International Undergraduate Student Ministry
Find a ‘home away from home’ at IUSM! We hope to help international students feel at home while in America and provide support through the ups and downs of college life. IUSM is a UC Berkeley registered student organization that has been supporting international students for the past 18 years.
We hope to provide a space where international students can explore life’s purpose and make lasting friendships. We often meet in one another’s homes, go on fun trips, share yummy meals, and study the Bible together. Everyone is welcome!
IUSM?
WHAT IS
IUSM DISTINCTIVES
Weekly Gatherings
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On Fridays we like to gather with friends and discuss a message from the Bible over a home cooked meal.
We like to do something fun together afterwards- whether that is board games and late night snacks or exploring the Bay!
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Join us for our weekly Sunday worship service!
We meet near campus to worship God together by singing praise songs and hearing a message from God’s Word. Come early for some coffee and light breakfast; afterwards we’ll have some lunch and fellowship together!
Fun Trips
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We know balancing school and life can be challenging, which is why we like to get out of Berkeley and de-stress together on short trips or on weekend getaways!
We enjoy spending time in the fresh air and hiking some of the famous mountain trails in Yosemite or enjoying the seafood in Monterey, to name a few. You might also catch us grabbing late night Asian desserts in San Francisco!
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We love to connect with new friends and build our relationships with one another on these trips.
We carpool together and once we arrive, we might take fun(ny) photos together, or play a group game where you might find yourself taking a personality test, or bursting out laughing with (or at) one another. We don’t take ourselves too seriously here! :)
We also enjoy cooking delicious meals and yummy desserts together, as well as enjoying nature!
Daily Life
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We believe that college life is best lived together!
We love to invite one another over to our apartments or homes in Berkeley or Alameda where we give each other “refrigerator rights” (free access to food and snacks) and love to cook for one another, study together, and take breaks to play fun games!
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We believe in the positive impact that mentorship has on personal growth, for both the mentee and the mentor. Our mentors are UCB alumni and upperclassmen students who provide:
spiritual mentorship: understanding where you are in your spiritual journey, how to apply the Word of God to your daily life, spiritual guidance, etc.
academic mentorship: learning how to study efficiently and have a work/life balance, tutoring, etc.
and more!
We hope that the guidance and wisdom of those who have had a few more trips around the sun can help our students grow to be the leaders of the next generation!
CONNECT WITH US
Our mission is to create an inclusive community where international students at Berkeley can come and find a home away from home, discuss the bigger questions about life, and gain support in the ups and downs of life. Check out our about page to learn more about how we started, who we are, and what community means for us.