The International Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation unique to Greater Manchester. We aim to provide international students with a warm and friendly welcome when they arrive in the city and to make their time in the UK a wonderful experience.

The idea for the International Society arose back in 1966 when Eva Auerbach, a Chaplain at the University of Manchester, felt there was a need for an independent organisation to provide cultural and social support to international students. Under the direction of Ms Anna Ford the Society was founded. From small beginnings of less than a hundred members we now have around 7,000 members from over 130 countries each year. Much of this success has been due to the dedication of the staff of the Society over the years and we would like to pay special thanks to Christine Hayes who was Director for almost 30 years.

Today the International Society is a successful organisation of 47 years standing which is committed to promoting international friendship and celebrating cultural diversity through which we hope to make a contribution to international relations.

The International Society currently has 6925 members representing over 120 different nationalities.