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Impact Updates
Explore Our Lending Library!
Thanks to our dedicated volunteers Maddi Bellville, Salome Chipashvili, Ezra Churches, Stephanie Duan, and Andrea Fierro, Stage One of our lending library has been completed! These volunteers have been hard at work, organizing over a thousand books into a dozen language categories. They found UI archival scrapbooks, cookbooks, dictionaries, textbooks, and travel guides from all over the world…and even some VHS tapes! Volunteers with assembly skills are needed for Stage Two (building new bookshelves), and polyglot book lovers are needed for Stage Three (classifying and curating texts).
We are Hiring!
Programs & Events Manager (30 hours)
UI seeks an in-person Programs & Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of cultural programs, fundraisers, and signature events that advance our mission of fostering cross-cultural understanding across the Upstate. This role is ideal for an event and program professional with at least 3 to 5 years of experience who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven nonprofit environment and enjoys bringing people together through high-quality, inclusive programming. Evening and weekend hours are required. For details about the position and to apply, please send an email to [email protected]. View job description here (located at the bottom of page).
Conversation Club Schedule
English:
Every Wednesday, 9:45 am – 11:00 am and
1st & 3rd Sundays, 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Spanish:
2nd & 4th Thurdays, 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
French:
Last Friday, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
German:
1st Saturday, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
*Next meet will be located at Hans & Franz Biergarten Saturday 2/7/26.
Italian:
3rd Thursday, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Russian:
Last Sunday, 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Chinese:
2nd Sunday, 3:00 pm 4:15 pm
All conversation clubs meet at Upstate International, except for the German group, whose location may change from month to month.
Spotlighting Our Mission Partners:
We are proud to spotlight the Mission Partners who help make Upstate International’s work possible. Their continued support strengthens programs that connect cultures, expand opportunities, and build a more globally minded Upstate community. We are grateful to collaborate with organizations that believe in the power of international engagement and shared growth.
Flame Spray is a global leader in advanced coating solutions, serving industries that demand precision and innovation. Their commitment to technical excellence and international collaboration reflects the spirit of cross cultural exchange that drives our mission.
BDV Solutions focuses on connecting global talent with meaningful opportunities through workforce and immigration solutions. Their work supports economic growth while helping individuals and families build new lives and contribute to our region’s diverse community.
BMW Group’s presence in the Upstate has helped shape the region into a hub for international business and innovation. Through forward thinking manufacturing and community investment, they continue to strengthen global connections and cultural exchange.
AFL Global provides fiber optic products and engineering solutions that keep communities connected worldwide. Their dedication to innovation and infrastructure aligns with the collaborative spirit that brings people and ideas together across borders.
Pinnacle Financial Partners is known for building strong relationships and supporting local communities through personalized financial services. Their people first approach reflects the values of trust, partnership, and long term investment in the Upstate.
Rödl Langford de Kock, LLP offers international tax, audit, and advisory services that help organizations navigate a complex global landscape. Their expertise supports businesses operating across cultures and markets, helping foster a stronger international presence in our region.
🧠 Think Fast!
In Japan, what is “sakura”? (Answer is at the end of this email)
A. A type of tea B. Cherry Blossom C. Samurai Sword D. Sushi Roll
🗓️ Upcoming Events
1. Long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail with the UIWG
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
🕐 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Greenville Zoo parking lot
📍 150 Cleveland Park Dr. , Greenville SC 29601
💰 Cost: Free for members of Upstate International
Come and join the UIWG for the long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. We will start at the Zoo and will walk to the Swamp Rabbit Café for a…
2. Lunch at Jasmine Kitchen with the UIWG
📅 Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
🕐 Time: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Jasmine Kitchen
📍 503 Augusta street, Greenville SC 29605
💰 Cost: Guests pay for their own meal at the restaurant.
Lunch at Jasmine Kitchen, 503 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605. Meet with the International Women’s Group at Jasmine Kitchen to enjoy lunch with fri…
3. Women’s History Month
📅 Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
🕐 Time: All month long celebration
📍 Location: Various organizations celebrating
💰 Cost: FREE
This month, it’s time to enjoy and appreciate the women in history who have worked so hard to try to assure that modern women are treated fairly and…
4. Upstate International Month: Ring the Bells
📅 Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
🕐 Time: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
📍 Location: Tillman Hall, Clemson Carillon, Clemson University
📍 Clemson, SC 29634
💰 Cost: FREE
Each year, Upstate International Month begins at 12:00 noon on March 1, which is a Sunday in 2026. Upstate International invites carillons across our …
5. Greenville Jewish Film Festival Pop-Up Movies
📅 Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
🕐 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Camelot Cinemas
📍 48 E Antrim Dr, Greenville, SC 29607
💰 Cost: FREE
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…
6. International Irish Whiskey Day
📅 Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
🕐 Time: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
📍 Location: World wide
💰 Cost: Cost varies by brand and age
International Irish Whiskey Day or Irish Whiskey Day is celebrated March 3 because of the special significance the number has when it comes to whiske…
7. Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
📅 Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
🕐 Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Brooks Theater, Clemson University
📍 B141 Jersey Lane, Clemson, SC 29634
💰 Cost: Free event
Five distinct instruments will explore multiple blends of timbres. World class musicians in the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will perform t…
8. ESL, International Neighbor & Helping
📅 Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Mitchell Road PCA (Fellowship Hall Commons)
📍 207 Mitchell Road. Greenvile, SC
💰 Cost: FREE
Brought to you by: Upstate ESL Connect Hey World Changer! Join us for a volunteer opportunity fair to explore community connections with immigrant adv…
9. International Women’s Day
📅 Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026
🕐 Time: All Day Celebration
📍 Location: World wide events and programs
💰 Cost: FREE
Progress on women’s rights and gender equality, driven by powerful feminist movements and women’s rights activists across the globe, have profound…
10. “Swan Lake”
📅 Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
🕐 Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Location: Pickens County Performing Arts Center
📍 314 West Main Street Liberty, SC 29657
💰 Cost: $45 – $96
Classical Arts Entertainment Presents “SWAN LAKE” Performed by International Ballet Stars - Pickens County Performing Arts Center, Libert…
Think Fast Answer: B. Cherry Blossom
Did you get it right? If so, you’re one step closer to becoming a trivia legend (or at least impressing your peers)!
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