Special Interest Organizations
Numerous organizations on campus provide students with an opportunity to become better acquainted with other students and faculty members and explore shared interests outside the classroom. Many organizations have no membership requirements other than having an active interest in the philosophy and activities of the club and regularly attending meetings such as: Model UN, International Student Club, LGBTQ+ Groups, Amnesty International, Environment Club, Service Clubs, etc.
Professional Associations
There are many professional and academic associations in the United States that international students can join and participate in both as students and after they graduate. These associations usually offer reduced student annual membership and conference registration fees and complimentary subscriptions to their journals. Examples of professional associations include: American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL); American Educational Research Association (AERA); American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE); American Library Association (ALA); American Medical Association (AMA); Association of Muslim Scientists and Engineers (AMSE); Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), and many others. These groups offer excellent opportunities for professional development and networking as well as experiences in organizational development and leadership. Some international students may be inspired to form a chapter of one of these organizations in their home country after they graduate and return home.
Greek Organizations
Many universities have Greek organizations—fraternities for male students and sororities for female students as well as co-ed, for any gender. Although they could be registered as student organizations at the university, they also operate independently. There is a period of time each year when new students can apply to join these organizations. Although the majority of Greek organizations are known for hosting social gatherings, others emphasize community service; professions or career paths; honors or achievement; and religion or culture. (https://www.greeku.com/blogs/news/guide-types-fraternities-sororities)
