The Cranwell International Center is committed to the University's globalization initiatives and serves as the primary support service for the international community. The Cranwell International Center promotes intercultural exchange, fosters a welcoming environment, and enhances the experience of all University and community participants. We support the university's focus on teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and engagement through our commitment to quality programming, strong advocacy, collaboration, a dedicated facility, and valuable services.

The staff at Cranwell International Center is always happy to assist members of the international community in a variety of areas. They provide resources and referrals to anyone with a need that has an international focus.

Crisis Support and Personal Assistance: Cranwell International Center staff is available on a walk-in or appointment basis as well as 24-hour assistance by phone. Advising is available to members of the international community regarding cultural adjustment,, financial issues, medical or insurance needs, family concerns, roommates and friendships, loneliness, safety issues, judicial and conduct matters, housing, or any issues of concern. Support services are also available to any member of the community having to do with cultural expectations or differences.

English Conversation Groups: This free program is an informal gathering of internationals and Americans. There are multiple group gatherings held each week and there is no registration necessary. Participants meet together for the purpose of helping international visitors with their conversational English and for cultural exchange.

Facility Rental: The Cranwell International Center can be rented for meetings, dinners, and other social events during the day, evenings, or weekends. There is a refundable deposit fee. A rental donation is recommended for non-international groups.

Flag Rental: Flags from most of the world's nations are available for local rental. There is a refundable deposit free and a rental charge for each flag.

Global Friendship Opportunities: Various activities and programs are offered to facilitate a meaningful cross-cultural friendship between members of the international and domestic communities.

Immigration: Immigration paperwork and support is given to all international undergraduate students and dependents. Immigration is provided for all student interns. Immigration resources are also available for immigration issues that do not involve F and J status graduate students, researchers, or scholars. For questions, please contact the International Center staff and they will be pleased to refer you to the proper office.

International Student Identity Cards (ISIC): A service offered to all students interested in global travel. For a minimal price, cards can be purchased to receive discounts worldwide.

Miscellaneous Assistance: Information is given on important matters such as how to obtain a driver's license, apply for a Social Security number, locate appropriate assistance in legal matters , and find information regarding issues that arise within the local community.

Orientation: Orientation is provided for all newly arrived international students at the beginning of each semester. Information and orientation services are provided to student interns and all members of the international community.

Student Success Classes: A First Year Experience course for international undergraduate students is offered in the fall semester to assist new students with the academic and social demands of a new educational system. This is a three-credit-hour course.

Address:
Cranwell International Center (0509)
West End of Clay Street
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061 Phone: 540-231-6527
Fax: 540-231-3808
E-mail: international@vt.edu

After hours, a staff member is available at all times by calling 540-230-8747.

Directions:
From Rt 81: Take exit 118B toward Christiansburg/Blacksburg. Merge onto US-460 via exit 118B. Travel 5.7 miles and take exit toward US-460 BR and then the US-460 BR/ South Main Street ramp. Turn slightly right onto S Main Street and travel 2.4 miles. Turn left onto Clay Street. Go to the end of the street and bear to the left and continue through to our driveway.

Google Map

Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For urgent matters after normal office hours please call the Urgent Cell Phone at 540-230-8747

The Cranwell International Center was a gift to Virginia Tech by the William Cranwell family. In the Spring of 1986 it opened as a central focal point for international community activity, providing an array of educational, cultural, and social activities.

While Cranwell International Center was established to respond to the specific needs of the international community, another goal has been to encourage interchange between the international guests and their U.S. colleagues, including members of the local community. Cranwell International Center services students, scholars, faculty, spouses, and visitors from 120 countries in all regions of the world.

Building Reservation

International groups may reserve Cranwell International Center for meetings, potlucks, lectures, educational programs, or other social events. A $100 deposit is required with the Building Reservation form and will be refunded if the building is left in good order. There may be a usage fee if additional services are needed.

Please complete and return this form to the Cranwell International Center

Flag Rental

Cranwell International Center also maintains a collection of flags from countries around the world that are available for rent by members of the community. Reservations should be made one week in advance with the Request to Rent Flags form.

Please complete and return this form to the Cranwell International Center

The International Peace Garden was established in 1994 as an initiative of the Rotary Club of Montgomery County to provide an additional dimension to its Program of International Service. Club members, YMCA volunteers, students from the university and local schools, and other volunteers help care and maintain the garden. Special effort is made to find plants that have international background and that specifically represent parts of the world where there have been conflicts and peace efforts underway.

Bob and Esther Young have cared for the garden for many years. The community is invited to visit the garden.

Summer Peace Garden Powerpoint

Peace Garden History Powerpoint

Virginia Tech's International Peace Garden seeks caretakers (News release)