Would you like to be matched with a local family to enjoy a special meal with them during one of America’s favorite holidays?
Specific time and date to be arranged by you and the local family you are matched with.
Come have a delicious home-cooked meal, learn about the background and the meaning of the American Thanksgiving holiday, and enjoy your time with your host.
The C-Ville Host Program matches you with a local American from the Charlottesville Community for friendship, mentoring, and cultural exchange.
A little about the C-Ville Host program: International Students Inc (ISI) has been matching UVA international students with local Americans for the past 27 years through the C-Ville Host Program (also known as the Friendship Partner Program). C-Ville Hosts are knowledgeable, welcoming volunteers who enjoy meeting new friends from overseas. Please confirm that you would like to participate in this Program by filling out the form linked below. Once confirmed we will be reaching out within the next month letting you know the family that you have been paired with for the C-Ville Host Program.
BENEFITS OF THE C-VILLE HOST PROGRAM Participating in this program allows you to:
Get better acquainted with American families, culture, and beliefs
Receive practical assistance as you organize your life in a new place
Receive mentoring, which will benefit your academic, business, and career pursuits
Exchange uniqueness of your culture with your Host
Enjoy meals, special events, and outings with a local family
Establish a warm relationship that can last for many years
Hosts and their international student friends usually call or text back and forth about once a week to establish a relationship that allows them to check in with each other, provide updates, and offer advice
Meet with your Host periodically during the semester as time permits typically once per month.
Do you feel the change of seasons in Charlottesville? That means it’s time to get outside and enjoy fall activities. October 26 will be the perfect weekend for apple picking, and because this is the the peak season, Carter Mountain is requiring $10 entrance tickets.
Step 1: Buy a ticket for October 26, 4:00PM—> Purchase Ticket Step 2: to help us plan and organize rides—> Register
Details: Meet at UVA’s Aquatic Fitness Center at 3:30 PM on Saturday. We will then drive to Carter Mountain Orchard where you can pick your own apples from big apple trees. Enjoy fresh mountain air and a beautiful view of Charlottesville and the surrounding area. You then purchase the apples you pick – give some away to friends too. We’ll watch the sunset overlooking the beautiful valleys of Charlottesville from high on the mountain. We’ll be back at UVA around 7:30PM.
(If you have a car, please let us know, and bring it to help with rides.)
We will go to Sharp Top Trail on Sunday, October 20. We’ll see the beautiful fall colors at THE PEAK!
You are invited to a fall-colors hike with a 360-degree view. The mountain is located at the beautiful area called Peaks of Otter. The vistas at the top are spectacular and as good as any in Virginia. This trail is moderate to strenuous, with 1.5 hours of hiking straight-up the mountain. Actual hiking time is 2.5-3.0 hours, covering 3.3 miles (5.3 km) with a 1,253 ft (382 meters) gain in elevation. This will be real hiking!
What to Bring: Bottled water, snacks, dinner in a bag (we will eat at the top of the mountain!) Hiking boots or athletic shoes, warm layered clothing (it tends to be windy and colder in the mountains). Feel free to invite other international students or scholar friends.
Join us for an unforgettable day trip to Appomattox, Virginia, where history comes to life! ISI provided a vehicle to take international students and scholars on a guided tour of the historic Appomattox Court House, where the Civil War was effectively concluded. This is a unique opportunity to learn about American history.
Ragged Mountain Reservoir is a beautiful hike location. While hiking there, you will find it hard to believe that you are only minutes from UVA.
At 10:00AM, we will meet at our usual meetup location and provide rides to the hike location. We’ll enjoy a beautiful hike around part of the reservoir and then eat lunch together. Please bring a blanket to sit on while we eat our meal together beside the beautiful lake. We will return to UVA at about 1:30PM. This is a nice short event that you can fit into your schedule and catch up with your ISI friends.
Bring: Jacket in case of light spring rain Lunch and bottled water in a backpack Blanket to sit on during the meal Athletic shoes
We will go to Sharp Top Trail on Saturday, October 28. We’ll arrive at the top AT SUNSET at THE PEAK of the fall colors!
You are invited to a fall-colors sunset hike with a 360-degree view. The mountain is located at the beautiful area called Peaks of Otter. The vistas at the top are spectacular and as good as any in Virginia. This trail is moderate to strenuous. Actual hiking time is 2.5-3.0 hours, and this includes 3.3-miles (5.3 km) with a 1,253 ft (382 meters) gain in elevation. This will be real hiking!
What to Bring: Bottled water, snacks, dinner in a bag (we will eat at the top of the mountain!) Hiking boots or athletic shoes, warm layered clothing (it tends to be windy and colder in the mountains). Feel free to invite other international students or scholar friends.
A Sunset hike in Shenandoah National Park, climb over boulder fields at BLACKROCK SUMMIT. Hike beautiful Mountain trails, and enjoy the breathtaking Sunset view.
JOIN US SATURDAY, September 23 AT 3:30 PM
MEET AT THE AQUATIC FITNESS CENTER– We will then use vans and cars to caravan up to the mountains. Directions will be provided. For those with cars, come to the AFC with your car and then we will see how many cars are needed— and leave unneeded cars in the stadium parking lot.
What will we do?
We’ll enjoy climbing and scrambling over boulders (optional). Our hike will provide you with the most expansive views in the Southern district of Shenandoah National Park! It is ideal for watching the sunset. As we enjoy the scenery, we’ll eat our bagged dinners together.
What to bring with you
Be sure to wear shoes that are good for hiking, bring some bottled water and some snack food to eat along the way. Bring your camera or phone—You will want to post some exciting photos!
Bring a bagged dinner that you can eat at the summit.
Enjoy a Delicious Dinner, Live Music, and a lovely atmosphere together at a beautiful American home with mountains in the background!
We are excited about starting the new school year. All UVA International students are invited to The WELCOME PICNIC Saturday, August 26 at 4:30 PM There are multiple pickup locations for the picnic PICK-UP LOCATIONS
If you can’t get to one of these pickup locations, please let us know by Thursday, August 24. Send your phone number and pickup location. If you plan to drive yourself, please reply to let us know. Maybe you can help transport other students and scholars? This picnic is for all international students and scholars at UVA. Students from around the world can come to ISI Activities and meet other students. Friendships are formed that can last throughout your time at UVA. Local American volunteers interact with internationals throughout the picnic. The event is free and no registration is necessary!
ISI would like to invite you to an Ice Cream Reception in the Gardens! This event is for new international students who will be attending UVA this year! It will be on the 19th of August, 2023 at 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM on Garden IX, just behind UVA’s West Range Cafe (211 McCormick Rd.).
Posted: October 28, 2024 by admin
Thanksgiving in an American Home 2024
Would you like to be matched with a local family to enjoy a special meal with them during one of America’s favorite holidays?
Specific time and date to be arranged by you and the local family you are matched with.
Come have a delicious home-cooked meal, learn about the background and the meaning of the American Thanksgiving holiday, and enjoy your time with your host.
Please register HERE.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 by admin
ISI Sports Night
We’ll enjoy a fun, informal, practice game. Advanced and beginner players are welcome.
Join us for Volleyball, Pickleball and Soccer at the Snyder Tennis Courts every Monday at 6:30 PM.
Please call 434-760-1509 when you arrive.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Last Updated: August 1, 2024 by admin
C-ville Host Program
The C-Ville Host Program matches you with a local American from the Charlottesville Community for friendship, mentoring, and cultural exchange.
A little about the C-Ville Host program:
International Students Inc (ISI) has been matching UVA international students with local Americans for the past 27 years through the C-Ville Host Program (also known as the Friendship Partner Program). C-Ville Hosts are knowledgeable, welcoming volunteers who enjoy meeting new friends from overseas.
Please confirm that you would like to participate in this Program by filling out the form linked below. Once confirmed we will be reaching out within the next month letting you know the family that you have been paired with for the C-Ville Host Program.
BENEFITS OF THE C-VILLE HOST PROGRAM
Participating in this program allows you to:
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 by admin
APPLE PICKING AT CARTER MOUNTAIN, October 26!
Do you feel the change of seasons in Charlottesville? That means it’s time to get outside and enjoy fall activities. October 26 will be the perfect weekend for apple picking, and because this is the the peak season, Carter Mountain is requiring $10 entrance tickets.
Step 1: Buy a ticket for October 26, 4:00PM—> Purchase Ticket
Step 2: to help us plan and organize rides—> Register
Details:
Meet at UVA’s Aquatic Fitness Center at 3:30 PM on Saturday. We will then drive to Carter Mountain Orchard where you can pick your own apples from big apple trees. Enjoy fresh mountain air and a beautiful view of Charlottesville and the surrounding area. You then purchase the apples you pick – give some away to friends too.
We’ll watch the sunset overlooking the beautiful valleys of Charlottesville from high on the mountain.
We’ll be back at UVA around 7:30PM.
(If you have a car, please let us know, and bring it to help with rides.)
Last Updated: October 20, 2024 by admin
Peaks of Otter: Sharp Top Oct. 20, 2024
We will go to Sharp Top Trail on Sunday, October 20. We’ll see the beautiful fall colors at THE PEAK!
You are invited to a fall-colors hike with a 360-degree view. The mountain is located at the beautiful area called Peaks of Otter. The vistas at the top are spectacular and as good as any in Virginia. This trail is moderate to strenuous, with 1.5 hours of hiking straight-up the mountain. Actual hiking time is 2.5-3.0 hours, covering 3.3 miles (5.3 km) with a 1,253 ft (382 meters) gain in elevation. This will be real hiking!
Meet at UVA’s Aquatic Fitness Center at 12:00 PM
Get back to UVA around 9:00 PM
This hike is FREE!
What to Bring: Bottled water, snacks, dinner in a bag (we will eat at the top of the mountain!) Hiking boots or athletic shoes, warm layered clothing (it tends to be windy and colder in the mountains). Feel free to invite other international students or scholar friends.
Last Updated: September 25, 2024 by admin
Appomattox History Tour Sept, 28, 2024
Join us for an unforgettable day trip to Appomattox, Virginia, where history comes to life! ISI provided a vehicle to take international students and scholars on a guided tour of the historic Appomattox Court House, where the Civil War was effectively concluded. This is a unique opportunity to learn about American history.
Last Updated: August 2, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment
Ragged Mountain Reservoir Hike 2024
Ragged Mountain Reservoir is a beautiful hike location. While hiking there, you will find it hard to believe that you are only minutes from UVA.
At 10:00AM, we will meet at our usual meetup location and provide rides to the hike location. We’ll enjoy a beautiful hike around part of the reservoir and then eat lunch together. Please bring a blanket to sit on while we eat our meal together beside the beautiful lake. We will return to UVA at about 1:30PM. This is a nice short event that you can fit into your schedule and catch up with your ISI friends.
Bring:
Jacket in case of light spring rain
Lunch and bottled water in a backpack
Blanket to sit on during the meal
Athletic shoes
Last Updated: October 31, 2023 by admin Leave a Comment
Fall Colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
We will go to Sharp Top Trail on Saturday, October 28. We’ll arrive at the top AT SUNSET at THE PEAK of the fall colors!
You are invited to a fall-colors sunset hike with a 360-degree view. The mountain is located at the beautiful area called Peaks of Otter. The vistas at the top are spectacular and as good as any in Virginia. This trail is moderate to strenuous. Actual hiking time is 2.5-3.0 hours, and this includes 3.3-miles (5.3 km) with a 1,253 ft (382 meters) gain in elevation. This will be real hiking!
Meet at UVA’s Aquatic Fitness Center at 12:30 PM
Get back to UVA around 9:30 PM
This hike is FREE!
REGISTER HERE
What to Bring: Bottled water, snacks, dinner in a bag (we will eat at the top of the mountain!) Hiking boots or athletic shoes, warm layered clothing (it tends to be windy and colder in the mountains). Feel free to invite other international students or scholar friends.
Last Updated: October 3, 2023 by admin
Sunset Hike September 23, 2023
A Sunset hike in Shenandoah National Park, climb over boulder fields at BLACKROCK SUMMIT.
Hike beautiful Mountain trails, and enjoy the breathtaking Sunset view.
JOIN US SATURDAY, September 23 AT 3:30 PM
MEET AT THE AQUATIC FITNESS CENTER – We will then use vans and cars to caravan up to the mountains. Directions will be provided. For those with cars, come to the AFC with your car and then we will see how many cars are needed— and leave unneeded cars in the stadium parking lot.
What will we do?
We’ll enjoy climbing and scrambling over boulders (optional). Our hike will provide you with the most expansive views in the Southern district of Shenandoah National Park! It is ideal for watching the sunset. As we enjoy the scenery, we’ll eat our bagged dinners together.
What to bring with you
REGISTER HERE
COST: $15, which covers National Park entrance fee and fuel costs.
Last Updated: September 5, 2023 by admin Leave a Comment
Welcome Picnic
Enjoy a Delicious Dinner, Live Music, and a lovely atmosphere together at a beautiful American home with mountains in the background!
We are excited about starting the new school year. All UVA International students are invited to
The WELCOME PICNIC
Saturday, August 26 at 4:30 PM
There are multiple pickup locations for the picnic
PICK-UP LOCATIONS
Van 1
3:50 PM – The Flats at West Village iOS maps | Google maps
4:00 PM – U-Heights bus stop on Colonnade Dr. iOS maps | Google maps
4:10 PM – Copeley Bus Stop on Seymour Rd | Google maps
Van 2
3:50 PM – IRC on Sprigg Ln. in front of Munford House iOS maps | Google maps
4:00 PM – UVA’s Aquatic Fitness Center
4:10 PM – Eagles Landing Clubhouse iOS maps | Google maps
If you can’t get to one of these pickup locations, please let us know by Thursday, August 24. Send your phone number and pickup location. If you plan to drive yourself, please reply to let us know. Maybe you can help transport other students and scholars?
This picnic is for all international students and scholars at UVA. Students from around the world can come to ISI Activities and meet other students. Friendships are formed that can last throughout your time at UVA. Local American volunteers interact with internationals throughout the picnic. The event is free and no registration is necessary!
Last Updated: September 5, 2023 by admin
Ice Cream Reception in the Gardens for New International Students
ISI would like to invite you to an Ice Cream Reception in the Gardens!
This event is for new international students who will be attending UVA this year!
It will be on the 19th of August, 2023 at 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM on Garden IX, just behind UVA’s West Range Cafe (211 McCormick Rd.).
New friends, live music, and FREE ICE CREAM!
For questions or inquiries, email info@isivirginia.com.
See you there!