Handbook
INTERNATIONAL SCHOLAR AND STUDENT SERVICES
Page Guide:
- Temporary Housing
- Facilities
- Activities
- Support Services
- Hours of Operation
- Staff
- Contacting the I-House
The multifunctional Smolian International House at UAB offers a variety of services and activities for international students and scholars. However, the facility is much more: It provides a central focal point for programs and activities designed to foster a free exchange of information and international understanding. This environment of support and encouragement serves international students, scholars, their families, and the Birmingham community. In this one place, members of the university community, International and American share a sense of unity.
Temporary Housing
Temporary housing (Seven days) is available to newly arriving international students, scholars, faculty, staff and family members while they make arrangements for permanent accommodation.
(See Contacting International House below)
Facilities
The International House was designed to accommodate the needs of international students, scholars and their families. Meeting space is available for classes and other events. The International House is available for use by any campus organization or community group with an "international mission." Facilities include the following:
- Meeting Space: Can accommodate groups of 200. Space can be arranged into four smaller rooms or one large room.
- Kitchen: Smolian International House has an upstairs kitchen for guests staying at the house. The house also has a commercial kitchen for special luncheons, dinners and other functions.
- Library: This room provides a quiet place for study. The library has a steadily increasing collection of books and magazines, and receives a number of international periodicals.
- Lounge: This spacious and comfortable room offers plenty of seating, a wide-screen television with satellite hook-up, and a pool table. The satellite hook-up provides interested international students and scholars an opportunity to view programs from their home countries, bringing news to members of UAB's international community.
- Private and Dorm Rooms: The Smolian International House can provide temporary lodging for up to twelve people for up to seven nights (2 private rooms and 2 dorm rooms), affording a transitional setting while newcomers seek permanent housing. Use is reserved for non-immigrant international students who have been admitted to UAB and to scholars and their dependents.
- Other Amenities: The facility also includes a laundry room with washer and dryer for use by overnight guests. The nursery is also available at certain times.
Activities
Smolian International House hosts a number of special events throughout the year. For example, the annual International Festival brings a flurry of activity to the International House with the International Food Fair and Exhibition. The International Food Fair and Exhibition allows the UAB and Birmingham community the opportunity to experience the cultures and cuisines of UAB's international community. Other activities help familiarize international students and scholars with customs of the U.S. and the South, such as a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner and good 'ol Southern barbecues. Special activities are also included for children, such as Culture Camp, which enables all to learn about the many countries represented at UAB.
CHECK OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE !
Support Services
In addition to the pleasant setting, Smolian International House provides other support for members of UAB's international community. Special classes and programs enhance the educational experience of international students and scholars. They also help make the transition to a new country and culture easier for those coming to UAB.
- Conversational English, Spanish, Japanese, and German classes are also offered to international students, scholars, their families, and to the Birmingham community.
- An International Women's Group (with babysitting provided) offers special speakers, cooking and crafts demonstrations, and visits to local points of interest.
- The Friendship Partners Program matches foreign nationals with Birmingham residents to promote friendship, exchange of knowledge about each other's culture, and adjustment of internationals to life in Birmingham.
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Hours of Operation
The Smolian International House is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to midnight on Friday, 12:00 noon to midnight on Saturday, and 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Contacting the International House
Anyone may reach the International House during their operating hours at: (205) 934-1205, or feel free to fax them at: (205) 975-3226. Email address is ihouse@uab.edu
Or by mail at: :
UAB Smolian International House
1600 10th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294
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UAB International
Scholar and Student Services
HUC 250. 1400 University Boulevard
1530 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-1150
Phone (205) 934-3328 ; Fax (205) 934-8664