All students of INTO UAB Academic English and Pathways programs have access to a variety of activities and events offered by INTO UAB. Students also have access to all organizations, activities, and events available to them as UAB students.
INTO UAB Student Activities
Each semester, INTO UAB offers a variety of out-of-class activities for students to practice their English and experience the culture and history of Birmingham, Alabama, and the southeastern United States. Students always have the opportunity to participate in several field trips to area destinations or culturally-related on-campus activities, depending on student interest. Previous activities offered have included the following:
- A visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Canoeing down the Cahaba River
- A tour of historical Birmingham, including Sloss Furnaces, an old steel mill
- An IMAX movie at the McWane Science Center
- A World Cup party at a local restaurant
- A springtime picnic at Oak Mountain State Park
- Pumpkin-carving party at Halloween
- Preparing and riding in a float for the UAB Homecoming Parade
Each semester features something new for everyone to join, have fun, and learn at the same time!
Friendship Partners is a program in which interested international students are introduced to a local American family for friendship and cultural exchange. Friendship Partners is a free program to international students, and it provides a unique outlet to learn more about American culture and family life. Plus, it provides yet another opportunity to practice your English!
English Language Program activities
ELI 111, 112, and 113 are required, extended orientation courses for all full-time Academic English students. During these courses, students always have expanded practice with oral communication skills. These enrichment courses also provide students opportunities to learn more about the culture of the US and of Birmingham.
The most popular weekly activity that international students can join is Culture Connections. Each week, international students meet with American UAB students for a time of conversation and friendship. Culture Connections is a free program for all full-time international students, and it is a fun way to become more comfortable in speaking English. Plus, you make new friends!
To see pictures of INTO UAB Academic English students involved in various out-of-class activities, visit our Facebook page.
The UAB Student Experience
- INTO UAB students have access to all UAB Student Involvement activities, which include a wide variety of campus-wide events and organizations. Check out their website or your INTO UAB Weekly Update for information on upcoming things to do.
- There are also over 240 official student organizations available for student participation, as well as weekly volunteer activities for any interested students.
- INTO UAB students have full (free) access to all events of UAB Athletics, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and many other sports.
- All INTO UAB students have full access to the Campus Recreation Center, an impressive facility that features everything from a swimming pool and athletic equipment to sports courts and a climbing wall. The Rec Center also organizes campus-wide intramural sports; students can sign up to play soccer, basketball, or any of a number of other sports. Outdoor Pursuits, located in the Rec Center, offers outdoor activities and trips at a radically-reduced cost, including cheap equipment rental.
For more information INTO UAB Student Services, please contact the INTO UAB office at