Welcome to International Neighbors of Ann Arbor

We are a non-political, non-religious, non-commercial organization that welcomes ALL women from ALL nations with friendship, love, and respect. We stand with our newcomers and longtime members, as good neighbors do, and support them in times of need.”



Conversation, Discussion, & Reading



Tea Groups and Monthly Gatherings



Make friends, and explore different cultures



Volunteer opportunities and more!

Activities & Groups?

International Neighbors (IN) are “Neighbors” (local women) who welcome “Newcomers” (women from other countries) into the community through participation in a wide variety of activities. Our monthly programs and small groups are held from September through May.

English Conversation Groups.

English Conversation Groups are for women who wish to practice and improve their spoken English with the assistance of a volunteer leader. Learn More »

Discussion Groups.

Discussion Groups meet twice a month in the homes of members to discuss different topics or films. Meetings are educational and usually last about 2 hours. Learn More »

Reading Groups.

Reading Groups are focused on reading magazines, books, newspapers and online articles from local websites. Learn More »

Special Interest Groups.

Special Interest Groups offer a wide range of activity groups focused on a specific interest. These are categorized in the following main groups: Food, Arts and Crafts, Exercise/Fitness and excursions. Learn More »

Tea Groups.

Tea Groups are friendly, informal social gatherings of 10-20 Hostesses and Guests. They meet at least once a month in the homes of hostesses for conversation, refreshments and friendship. Learn More »

Hello International Neighbors members

We want to let you know that we miss you and we are working hard to make sure the international neighbors are able to welcome new members and continue communicating and meeting with our current members. We cannot meet in big groups yet, and most likely will not meet this year until we have a vaccine or a medication that cures COVID-19. Many of our small groups are meeting outdoors while following social distancing guidelines. Each IN group leader is in charge of how their groups meet – whether in person or via Zoom.

In the meantime, we want to communicate with you through our newsletter, Facebook group, Zoom meetings, videos and emails. Please look for the August newsletter that will direct you about our specific groups and how they intend to meet and stay in touch with you. We will be following the governor’s State of Michigan guidelines that will let us know when we can again meet in person in larger groups. Until then please know we miss your beautiful faces and incredible spirits. We look forward to the time when we can see you in person again at our monthly IN days, hug each other, enjoy our fabulous international foods, and dance together.

Thank you so much for your confidence in us and for remaining members of international neighbors.

Your President,

Andra Bostian Ferguson

Our History

In 1958, Esther Dunham learned from a friend at the University of Michigan International Center that an increasing number of foreign graduate students were arriving in Ann Arbor with their families. The wives and children often faced difficult adjustments and loneliness. Mrs. Dunham and her neighbors responded, offering hospitality with a series of informal gatherings of neighborhood groups, more or less, on a monthly basis. English Conversation Groups and a newsletter were added.

Learn More