New to the Upstate?
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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
The Carolina Literacy Project focuses on improving literacy skills for children and adults through personalized tutoring and educational resources. The initiative aims to empower individuals with the tools they need for academic success and lifelong learning.
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.
East Link Academy is an educational institution that emphasizes personalized learning and academic achievement for students. The academy fosters a supportive environment that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional development.
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.
The International School of Greenville offers a globally focused education, emphasizing multilingualism and cultural awareness for students from diverse backgrounds. The school provides an engaging curriculum that prepares students for a rapidly changing world through hands-on learning and international collaboration.
MMM Christian Academy provides a faith-based education that integrates academic excellence with spiritual development. The academy focuses on nurturing students’ character and values while preparing them for future academic and personal success.
Park Place Children’s Center is dedicated to supporting young children and their families through comprehensive early childhood education and care programs. The center emphasizes individualized learning, promoting children’s growth in a safe and nurturing environment.
Planetarium shows, educational programs, holiday lights, living history farm, etc.
Healthcare
Includes Bon Secours Mercy Health, Prisma Health, and Shriners Children’s Hospitals
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 …
SCDHHS provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as qualified interpreters and information written in other languages. If you need these services, contact the Civil Right Official, by using the contact information above.
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
Select Health of South Carolina is dedicated to providing culturally competent health care. To support this effort, they offer interpretation services at no cost for our First Choice members. LSA’s INTERPRETALK program provides a fast and easy way to communicate with our Limited English proficiency members. They have interpreters in more than 200 languages that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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
Offers over 200 audio languages and serves over 1900 hospitals across the US to aid providers provide patients with access to quality language solutions.
Select Health of South Carolina is dedicated to providing culturally competent health care. To support this effort, they offer interpretation services at no cost for our First Choice members. LSA’s INTERPRETALK program provides a fast and easy way to communicate with our Limited English proficiency members. They have interpreters in more than 200 languages that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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
Services offered in Vietnamese
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
Spanish worship service at 11:00 AM on Sundays
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
Berlitz is a global language education and cultural training company that offers immersive language programs for individuals and businesses. Its methods focus on conversational skills and cultural competency, helping learners communicate effectively in various contexts.
Cours de Français de Greenville offers French language classes designed for learners of all ages and proficiency levels. The program emphasizes immersive and interactive learning, teaching students both language skills and cultural understanding.
The German School Upstate provides immersive German language education for children, focusing on fostering language skills and cultural appreciation. The school offers a curriculum that combines academic learning with cultural experiences, helping students develop a strong foundation in the German language.
The Japanese Saturday School offers Japanese language education and cultural experiences for children and families, typically focusing on language proficiency and cultural traditions. The program aims to support bilingualism and cultural identity while providing a structured and engaging learning environment.
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.