The multifunctional Smolian International House at UAB offers a variety of services and activities for international students and scholars. However, the facility is much more: it provides a central focal point for programs and activities designed to foster a free exchange of information and international understanding. This environment of support and encouragement serves international students, scholars, their families, and the Birmingham community. In this one place, members of the university community, internationals and Americans share a sense of unity.
Temporary Housing
Temporary housing (seven days limit) is available to newly arriving international students, scholars, faculty, staff and family members while they make arrangements for permanent accommodations.
Facilities
The International House was designed to accommodate the needs of international students, scholars and their families. Meeting space is available for classes and other events. The International House is available for use by any campus organization or community group with an "international mission." Facilities include:
- Meeting Space: Can accommodate groups of 100. Space can be arranged into four smaller rooms or one large room.
- Kitchen: An upstairs kitchen for guests staying at the house. The house also has a commercial kitchen for special luncheons, dinners and other functions.
- Library: The library has a steadily increasing collection of books and magazines, and receives a number of international periodicals.
- Lounge: A spacious and comfortable area offers limited seating, and a wide-screen television.
- Private and Dorm Rooms: Can provide temporary lodging for up to twelve people for up to seven nights (two private rooms and two dorm rooms), affording a transitional setting while newcomers seek permanent housing. Use is reserved for non-immigrant international students who have been admitted to UAB and to scholars and their dependents.
- Other Amenities: a laundry room with washer and dryer for use by overnight guests.
Activities
Smolian International House hosts a number of special events throughout the year. For example, the annual International Festival brings a flurry of activity to the International House with the International Food Fair and Exhibition. The International Food Fair and Exhibition allows the UAB and Birmingham community the opportunity to experience the cultures and cuisines of UAB's international community.
Other activities help familiarize international students and scholars with customs of the U.S. and the South, such as a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner and good 'ol Southern barbecues. Special activities are also included for children, such as Culture Camp, which enables all to learn about the many countries represented at UAB.
Support Services
In addition to the pleasant setting, Smolian International House provides other support for members of UAB's international community. Special classes and programs enhance the educational experience of international students and scholars. They also help make the transition to a new country and culture easier for those coming to UAB. These include:
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Conversational English, Spanish, Japanese, and German classes are also offered to international students, scholars, their families, and to the Birmingham community.
- An International Women's Group (with babysitting provided) offers special speakers, cooking and crafts demonstrations, and visits to local points of interest.
- The Friendship Partners Program matches foreign nationals with Birmingham residents to promote friendship, exchange of knowledge about each other's culture, and adjustment of internationals to life in Birmingham.
Hours of Operation
The Smolian International House is open from 9:00AM to 10:00PM Monday through Friday, and 12:00Noon to 10:00PM Saturday and Sunday. The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.