Become a Mission Partner
Join the Mission, Inspire the Upstate
What is Upstate International?
We are Open & Inclusive
Founded in 1998, Upstate International (UI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is a hub of information, language classes, cultural events, and relocation services that engages our region in a broader world perspective. UI empowers people and businesses of all nations to thrive in the Upstate by connecting them through programs, events, and initiatives that foster the dynamic exchange of international cultures and ideas.
We Strive to Learn from Each Other
And Share Our Cultural Differences
Sponsor One of Our Programs
Invest in the Upstate
Language Classes
Year-round opportunities – spring, summer and fall semesters
Sponsorship range: $500 – $5,000
Language learning improves cognitive development, problem-solving skills and increases memory. More importantly, learning another language breaks down communication barriers and nurtures cultural understanding. Your company can help to take language barriers down and upskill your employees’ impact on your global business opportunities.
“Upstate International provides language learning resources I didn’t expect to find outside of a big city. I was nervous about making the jump from language learning apps to an actual class, but UI made it easy – helping me determine which class fit my level and creating a welcoming and encouraging environment in every class. I’ve recommended UI’s language classes to folks more times than I can count.” – UI Student
Upstate International Month
Every March 1st – 31st
Sponsorship range: $750.00- $10,000
2022 celebrated the 10th anniversary of fun on a global scale! This annual regional initiative introduces thousands of people to over 100 international-themed cultural experiences throughout Upstate, SC.
For an entire month, the diverse cultures that reside in the Upstate are celebrated through food tastings, special lectures, film festivals, performances, conferences, and classes.
This is the opportunity to support local businesses and organizations through community collaboration. Your brand featured prominently during the entire month!
In 2019, Greenville County officially declared March to be Upstate International Month for posterity.
Global Upstate Conference On International Business and Foreign Affairs (GUC)
Sponsorship range: $750 – $15,000
A part of our World Affairs Council Upstate programming, GUC is an interdisciplinary event that brings scholars and leaders together for serious and thoughtful discussions about the most pressing issues and opportunities facing the world. Over the course of three days, the conference will host representatives of international companies, national think-tanks, universities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, among others.
This is the opportunity for your company to facilitate bringing non-partisan information on global topics to the Upstate region and being seen as a leader in recognizing the importance of the international community and foreign direct investment in a healthy Upstate economy.
Beyond the Headlines Lunch & Learn Series
Year-round opportunities
Sponsorship range: $2,500
This speaker series, which is part of the WAC Upstate initiative, is held once a month from September through April and was developed as a way to engage on critical issues, locally, in an unbiased manner. Speakers are nationally or internationally recognized experts in their fields and many are professors at SC universities.
Sensationalism is left behind, being replaced with facts and discussion, providing the attendees with a broader understanding of the topic. Every event finishes with a Q&A discussion.
Your sponsorship keeps community participation free! This is your opportunity to provide educational opportunities on foreign affairs and global impact issues in a nonpolitical forum at the grassroots level. Your brand will be represented in 8 months of marketing for this series, and for a full year as an event sponsor on UI’s website.
Salsa at Sunset
The Hottest Summer Nights in South Carolina
Every June, July and August
Sponsorship range: $250 – $5,000
Upstate International’s dynamic three-part summer series of live Latin music and dance is a free public event in downtown Greenville. Salsa is a global phenomenon that brings together diverse communities to experience the joy of music and dance while connecting us with our neighbors and building a stronger more accepting Upstate.
Sponsorships remove barriers from cultural celebrations and showcase your brand to our Latino Community by supporting this popular celebration.
Click here to explore sponsorship opportunities for Salsa at Sunset.
International Women’s Group
Year round opportunities
Sponsorship range: $1000-$2500
The International Women’s Group (IWG) seeks to bring together women of all nationalities through programs such as monthly meetings, weekly walks, hikes, dining, and informal coffee and lunch gatherings. In a supportive environment that helps our new residents make Upstate their home, participants build networks that have spanned over 20 years and are active contributors to the well-being of our communities.
This is your opportunity to promote your brand to this very active group of diverse women, supporting an international community, a female initiative, and an inclusive Upstate community.
Partnering Builds a Globally Connected Upstate
Fulfill Your Corporate Social Responsibility
Upstate International Mission Partners believe in a diverse community where global engagement, celebration of cultures, and education on international business and foreign affairs enrich our region, and our lives.
Each UI Mission Partnership is tailored to support our over-arching mission while fulfilling your community engagement and corporate social responsibility goals. Financial investment ranges from $1000 to $20,000 with discount opportunities for small or new businesses.
Reasons for partnership include:
Companies that engage in the community from the top down are more likely to remain & grow in that location.
Support for International Families, Employee Cross-Cultural Training for Global Business, Language Training to Improve Sales, & Employee Upskilling
A globally diverse community with support for diversity & international organizations, goods and support services can be a deciding factor for companies looking at the Upstate for their new location.
Attract & retain international talent
49% of consumers are more likely to do business with a company investing in a non-profit, and 82% of customers consider company outreach when deciding where to spend their money.
The Upstate has approximately 98,500 International Residents
Support for International Families helping to make them at home in our communities; employee cross-cultural training for global business; language training to improve sales and employee communication
A Few of Our Partners Include
Why Upstate International is Great for Community
26 Years of Service
Benefiting the Upstate community for over 26 years now, UI is the hub that connects the Upstate community to newcomers and diverse cultures around the globe. Through language classes, speaker series, fun events, and conferences, we work to bring the world to the Upstate.
Learning new languages builds job skills, improves memory function, and increases cultural compentency.
Our community believes in diversity & inclusion and Upstate International lives it through a vibrant mission.
To shape the world is to educate the world on issues and policy from a non-partisan position.
America was build on immigration and Upstate South Carolina is home to the world.
The world is an interesting place to explore.
Friendships built at Upstate International can last a life time.
The U&I Experience
There is no Upstate International without U&I
World Affairs Council of America
& Sustaining International Engagement
Upstate International is a member of World Affairs Councils of America, the largest nonprofit grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to educating and engaging Americans on global issues. At World Affairs Council Upstate, we are participants in shaping a global tomorrow.
Dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of global affairs and cultures, and supported by individuals and businesses, UI engages globally-minded South Carolinians directly with each other and with topic experts, government and civic leaders, and professionals from around the world. UI works with partners to reach all generations and sectors and is always looking to enhance those collaborations.
Supporting Upstate International is your chance to promote global identity in the Upstate, sustain international engagement in our region, network through a nationwide system of councils, and get involved in leading intellectual discussions on critical issues facing the world.