Nestled in a valley set against the Wasatch Mountain range, Salt Lake City (SLC) combines big city amenities with nearby outdoor activities. (Utah boasts five national parks within its borders!) Here, students can ski, snowboard, hike, whitewater raft, fish, mountain climb, or even toboggan like an Olympian at the Utah Olympic Park. Salt Lake experiences four full seasons, with the possibility of heavy snow in the winter and sunny hot days in the summer. As the seat of the state capital, Salt Lake City provides a welcoming atmosphere for international students, with its wide variety of global markets, authentic restaurants, diverse events, and cultural centers. There is always a reminder of home close by for international students at the University of Utah.
Salt Lake City’s International Neighborhoods & Enclaves
Utah may have been founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in 1847, but Salt Lake City’s population of practicing Mormons is less than 50% today. The city is now home to a variety of different faiths and backgrounds. Known as the “Crossroads of the West” since the Transcontinental Railroad was finished in the state in 1869, Salt Lake has been home to thousands of Chinese, Japanese, Central European, and Greek immigrants who came to work on the railroad or mine for gold and silver. Central and South Americans also came to the city looking for new beginnings and have become an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Though the city may not have as many neighborhoods dedicated to specific cultures as other big cities, there are plenty of places for international students to find reminders of home. Thanks to an extensive public transportation system that includes a light rail, buses, and commuter trains, international students can explore everywhere from downtown to ski resorts with ease.
Where to Find Chinese Culture in Salt Lake City
The Chinese community has been a part of Salt Lake’s history since the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, after which many of the laborers decided to settle in the city. These immigrants established the original Chinatown, known as Plum Alley, in Salt Lake’s downtown area. The neighborhood, however, didn’t survive the Great Depression or mid-century fluctuations in population. Many buildings were demolished in the 1950s.
Salt Lake City, however, has a new Chinatown, which spans an entire city block on 3390 South, between State Steet and Main Street. The “Asian-themed shopping and business community’s” main entrance on State Street features a paifang, or traditional Chinese gateway, and all the buildings within the community were designed to represent an Asian aesthetic. International students will find familiar foods, goods, decor, and ingredients within the variety of shops and restaurants here.
Beyond Chinatown, students may want to explore the permanent collection of Asian Art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts or learn more about the Chinese community’s impact on Utah’s history at the Utah Chinese History Museum. For those wishing to worship, the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple provides a welcoming space for all cultures.
Chinese Restaurants in Salt Lake City
Chinese Markets in Salt Lake City
Ocean Mart Asian Market (Sandy, UT)
Where to Find Latinx Culture in Salt Lake City
Comprising nearly 20% of the city’s residents, the Latinx community is robust and has a long history in the state. Utah was originally a territory of Mexico and Spain, and many people stayed after the LDS claimed it. Today, Latinx restaurants, shops, and businesses can be found all throughout the city. In particular, the neighborhoods of Rose Park and Glendale have large Latinx communities and may provide international students with a taste of home.
International students will want to check out the Artes de México en Utah, which is working to “build communities and a sense of belonging united by cultural connections by creating educational programs that acknowledge the contributions of Mexicans and Latinos in the USA through art.” The Cathedral of the Madeleine, the mother church for Roman Catholics in Utah, or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, provide places for students to worship, if desired.
Latinx Restaurants in Salt Lake City
Latinx Markets in Salt Lake City
Where to Find Indian Culture in Salt Lake City
There may not currently be a dedicated neighborhood to Indian culture in SLC, but there are many places for Indian students to find community and familiar flavors of home, particularly in the downtown area. For those wishing to worship, the Krishna Temple and Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah offer services and host events throughout the year.
Indian Restaurants in Salt Lake City
Indian Markets in Salt Lake City
Qaderi Sweetz N Spicez
Shop-N-Go Indian Grocery Store
Where to Find Southeast Asian Culture in Salt Lake City
International students looking for Southeast Asian culture in SLC may not find it in just one neighborhood, as there are Cambodian, Filipino, Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants, shops, markets, and community centers all over the city. The Wat Buddhikaram, Utah Cambodian Community Buddhist Temple, provides a welcoming space for those who wish to worship.
Southeast Asian Restaurants in Salt Lake City
Chabaar (Thai)
MakanMakakan (Indonesian/Malaysian)
Pho Hong Chau (Vietnamese)
Southeast Asian Markets in Salt Lake City
Kim Heang Market (Cambodian)
Ocean Mart Asian Market (Sandy, UT)
Salt Lake City’s International Events and Festivals
International students can find their community and learn about other cultures at one of the many cultural events that take place in the city throughout the year, including:
Chinese New Year Celebration
Hispanic Heritage Festival
Utah Japanese Festival (Nihon Matsuri)
Salt Lake City’s International Community Centers
It can be hard to feel at home so far away from friends and family, but community centers can provide a sense of belonging for international students. Many offer the opportunity to meet people, as well as take part in activities and events that highlight their culture. Here are a few of the centers available in the city:
Feel at Home Without Leaving Campus
With more than 3,000 enrolled international students and scholars, the University of Utah strives to create a safe and welcoming space to live and study. The university is ranked as one of the top 50 public universities in the nation (U.S. News & World Report, 2023-2024) and boasts an 18:1 student-to-professor ratio, which gives students one-on-one attention in the classroom. The campus is in a prime location in the foothills of Salt Lake City, and students can be in the downtown area within minutes. The university also offers a range of resources to help international students feel right at home on campus.
Utah Global, in collaboration with Shorelight, provides extensive support services from application to graduation and beyond. Visa guidance, English-language support, academic tutoring, and career development, among other offerings, ensure international students can thrive on campus and off.
The International Student & Scholar Services serves as the main point of campus contact for all international students and is devoted to student success and engagement, while Global U is the place to go to find international activities and necessary resources for international students to get the most out of their experience at the university.
The International Student Association (ISA) is a student-founded group to help make transition to a foreign city as smooth as possible. International students will find support in all areas of student life, resources for academic and social success, and cultural activities tailored to help ease anxiety and foster community.
Finding a Home Away from Home
International students who want to study in a big city but still have access to the great outdoors, should look no further than Salt Lake City. Along with its unmatched outdoor activities, the city is also home to a diverse range of cultures and provides reminders of far-away homes throughout the city.
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