Community Committee for International Students at Stanford University (CCIS)

CCIS supports international graduate students, visiting scholars, postdocs, and their families at Stanford University by offering gracious and helpful connections between Stanford Internationals and the community.

Invitation to participate
Hear some testimonies from our community inviting internationals (and spouses!) to join us.

UPCOMING & ONGOING

Bechtel International Center
Events
Newsletter for International Spouses, Partners, and Families at Stanford More newsletters

English Classes
English Classes information
English Classes schedule

English in Action: Converse & Connect
English in Action information

Global Chefs Dinner
Global Chefs Dinner information

International Spouse Coffee
Meets from 10:30 to noon on Wednesdays every week Stanford is in session.
Intl Spouse Coffee information

Loan Closet
Loan Closet information

Read our newsletter
CCIS NOTES - for Members
2025 Nov-Dec

Social Media posts
Our bi-weekly posts may include interesting things to do in the Palo Alto area.
CCIS LinkedIn page
CCIS Facebook page

CCIS History
CCIS History Timeline

Skip to volunteer opportunities

Arriving at Stanford this year?

Homestay
The Homestay program provides incoming graduate international students, including their spouses/partners, with a 2-4 day stay with a local host in August or September before settling into their regular housing.

Loan Closet
The Loan Closet provides second-hand and new household items: kitchenware (pots, pans, dishes), linens (blankets, sheets and towels), irons, toasters, etc., for international students and visitors to borrow during their time at Stanford.

English Classes
English Classes are open to Stanford international students, postdoctoral scholars, and their family members with intermediate to advanced English proficiency.

International Spouse Coffee
An ideal opportunity to meet other internationals and local residents and learn about programs, events and helpful resources in the Bay area.

Want to volunteer with CCIS?

CCIS Website
We are looking for a webmaster to implement a WordPress version of this CCIS website, with new features and capabilities.

Program chairs
Take the lead of a long-standing CCIS program, as a member of the CCIS Board:

Loan Closet: Lead a team of local CCIS members providing second-hand and new household items for international students and visitors to borrow during their time at Stanford.
Global Chefs: Lead a team of internationals and local CCIS members preparing a delicious meal together. Enjoy the fun as team members share recipes and cooking techniques, make new friends, and chat about food and family in a lively and engaging setting.

Open Board positions
Join the CCIS Board in one of these functions:

Marketing: publicize CCIS programs to Stanford Internationals and potential CCIS members
Membership Records: keep membership records updated for new members, renewing members, and donations
Board Development: recruit board members and volunteers, and upgrade their skills
Member at Large: serve the board where your skills fit in

English in Action : Converse and Connect
Meet regularly with international graduate students, visiting scholars, postdoctoral students, or spouses to practice casual English conversation, learn about American culture, and develop friendships.

International Spouse Coffee
Welcome new international spouses and families at weekly Wednesday morning gatherings. Introduce them to other internationals and to local resources related to their individual needs and interests.

Hospitality
Connect with international students from around the world by sharing cultures and exchanging perspectives while helping visitors feel at home here! This is a great opportunity to welcome and build friendships with international graduate students, research scholars, postdocs, and their families.

Internationals and volunteers socialize during Intl Spouse Coffee.

Welcome to CCIS!