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Welcome to Illinois International Student Stories

Illinois International Student Stories
From Past to Now

We are a community-driven project that aims to document and celebrate the diverse experiences and cultural backgrounds of international students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Our platform features a constantly growing collection of archive materials, including photographs, letters, diaries, and other documents that offer insights into the lives and experiences of international students throughout the university’s history. Additionally, we feature current students’ voices, who share their unique perspectives on life and learning at Illinois. Whether it’s overcoming challenges, forging new connections, or exploring new opportunities, our platform offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of our global campus community, past and present.

We are constantly updating our collection with new content, so be sure to check back often to discover fresh stories and photos. And if you’re an international student at Illinois, we invite you to share your own experiences and add your voice to this vibrant community.

Historical Snapshots

"B" Football Squad 1946

Ching-Chun Wang (王景春)

The first Chinese student to study at the University of Illinois and receive a doctorate in railway management.

Pauline Chiang

The first female Chinese student at the University of Illinois