“We share our lives.” That’s how members describe the purpose and function of UA’s International Spouse Group.
Sharing can mean celebrating broad cultural topics such as holidays, or mundane things like how to get the better deals for the car insurance. Members practice English, have potlucks with food from their countries, and help each other acclimate to living in Tuscaloosa.
The group is open to male and female spouses or partners of UA’s international faculty, staff, scholars and students. American spouses who want to make international friends are also welcome.
And, members’ babies can attend with mom or dad. At a recent meeting, baby David accompanied his mom, Lena. “We don’t want members to miss the group because they don’t have a sitter,” said Athena Chiang, group president.
At that meeting, David and his mom Lena, who are from Germany, were joined by Athena, who is from Taiwan; Rosie from China, and Johanna from Sweden. Some weeks several more people are there, but attendance is not mandatory. “We know people have lives and can’t always make it,” Athena said. “For instance, one of our members is not here because her child feels ill.”
Besides the weekly group meeting on campus the members bond through day trips, local outings and social media chats. Lasting friendships are formed among members, some of whom come from countries that are not friends. “We expected to build our own friendships after we followed our spouse or partner to Tuscaloosa, and in the group, friendships are built through sharing our life, culture and experience,” Johanna said.
How UA Helps
The International Spouse Group is a part of Capstone International Center’s International Services unit. The mission of International Services is to provide essential services and innovative programs for UA’s international members and to foster diversity and strengthen intercultural relationships throughout the UA campus and community.
Throughout the 2016-17 academic year the International Spouse Group meets each Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the unit’s offices in 105 BB Comer Hall. For more information about joining the group, contact international@ua.edu.