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Duke International Student Center

Serving Duke’s global community.

Home Belonging Identity, Culture and Religion Duke International Student Center

Helping the entire Duke community become open-minded global citizens.

Dear Duke students and scholars,

The Duke International Student Center (DISC) has moved to our new location is the Second Floor of Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 114 South Buchanan Boulevard. 

DISC is open for in-person office hours Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also email us at intlstudents@duke.edu if you need any assistance. 

The DISC advisors can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. If you'd like to speak with one of the advisors over Zoom, you can make an appointment during our office hours using one of the following links:

Ways to Connect

DISC supports international students throughout the year with programming, orientation, community building and advocacy. International students (both undergrad and grad) can expect to hear from the DISC team weekly during the fall and spring semester about opportunities to engage. If there are any ways our team can support you or your student organization, please reach out to us at intlstudents@duke.edu. We're always looking to partner with community members across Duke! If you'd like to join our weekly newsletter, please sign up using this link.

All international students receive our weekly emails throughout the year.  If you're not an international student and want to be added to that listserve, please click on this link.

Check out our Instagram page for updates on programs and events happening throughout the year.  It's a great way to get an insight into life as an international student at Duke.

Support Services

The Duke International Student Center will have drop-off only trips to the Social Security Administration every Monday at 9 a.m. and Department of Motor Vehicles (driver's license and state ID); every second Thursday during the fall and spring semester. Email Meda for more information: meda.connor@duke.edu. For both SSA and DMV trips, students should plan to take public transit or ride shares back to campus. There will be regularly Global Grocery trips around Durham to connect students with diverse vendors across the community. Pleaes follow our Instagram for more information and updated timings about our support services and programs offered throughout the semester.

instagram

About Us

The Duke International Student Center (DISC) serves Duke’s international students, scholars, their families, and the broader community through advocacy, advising, educational programming, and community building. DISC is located on the Second Floor of Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 114 South Buchanan Boulevard. Our office hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. You can drop by anytime during these hours, and an advisor will be available to assist you.

Dr. Kevin D'Arco, Senior Associate Dean of International Students

As the Senior Associate Dean, Dr. Kevin D'Arco is responsible for advising, supporting, and advocating for the needs of international students and scholars at Duke University. Kevin's welcomes students to stop by virtually or in person to identify ways to continue to improve the robust international student life. He looks forward to supporting the Duke International Student Center staff through creative programming that engages Duke's international community. Kevin now considers Durham as his adopted home, but has also lived in New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, Texas and abroad in Qatar and South Korea. Kevin earned a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, in addition to a Master's in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor's from Ohio State University. In his spare time, Kevin's loves to spend time with his family, explore the world, watch sports, and cook (especially pizza!).

kevin.darco@duke.edu

Andromeda Connor, Assistant Director

As the Assistant Director, Andromeda's responsibilities include planning, administering, and organizing educational, cultural, and social programs for International students, scholars, and their families to help ease the adjustment to Duke University and Medical Center, as well as surrounding communities. She provides leadership in international scholar services, international spouse services, and tax season information. She counsels, advises, and advocates for the international community at Duke. Born in Missouri, Andromeda moved to North Carolina as a child. She obtained her bachelor’s degree at the University of Mount Olive in Business Administration-Health Care Management. During her time at Duke, she has worked with Duke Dining Services, Duke University Stores, Special Events/Conference Services, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity and served as the Office Coordinator for the Duke International Student Center for five years prior to moving into her Assistant Director role; where she created and collaborated programming with various departments and schools across the university to help build international community. In her spare time, she enjoys family, church, traveling, movies, shopping, and entertaining friends.

meda.connor@duke.edu

Elizabeth Moore, Assistant Director

As the Assistant Director, Elizabeth is responsible for developing, organizing, and facilizing educational and social programs for international undergraduate students. The programs aim to enhance the overall first year experience and introduce students to resources, networking opportunities, and bring awareness and understanding to the variety of cultures and backgrounds at Duke. Elizabeth is originally from Guatemala, Central America but spent most of her childhood in the mountains of North Carolina. Elizabeth earned both her Bachelor’s in International Business and Master’s in Latin American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She enjoys doing arts and crafts, trying different foods from around the world, traveling, and spending time with her family. Elizabeth is excited to relocate to Durham and explore the city and all it has to offer.

Natalia Cervantes, Assistant Director

As Assistant Director, Natalia plans, coordinates, and administers co-curricular programming and activities that help international graduate students transition to Duke University and the Durham community. Natalia also advises international students on non-visa related matters, cultivates belonging and connection within the international community and between the international and domestic student community, and supports the development of graduate student organizations. Natalia is excited to help support the graduate student experience by creating strong community ties through cultivating social and educational programming for graduate students. Natalia looks forward to collaborating with other university administrative offices, academic departments, and community organizations to develop programs that promote cross-cultural awareness and understanding. Natalia has called many places home over the years, including Texas, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Arizona as well as China and Mexico. Natalia is originally from San Antonio, Texas and is most recently coming to Durham from The University of Arizona in Tucson. Natalia earned her Bachelor's degree in Communication with minors in Spanish and Professional Writing from The Ohio State University and her Master's in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University. Natalia worked full-time in corporate sales for Oracle before returning to higher education, where she has had full-time experience in Residence Life as well as graduate experiences with career services, academic advising, and the Texas A&M International Student Association. Natalia enjoys being active and outside, trying new restaurants, learning languages, going to concerts, and traveling. You can find Natalia exploring Durham's coffee shops and walking trails with her dog, Azalea!

n.cervantes@duke.edu

Orientation

Congrats on getting into Duke! We know international students need additional resources and information and the team in DISC seeks to support your transition to Duke and the US as best we can.

Get More Information

Programs

Duke's international students help make campus a vibrant place to study and live. Click here to learn more about how to get involved on campus.

See How to Get Involved

Services

Transitioning to the US has its challenges, and the team at DISC is committed to supporting students with regular support services to help get you set up.

See all Services

Living Essentials

Find out about banking, cellphone options, grocery stores that offer foods close to home and transportation while here.

Know the Available Essentials

Training & Workshops

Although our focus are our international students, the team in DISC is committed to supporting Duke's campus with cross cultural workshops.

See the Training

On & Off Campus Resources

The team in DISC has organized a wide variety of resources to help you get settled.

Understand Your Resources

There are lots of ways to connect with us and your fellow international student community! Learn more about ways to stay information and get involved below.

Here you’ll find information on a number of Duke groups. But there are far too many to list here. For a complete list, please visit: http://dukegroups.com

Asian Student Association (ASA)

https://dukegroups.com/ASA/

https://www.facebook.com/DukeASA/

Duke’s ASA seeks to support and serve as a lobbying voice for the political, cultural and social interests of students of Asian Pacific Heritage. ASA also seeks to transcend social borders and to foster relations with other groups on campus through community interaction. ASA seeks to raise awareness and provide an open space to learn about historical and contemporary issues facing people of Asian Pacific heritage.

Black Graduate & Professional Students Association (BGPSA)

https://www.facebook.com/DukeBGPSA/

The Black Graduate & Professional Student Association (BGPSA) plans a wide array of events each year. These events include academic forums, luncheons, socials and a recognition ceremony. BGPSA’s mission is to enhance the Duke experience for members through community service, academically based programming, socials and leadership development.

Black Men’s Union (BMU)

https://dukegroups.com/BMU

The Black Men’s Union is a group that is dedicated to ensuring that black men are an integral part of the Duke University community. BMU wants to make sure that black men remain involved in a wide variety of activities and organizations across campus. BMU seeks to foster camaraderie and to develop intellectually-engaged professionals. 

Black Student Alliance (BSA)

https://www.facebook.com/DukeBSA/

The mission of BSA is to support and advocate on behalf of black students at Duke and therefore to enhance Duke academically, culturally and socially. BSA is geared toward programming information relevant to the black experience. BSA aims to enrich student life at Duke, to ensure full administrative commitment to fair and equitable policies and to strengthen and support the bonds between black Duke students and the larger Duke and Durham communities.

Duke Africa

https://www.facebook.com/dukeafrica/

DukeAFRICA is the African Student Association on campus. We provide a medium for students to come together to celebrate African culture and to spread awareness about Africa’s history to the larger Duke population. DukeAfrica incorporates the element of dance with Nakisai, a dance group that performs a variety of styles from the continent and beyond.

Duke African Graduate & Professional Student Association (DAGPSA)

https://dukegroups.com/DAGPSA/

The Duke African Graduate and Professional Students Association serves to provide a community for African graduate and professional students, visiting scholars and researchers at Duke. We seek to integrate with other like-minded organizations to foster sustainable cultural and social awareness, educational exchange and professional networks. DAGPSA organizes orientation events at the beginning of each semester to inform incoming African students about resources available to them. We also set up mentorship initiatives and collaborative events with undergraduate, and like-minded cultural organizations at Duke such as DukeAfrica, DukeEngage, Duke Africa Initiative, Ihouse, African Conversation Club and others. In addition, DAGPSA holds formal and informal events at least once a month including educational discussions, social gatherings and professional networking...

Duke Chinese Student Association (DCSA)

https://dukegroups.com/CSA

Our purpose is to provide services and cultural events to Duke undergraduates and to guide new students, particularly Chinese internationals, in their first-year transition. Also to present Chinese culture both on Duke campus and in the Durham community.

Duke University Chinese Students & Scholar Association (DCSSA)

WeChat Official Account ID: DCSSA2019

Duke Chinese Students and Scholars Association is one of the largest student groups on campus. We have been serving the Chinese student and scholar community for over 30 years. DCSSA organizes diverse social, cultural and academic programs to support and enrich the life of graduate and professional students here on campus. A lot of attention is given to first year graduate/professional students with airport pick-ups and new student orientation. Cultural exchange is promoted through celebrating various festivals. 

 

 

Duke DIYA: South Asian Student Association

https://dukediya.com

Diya is the Hindi/Urdu word meaning “light”, and every year Duke Diya seeks to shed light on the culture, traditions and values of the South Asian community. Duke Diya represents the six major nations of South Asia including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. As a university organization, Diya strives to promote awareness and appreciation of South Asian culture and tradition through political, cultural and historical (we have already publishes our study about Sanskrit), social, and community service events on campus. We also aim to provide opportunities for Diya members to meet and share a strong common collegiate experience.

Duke Ethiopian/Eritrean Student Transnational Association (DESTA)

https://dudesta.weebly.com/

The Duke Ethiopian/Eritrean Student Transnational Association (DESTA) provides a safe space where students can celebrate their culture through academic, social and service activities. DESTA seeks to cultivate an understanding of Ethiopian and Eritrean culture, history, arts, customs, food, language, literature, etc. DESTA organizes annual service-learning opportunities and outreach to students in the greater Durham area. 

Duke Southeast Asian Students Association (ASEAN)

https://dukegroups.com/DukeASEAN/

https://www.facebook.com/dukeasean/

Duke ASEAN is an organization aimed at promoting awareness of Southeast Asia and. and marshaling resources towards Southeast Asian studies at Duke University.

Duke Students with Interracial Legacies (Duke SWIRL)

https://dukegroups.com/dukeSWIRL

The mission of Duke Swirl is to foster a community of students with multiracial, multiethnic or multicultural experiences. The group seeks to educate and empower students through narrative and academic engagement of these contexts. Any members of the Duke community from mixed background experiences are welcome.

Duke Taiwanese American Student Association (TASA)

https://www.facebook.com/TASADuke/

The Taiwanese American Students Association (TASA) is a student group at Duke University dedicated to building a tight-knit community for Taiwanese Americans and people interested in Taiwanese culture.

 

 

Duke Taiwanese Student Association (TSA)

https://dukegroups.com/dtsa/

Duke Taiwanese Student Association (DTSA) aims to provide students and scholars from Taiwan the necessary services, consultation and information to be successful at Duke. An equally important objective is to share Taiwanese culture with the broader community and to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Eastern European Association at Duke (EEDA)

https://www.facebook.com/EasternEuropeanAssociationAtDuke/

EEAD aims to promote and expand Eastern European culture on campus and to raise awareness about the social, economic, political and cultural issues the region is facing. EEDA welcomes students from all backgrounds to join in the discovery of Eastern European culture, filled with wonderful traditions and interesting global perspectives.

Graduate Student Association of Iranians at Duke (GSAID)

https://web.duke.edu/GSAID

GSAID’s mission is to create an environment to conduct various social activities designed to strengthen the connections between Iranians, Iranian-Americans and the broader community. 

International Association (IA)

https://iaboardduke.wixsite.com/website

Duke International Association works to create a social, cultural and academic environment at Duke that supports and sustains the needs of the international community. IA raises international awareness on campus through programming, career-related events and policy advocacy. IA hopes to bridge the gap between US American and international students on campus. IA is also committed to ease the transition and integration of new first year international students to Duke and the greater Durham community.

Japanese Culture Club (JCC)

https://dukegroups.com/JCC/

The mission of JCC is to raise awareness about Japanese culture and to establish a community of students who are passionate about Japan. In addition, JCC collaborates with the Japanese Language Department and other Asian cultural groups to host various events.

Joint Youth Organization of Indians at Duke (JYOTI)

https://www.facebook.com/Joint-Youth-Organization-of-Indians-at-Duke-JYOTI-329961364025148/

JYOTI aims to foster social exchange between all Indian graduate students, masters and PhD, visiting scholars and postdocs interested in Indian culture. 

Korean Graduate Student Association (KGSA)

https://dukegroups.com/KGSA

KGSA hosts various cultural and social events such as Lunar New Year Feast, Chusok Feast, Korean BBQ, etc. to bring together people of diverse backgrounds to celebrate Korean culture. 

Duke Korean Undergraduate Student Association (KUSA)

https://www.facebook.com/DukeKUSA/

Duke KUSA hosts various cultural and social events such as Lunar New Year Feast, Chusok Feast, Korean BBQ, etc. to bring together people of diverse backgrounds to celebrate Korean culture. 

Latin American Student Organization (LASO)

https://instabio.cc/20508JBuAZP

LASA aims to encourage social, cultural, academic and career relationships focused on LASO membership but also encompassing the entire Duke community. LASA hopes to build community among other Latin American Students at Duke.

Mi Gente

https://www.facebook.com/dukemigente/

Participation in Mi Gente is one way to immerse yourself more fully in Latinx and Latin-American culture. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds and persuasions to participate in our events. Whatever your background, you can learn more about and reap the benefits from everything Latinx culture has to offer.

Native American Student Alliance. (NASA)

https://dukegroups.com/NASA

As the primary Native American cultural organization on campus, NASA serves as a resource for all Native American students on campus through educational, cultural, social and academic support. We also work to advance the awareness of Native issues.

Singapore Student Association (SSA)

https://www.facebook.com/dukeussa/

Duke Singapore Student Association serves several purposes at Duke. To provide a home away from home for Singaporean students and to promote Singaporean interests and culture at Duke. 

Students of the Caribbean Association (SOCA)

https://www.facebook.com/dukesoca/

Students of the Caribbean is a cultural, social, and political organization for students of Caribbean descent. Activities include social gatherings, co-sponsorship of the charity ball, fundraisers for political causes in the Caribbean, and an annual carnival that features Caribbean cooking, music, and dance.

Turkish Students Association (TSA)

https://www.facebook.com/DukeTSA/

The Duke Turkish Student Association aims to bring Turkish students together and provide them with a close-knit, friendly community.

Guide on Globally Inclusive Programming

The Duke International Student Center and the Global Education Office have created a guide on Globally Inclusive Programming. This guide provides suggestions for student groups to optimize their event for international Duke students at three stages:

  • Planning
  • Marketing
  • Hosting

If you have any questions regarding the guide, please contact us at intlstudents@duke.edu (Duke International Student Center) or globaled@duke.edu (Global Education Office).

Duke International Student Center Newsletter
The Duke email address of every student and scholar visa holder who registers with Duke Visa Services is automatically place on this closed list. Only Duke International Student Center posts the weekly newsletter to the list and, very rarely, one-off important notices. Please read these notices.

If you are not receiving DISC newsletter each week, please email intlstudents@duke.edu to be added to mailing list, in subject line "add to list".

International Spouses listserv
This a closed listserv for Duke international spouses, partners and friends.  Only leaders of the Duke International Student Center Spouses' Groups may post and share relevant information such as updates or local happenings.  The listserv also operates as a vehicle to interact with other international spouses from around the world.

Subscribe or Unsubscribe to intlspouses@duke.edu

Spanish Conversation Club

Are you interested in speaking the second-most spoken and studied language in the United States?  Practice your conversation Spanish and meet people from around the world, including native Spanish speakers. Our conversations are informal and interesting. 

Every Monday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 p.m. at Duke International Student Center. For more information, contact Luis Vergara. 

The location for Spanish Conversation Club is Duke International Student Center, Bay 5 Smith Warehouse.  Paid parking is available near Smith Warehouse.

Check out Spanish Conversation Club Facebook page.

Please note that the information below may be impacted by the pandemic so be sure to email.

 

Arabic.  Join us for a casual conversation in Arabic about current events, culture, and more. Come and improve your conversational Arabic and cultural skill set. Contact Amal Boumaaza (ab267@duke.edu  for details on discussions, presentations and workshops. 

 

Chinese.  Locations and themes vary each week. For a detailed schedule and more information contact Professor Chi-Ju Hsieh. Email: cjhsieh@duke.edu. 

 

French.  La Table Française is a weekly French conversation table which takes place every Monday from 5:30-6:30pm in Languages 114 (or on the front terrace of the building in warmer weather). Look for the French flag!  For more information, please contact the French Cultural Advisor: Emma Howell (emma.howell@duke.edu) 

 

German.  We call our conversation hour "Kaffeestunde," and it is held every Wednesday from 5 to 6pm in the lobby or on the terrace of the Old Chemistry Building, depending on the weather. Whenever Duke is in remote-teaching mode, we move our conversation hour online to Zoom, Meeting ID: 988 4547 7344, Passcode: 941607. 
The German Club also organizes biweekly film evenings, "Filmabend." For further information please contact Tatjana Zimbeliusklem at tatjana.zimbeliusklem@duke.edu 

 

Hebrew.  Meets weekly; times and locations vary. For more information, please contact Prof. Sarah Baker (sarah.lynn.baker@duke.edu). 

Hindi.  Contact Kusum Knapczyk at kusum.knapczyk@duke.edu for information on the Hindi language table on Jan 28th, Feb 25th and March 25th between 12:00 – 12:30pm. 

 

Italian.  Italian- Tavola Italiana is a weekly Italian Language group that meets throughout the academic year. All levels of proficiency are welcome to join. Visit the calendar here for more information about the semester's events.  For questions about Tavola Italiana email the Italian Cultural Advisor: Pierpaolo Spagnolo (pierpaolo.spagnolo@duke.edu) 

 

Japanese. Contact Dr. Yunchuan Chen for more information. Email: yunchuan.chen@duke.edu. 

 

Korean. Contact Professor Eunyoung Kim for more information. Email: ek46@duke.edu. 

 

Persian.  No language table at present time. Contact Prof. Shahla Adel for more information. Email: shahla.adel@duke.edu. 

 

Polish.  No language table at this time. 

 

Portuguese. Portuguese Conversational Meetings BATE-PAPO BRASIL participants meet for relaxed conversation, in which students are encouraged to "stretch" their linguistic capacities. The group is open and free to the public. SCHEDULE: Spring: Wednesdays at 10:15-11:15 am online on zoom. For more information contact Professor Magda Silva.  Email: mbcsilva@duke.edu 

 

Russian.  No language table at present time. Contact Prof. Edna Andrews for more information. Email: eda@duke.edu. 

 

Spanish.  Mesa en español is a Spanish language group that meets every Thursday during the academic year. It is open to all Duke students and the broader community at all levels of proficiency. All are welcome to come and join in the casual conversation and cultural exchange in a relaxed setting that encourages interaction and discovery. Come practice your Spanish among friends! 

 

Turkish.  Virtual language table is on Tuesdays at 6:15 pm. In person language table takes place once a month at 5 pm at the Sancar Community Center on the following dates: January 26, February 23, March 30. For more information please contact: Didem Havlioglu ( didem.havli@duke.edu ) 

Volunteer Opportunities in Durham

For international students, scholars, spouses, and partners who are interested in volunteering in the local Durham community:

Duke’s Office of Durham and Community Affairs has a resource site as a way to share support activities by partners in the local Durham community. If you are seeking volunteer opportunities, feel free to search current listings in this database.

VoLearnTeer with DISC

For U.S. American students, alums, faculty, and staff who hope to engage with the Duke international community: 

English Conversation Club

Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Lead small group discussions with members of the Duke community who would like to practice conversational English
  • Topics include American culture, social systems, and daily life

Volunteer Benefits

  • Meet people from around the world and learn about their cultures
  • Receive training and gain experience in facilitating group discussions and cross-cultural communication

Time Commitment

  • Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Useful Links

Duke Language Partners

Volunteer Responsibilities

  • You will be matched with a non-native speaker who would like to practice conversational English or another language you speak
  • Meet with your language partner for weekly conversation

Volunteer Benefits

  • Learn/practice a new language by requesting a partner speaking a specific language
  • Form cross-cultural connections
  • Learn about another culture
  • Develop intercultural sensitivity
  • Gain language tutoring skills

Time Commitment

  • Weekly meetings based on partners’ schedules

Useful Links

International Friends

Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Spend time with an international member of the Duke community to form friendships
  • Help someone acclimate to the life at Duke and in the U.S.
  • Share culture with one another, such as customs, holidays, cuisine, and values

Volunteer Benefits   

  • Form cross-cultural connections
  • Explore Duke and the Triangle together
  • Learn about another culture
  • Receive training on cross-cultural communication and intercultural sensitivity

Time Commitment   

  • Monthly meetings based on participants’ schedules   

Useful Links

  • This program is currently on hold.

 

 

Global Cafe

Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Have informal conversations with Duke students, employees, post-docs, scholars, and families over coffee or tea

Volunteer Benefits   

  • Meet new people from around the world
  • Expand knowledge about other cultures
  • Have lively conversations
  • Enjoy great food, tea and coffee! 

Time Commitment   

  • Meets Tuesday's from 9:30 - 10:30 am in various location, with the exception of 2nd Tuesdays.

Useful Links

  •  

International House Orientation Peers (IHOP) (students only)    

Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Welcome new international students and support them to acclimate to Duke before, during, and after the International Orientation.
  • Assist with the planning of the International Orientation schedule and activities.
  • Co-lead International Orientation with DISC Staff

Volunteer Benefits   

  • Connect students with staff and campus resources
  • Develop strong leadership, communication, and planning skills
  • Develop intercultural sensitivity

Time Commitment   

  • A Year

Useful Links

If you have any questions about specific issues, please refer to these resources below: