Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Global Salukis at SIU Carbondale International Student Council
SIU Home Center for International Education Student Engagement
Student-led community • campus connection • international RSOs • events • leadership • SIU Carbondale

International Student Council

the community
for International
Students at SIU

The International Student Council represents international students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, supports international Registered Student Organizations, and helps build connection across the SIU community.

Built to feel welcoming, student-centered, and accessible.

Find an International RSO
Learn How to Join ISC
View ISC Events

Welcome to ISC

For the globally minded, the newly arrived, the deeply involved, and the community-seeking.

Discover a welcoming community with ISC through cultural events, leadership opportunities, campus involvement, and support for international students at SIU Carbondale.

Support international students

ISC advocates for international student needs, fostering belonging, connection, and success throughout the SIU community.

Read About ISC

Connect international RSOs

ISC unites international student organizations, encouraging collaboration, communication, and shared opportunities across campus communities.

Browse the Directory

Celebrate global cultures

ISC celebrates cultural diversity through engaging events, educational programs, and traditions that foster inclusion, global awareness, and intercultural connections.

Explore Events

Grow as a leader

ISC provides opportunities to develop leadership skills through volunteering opportunities and campus partnerships that promotes personal growth and engagement.

Get Involved

About ISC

A student-led home base for community, representation, and collaboration.

The International Student Council represents the international student body at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). ISC advocates for international students, supports outreach, and brings together a diverse community of students and organizations.

ISC is an officially recognized student umbrella organization. As an umbrella organization, ISC fosters communication and collaboration among international Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus. ISC also partners with international and national RSOs to support student outreach and promote intercultural awareness.

Read ISC History View Board and Advisors
Multicultural Empowered Women Student Association (MEWSA) members showcase traditional clothing from their countries during a cultural dance presentation at SIU Carbondale's International Cultural Night 2026.
Members of the African Student Union pose for a group photo on stage during International Cultural Night, wearing traditional clothing representing their cultural heritage.

History, Mission, Vision, and Goals

Built to represent international students since 1973!

The International Student Council (ISC) is one of the largest Registered Student Organizations at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The ISC was formed in 1973 as an umbrella organization that facilitates international student associations on campus. ISC's primary objective is to represent the interests of international students who are studying and/or working at SIUC, and to organize activities and events that represent cultures and traditions from nations around the world while celebrating the diversity of the SIU campus.

Intercultural awarenessAcademic achievementFriendshipCollaboration

Mission

To promote communication, belonging, and meaningful connections among international and national students of the SIU Carbondale community for intercultural awareness, academic achievement, friendship, and collaboration.

Vision

To create a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters a sense of community and gives every student an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Goals

  • Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students.
  • Foster community through events and activities that encourage cultural exchange.
  • Advocate for the rights and interests of international students.
  • Empower international students through leadership development and mentoring opportunities.

ISC Leadership

Meet the Board and Advisors

Get to know the students and advisors who help build community, organize events, represent international students, and connect international RSOs across campus.

ISC Board Members

Advisors

International RSOs

Explore international and cultural organizations under the ISC umbrella.

Browse active organizations or explore past ISC organizations to celebrate the communities that have shaped our international student experience.

African Student Union

Africa Cultural Active
View RSO

Bangladesh Student Association

Asia Cultural Active
View RSO

Caribbean Student Association

Americas Cultural Inactive
View RSO

Chinese Student And Scholar Association

Asia Cultural Inactive
View RSO

Fulbright Student Association

Global Cultural Active
View RSO

Greek Student Association

Europe Cultural Inactive
View RSO

Indian Student Association

Asia Cultural Active
View RSO

Iranian Student Association

Asia Cultural Active
View RSO

Japanese Student Association

Asia Cultural Inactive
View RSO

Latin American Student Association

Americas Cultural Active
View RSO

Multicultural Empowered Women Student Association

Global Cultural Active
View RSO

Nepalese Student Society

Asia Cultural Active
View RSO

Pakistani Student Association

Asia Cultural Active
View RSO

Sri Lankan Student Association

Asia Cultural Active
View RSO

United Asian American Council

Asia Cultural Inactive
View RSO
Note: ISC can list and maintain information for RSOs under its umbrella, but new RSO creation must go through SIU’s Office of Student Engagement process.

ISC Events

Join us for cultural traditions, leadership opportunities, and community activities.

Explore what's coming up with our monthly calendar and signature events that bring students together throughout the academic year.

Two members of the Latin American Student Association (LASA) wearing traditional dresses with red, white, and blue accents on stage during SIU Carbondale's International Cultural Night 2026 Runway.

International Festival

An annual spring celebration showcasing global cultures through performances, traditional attire, music, and exhibits that promote cultural understanding and engagement.

View Event Archive
Eight participants gather together for a team photo after winning the soccer tournament as part of the International Spring Games 2026 at SIU Carbondale.

International Games

A friendly competition bringing international students together through recreational activities, teamwork, and cultural connections while encouraging campus-wide participation.

View Event Archive

International Feast

Held each fall and spring semester, this gathering celebrates International Games participants, recognizes graduating students, and fosters community through a shared feast.

View Event Archive
International students serve themselves food during an outdoor summer picnic hosted by the International Student Council at an Evergreen Park pavilion.

Summer Picnic

An annual summer gathering that brings international students and community members together for food, outdoor activities, conversation, and meaningful opportunities to build connections.

View Event Archive

Dates marked like this have an event — click a date to view details.

Join ISC

There are many ways to get involved.

Whether you enjoy volunteering, attending events, joining an international RSO, or serving on the board, there's a place for you in ISC.

Involvement with ISC offers unique paths to grow as a student leader while contributing directly toward an inclusive community environment at SIU Carbondale. Whether you want to represent your own country's association, help manage multimedia campaigns, support financial accountability processes, or plan global festivals, there is space here for you to make an impact alongside a supportive team of peers and advisors.

Read Membership Details Contact the Board
Members of the International Student Council Executive Board Academic Year 2026 - 2027 pose in front of the large SIU sign outside the Tedrick Welcome Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Membership structure

General Assembly and organization representation

ISC represents international interests through its multi-tiered organizational structure on campus.

  • General Assembly:: The legislative body comprised of representatives from recognized International Student Associations.
  • Executive Committee:: Elected officers tracking administrative, programming, financial, and outreach efforts.
  • Individual Membership:: Open to all registered students at SIU Carbondale and International Student Associations.
  • International Student Associations:: Associations petition for membership through the Executive Committee to the General Assembly.
  • Voting Structure:: Each recognized association has one vote, and the elected officers of the Executive Committee also have voting rights.
  • Good Standing:: Active participation helps organizations remain in good standing and participate in ISC programs.
Students, scholars, and community members sit together at tables during the International Student Council Spring Feast 2026 gathering in the Student Center at SIU Carbondale. Attendees face the front of the room and listen to a presentation.
Members of the Multicultural Empowered Women Student Association (MEWSA) Academic Year 2025 - 2026 pose for a group photo at an awards ceremony while holding an award plaque for RSO of the Year.

Elections

Leadership selection for the next academic year.

Interested in leading ISC? Learn about our annual elections and how you can help shape the year ahead.

Positions Open

  1. President
  2. Vice President of Internal Affairs
  3. Vice President of Finance
  4. Chief of Staff
  5. Secretary
  6. Media Manager
  7. USG Senators (2 positions)

Basic Requirements

  • Must be a student registered at SIU.
  • President and Vice President candidates must be international F-1 or J-1 students, or domestic students involved with ISC events for at least one year.
  • Must be in good academic standing: minimum 2.0 GPA for undergraduate students and 3.0 GPA for graduate students.
  • Must have completed at least one semester at SIUC by election day, unless the candidate is a transfer student.
  • Must be able to serve through Spring 2027, with the commitment beginning in Summer 2026.

Endorsement Options

  1. Nomination by a President or Vice President of an ISC-registered International Student Association.
  2. Nomination by the current ISC President and one ISC Vice President.
  3. At least 25 signatures from currently registered SIUC international students from at least five countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Europe, with no more than five signatures from each country.

Required Documents

  1. Cover letter briefly describing yourself and why you want to be part of ISC.
  2. Resume highlighting leadership positions you have served.
  3. Copy of your driver’s license, if you have one.
  4. Nomination letter or signature list, depending on your endorsement route.

Submission contact: Dr. Elaine Conrad, Center for International Education, econrad@siu.edu.

Election timeline: Applications are typically due before the election, and the election takes place during the second week of April.
Ask About Elections

Location

Our Headquarters

Visit our office on the third floor of the Student Center. Use the map and floor plan below to find your way to us.

International Student Council Office

Student Center, 3rd Floor
1255 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901

Third-floor floor plan of the Student Center showing the locations of student organization offices and activity rooms. The International Student Council office is located at the far right of the floor, indicated by a black arrow. Nearby are the Undergraduate Student Government, Graduate & Professional Student Council, Black Affairs Council, Activity Rooms A–D, Registered Student Organization Suite, Office of Student Engagement, Student Programming Council, Student Programming Council office, RSO Accountants, and Saluki Rainbow Network.