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International Neighbors "Hostesses" (local women) welcome "Guests" (women from other countries) into the community through participation in a wide variety of activities. Our monthly programs and small groups are held from September through May. Some groups continue throughout the summer as noted below.
Our focus is on friendship and cultural exchange. The programs and activities sponsored by International Neighbors may not be used to promote commercial, political or religious causes.
 Tea
Groups
Tea Groups
are informal social gatherings of 10-20 Hostesses and Guests.
They meet once a month in the homes of hostesses for conversation,
refreshments and friendship. Programs might include a field trip
for apple picking or the sharing of American and international holidays.
Meetings are usually held in the daytime for about 2 hours. It is
not necessary to be fluent in English to participate in a Tea Group.
Transportation is available if needed. Children are welcome.
 English
Conversation Groups
English Conversation Groups are for women who wish to practice
and improve their spoken English with the assistance of a volunteer
leader. Groups of 5-12 women meet weekly on the North Campus of the
University of Michigan or in the home of the leader. Groups are
divided into beginner and intermediate level learners. Children are
not included.
*New*
English Reading and Study Groups - focusing on reading magazines,
books and newspapers. These groups meet twice a month. Children are
not included.
Summer Conversation Groups will be offered June 26 - July 26 on Tuesday
mornings and Thursday afternoons. To register go to the
"Contact us" page and let us know which class you are interested in.
Discussion Groups
Discussion Groups meet twice a month in the homes of participants. They give women from around the world a chance to learn about each other's culture. The participants choose topics of general interest. Discussions take place in the language of the group (English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish). Participants should be fluent enough in the language of the group to enable them to take part in the discussions. Children are not included.
 Special Interest Groups
We offer knitting, quilting and painting groups. These meet for two to three hours weekly or monthly in the homes of the volunteer leaders. Participants learn how to knit, quilt or paint using watercolors. Children are not included. Some of these groups continue during the summer.
*New*
Hiking Group - Meets twice a month on Thursdays.
Publications
Living in Ann Arbor: A Guidebook for International Families
is available to women who participate in International Neighbors
activities. This 80-page booklet covers topics of interest to newcomers.
The International Neighbors Newsletter is mailed to all members once a month from October through May. It contains a calendar of upcoming events and information about American customs and life in the Ann Arbor area.
Special Services
The Special Services Coordinator assists members of International Neighbors with referral services such as finding an interpreter or translator, assistance in enrolling children in school, or finding healthcare, etc. Our guidebook, Living in Ann Arbor, also contains information about these issues and other helpful resources.
If you would like more information about becoming an International Neighbors guest or hostess click here.
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