The San José State Global Connections program hosted an event on Monday at the Student Union, where students got a chance to meet others, play games and hang out.
The Global Connections program is a collaboration between International Student & Scholar Services, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and International Gateways, according to the Global Connections page.
The International Student & Scholar Services provides support by advising resources and supporting programming for F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars, according to the International Student and Scholar Services.
SJSU’s International Student and Scholar Services is also committed to international students finding success and providing a fulfilling experience at the university, according to the International Student and Scholar Services.
The program holds meetings every Monday about interacting with international individuals while also exploring and learning from one another, according to the Global Connections page.
Keri Toma Loehrer, an international programs manager and communications specialist at San José State University , shares how the program works.
“We rotate topics for events each week, focusing on culture, wellness and social activities,” Loeher said.
The program also consists of developing intercultural skills and exploring cultural topics, according to the Global Connection web page. Loeher shared that this week's specific event was called “Fun and Games” where SJSU got to interact with another while providing games, according to the SJSU Events Calendar.“The Fun and Games was a social activity and the goal of that particular session was just to help students connect in a relaxed setting through games,” Loeher said.
The event’s theme surrounding wellness focused on tips and tricks to a healthy mind and body, according to the SJSU Events Calendar.
Some games offered at the event included UNO!, Jenga and card games that students participated in.
Jack Brooks, a psychology major transfer student finished his classes and decided to check out the event.
"I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the games were a great way to break the ice and meet new people,” Brooks said. “It felt really laid-back, and I ended up talking to students from different parts of the world.”
Brooks shared that he met a lot of great people and felt the event was a way for him to take a break from his homework.
“I came because I’m trying to meet more people outside of my major and learn about different cultures, so the Global Connections program seemed like the perfect opportunity to do that,” Brooks said. “Plus, I liked the idea of the event being focused on something social and easy-going.
Besides Brooks, other students were intrigued by the Global Connections program event.
Shoshana Kurland, a first-year transfer and graphic design student, attended the event to learn more about the SJSU community.
“I had such a great time at the event and I’m always looking for ways to connect with others here at SJSU,” Kurland said.
Kurland said she left the event satisfied and was thrilled that SJSU threw an event for newcomers.
“The games were a nice touch and by the end, I felt like I made a few new friends,” Kurland said.
Loehrer shared that the program's growth showed significance on campus in transforming a broader initiative aimed at forming deeper relationships across cultural worlds.
“Global Connections originally started as a coffee hour just for international students, but it has since expanded over the past five years,” Loehrer said.
She has also mentioned her experience in mentoring students and staff and has built teams that value intercultural understanding and mutual respect.
“Global Connections is also a great way for both US and international students to meet, engage in discussion or cultural sharing, and really just to get to know one another and build community on our campus,” Loehrer said.
