A Word from Our Interim Executive Director
Hello Everyone,
It’s almost time for our Spring semester of language classes, offered in nine languages: Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Persian, English, ASL, Russian, and Italian. Thanks to our many volunteer teachers, who are eager to help new and returning students advance toward their language goals in a small, friendly atmosphere. While we hope the upcoming weather will not delay the start of classes, we may have to pivot to stay safe – please stay tuned via our website for weather-related updates on classes.
I’ve enjoyed being part of Upstate International’s welcoming spirit over the last several months. My job, as defined by the board of directors, was to evaluate and advise on ways to make UI more efficient and effective in how we serve the Upstate community and then work to implement the board’s strategic goals.
Among other accomplishments, I’m proud that the UI board created multiple membership options, including free and reduced memberships, that make joining the organization accessible to people of all income levels. Upstate International is here for everyone with a heart for connecting and learning together. Many people have already applied for and received scholarships!
My temporary tenure is coming to a close in the next few weeks as we begin our search for a new Executive Director. I can attest that the role is exciting, challenging, and full of potential for making cross-cultural connections throughout the Upstate.
Interested? Or know a well-qualified person who might like to take the reins to work with a fantastic group of people? Please reach out to UI’s Executive Director Search Committee.
All the best,
Laura
Laura S. Bogardus, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP
Interim Executive Director
Upstate International
We are Hiring
Position: Executive Director
The search for a permanent Executive Director is underway! We seek a talented nonprofit professional with honed skills and experience in leadership, fundraising and development, organizational management, and a sincere desire to build an international presence in Upstate. Contact the Executive Director Search Committee for information.
Impact
Access Carolina:
Upstate International was featured on Access Carolina and we are grateful to Margaret Burnquist for having us on the show. We were joined by Atsuko Tobe, one of our long-term language teachers, who teaches Japanese and will be teaching again this spring. She shared insights into Japanese culture and even taught us how to say thank you in Japanese. Dr. Bogardus, UI’s Interim Executive Director, also joined us to share more about our classes and affordable membership options.
Thank you Astuko & Dr. Bogardus! A quick reminder that the spring semester starts January 26. Be sure to register!
🌎 Where in the World?
Take a moment to look at the picture on the left and see if you can identify this landmark and the country it’s in. You’ll find the answer at the bottom of our newsletter.
Hint:
A “rose-red” city carved into rock, once lost to the Western world.
⭐️ Spotlight Feature
Rita Jayaram
UI Women’s Club Member and Volunteer
Rita Jayaram has been an active part of Upstate International since 2017, serving as a dedicated Women’s Club member and volunteer. Over the years, she has especially enjoyed UI’s group hikes and the Women’s Club social events, including potlucks, crafting sessions, and festive Glühwein gatherings, which have allowed her to build meaningful friendships and connections.
For Rita, Upstate International is globally welcoming because it brings people from around the world together to share cultures, languages, and experiences. She values how UI creates a true sense of community, particularly for those who are new to the Upstate, offering what she describes as a “home away from home.”
Rita encourages others who want to build global connections to get involved with UI by participating in activities, joining the Women’s Club, learning a new language, and meeting people who share similar interests. She speaks English, Hindi, and several other Indian languages, and is currently learning Spanish.
Outside of UI, Rita’s first passion is travel. She also enjoys reading, music, dancing, cooking, crafting, movies, and staying active. A fun fact many may not know is that she writes poetry and maintains a personal blog, blending creativity with reflection. Thank you for sharing!
🗓️ Upcoming Events
Long Walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
🕐 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Greenville Zoo
📍 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
💰 Cost: Free for members of Upstate International
Upstate International Women’s Group Take a long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. We will start at the Zoo and will walk to the Swamp Rabbit Café for a…
UIWG – Lunch at Jasmine Kitchen
📅 Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
🕐 Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Jasmine Kitchen
📍 503 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605
💰 Cost: Free for members of Upstate International
Upstate International Women’s Group Meet with the International Women’s Group at Jasmine Kitchen to enjoy lunch with friends! The food is always h…
GJFF Pop-Up Movies
📅 Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
🕐 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Camelot Cinemas
📍 48 E Antrim Dr, Greenville, SC 29607
Presented by: Greenville Jewish Film Festival Join us for the film The Sea! Our mission is to showcase a compelling selection of Jewish films to the G…
UIWG Presentation on Monarch Butterflies
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
🕐 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Upstate International
📍 9 S. Memminger street, Greenville
💰 Cost: Free for members of Upstate International
Come and join the UIWG to learn all there is to know about the monarch butterfly from our speaker Kelly Long. She is a member of the Camellia Garden C…
Short Walk on Swamp Rabbit Trail with UIWG
📅 Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
🕐 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Upstate International
📍 Greenville Zoo parking lot. 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
💰 Cost: Free for members of Upstate International
Join us for a short stroll and walk on the Swamp Rabbit trail to downtown with a stop for coffee at the Commons. Meet us at 9:00am in the Zoo…
Retired and Semi-Retired Expat Luncheon
📅 Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
🕐 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:31 PM
📍 Location: NIXTAMAL Mexican Kitchen
📍 1100 Via Corso Ave Simpsonville, SC 29681
Retired and Semi-Retired Expat Group Join the Retired Expat Group for lunch at NIXTAMAL Mexican Kitchen! Join us for a Retired Expat Lunch at NIXTAMA…
UI Book Club Meeting
📅 Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
🕐 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Location given upon RSVP
Book: The Lion Women of Tehran | Author: Marjan Kamali | February 9, 2026 In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives in grand comfort until the untim…
Coffee and Crafts with the UIWG
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
🕐 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Upstate International
📍 9 S. Memminger street, Greenville
💰 Cost: Free for members of Upstate International
UIWG gathering with coffee and crafts! Please join us for this fun activity! This is not a workshop but a way for you to finish the craft that you sta…
¡Fiestas de Mexico! A Cultural Celebration
📅 Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
🕐 Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
📍 141 Jersey Lane, Clemson, SC 29634
💰 Cost: 25
Brought to you by Clemson | Brooks Center for the Performing Arts Step into the enchanting world where lively traditions come to life with each spirit…
Coffee at Panera Bread with the UIWG
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
🕐 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Panera Bread
📍 1125 Woodruff road, Greenville SC 29607
💰 Cost: Free for members of Upstate International
Coffee at Panera Bread on Woodruff road (Shops at Greenridge). Make sure to join the Upstate International Women’s Group (IWG) for coffee, yummy pas…
Where in the Word? Answer: Petra (Treasury Building), Jordan
If you guessed it right, congratulations, you’re one step closer to becoming a world traveler! If not, no worries, we hope you enjoyed learning something new along the way.
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