Winter Quarter Program for International Spouses, Partners, and Families (January 5, 2026 and March 20, 2026)
This volunteer program offers events, workshops, and classes for international spouses and partners. These activities are great opportunities to get settled in the Bay Area, build a new network (friendships!), practice English, and develop ideas for an interesting and satisfying life here. All program offers are free, except cooking class (with a fee for ingredients). All experience levels are welcome to participate. Families with children of all ages are welcome, but parental supervision is required for the whole time. If you would like to attend a class, please email the instructor to register (and for questions). Questions about the program? Interested in volunteering? Email Kate at katekh@stanford.edu
International Spouse Coffee
An ideal opportunity to meet other internationals and local volunteers and learn about programs, events and helpful resources in the Bay Area. Every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Bechtel International Center.
Our Special Coffee events: Welcome coffee - January 14, Chandeleur (French event) - January 28, St. Valentine’s Day - February 11, Lunar New Year - February 18, International Women’s Day - March 4, Nowruz - March 18, 2026
Community Leadership team Meetings: January 20, 2026, Tuesday, 12:30 pm - 13:30 pm, Assembly room.
Career & Self Development Classes
Job Search Basics Workshop
Learn about key elements of job applications focusing on specific aspects relevant for international spouses. This is a prerequisite workshop for Job search and Career Development Follow-up sessions with Melanie. We will invite Katie Cremen, Scholar Immigration Advisor to answer your visa and work authorization-related questions. When: Wednesday, January 14 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Where: Assembly room Instructors: Kate Khatseyeva, Melanie Grondel, Katie Cremen No RSVP needed.
Job search and Career Development Follow-up sessions
These are 5 consecutive sessions, each with their own program per session. The information of one session is necessary for the next session. Please plan to attend all 5 sessions when you sign up. When: weekly on Wednesdays, starting January 21 to February 18, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm Where: Assembly room. Instructor: Melanie.
Job search Kick Off
Ready to move ahead? This Kick Off equips everyone to jumpstart their job search at the best time of year, with clear actions to build momentum. In the session, we’ll explain what makes this moment so strong and how to use it to your advantage. When: Thursday, January 15 from 14:00 pm to 15:00 pm is a one time for All. Afterwards - weekly at the same time by personal appointment only, best for those who have taken the Job search and Career development course before and want to update their approach. New people best take the course from the beginning: Basics by Kate and Follow up by Melanie. To RSVP: please email Melanie for your personal appointment no later than Wednesday evening. Where: Assembly room. Instructor: Melanie.
Conversation & Culture Groups
Mom and Mom To Be Support Group
Are you looking for a community of fellow moms and moms to be as you are settling down in Stanford? This group was created for moms by moms to connect, share and exchange experiences. Inviting all moms and expecting moms, meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month When: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Jan: 13 & 27; Feb: 10 & 24; Mar: 10& 24, 2026 Where: Activity room or Bechtel Lawn (Please, bring your blanket). Instructor: Ester. To join the group, please, email to katekh@stanford.edu .
Understanding Culture – One Person at A Time
This group is designed to promote cross-cultural understanding and friendships through interviews and group discussions. For questions and to receive the Zoom link email Brad. When: Fridays, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. On Zoom. Instructor: Brad, bradteresa2@gmail.com
Health & Well-Being Classes
Yoga For All
In this class, postures are practiced aligning, strengthening, and promoting flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation are also integrated. Instructor: Yuko When: Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Resumes on January 12, 2026 Attention: February 5 & 9, March 12 - on Zoom Where: Assembly room.
Yoga stretching and Meditation class
Join Gayathri for a relaxing Yoga stretching, and Meditation class. Enjoy gentle movements, heal through the power of your breath and quiet moments that help you feel refreshed and peaceful. It’s a perfect way to unwind and take care of your mind and body. 🧘♂️✨️ When: Fridays | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Starts on January 16 Where: Assembly Room, Gayathri.
Mindfulness-Meditation class
The mind, like the body, needs rest. Meditation reduces the stress and the impact of our Emotions and Negative Habits. Where: Zoom, every Monday from 9:00 am to 9:30 am, will resume from November. RSVP and get the Zoom link, please contact Fifi Willard, fifi@willard.com
K Posture exercise and cultural diversity presentation class
In this class, we focus on nurturing both brain health and good posture, helping you lead a balanced and mindful lifestyle. We also come together to introduce ourselves, sharing the aspects of our lives that we love, while celebrating our diverse cultures through folk traditions, art, music, dance, food, and all the beautiful things that make each of us unique. When: Thursdays, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Where: Assembly room. RSVP: Dr. Insook: insookhp@gmail.com
Zumba & Cardio Dance Class for Everyone!
Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, come have fun, enjoy the music, and move your body! Just bring comfortable workout clothes, any comfy sneakers or sports shoes, and a bottle of water. Let’s dance and enjoy together! When: January 21 to March 11, 8 classes | 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Where: Assembly room , Drop in class, no need to RSVP Instructor: Jeanette Atach
Learn new Skills
Journaling for productivity, creativity and self-reflection
This 10-session journaling circle is designed to help individuals develop a consistent and meaningful writing practice, focusing on personal growth, creativity, community and self-reflection. Each session introduces new techniques, from stream of consciousness writing to gratitude and future-self journaling, allowing participants to explore their emotions, goals, and identity in a structured way. These classes are designed to be short, convenient and low effort so you can kick start your week after a healthy practice. Through various prompts and activities, participants will use journaling as a tool for problem-solving, emotional processing, and creative expression. By the end of the course, they will have a deeper understanding of themselves, form a community of motivated individuals and obtain a lasting journaling habit to continue their personal development journey. Where: Fridays, Starting January 16, 2026, 9:50 am – 10:30 am (10 sessions) Details: Bring a journal and a pen! RSVP: send your name to Aman: amanrehan95@gmail.com
AI Fundamentals
In this course learners will explore how AI evolved into everyday tools, understand real-world applications like recommendation systems, vision, and language, and get a clear overview of large language models and chatbots.The content is designed for absolute beginners. When and where: Online, Zoom/Google Meet , 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Thursdays starting from February 4, 2026. To register fill out form( will be updated in January).
Start to Sew: Totes, Pillowcases, and Easy Upcycling
Start sewing with confidence. In the first class you’ll get comfortable with threading, needles, basic stitches, and how your machine works. The rest of the quarter focuses on hands‑on making: choose from beginner projects like tote bags, pillowcases, aprons, coasters, and accessories; bring clothes to repair or refresh in our mending lab; and explore simple quilting and patterns for toys or garments. You’ll finish useful items while learning core skills—straight seams, seam allowances, pressing, topstitching, and simple pattern reading. We have a few classroom machines; if you have a machine, please bring it with its power cord, foot pedal, bobbins, and manual. When: Tuesdays, from 12 pm to 2 pm , starting January 27, Activity room. Max 10 ppl Details: $15 for materials Instructor: Romelia To RSVP: romeliad@sbcglobal.net
Cooking classes
Baking in the Kitchen with Bob!
Every Wednesday during the Coffee event, we get to taste a new homemade cake or cookie recipe, freshly baked by our CCIS volunteer, Bob. He has offered to open his kitchen each Tuesday morning and invites you to join him in baking these delicious pastries together for the Wednesday event. During the session, if there is time, Bob will talk about the recipe ingredients and the tools in his kitchen, answering any cooking-related questions along the way. It’s a fantastic opportunity to expand your vocabulary, learn new baking techniques, and get your hands on some of Bob’s recipes! When: Every Tuesday morning, from 10:00 am to 12:00. Where: at Bob’s place in Palo Alto (address will be provided after registration). Max 2 people. To Register: katekh@stanford.edu