See the group details below and get in touch with their leaders via email or through their Facebook group to get involved!
OISS encourages international spouses and partners to get involved and make your stay at Yale a positive and enriching experience. See the many ISPY events listed below and feel free to contact the group organizers for more details. If you would like to start a group of your own, please contact Molly Hampton, Associate Director for Engagement.
African Cultures & Languages Group
Wednesdays, 2:30-3:30pm - OISS, 421 Temple Street (adults only)
This group is for anyone interested in learning more about African Culture and learning some African languages. There will be a different topic every week and all are welcome to attend. Please join the ISPY African Cultural Group on Facebook for details and updates, and email africanculturalgroup.isp.yale@gmail.com with any questions.
Chinese Conversation Group
Fridays, 2:30-3:30 PM - OISS, 421 Temple Street (adults only)
The Chinese Conversation Group provides a relaxing environment that offers opportunities for conversing in Mandarin Chinese. People of all skill levels are welcome, including beginners, experts, native speakers, and everyone in-between. Please join us! You can improve your Chinese and learn more about China and Chinese culture by discussing a variety of topics. Please contact oiss.chinese@gmail.com, find us on the Chinese Conversation Group Facebook, or on Wechat with ID: Yale OISS Chinese Conversation!
Chinese Painting & Calligraphy
Thursdays, 3-4:30pm - OISS, 421 Temple Street (adults only)
Our Chinese Painting and Calligraphy group is excited to try to jump-start this group again with two sessions this spring! Supplies will be provided for these first two sessions, so come learn the art of Chinese Painting. All are welcome and if you're interested in helping to lead this group, please come to these first two sessions to learn how to get involved! This is an adults only group, so no children please.
Drawing Techniques
Thursdays, 10 AM - 12 PM - OISS, 421 Temple Street (adults only)
Looking to flex your artistic muscles? Join us for our weekly meetings with Doron Wolf (check out his very impressive art website) to learn various drawing techniques. In the sessions, we will learn the fundamentals of drawing: line, stain, textures, contour, depth, light and shadow, and perspective. We will have hands-on practice in creating drawings and experience various techniques: pencil, coal, ink, and more, through group and individual guidance. Session topics will be still life, human face, figure, portraits, and landscapes. During the meetings, we will focus on observational drawing alongside developing individual creativity and self-expression. The meetings will help anyone who wants to discover their ability and develop their drawing skills. These meetings are for beginners or people who want to improve their drawing skills; adults only. For updates on weekly sessions, please join the group on WhatsApp!
Job Hunters
Occasionally meeting virtually (see Facebook group for details)
Are you looking for a job? (Or will you be looking for one in the future?) Join our group and learn from others about creating effective resumes in the American way and writing superb cover letters, networking like a pro, nailing job interviews, and in general just to get support through the (sometimes stressful) process of job hunting. You don't have to go through it alone! For more information please find us on the Job Hunters Facebook page!
Movement & Flexibility
Mondays, 10-11am, OISS, 421 Temple Street (adults only)
Looking to improve your flexibility, or just start the week with a bit of stretching? Join us at OISS on Monday mornings for an easy hour of movement. This group is a place for the OISS and ISPY community to improve mobility, flexibility, and most of all make friends! We suggest wearing loose fitting and comfortable clothing, and please note you will be sitting on the ground. You are welcome to bring along a yoga mat if you'd like, but it's not necessary. For more information please join the Facebook group or contact the leader through email: drcarr.movementandflexibility@gmail.com.
Spanish Conversation Group
Wednesdays, 11am-12pm, OISS, 421 Temple Street (beginning March 15 - adults only)
Our Spanish Conversation Group is back! This group is open to native or intermediate speakers who are looking to come together for an hour each week to socialize in Spanish. Please join us for an hour of good conversation and help us to reinvigorate this group! For weekly updates and more information, please join the group on WhatsApp!
Babies @ Yale
Occasional in-person meetings (see Facebook group for details)
This playgroup is an ideal opportunity for little ones to begin socializing and learning about group play. This is also a great meeting place for parents and caregivers looking for opportunities to practice speaking English, and for everyone to share experiences, tips and ideas. As the International Center does not offer a child-proof setting, Babies @ Yale is recommended for babies and toddlers that will be content playing together behind the glass partition (up to approximately one year). The OISS has a limited number of toys and books available to the group. Families are invited to bring their own activities to share with the group. If you are interested in joining the group, and for details regarding summer meeting locations, please join the Babies @ Yale Facebook group.
Toddlers at Yale
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00am - 12:00pm - parks in New Haven (see Facebook group for details)
Meet fellow parents, bring your toddlers, and bond over shared experiences as international families in New Haven! This is best for toddlers ages 1-4. Please join the Toddlers at Yale Facebook group to get updated information.
