CAPS Workshops & Gathering Spaces
CAPS is here to support you every step of the way! Our programming focuses on building resilience, cultivating authentic connection with others, and moving towards collective healing.
Workshops and gathering spaces are not therapy groups and they are not intended as a treatment for mental health concerns. If you are interested in therapy services, please click here to learn about getting started at CAPS.
2024-2025 Programs
Coffee Talk: Connecting and Growing Across Cultures - Evanston Campus
Welcome to Coffee Talk Fall 2024!
All International NU students and scholars from both campuses are welcome to attend! Coffee Talk is a community support space tailored for international students, international scholars, those who have international experiences, and/or those who are interested in international students’ experiences.
Coffee Talk is a welcoming space where attendees can:
- Connect and interact with other international students on-campus over coffee, tea, snacks, and fun games.
- Share and exchange stories around study-aboard experiences.
- Support each other in navigating friendships, cross-cultural adjustment to academics and living in the US, overcome imposter syndrome, homesickness, relationships, career, stress and anxiety, and other relevant topics.
- Grow self-confidence and cultivate a sense of belonging on campus.
- Celebrate the pride and resilience of international students.
- And take a break from studies!
CAPS and OISS will provide tea, coffee, and snacks for all in-person attendees.
Time: Every other Wednesday, 3:00-4:00PM
Dates: Oct 2nd, Oct 16th, Oct 30th, Nov 13th
Location: Each meeting will be hybrid: In-person at OISS OR Zoom
Please scan the following QR code to register for Coffee Talk Meetings updates and reminders:
Registration link:
Location: In-person
- Office of International Students & Scholar Services (OISS)
- 630 Dartmouth Place
- Evanston, IL 60208
- Please note that attendees need to connect from a private space to protect the confidentiality of this support space. Please try to stay for the full meeting if able to.
Facilitators: Manisha Rustagi, Ph.D., Liaison to International Students, and Jennifer Mazzetti, Psy. D.
For questions and inquiries please contact: Dr. Manisha Rustagi.
Coffee Talk: “Fika Time” for International Students - Chicago Campus
Coffee Talk is a monthly gathering space for all international students at the Chicago Campus. The gatherings will be hosted by CAPS staff to help facilitate meaningful conversations where one can share their experience as an international student and build community.
On the Chicago campus, Coffee Talk is also known as “Fika Time," which is a Swedish cultural practice where people take time from their busy day to socialize with others while enjoying coffee, tea and treats. There will be simple snacks to accompany our conversations in the spirit of fika!
Coffee Talk “Fika Time” is a welcoming space where participants can:
- Cultivate a sense of belonging and connection on the Chicago campus;
- Share and connect around the study-abroad experiences and navigating cross-cultural adjustments in academics, career, relationships, etc.
- Gain new understanding and resources for emotional well-being and coping skills;
- Celebrate the pride and resilience of international students;
- And take a break from studying!
Led by Dr. Angel Cheng – Chicago CAPS Staff Psychologist
When: 3:30-4:30pm; Final Fridays of the month
- Fall 2024 Dates – 9/27/2024, 10/25/2024, 11/22/2024, 12/20/2024
Where: Abbott Hall Room 1400 (Women’s Center)
Who: Available to all international students on the Chicago campus
Guided Journaling Group - Pritzker School of Law
Are you creative, expressive, thoughtful, or interested in journaling? If so, you're invited to attend the Guided Journaling Group (GJG) hosted by Ida Samuel-Clay, LCPC (CAPS Therapist at Pritzker School of Law). GJG aims to be an inviting and welcoming space where you'll be guided with journaling prompts during the first half hour, complemented by tea/coffee and lofi in cozy Lowden Hall. During the second half, you'll be invited to share journal excerpts and authentic, positive dialogue.
Led by Ida Samuel-Clay, LCPC- Chicago CAPS Staff Therapist at Pritzker School of Law
When: 3:30-4:30 PM; 3rd Mondays of the month
- Fall Semester dates- 9/16/2024, 10/21/2024, 11/18/2024
Where: Lowden Hall
Who: Available to all law students
If you have any questions, please email Ida Samuel-Clay.
What's Poppin'? - Evanston Campus
"What's Poppin'?" is a bi-weekly gathering space to support Black and African American students. Led by CAPS' Mikayla Wynter and MSA's Sasha McKnight, "What's Poppin?" dives into chosen topics within the Black/African diaspora. Mikayla and Sasha cultivate this space for students to enjoy popcorn and other snacks and hands-on activities while engaging in meaningful discussions. Students who want to join can show up at the Black House at the appointed time. Come as you are!
Dates: Sept 26th, Oct 17th, Oct 31st, Nov 14th, Dec 5th
Times: 3:30PM-5:00PM
Location: The Black House, 1914 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208.
Please email Mikayla Wynter, LCPC, with any questions!
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