Upstate International Clubs

Upstate International Clubs create connections and friendships across borders. Our clubs help expatriates and their families feel more connected to their new community, allow former US expats to reconnect with cultures they miss, and provide a warm environment for forging bonds with our diverse region. To learn details about each club navigate the tabs below.

Clubs are open—and free!—for all members of Upstate International. Membership is affordable and gives you access to all of UI’s wonderful programs and opportunities.

International Women’s Group

Join the International Women’s Group

The International Women’s Group (IWG) is a social group and a conduit to connect women of all nationalities living in the Upstate. Membership in Upstate International entitles you to all the benefits of the IWG. Newcomers will feel at home by getting support from women already established in the area, while current friendships are expanded upon and deepened.

With a wide variety of monthly activities, from coffee mornings and potluck lunches to hiking and fitness walks, there is always an engaging experience around the corner. Special events such as International dinners and holiday celebrations provide a taste of the world. There are craft days and panel discussions with women who share a global outlook.

The International Women’s Group is open and free to Upstate International members. Join here! For more information, email us.

 

* IWG Tuesday Events generally are held at the Upstate International Center, starting at 10:00 AM.

Ongoing Events

Hike: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 9:00am

Coffee and Conversation @ Panera: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10:00am

Stride and Stroll: 1st Thursday of the month, 9:00am- Zoo Parking Lot at Cleveland Park

8 Mile Walk: 4th Tuesday of the month, 9:00am- Zoo Parking Lot at Cleveland Park

Lunch & Laugh @ Jasmine Kitchen: 4th Wednesday of the month, 11:45am

Ladies Night Out: 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:30pm. Different location each month.

                   Text @UIWG to 81010 to ‘stay in the know’ with IWG updates

 

Scroll down to check all activities!

IWG JANUARY 2023 CALENDAR

Thu. 1/5/23– 09.00am –  SHORT WALK ON THE SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

Join the International Women’s Group on a walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The walk will start at the zoo and lead to the Commons for a snack or coffee. Meet the group at 9AM in the zoo parking lot. The total walking distance is 4 miles, and the return to the parking lot will be approximately noon.

RSVP by Wed. 1/4/23 at noon with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com).

 

Sun. 1/8/23 – 2-4pm – LA FÊTE DES ROIS – FEAST OF THE KINGS (Upstate International Center – 9 S Memminger St, Greenville, SC)

Upstate International and the Alliance Française will hold its annual celebration featuring tasty Galletes des Rois, in recognition of the traditional French holiday, La Fête des Rois (Feast of the Kings). Come learn about the tradition and sample fresh-baked gallettes (King’s Cake). The presentation will be in English and includes French vocabulary.

This event is open to all ages and includes fun trivia and a treasure hunt for the younger audience.

Reserve in advance, $10 for AF and UI members ($6 for children), $15 for non-members – refreshments and galletes provided. Remember to let us know the age, and the number of children so we can adapt our games and prizes.

RSVP is needed! Please write megbglass@juno.com to confirm your presence and get your tickets.

 

Tue. 1/10/23 – 10.00am –  KICKBOX AND TAHITIAN DANCE DEMONSTRATION WITH LILA EVRARD (at Upstate International Center – 9 S Memminger St, Greenville, SC)

Lila was born in Tahiti in 1976 and started training in Martial Arts with her father at the age of 5. She is recognized internationally as one of the top female Martial Arts instructors in the world and in 2010, was awarded “Filipino Martial Arts Woman of the Year”. Lila also teaches Boxing, Kickboxing, Conditioning, Tai Chi, and Tahitian Dance, and has a Master’s Degree in law.

The event is hosted by the International Women’s Group and therefore only open to women who have a current UI membership. If you are a not member yet, you are more than welcome to come and check out this club event to see if you like the experience before becoming a member!

The event is free, and coffee and refreshments will be served.

 

Tue. 1/17/23 – 10.00am – COFFEE AT PANERA ON WOODRUFF RD AT SHOPS AT SHOPS AT GREENRIDGE

Make sure to join the Upstate International Women’s Group (IWG) for coffee, some snacks, good conversation, and lots of fun! No RSVP is required.

 

Thu. 1/19/23 – 06.30pm – LADIES NIGHT OUT

The International Women’s Group is gathering together for the first Ladies Night Out of 2023, this time at the Sciortino’s Trattoria and Pizzeria (3734 Pelham Rd, Greenville, SC). Fun awaits!

Please RSVP with Christine (chhofbauer@yahoo.com).

 

Tue. 1/24/23 – 09.00am – LONG WALK ON THE SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

Join the International Women’s Group for a long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The walk will start at the zoo and lead to the Swamp Rabbit Café for a snack or lunch. Meet the group at 9AM in the zoo parking lot. The total walking distance is 8 miles, and the return to the parking lot will be approximately at 1:30PM.

RSVP by Mon 1/25/22 at noon with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com).

 

Wed. 1/25/23 – 11.45am – LUNCH AT JASMINE KITCHEN (503 Augusta St, Greenville, SC).

Meet with the International Women’s Group at Jasmine Kitchen to enjoy lunch with friends!  No RSVP is needed.

 

IWG FEBRUARY 2023 CALENDAR

Thu. 2/2/23 – 9AM –  SHORT WALK ON THE SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

Join the International Women’s Group on a walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The walk will start at the zoo and lead to the Commons for a snack or coffee. Meet the group at 9AM in the zoo parking lot. The total walking distance is 4 miles, and the return to the parking lot will be approximately noon.

RSVP by Wed. 2/1/23 at noon with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com).

 

Tue. 2/7/23 – 10AM –  CREPES TASTING (at Upstate International Center – 9 S Memminger St, Greenville, SC)

Crepes, crepes, crepes, demo and tasting with Monique and Beatrice.

The event is hosted by the International Women’s Group and therefore only open to women who have a current UI membership. If you are a not member yet, you are more than welcome to come and check out this club event to see if you like the experience before becoming a member!

No RSVP is required.

 

Tue. 2/14/23 – 9AM –  HIKE GRASSY CREEK FALLS IN DUPONT STATE RECREATIONAL FOREST

An easy to moderate 3.7 miles out and back trail. The ladies will meet in the parking behind Starbucks (on the corner of E. North St. and Pleasantburg/Pelham Road) at 9AM and be back by mid-afternoon. Pack a picnic lunch and plenty to drink.

RSVP by Mon 2/13/22 at noon with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com)

 

Thu. 2/16/23 – 6:30PM – LADIES NIGHT OUT

The International Women’s Group is gathering together for the Ladies Night Out of the month, this time at the Yellow Ginger Asian Kitchen (2100 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC). Fun awaits!

Please RSVP with Christine (chhofbauer@yahoo.com).

 

Tue. 2/21/23 – 10AM – COFFEE AT PANERA ON WOODRUFF RD AT SHOPS AT SHOPS AT GREENRIDGE

Make sure to join the Upstate International Women’s Group (IWG) for coffee, some snacks, good conversation, and lots of fun!

No RSVP is required.

 

Wed. 2/22/23 – 11:45AM – LUNCH AT JASMINE KITCHEN (503 Augusta St, Greenville, SC).

Meet with the International Women’s Group at Jasmine Kitchen to enjoy lunch with friends!

No RSVP is needed.

 

Tue. 2/28/23 – 9AM – LONG WALK ON THE SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

Join the International Women’s Group for a long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The walk will start at the zoo and lead to the Swamp Rabbit Café for a snack or lunch. Meet the group at 9AM in the zoo parking lot. The total walking distance is 8 miles, and the return to the parking lot will be approximately at 1:30PM.

RSVP by Mon 2/27/22 at noon with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com).

 

IWG MARCH 2023 CALENDAR

Thu. 3/2/23 – 9AM –  SHORT WALK ON THE SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

Join the International Women’s Group on a walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The walk will start at the zoo and lead to the Commons for a snack or coffee. Meet the group at 9AM in the zoo parking lot. The total walking distance is 4 miles, and the return to the parking lot will be approximately noon.

RSVP with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com).

 

Tue. 3/7/23 – 10AM –  BRING BIRDS TO YOUR YARD (meet at Upstate International Center – 9 S Memminger St, Greenville, SC)

Jay Keck, an educator with the SC Wildlife Federation, will talk about spring migrant birds that come to SC to breed, and how to attract them to your yard. He will also talk about other nature-related topics. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

No RSVP is required.

 

Tue. 3/14/23 – 9AM – HIKE SCENIC SHORELINE TRAIL IN LAKE GREENWOOD STATE PARK

An easy 4.4-mile loop trail. It’s a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking. The ladies will meet in the parking behind Taco Bell on the corner of Fairview Rd and Grandview Dr (Exit 27 on 385 southbound) at 9am and will be back mid-afternoon.

Pack a picnic lunch, and plenty to drink.

RSVP by Monday 3/13/22 at noon with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com)

 

Thu. 3/16/23 – 6:30PM – LADIES NIGHT OUT

The International Women’s Group is gathering together for the Ladies’ Night Out of the month, this time at Meat Me Mediterranean Grill and Deli (1507 Woodruff Rd Unit D, Greenville, SC). Fun awaits!

Please RSVP with Christine (chhofbauer@yahoo.com).

 

Tue. 3/21/23 – 10AM – COFFEE AT PANERA ON WOODRUFF RD AT SHOPS AT SHOPS AT GREENRIDGE

Make sure to join the Upstate International Women’s Group (IWG) for coffee, some snacks, good conversation, and lots of fun!

No RSVP is required.

 

Tue. 3/28/23 – 9AM – LONG WALK ON THE SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

Join the International Women’s Group for a long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The walk will start at the zoo and lead to the Swamp Rabbit Café for a snack or lunch. Meet the group at 9AM in the zoo parking lot. The total walking distance is 8 miles, and the return to the parking lot will be approximately at 1:30PM.

RSVP by Mon 3/27/22 at noon with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com).

 

Wed. 3/29/23 – 11:45AM – LUNCH AT JASMINE KITCHEN (503 Augusta St, Greenville, SC).

Meet with the International Women’s Group at Jasmine Kitchen to enjoy lunch with friends!

No RSVP is needed.

 

IWG APRIL 2023 CALENDAR

Tue. 4/4/23 – 10AM –  FIELDTRIP AND TOUR OF FORX CHEESE IN ANDERSON (Forx Farm , 5575 Dobbins Bridge Road, Anderson, SC)

The International Women’s Group will start April’s activities meeting the Lubsen family to learn their Gouda cheese making process. The whole tour will last about an hour and will be taking place indoors. $5 per person to be paid with exact cash on day of the tour. Coffee and cheese samples included.

RSVP is necessary by Friday March 31 with Margo at internationalwg@upstate.org. Carpool/meeting place instructions will be shared upon RSVP.

 

Thu. 4/6/23 – 9AM –  SHORT WALK ON THE SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

Join the International Women’s Group on a walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The walk will start at the zoo and lead to the Commons for a snack or coffee. Meet the group at 9AM in the zoo parking lot. The total walking distance is 4 miles, and the return to the parking lot will be approximately noon.

RSVP with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com) by Apr 5, at noon.

 

Tue. 4/11/23 – 9AM – HIKE RC EDWARDS TRAIL TO TRIPLE CREEK TRAIL

This is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Central, South Carolina in the Clemson Experimental forest. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 33 min to complete. Meet the group at 9am in the parking lot behind Starbucks on the corner of Pelham Rd/E. North St,/Pleasantburg. Return to the parking lot should be around noon. If you are car pooling please bring $5 cash for the driver.

Make sure to pack a picnic lunch, and plenty to drink.

RSVP is required with Mariette (link to yetweiden@gmail.com) by Monday, Apr 10th, at noon.

 

Tue. 4/18/23 – 10AM – COFFEE AT PANERA ON WOODRUFF RD AT SHOPS AT SHOPS AT GREENRIDGE

Make sure to join the Upstate International Women’s Group (IWG) for coffee, some snacks, good conversation, and lots of fun!

No RSVP is required.

 

Thu. 4/10/23 – 6:30PM – LADIES NIGHT OUT

The International Women’s Group is gathering together for the Ladies’ Night Out of the month, this time at Smoke on the Water (1 Augusta St #202, Greenville, SC). Fun awaits!

Please RSVP with Christine (chhofbauer@yahoo.com).

 

Tue. 4/25/23 – 9AM – LONG WALK ON THE SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

Join the International Women’s Group for a long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The walk will start at the zoo and lead to the Swamp Rabbit Café for a snack or lunch. Meet the group at 9AM in the zoo parking lot. The total walking distance is 8 miles, and the return to the parking lot will be approximately at 1:30PM.

RSVP by Mon, Apr 24th, at noon, with Mariette (yetweiden@gmail.com).

 

Wed. 4/26/23 – 11:45AM – LUNCH AT JASMINE KITCHEN (503 Augusta St, Greenville, SC).

Meet with the International Women’s Group at Jasmine Kitchen to enjoy lunch with friends!

No RSVP is needed.

International Book Club

August 22, 2022
Hotel Silence
By Audur Ava Olafsdottir

Jónas Ebeneser leaves his home in Iceland for a city thousands of miles away pummeled by war and violence, now at tentative peace. He brings with him only his toolbox, scars, and grief. While he plans his suicide, the people of the town draw him out with their endless list of broken items to be fixed. With humor and simple, heart-piercing prose, Hotel Silence tells the story of a man and his past and the community where he finds himself. Ólafsdóttir’s world is full of surprise, sadness, love, and transformation. I didn’t want it to end.

 

September 19, 2022
Free: A Child and a Country at the End of History
By Lea Ypi

Communism had failed to deliver the promised utopia. One’s “biography”―class status and other associations long in the past―put strict boundaries around one’s individual future. When Lea’s parents spoke of relatives going to “university” or “graduating,” they were speaking of grave secrets Lea struggled to unveil. And when the early ’90s saw Albania and other Balkan countries exuberantly begin a transition to the “free market,” Western ideals of freedom delivered chaos: a dystopia of pyramid schemes, organized crime, and sex trafficking.

 

October 24, 2022
I Will Die in a Foreign Land
By Kalani Pickhart

I Will Die in a Foreign Land follows four individuals over the course of a volatile Ukrainian winter, as their lives are forever changed by the Euromaidan protests. Katya is a Ukrainian-American doctor stationed at a makeshift medical clinic in  St. Michael’s Monastery; Misha is an engineer originally from Pripyat, who has lived in Kyiv since his wife’s death; Slava is a fiery young activist whose past hardships steel her determination in the face of persecution; and Aleksandr Ivanovich, a former KGB agent, who climbs atop a burned-out police bus at Independence Square and plays the piano.

 

December 5, 2022
Sankofa
By Chibundu Onuzo

Anna is at a stage of her life when she’s beginning to wonder who she really is. She has separated from her husband, her daughter is all grown up, and her mother – the only parent who raised her – is dead. Searching through her mother’s belongings one day, Anna finds clues about the African father she never knew. His student diaries chronicle his involvement in radical politics in 1970s London. Anna discovers that he eventually became the president – some would say, dictator – of a small nation in West Africa. And he is still alive…

 

January 9, 2023
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows
By Balli Kaur Jaswal

A lively, sexy, and thought-provoking East-meets-West story about community, friendship, and women’s lives at all ages—a spicy and alluring mix of Together Tea and Calendar Girls.

 

February 27, 2023
The Confidence Men
By Margalit Fox

A gripping nonfiction thriller, The Confidence Men is the story of one of the only known con games played for a good cause – and of a profound but unlikely friendship. Had it not been for “the Great War”, Jones, the Oxford-educated son of a British lord, and Hill, a mechanic on an Australian sheep ranch, would never have met. But in pain, loneliness, hunger, and isolation, they formed a powerful emotional and intellectual alliance that saved both of their lives.

 

March 27, 2023
The Seven Culinary Wonders of the World: A History of Honey, Salt, Chile, Pork, Rice, Cacao, and Tomato
By Jenny Linford

Linford focuses on seven ubiquitous ingredients often taken for granted: honey, salt, chile, pork, rice, cacao, and tomato. Her book tells their fascinating histories and helps foster a new appreciation for them, relating some of their first recorded uses and how the ingredients spread worldwide through exploration and trade routes. The author shows how human ingenuity transformed them from expensive, exotic luxuries into affordable staples. The inclusion of folklore, facts of cultural and religious significance, and novel illustrations make the book both informative and pleasurable. Though over 60 easy recipes from a range of countries are included, the book’s real value is the entertaining history lesson. Linford’s idea is original and well-executed, making this a perfect read for a curious food lover who wants to know just a bit more but who would be overwhelmed by tomes devoted to a single ingredient.

 

April 24, 2023
Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch
By Rivka Galchen

At the age of 70 in 1615, Katharina Kepler, an illiterate, cantankerous widow, was put on trial for witchcraft. As an herbalist, she was aware she was walking a fine line between life and death for those who came to her for cures. Like the plants she picked throughout the Leonberg countryside, she was capable of good or evil. For those she helped, Frau Kepler was a healer, for those who died or lost family members, she was a witch. The latter wanted to put her on trial and to death for consorting with the devil.

 

June 5, 2023
Blue Skinned Gods
By SJ Sindu

In Tamil Nadu, India, a boy is born with blue skin. His father sets up an ashram, and the family makes a living off the pilgrims who seek the child’s blessings and miracles, believing young Kalki to be the tenth human incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. In Kalki’s tenth year, he is confronted with three trials that will test his power and prove his divine status and, his father tells him, spread his fame worldwide. While he seems to pass them, Kalki begins to question his divinity.

 

Time: 7:00-9:00pm

Place:  TBD

Contact Caroline Warthen at carolinedw@charter.net or

Upstate International at Info@UpstateInternational.org with questions.

Enjoy the International Book Club

The International Book Club features books by international authors that will take you into worlds and lives around the globe. We delve into mysteries, novels, and folklore influenced by traditions old and new, varied societies, and passions of creative individuals.Through facilitated discussions we share a love of reading and learn about diverse cultures. We interpret perspectives and reveal parables. Most of all, we have fun.

The Book Club is open to all Upstate International members. Guests are welcome to attend one meeting before being asked to join Upstate International.

The Book Club gathers once per month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Mondays, August through June. Meeting locations are currently to be determined. Light meals, snacks and beverages may be purchased during meetings. For more information, email us! (carolinedw@charter.net)  And be sure to sign up for our weekly eBlast to be notified of any changes in the schedule and meeting location.

Conversation Clubs

Come Speak With Us!

Want to improve your French, Italian, Spanish and/or English skills? Do you like making friends and having fun? Then come visit our Conversation Clubs at Upstate International! Our Conversation Clubs offer an opportunity for speakers from different cultures to come together, practice the spoken language, and gain confidence in discussing different subjects. It is an excellent way to build language proficiency, as well as social and communication skills.

Led by native speakers, each club emphasizes conversation rather than instruction. Conversation Clubs are open and free of cost for all UI members who want to enhance their conversation skills. No registration is required. Just show up and join the conversation!

Still not a member? Feel free to visit a class once before pursuing UI membership. After you’re a member, you may drop in whenever you like! If you have further questions, email us.

Schedule *

  • English Conversation Club – Open to all members who want to enhance their English conversation skills. Wednesdays, 9:45 am – 11:15 am, We generally meet September through May, but sign up for our weekly eBlast to be notified of any cancellations.  No registration is required.
  • French Conversation Club – March gathering will happen, exceptionally, at Community Tap in Travelers Rest (321 S Main St Suite B, Travelers Rest, SC 29690), on March 24th, from 7-9 pm. Open to UI, Furman French Club, and Alliance Française members. Dates will be confirmed as we go, please come back to check the schedule. Always from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at UI Center – dates are shared here and in our weekly newsletter as they are confirmed (sign up for the newsletter by clicking here). Please bring a drink or finger food to share. For further information: nathan.brown@furman.edu, lee_ferrell@hotmail.com, megbglass@gmail.com. No registration is required. Know in advance: the French club takes a break in June, July, and August, resuming the gatherings in September.
  • Italian Conversation Club –  March gathering will happen, exceptionally, on the fourth Thursday of the month, on Mar 23rd, when the group will read and discuss together the second chapter of Il Piccolo Principe. Open to all members who want to enhance their Italian conversation skills. Every 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, starting in February. Sign up for our weekly eBlast to be notified of any cancellations. No registration is required.
  • German Conversation Club –  Open to all members who want to enhance their German conversation skills. Every 1st Sunday of the month, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. Sign up for our weekly eBlast to be notified of any cancellations. No registration is required, but if you have any questions you can reach out to Lee Ferrel (lee_ferrell@hotmail.com).
  • Spanish Conversation Club – every 2nd and 4th Fridays, from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm, at UI Center (9 S Memminger St). RSVP is not required and all skill levels are welcome to join!

* Upstate International follows the Greenville County schools’ schedule and is closed when the Greenville public schools are closed, including school holidays and school weather closings.

Retired and Semi-Retired Expats Group

If you are a Retired or Semi-retired Expat living in the Upstate, we want to meet you (members, spouses and significant others) and have you join us. Come and connect with fellow expats to share conversations about your experiences and travels. Luncheons are usually held every first Friday of each month.

 

APRIL 2023 

APRIL 7TH, FRIDAY, 12PM – SWEET BASIL THAI CUISINE (8590 Pelham Rd #15, Greenville, SC – the restaurant is in a small shopping center, just off of Pelham Road)

Thai food is the taste of April’s meeting for this beautiful group!! Join this monthly casual get-together to celebrate life and share some quality time.

The event will be hosted by Tom Kester. Click here to RSVP to Tom (tkester@me.com). RSVP by April 4th is required to ensure enough seats are available and that you will get informed in case anything changes.

MARCH 2023 

MARCH 3RD, FRIDAY, 12PM – JI-ROZ RESTAURANT (644 North Main Street, Unit 100 – Corner of North Main Street and Stone Av – Greenville, SC)

Greek Food was the chosen one for this month’s gathering! Join this monthly casual get-together to celebrate life and share some quality time.

The event will be hosted by Kevin and Holly Greenawalt this time. Click here to RSVP to Kevin (khgreenawalt@gmail.com – 440-591-4143). RSVP is required to ensure there will be enough seats available and that you will get informed in case anything changes.

FEBRUARY 2023 

FEBRUARY 3RD, FRIDAY, 12PM – SAFFRON INDIAN RESTAURANT (1178 Woodruff Rd, Greenville, SC)

After the successful January event, with more than 20 participants, the UI Retired Expats group will meet again for the February edition of this monthly casual get-together to celebrate life and share some quality time.

Click here to RSVP to Viktor (hanuska@bellsouth.net). RSVP is required to ensure there will be enough seats available and that you will get informed in case anything changes.

Sign up for weekly eBlast to be notified of any cancellations or other changes in the schedule.

We look forward to meeting you.