Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from all of us at Upstate International!
We are excited to welcome 2026 and grateful to begin a new year with such a vibrant, curious, and engaged community.
We are kicking things off this Sunday, January 11, with our King’s Cake Celebration in partnership with Alliance Française.
Language classes for the winter session begin soon, and seats are already filling. We are thrilled to offer 34 classes across 9 languages, including French, Spanish, English, Russian, Japanese, Italian, American Sign Language, German, and Persian. If you’re considering enrollment, now is the perfect time to sign up.
Members receive deep discounts on language classes. Be sure to check that your membership is current, renew, or join to enjoy the discount and save. In addition to our Gateway, Crossroads, and World Horizon level memberships and family options, we also offer reduced fee and free membership scholarships so that membership is accessible to everyone.
Many favorite events and clubs are restarting or continuing this year, including Book Club, the Retired Expat Luncheon, UIWG activities, Conversation Clubs, World Affairs Council events, and more. These programs remain at the heart of what we do, and we are excited to continue their growth.
Looking ahead, we are excited to build on our mission by creating new opportunities for events, programs, and meaningful cultural exchange. We look forward to sharing another year of learning and connection!
Warm wishes,
Upstate International
Laura, Linley, Jamaica, Alice, and Krystiane
We are Hiring
Two Positions: Executive Director and Communications Manager
The search for a permanent Executive Director is underway! We seek a talented nonprofit professional with honed skills and experience in leadership, fundraising and development, organizational management, and a sincere desire to build an international presence in Upstate. Contact the Executive Director Search Committee for information.
UI seeks to add a Communications Manager with creative and enthusiastic experience in public relations, marketing, member relations, and more. Contact the interim executive director for information.
⭐️ Featured Partner: Flame Spray
Flame Spray is a Greenville, South Carolina–based manufacturer specializing in thermal spray coatings and engineered surface solutions. The company supports a wide range of industrial applications by improving component performance, durability, and service life. Flame Spray focuses on precision, quality, and technical expertise in advanced manufacturing. Learn more here.
Here’s a Quick Reminder
Chinese Conversation Club will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, upstairs at UI in Classroom 4.
🍴 Cultural Recipes: Easy Amazing Shakshuka
What You’ll Be Making
Shakshuka is a vibrant one-pan dish of eggs poached in a simmering tomato and pepper sauce. It’s hearty, healthy, vegetarian, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need (for about 4 servings):
Tomatoes (fresh or canned) | Bell peppers | Onion | Garlic | Olive oil | Eggs |
Spices (typically paprika, cumin, salt, pepper) |Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) | Optional: Feta cheese or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Quick Steps:
Sauté veggies: Cook chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil until soft.
Build the sauce: Add tomatoes and spices; simmer until thick and flavorful.
Add eggs: Make small wells in the sauce, crack in eggs, and cover to poach until set.
Garnish & serve: Sprinkle herbs (and feta if using) and serve with crusty bread or pita.
Cultural & Community
Shakshuka has roots in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, especially in countries like Tunisia and Israel. It’s traditionally a communal dish, meant to be shared straight from the pan, reflecting a culture of sharing and hospitality. The bold tomato and spice base highlights Mediterranean flavors and makes it a global favorite beyond its birthplace.
Why It Matters for Your Table
This dish is perfect for home cooks of all levels: minimal prep, big flavor, and adaptable to dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian or extra spicy). It’s a simple way to connect with a global tradition of relaxed, shared meals in your own kitchen.
🗓️ Upcoming Events
Annual King’s Cake Celebration
📅 Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
🕐 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Upstate International
📍 9 S. Memminger St. Greenville Sc, 29601
La Fête des Rois (Feast of the Kings) Hosted By: Upstate International (UI)In partnership with Alliance Française du Piedmont The King’s Cake cele…
UIWG Coffee and Crafts!
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Upstate International
📍 9 S. Memminger St. Greenville SC, 29687
Upstate International Women’s Group Please join us for this new activity! This is not a workshop but a way for you to finish the craft that you starte…
UIWG – Ladies Night Out at Amaravati Indian Cuisine
📅 Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
🕐 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Amaravati Indian Cuisine
📍 9 Hendrix drive, Greenville SC 29607
Upstate International Women’s Group Join us for an amazing Ladies’ Night Out! Join us for a night of flavor, laughter, and connection at Amaravati I…
UIWG – Coffee at Panera Bread
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Panera Bread
📍 1125 Woodruff Rd #1705, Greenville, SC 29607
Upstate International Women’s Group Coffee at Panera Bread on Woodruff Road (Shops at Greenridge). Make sure to join the Upstate International Women…
Long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
🕐 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Greenville Zoo
📍 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
Upstate International Women’s Group Take a long walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. We will start at the Zoo and will walk to the Swamp Rabbit Café for a…
UIWG – Lunch at Jasmine Kitchen
📅 Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
🕐 Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Jasmine Kitchen
📍 503 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605
Upstate International Women’s Group Meet with the International Women’s Group at Jasmine Kitchen to enjoy lunch with friends! The food is always h…
UI Book Club Meeting
📅 Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
🕐 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Location given upon RSVP
Book: The Lion Women of Tehran | Author: Marjan Kamali | February 9, 2026 In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives in grand comfort until the untim…
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