Are you the international spouse/ partner of a CU student or scholar? Join ISSO English Conversation to build speaking confidence and connect with new friends! For Fall 2026, we meet Tuesdays, 10am - 12pm, Oct. 6 - Dec. 15. Most sessions are virtual (Zoom), with one in-person meeting each month. NO session on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
CLICK HERE to learn more about ISSO English Conversation for spouses/ partners! Students and scholars can check the Resources for Students page or Resources for Scholars page for English learning opportunities available to them.
THIS SPECIAL SESSION WILL BE HELD IN-PERSON. This month, join us for a special food tour of NYC to explore the history of Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Jewish East Side! History stops include: the Jewish Daily Forward building and sites associated with Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Mother Cabrini, and Jacob Riis. Food stops will include (among other things): Malay beef jerky, fresh Italian mozzarella, Dominican plantain, cannoli, Chinese ice cream, and traditional Jewish pickles. Please plan for significant walking.
Itinerary:
- 9:15pm: Meet at ISSO Morningside to travel together (*optional)
- 9:55am: Meet at the Southeast corner of Essex & Delancey Streets, in front of the Essex Market. Please arrive on time!
- 10:00 am - 12:00pm: Group walking and eating tour, with a local guide
- After 12:00pm: Option to continue socializing**
**All registrants will be sent a link to an ISSO WhatsApp group to help coordinate and meet up before, during, and after the event. ISSO encourages participants to independently organize lunch or other activities after the scheduled itinerary has finished.
Participants are responsible for costs related to transportation and any additional (optional) food/ beverage.
Details and registration will be sent directly to international spouses/ partners who attended at least ONE (1) ISSO English Conversation virtual session in October. Extra tickets may become available to the wider community of CU international spouses/ partners.
Questions? Contact the ISSO Programming Team.
Columbia University makes every effort to ensure accessibility. To request disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services at least 10 days prior to the event. CART or sign language interpretation requests require two weeks’ notice.
This event may be photographed or recorded for current or future university marketing (print, digital, web, or social media). By attending, you consent to this use. If you have concerns, please contact ISSO.
