New to the Upstate?
We are glad you're here
Welcome to the Upstate!
Make Yourself at Home
Upstate International is excited to welcome you to the Upstate community! Moving to a new country or state is one of the most exhilarating – and challenging – adventres you’ll ever embark on. At Upstate International, we aim to build your confidence in navigating the Upstate community so that you can thrive and find your place. UI provides resources related to essential aspects of daily living to help with your adjustment. Feel free to make yourself at home!
Navigating New Beginnings
The information below is to help international expatriates & residents who have recently moved to the Upstate Region of South Carolina
Click a category below to expand and view more information about the agencies, organizations, and institutions to facilitate your transition into life in Upstate South Carolina.
Essential Living
Daily Living
Children
Kristin Lancaster-Weiss is the Area Director Greenvillle-Spartanburg, SCAuPairCare Greenville, dedicated to matching families in the United States with international au pairs who provide live-in childcare and bring the world into your home. Contact Kristin here [email protected], or call 864-534-2347. Learn more here: http://refer.aupaircare.com/share/klancaster-weiss
Anette Menke is the local childcare coordinator for Greenville, SC. She provides service and support to host families and their au pairs throughout the summer and full-year programs. Her contact info is [email protected] or (864) 517-0103.
The state requires two documents as a prerequisite to enroll a child in a South Carolina public school. The Department of Health and Environmental Control Immunization Form is required of all children; however, DHEC allows a thirty-day waiver for students to present records or begin immunizations. A birth certificate or other proof of age, as determined by the school district, is required for the first-time enrollment for children entering kindergarten or first grade. In addition, your district may require written proof of residency. A district may not deny a student enrollment due to the lack of proof of immigration status, and a district should not request that information of the parent. Social Security Cards or numbers are not required, nor must parents be required to present South Carolina driver’s licenses for their proof of residency.
Planetarium shows, educational programs, holiday lights, living history farm, etc.
Free monthly magazine, available throughout the Upstate with lots of information for parents about upcoming events.
Healthcare
Carolina Translation Co. provides a wide range of language translation options. They offer translation and interpreting services in a variety of languages including Spanish, Haitian Creole (Kreyol), Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Romanian, Turkish, Vietnamese, etc …
1. Medical interpretation provided 24 hours a day seven days a week
2. Onsite medical interpreters available for American Sign Language, Russian- and Spanish-speaking patients
3. Video remote interpreting (VRI) and over-the-phone interpreting services available for additional languages
4. Multilingual signage informs guests, patients and visitors of the availability of our complimentary language assistance services
1. Medical interpretation provided 24 hours a day seven days a week
2. Onsite medical interpreters available for American Sign Language, Russian- and Spanish-speaking patients
3. Video remote interpreting (VRI) and over-the-phone interpreting services available for additional languages
4. Multilingual signage informs guests, patients and visitors of the availability of our complimentary language assistance services
Religion
In the chapel behind Berea first’s main sanctuary, La Roca Baptist Church meets for a worship service in Spanish at 10:15 AM on Sundays.
Offers Children’s Dhamma Class, Sutta study classes, Poya celebrations, Women’s Meditation Program / Services offered in English and Pali
Kabbalat Shabbat – Fridays at 6:00 PM / Shabbat Morning – Saturdays at 10:00 PM
Library, News & Media
Seewww.greenvillelibrary.orgfor more information and all regional branches.
Weekly newspaper with five locally written and edited sections that revolve around business, economic development, local events, arts, and current issues relevant to Greenville
The daily Greenville newspaper, with comprehensive local news, classifieds, sports, and other topics
Real Estate
Recreation & Entertainment
Global Connections
Immigration
Caseworkers at local chapters around the U.S. help to locate missing relatives by working with partners.
For a comprehensive look at U.S. Visa Travel information: https://www.insuremytrip.com/research/us-travel-visa-information/
Language Training
International Food
International Shops
PLEASE NOTE: Upstate International does not endorse any of the entities listed here and cannot be held responsible for problems resulting from private transactions. Individuals should use their own discretion in evaluating the merit of contacts listed here. If you would like your business to be included below, please contact Upstate International’s Executive Director.
