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Hello,
We are excited to share the latest edition of UI News with you. In this newsletter, you can expect a quick look at the moments that have made an impact at Upstate International over the past few weeks, along with a spotlight on our recent fall semester intern. We have also included a fun trivia question and a preview of upcoming events for the rest of the year. Let’s dive in and stay connected with all that is happening at UI!
Please Note:
The Upstate International building will close on December 15 and reopen on January 5.
Impact Updates
Membership Made Possible for Everyone
We are excited to share that Upstate International now offers scholarships for membership, ensuring our programs are accessible to everyone in our community. Along with this initiative, our newly updated website makes it easier than ever to explore events, find resources, and connect with all that UI offers. Become a member today and enjoy the full benefits of cultural learning, global engagement, and community connection.
Balancing More Than Books
Thank you, Carmen Vlad, EA, Founder and President of Tax Pro Accounting LLC, for donating your expertise to support UI taxes this year. Your dedication has made a real difference, and your work will have a positive impact as we head into the new year. To learn more about Carmen’s experience, accomplishments, and ongoing community support, check out this overview and her interview with South Carolina Voyager. We truly appreciate everything you do!
Holiday Cheer for a Good Cause
Our German Holiday Party on December 5 was a big success! Thanks to everyone who came, the Upstate International Women’s Group raised $500 for Safe Harbor, Jasmine Kitchen, and Period Project, supporting women’s organizations and their missions. Your participation made this possible and shows how we give back to our community.
Families Supported, Thanks to You
Thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters, and in partnership with Loaves & Fishes, the Upstate International food and goods drive from September through December provided meaningful relief. During their first pickup, Loaves & Fishes collected more than 200 pounds of food from Upstate International, enough to provide 167 meals. The food was delivered to a Greenville community facing significant food insecurity, and this same community will receive the final December pickup as well.
From Intern to Global Scholar
Audrey Dubois, our Summer 2025 intern, was selected as a student scholar to attend the WACA conference! This experience allowed her to connect with global professionals, expand her network, and gain insights that will shape her future career. Audrey’s journey reflects how Upstate International & the World Affairs Council of the Upstate creates opportunities that empower young professionals and open doors for growth.
A Moment of Gratitude
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, our English Conversation Club shared what they were thankful for, from health and friends to Target and even ChatGPT. It was a warm reminder that we all have something to appreciate. Upstate International is grateful to create a space where people from all over the world can come together, learn, and build community.
Here’s a Quick Reminder:
All Conversation Clubs will resume meeting in January. The Italian Conversation Club will be the final session of this year, meeting on December 18.
🌎 Where in the World?
Take a moment to look at the picture 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 fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
⭐️ Spotlight Feature
Anthony Morgan, Fall Intern
Anthony Morgan, a Politics & International Affairs major with a minor in Communication Studies at Furman University, is set to graduate in May 2026. During his internship at Upstate International, Anthony especially enjoyed attending Board meetings and gaining firsthand insight into the inner workings of a nonprofit.
He found Upstate International to be a globally welcoming space, where friends from all over the world—from Brazil to France to Japan—can connect, laugh, and learn together at the English Conversation Club. Looking ahead, Anthony hopes to pursue a career in local government in the Upstate area.Thank you for your contribution and hard work here at Upstate International!
🗓️ Upcoming Events
UIWG – Coffee at Panera Bread
📅 Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Panera Bread
📍 1125 Woodruff Rd #1705, Greenville, SC 29607
💰 Cost: FREE
Upstate International Women’s Group Coffee at Panera Bread on Woodruff Road (Shops at Greenridge). Make sure to join the Upstate International Women…
UIWG – Long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail
📅 Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2025
🕐 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Greenville Zoo
📍 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
💰 Cost: FREE
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…
UI Book Club Meeting – Jan
📅 Date: Monday, January 5, 2026
🕐 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Location given upon RSVP
💰 Cost: FREE
Book: The World to Come | Author: Dara Horn | January 5, 2026 Former child prodigy Ben Ziskind steals a Marc Chagall painting at the end of an alienat…
UIWG – Refresh & Restore: Reflexology Demonstration
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Upstate International
📍 9 S. Memminger St. Greenville, SC 29601
💰 Cost: FREE
Come and join the UIWG for an informative demonstration of the benefits of reflexology by Vivienne Bailey, certified reflexologist since 2001. She wil…
UIWG – Short Walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail
📅 Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
🕐 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Greenville Zoo
📍 150 Cleveland Park Dr., Greenville, SC 29601
💰 Cost: FREE
Upstate International Women’s Group Join UIWG for a short stroll on the Swamp Rabbit trail to downtown with a stop for coffee at the Commons. We will …
UIWG – Coffee and Crafts!
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Upstate International
📍 9 S. Memminger St. Greenville SC, 29687
💰 Cost: FREE
Upstate International Women’s Group Please join us for this new activity! This is not a workshop but a way for you to finish the craft that you starte…
UIWG – Coffee at Panera Bread
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Panera Bread
📍 1125 Woodruff Rd #1705, Greenville, SC 29607
💰 Cost: FREE
Upstate International Women’s Group Coffee at Panera Bread on Woodruff Road (Shops at Greenridge). Make sure to join the Upstate International Women…
UIWG – 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
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
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…
Where in the Word? Answer: Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
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. Like to add a trivia question for the newsletter? Submit here.
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