With a new academic year already underway, it is high time for us at the Georgia Tech Spouse Group to welcome a new group of international spouses, partners and families to Atlanta, and especially to the Georgia Tech Community. Welcome!
In case you missed the orientation meeting we held last Thursday, here is what you need to know:
The Georgia Tech International Spouse Group
If you are new to the Georgia Tech community; you might wonder "What is the Spouse Group?" The Spouse Group is a community for spouses, partners and family members of (international) Georgia Tech students and faculty who are looking for a community in Atlanta. Like you, many of the members of our group have moved to Atlanta with their spouse, which makes it a great place to meet new friends, share experiences and support each other throughout our journey abroad. During our weekly meetings, we offer a variety of (free) activities in which you are able to connect with others, and just have a good time!
We meet every Monday between 3:00pm-4:30pm at the Activity Room of Tenth and Home, located right next to campus (251 10th Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318). Come join us, we would love to welcome you to our group!
For more info, look us up on https://www.facebook.com/groups/gtspousegroup/ or e-mail us at [email protected] .
Office of International Education
Simply known as OIE on campus, they are a great resource for any international member of the Tech community. Whether you have questions concerning your rights as a spouse, visa restrictions (Am I allowed to work or study? etc.), or just have administrative queries (travel stamp, need help with your EAD application etc.), they are the ones to contact!
For more info, visit them online at https://oie.gatech.edu/, or drop by in person at their campus office at 631 Cherry Street, Savant Building, Suite 21, Atlanta GA 30332.
It is your key to campus! Literally, because for a one-time fee of $30, a Buzzcard allows spouses and students alike access to a number of Tech amenities, such as the library, the gym, etc. If you want to enjoy all of the benefits our lovely campus has to offer, you will first need to visit the Buzzcard Center on Tech Square and get yourself a shiny new Buzzcard.
Get it here: https://buzzcard.gatech.edu/, or here: 2nd Floor of Barnes and Noble @ Georgia Tech (48 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308) Monday - Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM.
Campus Recreation Center (a.k.a. the gym)
Known on campus as the CRC, this building is a sport walhalla which houses 2 indoor pools, a fitness center, climbing wall, running track, racquetball courts, badminton, basketball courts, etc. The spouse of a Georgia Tech affiliate (student or scholar) can use the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) for a small fee. Don't forget: you will need a Buzzcard in order to register!
For more info or to sign up, simply visit the Member Services Desk near the front entrance (750 Ferst Dr, Atlanta, GA 30318) or go to https://crc.gatech.edu .
Georgia Tech Language Institute
If you want to improve your English, then the Language Institute has got you covered! Alongside courses for students and faculty, the Institute also offers short courses for spouses throughout the year - at a discount! The short courses are intended for adult learners who are non-native speakers of English and would like to improve their English communication skills for both professional and social reasons. Many of the spouses in our group have taken these courses and they all rave about them!
For more information, visit the Language Institute at https://esl.gatech.edu/ .
Unable to take a class right now? The Language Institute also organizes a (free) weekly Language Café where you can meet new friends, share your culture and practice your English! They meet every Friday between 1:30 and 3:30 pm in front of the O'Keefe Building on campus (151 6th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313).
To help out the parents among us, Georgia Tech runs 2 daycare facilities:
The R. Kirk Landon Learning Center (off-campus)
The Children’s Campus @ Georgia Tech
Both care for children from six weeks of age through preschool, and both are managed by Bright Horizons.
For prices and more info about the R. Kirk Landon Learning Center (1015 Tumlin Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318): : https://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/ga/atlanta/techhomepark.
For prices and more info about the Children's Campus @ Georgia Tech (251 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318): https://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/ga/atlanta/gtchildrenscampus.
GT International Breakaway
Once a month, this organization organizes a potluck party for internationals in an American family's home, with the purpose to welcome internationals, have fun, exchange culture, and make meaningful friendships across cultural boundaries in a relaxed atmosphere.
Short for Atlanta Ministry With International Students, this organization promotes cultural understanding through friendship and hospitality with international students and scholars in the Greater Atlanta area. Their mission is to help international students and their families to get to know our city and connect them to local American families and individuals who want to serve and make international friends.
For more info, visit them at https://www.amis-inc.org/ .
Sustaining International Sisters (SIS)
SIS aims to create a community to support those suffering from the loss and stress that comes with re-location and establishing new lives. Through 90 minutes of InterPlay and 90 minutes of a shared meal, this organization seeks to offer a safe space for women to share their culture and support each other across cultural boundaries. Their "play and potluck" takes place on the first Saturday of every month in the greater Atlanta area.
For more info, go to https://www.sislife.org/.