intensive English Institute, Counseling Center, University YMCA, Engineering International Student Programs (EISP), Grainger Library IDEA Lab, Native American House, The Grad College, Sola Gratia Farm, and more to come.

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May 29

Friendship Bracelets and Fun 

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: John Deere Pavilion, Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, 105 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

Join us for community building activities and fun, including making your own friendship bracelet. All are welcome, no registration required. Lunch provided. Thank you to our Campus Partner: Engineering International Student Programs (EISP).

June 5

Sola Gratia Farm Field Trip

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Sola Gratia Farm 2200 S Philo Rd, Urbana, IL 61802

Join us for a special trip to Sola Gratia Farm, a non-profit urban farm dedicated to producing locally-grown, high-quality natural produce, especially for those with limited food resources. All are welcome to meet us at the farm between 1:00-4:00pm, lunch will be provided to those who arrive at 1:00pm. Attendees will get to tour the farm, learn about their mission and practices, and weather permitting, take part in some activities. Thank you to our community partner Sola Gratia Farm!

The farm is just north of the Urbana Meijer shopping center, you can arrive by car, bike, walk or take the MTD bus, which has a stop right at the farm!

June 12

Crochet and Calligraphy @ the Y

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: University YMCA Murphy Lounge, 1001 S. Wright St. Champaign

Join us for fun activities and get connected with other students and find your home away from home. In this session we will offer a variety of crafts to work on including crochet and calligraphy. We will provide materials and will be able to teach you the basics of each. Lunch is provided. Thank you to our community partner University YMCA. 

June 18

Juneteenth Celebration

  • Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: College of Education 1310 S 6th St, Champaign, IL 61820

Join us to learn about the Juneteenth holiday with music, food, and activities. Lunch is provided.

June 26

International Sips and Sounds Part 1

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: BNAACC 1212 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801

Have you ever tried Mate from Argentina? Bissap from West Africa? Even Sweet Tea from the southern U.S.? Please join us to taste drinks from around the world and learn about each drink's origins, significance, and share in celebrating the unique food and drink cultures within the community of people right here on the UIUC campus! Lunch is provided.

July 3

International Sips and Sounds Part 2: Dance Without Borders

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Siebel Center for Design 1208 S 4th St, Champaign, IL 61820

Dance has been used as an important part of celebrations, ceremonies, and rituals in many cultures. It also be considered an expression of joy, other emotions, and a form of self-care. Please come to join us to learn about and enjoy various forms of cultural dancing and (if you're up for it!) learn how to dance Bachata. Lunch is provided.

July 10

Crafts @ the Y

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: University YMCA Murphy Lounge, 1001 S. Wright St. Champaign

Join us for fun activities and get connected with other students and find your home away from home. In this session we will offer a variety of crafts to work on including crochet and calligraphy. We will provide materials and will be able to teach you the basics of each. Lunch is provided. Thank you to our community partner University YMCA.

July 17

IEI Student Conference

10th Annual Business, Education, Science, and Technology (B.E.S.T) Conference on July 17 beginning at 9:00am in Gregory Hall.

This year's conference, while hosted by IEI, is organized and led by advanced learning and listening students from the Fulbright and other academic programs. The event will feature a series of sessions showcasing student research in various fields including science, business, and education.

Key Details:

  • Total Sessions: 40 (including the afternoon plenary)
  • Morning Sessions: Start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m.
  • Afternoon Sessions: Start at 1:00p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.
  • Lunch Break: 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. (Please note, lunch will not be provided)
  • Reception: After the final session, join us in room 213 to celebrate our presenters.

July 24

3D Printing at IDEA Lab

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Grainger Engineering Library 1301 W Springfield Ave, Urbana, IL 61801

Join us for fun activities and get connected with other students and find your home away from home. In this session we will learn more about 3D printing and be able to print out an item either created by you or a premade creation. Registration required. RSVP coming soon. Lunch is provided.

July 24

Afternoon Movie

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Asian American Cultural Center/International Education building 1210 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801

Join us for fun activities and get connected with other students and find your home away from home. Join us for a relaxing afternoon watching a movie and enjoying some snacks and conversation. More details to come. Lunch is provided.

July 31

Paris Olympics Party

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Illini Union Courtyard Cafe 1401 W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801

Join us in the Courtyard Cafe to watch the 2024 Paris Olympics live, enjoy international snacks and drinks and participate in fun Olympics-themed activities.

August 7

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Native American House 1206 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801

The United Nations proclaimed the International Day of the World's Indigenous People in 1994 to commemorate the achievements and contributions of Indigenous People worldwide. In honor of this day, Native American House Ambassadors, David Eby (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma/Muscogee Creek; Doctoral Student, School of Information Sciences) and Yanaba Schroeder (Navajo; Undergraduate Student, Major: Human Development and Family Studies, Minor: American Indian Studies) will lead an educational program about smudging practices and Native Peoples’ relationship to frybread. All are welcome, lunch is provided.

Winter 2023-2024

December 18

Festive Cookie Decorating                    
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 
Location: AACC/IE (1210 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801) 
Co-sponsored by International Education, ISSS, and Intensive English Institute
Paid for by Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF) 

January 4

Cozy Crafts                   
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 
NEW Location: University YMCA Murphy Lounge (1001 S Wright St, Champaign)
Co-sponsored by International Education, ISSS, and Intensive English Institute 
Paid for by Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF) 

January 10

Let's Hygge! Tips for Thriving in Wintertime                    
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 
Location: AACC/IE (1210 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801) 
Co-sponsored by International Education, ISSS, and Intensive English Institute 
Paid for by Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF) 

Fall 2023

November 20

The 9th Annual Fall Break Cooking with Chefs                    
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
Location: ISR (Illinois Street Residence, 1010 W Illinois St, Urbana, IL 61801) 
Co-sponsored by International Education and University Housing  
Paid for by Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF) 

Staying in town for Fall Break? Please join University Housing Dining Services and International Education for our 9th Annual Cooking with Chefs. Tell stories, make new friends, and share warm memories in addition to a delicious celebration meal prepared with and for you and our Chefs. RSVP is required. "You Teach" session recipe/ingredients must be received by Oct. 24.  

November 21-22

Fall Break Overnight Trip

Join ISSS, IE, and IEI for a trip to Louisville, KY. During this overnight trip, we will watch horseraces at the world-renowned Churchill Downs, learn how the famous Slugger baseball bats are made, and explore downtown Louisville!  Register at https://go.illinois.edu/Louisville. Cosponsored by ISSS, International Education and Intensive English Institute. 

Summer 2023

May 24

Pot Painting!
Summer is here! Stop by to decorate the clay pot with paint, brush and stencils and grow your favorite herbs in your own creative artwork. Lunch is provided. Sponsored by International Education, International Student and Scholar Services and Asian American Cultural Center.

May 31

Have Totes of Fun this Summer, Being YOU!
Location: 1203 West Nevada Street, Urbana (La Casa Cultural Latina)

Come join La Casa’s team in decorating tote bags you can use personally that represent who you are. We will be painting tote bags that represent who we are as individuals and learn about one another while enjoying some yummy Latinx treats from local businesses. Sponsored by International Education, La Casa Cultural Latina, and International Student and Scholar Services. 

June 7

Around the World with Dumplings 
Enjoy the spring rolls as an appetizer while making dumplings / gyoza / mandu / momo / ravioli / tortellini / pelmeni / pierogi / manti / kreplach / maultasche / вушка  (and many more) with your choice of fillings – come share and learn different styles and connect with your fellow students. Sponsored by International Education, International Student and Scholar Services and Asian American Cultural Center.

June 14

Creative Connections
Empowering and intentional mixed media arts to bring out creative self-expression. Using canvas, colors, paint, play dough, and other materials, you are encouraged to freely explore your feelings and thoughts through an arts-based creative process. Lunch is provided. Sponsored by International Education, the Counseling Center, International Student and Scholar Services and Asian American Cultural Center. 

June 21

International Sips and Sounds 
Have you ever tried yerba matte? Curious about the teatime tradition and leisure activities in cultures you may not have encountered? Join us to learn and share! We have students/fellows from South America, North Africa, Middle East, and Southeast Asia with the Intensive English Institute (IEI) to tell us their stories while enjoying some music. Sponsored by International Education, Intensive English Institute, and International Student and Scholar Services.

June 28

Boardgame Bonanza 
Join us at AACC/IE for a friendly boardgame competition!  If you don’t feel like playing, decorate cookies to look like your favorite games!  Games will be provided, but if you have a game that you would like to play, feel free to bring it along.  Lunch (and cookies!) will be provided! Sponsored by International Education, International Student and Scholar Services and Asian American Cultural Center.

July 5

Snack Foods
What comes to mind when you think of snack foods? Come and find out what our students from around the world have to share! Lunch is provided. Sponsored by International Education, Intensive English Institute, and International Student and Scholar Services.

July 10-11

Overnight Field Trip, Dells, Wisconsin
 

July 12

Travel Tips and Strategies
Planning on some international travel but stressed about documentation, insurances, safety and wellness? Counseling Center staff have some tips and strategies for you through interactive activities. What are some of your fond memories of travels and lessons learned? Come and join the discussion over lunch. Sponsored by International Education, the Counseling Center, International Student and Scholar Services and Asian American Cultural Center. 

July 19

Women’s World Cup Activities with Rebecca!

Come meet and greet Rebecca Hodson, our new International Education Associate Director! As a huge soccer/football/futbol fan, who is passionate about promoting the women’s game, she will be leading some fun activities to learn more about the upcoming Women’s World Cup, a soccer tournament with 32 teams from all over the world, which starts July 20. Lunch is provided.  Sponsored by International Education and International Student and Scholar Services. Paid for by the Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF).

July 26

Kulture Karaoke 
Location: 1212 West Nevada Street, Urbana (Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center) 

Enjoy music? Enjoy performing? Enjoy learning and understanding culture through the lens of music? We have it all here!  Come play the game of Kulture Karaoke with friends! Lunch is provided. Sponsored by International Education, BNAACC and International Student and Scholar Services. 

August 2

Friendship Bracelets 
Location: 616 E Green, Suite #202, Champaign, IL (WRC)

Friendship bracelets are a fun way for friends to show how much they mean to each other. Traditionally, close friends will create a bracelet for each other and present it to them as a gift. Making friendship bracelets can also be a great way to practice self-care and explore your creativity - you can even make one for yourself! Lunch is provided. Sponsored by International Education, the Women’s Resources Center (WRC), and ISSS.

August 9

End of the Summer Series Celebration!

Celebrate with friends over lunch with arts and crafts, mini-sports, board games, as we conclude the International Education Summer Break Series of 2023! Cosponsored by International Education and ISSS.

2022 Winter and 2023 Spring

Join us during winter break for some fun, wintery-themed activities and self-care with friends. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Funded by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’s Broadening Inclusion Grant.

  • Tuesday, December 20
    1:00-3:00 pm | 1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
    Come and build gingerbread houses in teams over hot chocolate and celebrate the holiday season with friends.
  • Wednesday, January 11
    1:00-3:00 pm | 1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
    Make your winter scarf with finger crochet and some snowman cookies to welcome the new year with friends.

Fall 2022

The 8th Annual Cooking with Chefs

  • Date: Monday, November 21, 2022
  • Time: 8:30 am-3:00 pm
  • Location: ISR (Illinois Street Residence, 1010 W Illinois Street, Urbana)

Co-sponsored by International Education and University Housing. Paid for by Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF)

Are you on campus during fall break? Are you interested in learning to cook a dish with the chefs at University Housing Dining Services? Our chefs are also interested in learning how to cook a traditional dish from your hometown, home country, region and culture! This event is free and open to university students, domestic and international. "You Teach" session recipe/ingredients must be received by Oct. 24. Space is very limited; registrants will be placed on a waitlist once the capacity is reached.

Spend the Holidays with ISSS and IE in Branson, Missouri

  • Date: November 22-23, 2022
  • Cost: $100

Get ready for an exciting journey to Branson, Missouri! Known as the entertainment capital of the Midwest, Branson delights visitors with world-class shows, scenic views, and family fun! Cosponsored by International Student Services and International Education. Paid for in part by Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF).

Summer 2022

Home Away From Home Break Program

Staying on campus during summer? Looking for places to connect with other fellow students with arts and crafts, cooking and snacking, playing games, dancing, singing and other activities? You can find it all here in your home away from home. Sponsored by International Education, International Student and Scholar Services and Asian American Cultural Center. Paid for by the Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF).

  • Thursday, May 26, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Tuesday, May 31, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Thursday, June 2, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Wednesday, June 8, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Tuesday, June 14, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Wednesday, June 15, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Tuesday, June 21, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Wednesday, June 22, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Wednesday, June 29, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Wednesday, July 6, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Wednesday, July 13, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center
  • Thursday, July 21, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1203 West Nevada Street, La Casa Cultural Latina
  • Wednesday, July 27, 1:00-4:30 pm
    1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center

Day Trip to Clinton Lake

  • Date: Friday, July 29, 2022
  • Time: 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Vans will begin boarding at 8:45 am)
  • Departure/arrival point: 1210 W. Nevada Street, Urbana (Asian American Cultural Center)

Join us for a day trip to Clinton Lake! We will spend the day on the beach, playing games and soaking in the sun! Learn more about Clinton Lake.

Cost: Free! You will need to pay a $2 admission fee to the beach once we arrive. We will provide snacks and water. There are concessions at the park where you can purchase lunch. Sponsored by International Education and International Student and Scholar Services. Paid for in part by the Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF).

Spring 2022

Field Trip at Kankakee River State Park

  • Date: Monday, May 23, 2022
  • Time: 9:00 am-5:30 pm (Bus will begin boarding at 8:30 am)
  • Departure/arrival point: 610 E John Street, Champaign (outside of Turner Student Services building)
  • Deposit: $10 per person

Join us for a day trip for hiking at Kankakee River State Park. We will take a bus up to the Kankakee area and have brunch! Once we arrive at the park, we will hike, play games, and have a couple of competitions! Sponsored by International Education and International Student and Scholar Services. Paid for by the Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF). Seats are limited.

Snack and Study

  • Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
  • Dates: May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11
  • Time: 1:00-5:00 pm
  • Location: 1206 West Nevada Street, Native American House and outside picnic tables

Come eat some snacks while studying for the finals and meet our new staff with Native American House and International Education. Sponsored by Native American House and International Education. Paid for by the Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF).

Home Away From Home Break Program

  • Dates: Monday-Saturday, March 14-19
  • Time: 12 Noon-5:00 pm
  • Location: 1210 West Nevada Street, Urbana (Asian American Cultural Center)

Staying on campus during break? Looking for places to connect with other fellow students with arts and crafts, cooking and snacking, playing games and celebrating holidays? You can find it all here in your home away from home. Sponsored by International Education, International Student and Scholar Services and Asian American Cultural Center. Paid for in part by the Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF).

Fall 2021

7th Annual Cooking with Chefs (in-person)

  • Date: Monday, November 22
  • Time: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
  • Location: Ikenberry Dining Center, 301 E. Gregory Dr. Champaign

Cosponsored by International Education and University Housing Dining Services. Paid for by the Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF).

Home Away From Home Break Program

Location: 1210 West Nevada Street, Asian American Cultural Center

  • Wednesday, November 24, 2021 | 4:00-6:00 pm
  • Wednesday, December 8, 2021 | 2:00-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday, December 15, 2021 | 4:00-6:00 pm
  • Wednesday, December 22, 2021 | 4:00-6:00 pm
  • Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | 4:00-6:00 pm
  • Wednesday, January 12, 2022 | 4:00-6:00 pm

Staying on campus during break? Looking for places to connect with other fellow students with arts and crafts, cooking and snacking, playing games and celebrating holidays? You can find it all here in your home away from home. Sponsored by International Education and Asian American Cultural Center. Paid for by the Student Cultural Programming Fee (SCPF).

Fall 2020

6th Annual Cooking with Chefs (Virtual Event Via Zoom)

  • Date: Monday, November 23
  • Time: 9:00 am-12:30 pm (Central Time)

Are you interested in learning to cook a holiday dish with the chefs at University Housing Dining Services? Our chefs are also interested in learning to cook a traditional dish from your home country, region and culture! Zoom in from wherever you are! Groceries and dishes are available (while supplies last) for pick-up if you are in the campus community. This program is paid for by the Student Cultural Programming Fee. Co-sponsored by International Education and University Housing.

Summer 2020

Self-Care with Friends

  • Days: Wednesdays in July
  • Time: 8:00-9:00 pm (CST)

Join us at Self-Care with Friends, to share your ideas, projects and struggles of self-care during this challenging time, or just to connect with new and old friends to support each other. This event is open to all UIUC-affiliated students, staff, alumni, and faculty. We hope to see our international students who are currently in their home countries as well! Co-hosted by International Education and Asian American Cultural Center.

Fall 2019

Self-Care with Friends

Whether you want to read a book, watch a video, show your knitting/crochet projects, or try a new recipe, we are here for you!

  • Day: Thursdays
  • Dates: December 12 & 19, 2019 and January 9 & 16, 2020
  • Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
  • Location: 1210 West Nevada Street, Urbana

Sponsored by International Education and the Asian American Cultural Center.

5th Annual Cooking with Chefs

  • Date: Monday, November 25
  • Time: 8:00 am-2:00 pm
  • Location: Ikenberry, 301 E. Gregory Drive, Champaign

Sponsored by International Education and University Dining Services.

Are you on campus during fall break? Are you interested in learning to cook a dish with the chefs at University Housing Dining Services? Our chefs are also interested in learning how to cook a traditional dish from your home country, region and culture! This event is free and open to university students.

Overnight Field Trip To Cincinnati w/ISSS

  • Dates: Tuesday-Wednesday, November 26-27