why we are unique
The International Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation based in Greater Manchester supported by the city’s Universities. We have been promoting international friendship and celebrating cultural diversity in the city since 1966.
get involved
We are here to help you make the most of your life in Manchester!
The International Society is the best place for you to make new friends from all over the world. We aim to provide a warm welcome to everyone who visits. Our trips, classes, events, activities and volunteering opportunities are open to all.
MEMBERS PER YEAR
COUNTRIES
YEARS OLD
Trips
Travel with us to some of the most beautiful and interesting locations around England, Scotland and Wales.
Language Classes
We run a range of fun, friendly and affordable language classes throughout the year.
Weekly Socials
Meet new friends and catch up over tea, coffee and board games every Wednesday & Friday.
Social Events
Our social events are aimed at creating spaces where people from all over the world can meet, make friends and explore each other’s cultures.
Countryside Walks
Go on walks in the countryside with Anna and Andrew, our volunteers who have been leading walks for members for nearly 15 years.
Volunteering
Volunteer to represent your country at a local school and promote international friendship and diversity.
International 16
Each year the project brings together 16 students from 16 different countries to share stories about the lives and cultures.
Families Group
Our Families’s group offer a warm and supportive atmosphere for the partners and children of students.
Hospitality Scheme
Experience British Family life with our host families. Many friendships formed have lasted years after the student have returned home.
Latest Update November 2020
With the recent announcement of a 4 week lockdown from the UK government starting Thursday 5th November, we understand that it might be a scary and confusing time especially for those who have just arrived here days or weeks ago.
Please do not be alarmed if you see long queues at supermarkets, people bulk buying or if certain essential food items are temporarily out of stock. What we have learned and seen from the first lockdown is that despite the panic buying, supermarkets have worked hard to ensure that food and essential items continue to be stocked despite a little delay. However if you do have any difficulties purchasing any essential supplies please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Apart from reaching out to us to help you with your shopping, do know that we are also here if you would like someone to talk to or to meet and make friends. You might not be able to meet and make new friends easily under these restrictions however the Society will continue to host our events and socials weekly online to help you as best as we can. Please see here for a list of all our upcoming activities.
Most importantly, know that you are not in this alone and that we are here for you.
The International Society will always be your International Home.
home
home away from home
Beautiful memories from our members.
“This was one of the most important parts of my university experience because it was so enriching to meet so many people from everywhere in the world. As the years passed by, it became like my second home.”
“Super friendly and homey environment with amazing experience of various diverse cultures including food and activities. It offered me the best time of my uni life and I met my best friend there!”
“The Society did become my second home. I don’t think I can imagine being a student here without going to the Society or at least knowing the Society.”
“In the Society in general, I could find the family and support that I was needing. Any time I would come, I would find people who are so smiley and everyone looks so friendly and so happy just being here. It’s like a really huge family with amazing people.”
“I didn’t know that I could connect with people from these different countries. You connect on so many different levels and you become the best friends that you never knew you could become.”
“It’s not just different people from different countries. It’s about different personalities and different perspective of lives. I have definitely gained lifelong friends that I would keep wherever I go.”
BECOME A MEMBER
We are open to all.
Students and non-students can become members of the Society. All members receive discounts on our trips, language classes and events as well as access to our free membeer only events and activities.
Membership is FREE to students and staff of University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Trips, language classes and events are also open to non-members.
ONLINE COMMUNITY
Due to the pandemic and social distancing guidelines, we have move most of events online. We have created a space online where our members can meet and still stay connected.
Join our International Students in Manchester Facebook Group to chat with other members and share tips with each other.
The International Society is supported
by The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Salford.
have a question for us?
get in touch!
Want to know more about us or the activities we do? Drop us a message.
PHONE
0161 275 4959
info@internationalsociety.org.uk
address
International Society,
c/o UMSU, Oxford Road,
Manchester, M13 9PR
Our offfice is located at the ground floor of University of Manchester’s Students’ Union.
charity no.
The International Society is a registered charity. Our Charity Commision number is 521248.
© International Society 2020