University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Try Something New

Try Something New

Try Something New helps ENG 100 students to explore their campus community, resources, and opportunities to engage with diverse ideas and cultures!

Some events may require an RSVP; visit the event's website for the most up to date information.

October 20-24 Events

Date	Time	Event	Description	Location
Monday, October 20, 2025	4:30 - 5:30pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Monday, October 20, 2025	5:15 - 6:15pm	Japan House Washi Paper Making Workshop	REGISTRATION REQUIRED; LIMITED SPOTS; WALK-INS NOT PERMITTED. Japan House is pleased to share the traditional craft of washi paper making featuring Fukushima craftsman, Shinya Terasawa. Students will learn about the paper making process and get to make their own postcard to take home.	Japan House (2000 S Lincoln Ave)
Tuesday, October 21, 2025	4:00 - 5:00pm	Japan House Hariko Workshop	REGISTRATION REQUIRED; LIMITED SPOTS; WALK-INS NOT PERMITTED. Japan House is pleased to share the traditional craft of hariko (paper mache) featuring Fukushima craftsman, Masaji Hashimoto. Students will learn about this craft and make their own daruma, a lucky figurine.	Japan House (2000 S Lincoln Ave)
Tuesday, October 21, 2025	5:00 - 6:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Tuesday, October 21, 2025	5:30-6:30pm	Enhancing Stereotype Awareness: An I-Journey Workshop	This workshop explores the formation and perpetuation of stereotypes and how stereotypes affect our interactions with others.	Asian American Cultural Center (1210 W. Nevada St)
Wednesday, October 22, 2025	4:30 - 5:30pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Wednesday, October 22, 2025	5:15 - 6:15pm	Japan House Calligraphy Workshop	REGISTRATION REQUIRED; LIMITED SPOTS; WALK-INS NOT PERMITTED. Japan House is pleased to share the traditional art of shodo (Japanese calligraphy) featuring Fukushima artist, Seiran Chiba. Chiba is a world-renowned Japanese shodo (calligraphy) artist from Fukushima, Japan.	Japan House (2000 S Lincoln Ave)
Wednesday, October 22, 2025	5:30 - 7:00pm	Teaching in France: A Look into the European Education System and Practices and Beyond	As a summer teaching intern from LAS, Jose Martinez experienced first-hand the European education system and some interesting cultural norms in the classroom and daily lives in France. He will be sharing experience teaching abroad in France and his multicultural experience abroad in a classroom as well as his reflection on global connections and cultural differences.	Asian American Cultural Center (1210 W. Nevada St)
Thursday, October 23, 2025	4:00 - 5:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240

October 27 - 31 Events

Date	Time	Event	Description	Location
Monday, October 27, 2025	12:00 - 1:00pm	Sparking Change: Lightning Talks on Sexual Violence Prevention	Listen to speakers, lecturers, and panelists explore a variety of topics at the intersection of gender and other social identities.	Women's Resources Center (616 E. Green St), Suite 213
Monday, October 27, 2025	4:30 - 5:30pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Tuesday, October 28, 2025	12:00 - 1:00 pm	Rooted in Community: Insights on Immigration, Advocacy, and Culturally Responsive Care	Learn from a social service professional about how grassroots organizations have developed to support the unique challenges faced by Asian Americans. Through discussions on identity and stories from the community, you will gain a deeper understanding of how social services work to empower immigrants, barriers to accessing care, and opportunities for you to become an advocate in your own community.	Asian American Cultural Center (1210 W Nevada St.)
Tuesday, October 28, 2025	3:00 - 4:00pm	IPENG Info Session: Summer with CEA CAPA in Rome, Italy	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Grainger Library (1301 W Springfield Ave) Room 429
Tuesday, October 28, 2025	4:30 - 5:30pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Wednesday, October 29, 2025	11:30am - 12:50pm	Dating Across Cultures	Dating in a new culture can be both exciting and complex. Join us for an engaging discussion on navigating cultural differences in relationships—from communication styles to expectations. Whether you're currently dating, curious, or simply interested in learning, this is a welcoming space to share, listen, and grow together.	University YMCA (1001 S. Wright St.), Conference Room 228
Wednesday, October 29, 2025	3:00 - 4:00pm	IPENG Info Session: University of Melbourne	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Grainger Library (1301 W Springfield Ave) Room 429
Wednesday, October 29, 2025	4:30 - 5:30pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Thursday, October 30, 2025	2:00 - 4:00 pm	Global Games Get-Together	Get ready for a time of fun and friendly competition at our Global Games Get-Together! Join us to explore a collection of board games from different countries and regions around the world, meet new friends, and enjoy a variety of international snacks in a relaxed atmosphere. From classic games to unique cultural favorites, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re an experienced gamer or just looking to try something new. Come test your strategy, learn different games, and connect with other students here over the break for an afternoon of laughter and global camaraderie! Feel free to bring board game(s) from your own country or culture that you would like to teach and share with others as well. Light refreshments will be provided. Free and open to everyone.	Grainger Library (1301 W Springfield Ave) Rooms 233/235
Thursday, October 30, 2025	3:30 - 5:00pm	International Coffee and Chai Hour	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Come join us and learn more about study abroad programs and opportunities in engineering.	Mechanical Engineering Lab (105 S Mathews Ave), Room 2005
Thursday, October 30, 2025	4:00 - 5:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Thursday, October 30, 2025	6:30 pm 09:00 pm	Word is Seed: A Celebration of International Voices through Poetry and Languages.	Join us for a spectacular evening of African and other world language(s) poetry.	Spurlock Museum 600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana

November 3 - 8 Events

Date	Time	Event	Description	Location
Tuesday, November 4, 2025	12:00 - 1:00 pm	The Importance of Intentional Community	Food for Thought, a Lunch-on-Us series, is a weekly noontime discussion focused on topics relevant to the Asian American community. Past discussions include topics such as nutrition, mental health, sexual health, and media representation of Asian Americans.	Asian American Cultural Center (1210 W. Nevada St)
Wednesday, November 5, 2025	3:00 - 4:00pm	IPENG Info Session: University of Cape Town, South Africa	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Tuesday, November 4, 2025	5:00 - 6:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Wednesday, November 5, 2025	4:30 - 5:30pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Wednesday, November 5, 2025	5:30 - 7:00pm	Hidden Connections: Iran, Tajikistan and China	Discover the deep cultural and historical ties that bind Iran, Tajikistan, and China—regions once linked by empire, poetry, and the legendary Silk Road. This presentation explores how shared language, art, music, medicine, and seasonal celebrations form a cultural tapestry that stretches across time and geography.	Asian American Cultural Center (1210 W. Nevada St)
Thursday, November 6, 2025	4:00 - 5:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Thursday, November 6, 2025	6:00 - 10:00pm	Celebrating South Asia: A Tribute to Coke Studio	This special event brings together the spirit of Coke Studio Pakistan, Bharat, and Bangladesh, showcasing the region’s iconic sounds, from soulful folk melodies to electrifying fusion beats. Enjoy a lineup of live singing and dance performances inspired by the music that transcends language, geography, and genre. Beyond the stage, the evening will celebrate the vibrancy of South Asian cultures with a dazzling fashion show, delicious regional cuisine, and a surprise finale you won’t want to miss. Come dressed in your traditional attire, sing along, dance freely, and experience the warmth, creativity, and togetherness that define South Asia.	Siebel Center for Design (1208 S 4th St)
Friday, November 7, 2025	12:00 - 1:00pm	Fighting for Algorithmic Justice in an Age of AI-Driven Surveillance	We will hear from community leaders tackling our most pressing public concerns through a pursuit of social justice.	University YMCA (1001 S. Wright St.)
Friday, November 7, 2025	12:00 - 1:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Saturday, November 8, 2025	3:00 - 4:00pm	Japan House Tea Ceremony	REGISTRATION REQUIRED; LIMITED SPOTS; WALK-INS NOT PERMITTED. Participate in a private Japanese Tea Ceremony at Japan House!	Japan House (2000 S Lincoln Ave)

November 10 - 14 Events

Date	Time	Event	Description	Location
Monday, November 10, 2025	12:00 - 1:00pm	From Plastics to Pick Me's: The Evolution of Media-Driven Girl Hate	Listen to speakers, lecturers, and panelists explore a variety of topics at the intersection of gender and other social identities.	Women's Resources Center (616 E. Green St), Suite 213
Tuesday, November 11, 2025	12:00 - 1:00 pm	Turning the Tides: Protecting our Oceania	Food for Thought, a Lunch-on-Us series, is a weekly noontime discussion focused on topics relevant to the Asian American community. Past discussions include topics such as nutrition, mental health, sexual health, and media representation of Asian Americans.	Asian American Cultural Center (1210 W. Nevada St)
Tuesday, November 11, 2025	5:00 - 6:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Wednesday, November 12, 2025	4:00 - 5:00pm	Navigating Multicultural Organizations	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Today, many organizations bring people together from various cultures and work experiences to offer a wide range of perspectives on strategy and organizational challenges. In this workshop, participants will learn how to identify challenges of working in diverse teams and practice frameworks that can overcome these challenges. Participants will be able to navigate situations where cultural differences are present.	Illini Union (1401 W Green St), Suite 290 above the Quad Shop
Wednesday, November 12, 2025	4:30 - 5:30pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Wednesday, November 12, 2025	5:30 - 7:00pm	Bánh Chưng - Tasting the Vietnamese Culture of Tradition, Family and Community	This legendary rice cake is a deeply ingrained culinary and cultural practice, where families and communities bond during festivals like Tết (New Year Festival) and in their daily lives. Let’s unpack the cakes, savor the traditional Vietnamese flavors, and engage in a conversation about this tropical country	Asian American Cultural Center (1210 W. Nevada St)
Thursday, November 13, 2025	3:00 - 4:00 pm	IPENG Info Session: Tec Monterrey	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Thursday, November 13, 2025	4:00 - 5:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Thursday, November 13, 2025	6:00 - 7:00pm	Navigating Multicultural Organizations	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Today, many organizations bring people together from various cultures and work experiences to offer a wide range of perspectives on strategy and organizational challenges. In this workshop, participants will learn how to identify challenges of working in diverse teams and practice frameworks that can overcome these challenges. Participants will be able to navigate situations where cultural differences are present.	Illini Union (1401 W Green St), Suite 290 above the Quad Shop
Friday, November 14, 2025	12:00 - 1:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240

November 17 - 21 Events

Date	Time	Event	Description	Location
Monday, November 17, 2025	4:30 - 5:30pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Tuesday, November 18, 2025	11:00 am - 2:00 pm	Travel Around the World	Join us for the 14th annual Travel Around the World cultural fair on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 11:00am - 2:00pm at the Illini Union! Explore booths representing countries from around the globe, interact with students from diverse national and cultural backgrounds, and enjoy live performances and demonstrations. Experience the world brought to you through the rich cultural diversity we have here on campus with music, food, crafts, photos, games, activities and more. No registration is needed to attend - just stop by!	Illini Union, Rooms A, B, and C
Tuesday, November 18, 2025	12:00 - 1:00 pm	Belonging & Identity: A Transracial Asian Adoptee Dialogue	Food for Thought, a Lunch-on-Us series, is a weekly noontime discussion focused on topics relevant to the Asian American community. Past discussions include topics such as nutrition, mental health, sexual health, and media representation of Asian American	Asian American Cultural Center (1210 W. Nevada St)
Tuesday, November 18, 2025	5:00 - 6:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Wednesday, November 19, 2025	4:30 - 5:30pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240
Thursday, November 20, 2025	4:00 - 5:00pm	Grainger Study Abroad 101	REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Explore engineering study abroad opportunities and how to get involved.	Digital Computer Lab (1304 W Springfield Ave) Room 2240