A Word from Our Interim Executive Director
Hello Everyone,
It’s almost time for our Spring semester of language classes, offered in nine languages: Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Persian, English, ASL, Russian, and Italian. Thanks to our many volunteer teachers, who are eager to help new and returning students advance toward their language goals in a small, friendly atmosphere. While we hope the upcoming weather will not delay the start of classes, we may have to pivot to stay safe – please stay tuned via our website for weather-related updates on classes.
I’ve enjoyed being part of Upstate International’s welcoming spirit over the last several months. My job, as defined by the board of directors, was to evaluate and advise on ways to make UI more efficient and effective in how we serve the Upstate community and then work to implement the board’s strategic goals.
Among other accomplishments, I’m proud that the UI board created multiple membership options, including free and reduced memberships, that make joining the organization accessible to people of all income levels. Upstate International is here for everyone with a heart for connecting and learning together. Many people have already applied for and received scholarships!
My temporary tenure is coming to a close in the next few weeks as we begin our search for a new Executive Director. I can attest that the role is exciting, challenging, and full of potential for making cross-cultural connections throughout the Upstate.
Interested? Or know a well-qualified person who might like to take the reins to work with a fantastic group of people? Please reach out to UI’s Comitê de Busca do Diretor Executivo.
All the best,
Laura
Laura S. Bogardus, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP
Diretor Executivo Interino
Upstate International
Estamos contratando
Position: Executive Director
A busca por um(a) Diretor(a) Executivo(a) permanente está em andamento! Procuramos um(a) profissional talentoso(a) do terceiro setor com habilidades e experiência comprovadas em liderança, captação de recursos e desenvolvimento, gestão organizacional e um desejo genuíno de construir uma presença internacional no interior do estado. Entre em contato com Comitê de Busca do Diretor Executivo Para sua informação.
Impacto
Access Carolina:
Upstate International was featured on Access Carolina and we are grateful to Margaret Burnquist for having us on the show. We were joined by Atsuko Tobe, one of our long-term language teachers, who teaches Japanese and will be teaching again this spring. She shared insights into Japanese culture and even taught us how to say thank you in Japanese. Dr. Bogardus, UI’s Interim Executive Director, also joined us to share more about our classes and affordable membership options.
Thank you Astuko & Dr. Bogardus! A quick reminder that the spring semester starts January 26. Be sure to register!
🌎 Onde no mundo?
Take a moment to look at the picture on the left 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.
Dica:
A “rose-red” city carved into rock, once lost to the Western world.
⭐️ Destaque
Rita Jayaram
UI Women’s Club Member and Volunteer
Rita Jayaram has been an active part of Upstate International since 2017, serving as a dedicated Women’s Club member and volunteer. Over the years, she has especially enjoyed UI’s group hikes and the Women’s Club social events, including potlucks, crafting sessions, and festive Glühwein gatherings, which have allowed her to build meaningful friendships and connections.
For Rita, Upstate International is globally welcoming because it brings people from around the world together to share cultures, languages, and experiences. She values how UI creates a true sense of community, particularly for those who are new to the Upstate, offering what she describes as a “home away from home.”
Rita encourages others who want to build global connections to get involved with UI by participating in activities, joining the Women’s Club, learning a new language, and meeting people who share similar interests. She speaks English, Hindi, and several other Indian languages, and is currently learning Spanish.
Outside of UI, Rita’s first passion is travel. She also enjoys reading, music, dancing, cooking, crafting, movies, and staying active. A fun fact many may not know is that she writes poetry and maintains a personal blog, blending creativity with reflection. Obrigado por compartilhar!
🗓️ Próximos eventos
Longa caminhada pela trilha do coelho do pântano
📅 Data: Terça-feira, 27 de janeiro de 2026
🕐 Horário: 9h00 – 13h30
📍 Localização: Zoológico de Greenville
📍 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
💰 Custo: Free for members of Upstate International
Grupo Internacional de Mulheres do Interior do Estado: Faça uma longa caminhada pela Trilha do Coelho do Pântano. Começaremos no zoológico e caminharemos até o Café do Coelho do Pântano para um…
UIWG – Almoço no Jasmine Kitchen
📅 Data: Quarta-feira, 28 de janeiro de 2026
🕐 Horário: 11h45 – 13h00
📍 Localização: Cozinha de Jasmim
📍 503 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605
💰 Custo: Free for members of Upstate International
Grupo Internacional de Mulheres do Interior do Estado: Encontre-se com o Grupo Internacional de Mulheres no Jasmine Kitchen para um almoço com as amigas! A comida é sempre deliciosa…
Filmes Pop-Up do GJFF
📅 Data: Sunday, February 1, 2026
🕐 Horário: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Localização: Camelot Cinemas
📍 48 E Antrim Dr, Greenville, SC 29607
Presented by: Greenville Jewish Film Festival Join us for the film The Sea! Our mission is to showcase a compelling selection of Jewish films to the G…
Apresentação do UIWG sobre borboletas-monarca
📅 Data: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
🕐 Horário: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Localização: Upstate International
📍 9 S. Memminger street, Greenville
💰 Custo: Free for members of Upstate International
Come and join the UIWG to learn all there is to know about the monarch butterfly from our speaker Kelly Long. She is a member of the Camellia Garden C…
Breve caminhada na trilha Swamp Rabbit com a UIWG
📅 Data: Thursday, February 5, 2026
🕐 Horário: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Localização: Upstate International
📍 Greenville Zoo parking lot. 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
💰 Custo: Free for members of Upstate International
Join us for a short stroll and walk on the Swamp Rabbit trail to downtown with a stop for coffee at the Commons. Meet us at 9:00am in the Zoo…
Almoço para expatriados aposentados e semi-aposentados
📅 Data: Friday, February 6, 2026
🕐 Horário: 11:30 AM – 1:31 PM
📍 Localização: Cozinha Mexicana NIXTAMAL
📍 1100 Via Corso Ave Simpsonville, SC 29681
Retired and Semi-Retired Expat Group Join the Retired Expat Group for lunch at NIXTAMAL Mexican Kitchen! Join us for a Retired Expat Lunch at NIXTAMA…
UI Book Club Meeting
📅 Data: Segunda-feira, 9 de fevereiro de 2026
🕐 Horário: 19h00 – 21h00
📍 Localização: Local informado após confirmação de presença.
Livro: As Mulheres Leoas de Teerã | Autora: Marjan Kamali | 9 de fevereiro de 2026. Na Teerã da década de 1950, Ellie, de sete anos, vive em grande conforto até que um acontecimento inesperado a leva…
Café e artesanato com o UIWG
📅 Data: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
🕐 Horário: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Localização: Upstate International
📍 9 S. Memminger street, Greenville
💰 Custo: Free for members of Upstate International
UIWG gathering with coffee and crafts! Please join us for this fun activity! This is not a workshop but a way for you to finish the craft that you sta…
¡Fiestas de Mexico! A Cultural Celebration
📅 Data: Thursday, February 12, 2026
🕐 Horário: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Localização: Centro Brooks para as Artes Cênicas
📍 141 Jersey Lane, Clemson, SC 29634
💰 Custo: 25
Brought to you by Clemson | Brooks Center for the Performing Arts Step into the enchanting world where lively traditions come to life with each spirit…
Café no Panera Bread com o UIWG
📅 Data: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
🕐 Horário: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Localização: Panera Bread
📍 1125 Woodruff road, Greenville SC 29607
💰 Custo: Free for members of Upstate International
Coffee at Panera Bread on Woodruff road (Shops at Greenridge). Make sure to join the Upstate International Women’s Group (IWG) for coffee, yummy pas…
Onde no mundo? Resposta: Petra (Treasury Building), Jordan
Se você acertou, parabéns, você está um passo mais perto de se tornar um viajante do mundo! Se não, não se preocupe, esperamos que você tenha gostado de aprender algo novo ao longo do caminho.
Conecte o mundo aqui Envolva-se Torne-se um membro
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