Welcome to Upstate International

Connecting Cultures, Empowering Growth in America's Fastest-Rising City

December 17, 2024

Join the U&I Community!

Find your way to Celebrate International Diversity

Learn a new language or improve the skills you have!
Attend an event to broaden your cultural horizons.
Get Involved & Connect with Your Upstate Community.​
Volunteer and make a global impact right here in the Upstate!

Get Involved! Dive into Our Clubs and Groups:

Keep Up With Upstate International

Working as Community for a Thriving Upstate

The Heart of Global Engagement in the Upstate

Upstate International (UI) a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fosters dynamic global engagement by connecting people, resources, and ideas. 

Promoting Global Identity

& Sustaining International Engagement

Dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of global affairs and cultures, and supported by individuals and businesses, Upstate International engages globally-minded South Carolinians directly with each other and with topic experts, elected officials, civic leaders, and professionals from around the world.

Living Diversity & Inclusion

By Remove Barriers in SC

All programming at Upstate International celebrates cultural diversity, enhances cross-cultural respect, and ensures the Upstate embraces diversity of age, gender, race, religion, economics, and culture.

Monica is an outstanding teacher and created a pleasant and fun ambience which contributed to my learning so much and improving my conversational Spanish!

Janis B.

UI is a great way to learn without the pressure of college classes with tests and weighted grades.

UI Class Participant

A very positive experience for those who took languages early in life and want to refresh and relearn them.

Barbara B.

Atsuko was so patient! I loved that the class was so small, so we all got very individualized instruction!

Mary F.

Mr. Rivera tried to create a class atmosphere where it was very informal, inclusive and conversation- oriented which made it very effective for me as a student learning a foreign language as an adult.

Saku G.

If the first time didn’t work, she found another way to tell us what we needed to know – the mark of a true teacher!

UI Class Participant

I am thankful not only for the terrific instruction given in class but also for the congenial classmates. Although several no longer attend classes, we developed a friendship and are still in touch.

Janis B.

Randy is very enthusiastic about Spanish and it was catching! He gave me the courage to get out at speak it in public. Thanks Randy!!

Julianne Summer

Upstate International's Corporate Mission Partners Play a Crucial Role in Enhancing our Close-Knit Community

AFL, headquartered in Duncan, South Carolina, provides industry-leading fiber optic solutions and services to global markets, fostering connectivity and innovation. Our mission to connect customers worldwide with superior technologies aligns seamlessly with Upstate International’s goal of fostering dynamic global engagement by connecting people, resources, and ideas. Both of our organizations are dedicated to enhancing global connections and supporting the diverse, international community in Upstate South Carolina.

Memberships support a welcoming and inclusive Upstate South Carolina!
Is Membership required for participation at Upstate International?

Memberships support a platform for nonpartisan discussion and education on critical world issues.

Memberships aren’t required to participate in many Upstate International Center Events, but they are a great way to say “I want a globally diverse and engaged Upstate South Carolina!” Memberships are required for language classes and certain group activities.

Please note that Upstate International Memberships are non-refundable, but we’re here to ensure you have a wonderful experience with us!

Membership – Family
$100.00 / year
Membership – Patron
$200.00 / year
Countries Represented by UI Members
0 +
Volunteers Lending a Hand Annually
0 +
Hours of Volunteering
0 +

Explore Our Website and Let Us Know Your Experience!

The purpose of this survey is to collect data on specific topics or issues with Upstate International's new website of 2024. Our goal is to make our information easy to navigate and to provide you with reliable resources. Your feedback can help us fine-tune areas within our website to ensure a smooth user experience!

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