IS Friends

IS Friends is a nonprofit initiative established by the Carnegie International Student Institute, aimed at connecting international students and building a supportive community. We believe that friendship and mutual support are powerful forces in overcoming the many challenges of studying abroad.

Through a variety of activities and programs, we strive to strengthen connections among international students, promote cultural exchange and friendship, and help each student find a sense of belonging far from home.

IS Friends Project

The IS Friends program brings together a network of experienced individuals who have already established themselves in the U.S. to serve as volunteers and mentors for international students. These mentors help students gain insights into their respective industries and navigate life and career in a new country.

Our peer mentorship program offers one-on-one matching based on students’ home countries, academic backgrounds, and career interests. Through this personalized approach, we provide both academic guidance and emotional support, helping students gain clarity in their career planning and find a stronger sense of direction.

Understand Yourself

Based on the results of the CISI personality and career skills assessment, combined with the student's character, strengths and preferences, we will create a career development plan.

Discover the Unknown

With professional counseling from the isFriend program instructors, students can learn about the different majors, locate their starting point and get a better understanding of their choice of majors.

Put into Practice

Students can take advantage of their spare time to intern in companies related to their majors, and learn how their professional knowledge is applied in the workplace.

*To register as an isFRIEND, please access the Benevity portal through your company’s internal port.

International Symposium on Building Performance and Diagnostics

Carnegie International Students Institute (CISI) is honored to announce its role as an official sponsor of the 1st International Symposium on Building Performance and Diagnostics (ISBPD), serving as a local platform for international student support and academic exchange.

Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University, the symposium will be held in Pittsburgh in April 2025, bringing together leading scholars, researchers, and industry experts from around the world in the fields of built environment and building technology. The event will feature in-depth discussions on topics such as building performance evaluation, intelligent diagnostic technologies, green architecture, and sustainable development.

As a supporting partner, CISI is committed to fostering academic collaboration, promoting cross-cultural knowledge exchange, and advancing global talent development. A highlight of the symposium is the Career Development Discussion, which focuses on the professional growth of international students and offers a valuable platform for young scholars and future industry leaders from around the globe to connect.

We believe that innovative academic platforms like ISBPD play a key role in translating research into real-world impact and in building smarter, more sustainable living environments. Looking ahead, CISI will continue to partner with universities and industry leaders to support the growth and development of international talent worldwide.

"Stay After Work" – International Student Arts & Culture Carnival

Sponsored by CISI, the “Stay After Work” International Student Carnival offers a unique platform for international students to express themselves, share their talents and cultures, and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds. Through this event, students are encouraged to showcase their personal interests, creative projects, or cultural traditions, while enjoying a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that fosters networking, friendship, and cross-cultural collaboration. CISI’s sponsorship has enriched the diversity and inclusivity of the event, enhancing interaction and engagement among international students. It helps them find a sense of belonging in a foreign land and lays the foundation for their academic and professional growth.

CISI X Bonjour Girls

Bonjour Girls is a New York-based Asian women’s community that has gathered over 3,000 outstanding women.

Through a series of high-quality online and offline social events, Bonjour Girls helps Chinese women around the world build meaningful connections, expand their social networks, boost their confidence, and explore new possibilities in all aspects of life.

With CISI’s support, Bonjour Girls continues to create a vibrant, inclusive community where Asian women can thrive, connect, and break through boundaries to realize their fullest potential.

On April 12, 2025, CISI, in collaboration with Bonjour Girls, successfully hosted a special Day 1 CPT information session, offering the most authoritative and comprehensive guidance on school selection and immigration planning for students seeking to continue their studies in the U.S. The event featured a current student who shared her firsthand experiences, providing valuable insights into life and academics under a Day 1 CPT program.

The event brought together Chinese international students from various fields, all eager to gain clarity on the many questions surrounding Day 1 CPT. CISI advisors addressed each inquiry in detail, creating an engaging and informative atmosphere. In the face of increasingly complex immigration challenges, CISI remains committed to supporting Chinese students with professional guidance—helping them navigate key decisions and overcome critical moments with confidence.

CISI X Trine University

CISI proudly sponsored Trine University’s International Night, an event dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity and enriching the campus life of international students. The evening featured vibrant performances, traditional fashion shows, and global cuisine presented by students from around the world. The atmosphere was lively and full of applause, showcasing the spirit of inclusivity and connection across cultures.

CISI also took this opportunity to engage directly with international students, offering guidance on academic planning, immigration status maintenance, and life in the U.S. Through this event, CISI continues its mission to create a supportive and welcoming environment where international students can thrive, feel at home, and confidently pursue their dreams.

CISI × CSBA Chinese Student Basketball League National Tour

Strategically sponsored by CISI, the Chinese Student Basketball Association (CSBA) is a nationwide league dedicated to building a multi-city campus sports and cultural exchange platform for international students across the United States. Entering the 2025–2026 season, CSBA games have already tipped off with great enthusiasm in New York and Boston. In the coming months, the league will expand to Orlando, Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, before culminating in the annual national championship in Chicago—bringing international students across the country a more professional, larger-scale basketball experience.

The collaboration between CISI and CSBA goes beyond competition, transforming sports into a bridge through which international students in the United States can meet, collaborate, and grow together. Looking ahead, the two organizations will continue to work hand in hand to connect more cities, more universities, and more students—building a basketball culture ecosystem that truly belongs to international students across the nation.