GEO Weekly Bulletin - 11/17/25
It’s International Education Week!!🌎
Get ready to explore the world right here on campus! International Education Week (IEW) is a dynamic celebration of global learning, cultural exchange, and the incredible impact of international education. It’s your chance to connect across borders, experience new cultures, and expand your global perspective.
SSU proudly joins this nationwide celebration to prepare students for success in an interconnected world, and to welcome future leaders from around the globe to study, share, and grow in the U.S.
All events are free and open to the SSU community. Come celebrate the power of global connection during International Education Week! 🌎
🔗 Find the full schedule of events here!
IEW Kickoff & Language Bites
Ready to travel the world without leaving your seat? Join us for Language Bites, a fun, fast-paced, and interactive event where SSU students share mini language lessons and cultural highlights from their home countries!
Hop on Zoom to pick up greetings, phrases, and fascinating cultural insights from around the globe, all in just a few minutes per bite! It’s the perfect way to celebrate International Education Week and connect through language, laughter, and learning.
⏰ 12:00-1:00 pm
📅 Monday, November 17th
📍 Join here!
Expanding Horizons: 2026 Study Abroad Opportunities
Turn your classroom into a global adventure! Learn how you can earn academic credit while exploring new countries, experiencing diverse cultures, and gaining a truly global perspective.
Faculty from SRJC and staff from SSU will showcase exciting upcoming programs in Argentina, Costa Rica, London, and many more unforgettable destinations.
Don’t miss your chance to see the world, and make it part of your education. Join us on Zoom and start your study abroad journey!
⏰ 3:00-4:00 pm
📅 Monday, November 17th
Teaching Experience in Mexico Information Meeting
Hear a bit more about one of the many unique faculty-led programs we have to offer for the summer! Embark on a transformative 17-day journey this summer with Sonoma State University’s Cross-Cultural Experiential Learning in Mexico Program! Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and education system of San Miguel de Allende through hands-on practicum placements in bilingual schools, interactive workshops, and Spanish language classes. Strengthen your teaching practice, deepen your cultural understanding, and gain the tools to better serve bilingual and English learner students. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as an educator and global citizen, apply today!
⏰ 12:00-1:00 pm
📅 Wednesday, November 12th
International Education Week is Next Week!!
Join us for the Go Global Study Away Fair! Explore study abroad options, meet partner programs, and enjoy international foods and vendors. Discover your next adventure!
⏰ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
📅 Tuesday, November 18th
📍 Salazar Plaza
RECA Chinese History Presentation
Join representatives from the Redwood Empire Chinese Association (RECA) for an engaging presentation on the rich history of Chinese immigration and community life in Sonoma County.
Discover how Chinese Americans helped shape the region’s story, from the arrival of the first immigrants to the creation of a new mural honoring Santa Rosa’s historic Chinatown.
Celebrate heritage, history, and the lasting impact of Chinese Americans in our community.
⏰ 12:00-1:00 pm
📅 Tuesday, November 18th
📍 SRJC Intercultural Center
Languages as Bridges: Connecting Students to Cultures and Communities
Discover how French, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL) connect cultures and strengthen global communities. This interactive panel will explore how these languages influence one another and highlight their importance in fostering belonging, inclusion, and cultural understanding.
Learn how language learning can open doors to new opportunities and prepare you for a globally minded career. Join us on Zoom and be part of the conversation!
⏰ 4:00-5:00 pm
📅 Tuesday, November 18th
Niigata Student Presentation
Join two of our exchange students for an interactive presentation on the beautiful Niigata Prefecture, known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine.
Enjoy a taste of Japan: snacks will be provided for in-person attendees!
Come to International Hall 107 or join us on Zoom for this cultural experience.
⏰ 12:00-1:00 pm
📅 Wednesday, November 19th
📍 International Hall & Zoom
Faculty Fulbright Panel & Reception
Celebrate International Education Week by joining us for a special panel featuring Fulbright grant recipients Liz Burch, Steve Estes, Farid Farahmand, and David McCuan.
Hear their inspiring stories and discover how the Fulbright experience has shaped their careers, research, and personal growth.
Stay afterward for a wine and cheese reception with the panelists as you connect and learn more about the program.
⏰ 3:00-5:00 pm
📅 Wednesday, November 19th
📍 Student Center, Ballroom B
Japanese Television Clips
Join a HyFlex session with the JAPN 1 class, open to all via Zoom! Experience an interactive introduction to the Japanese language and culture alongside SSU students.
Please note: the session will be recorded for class purposes.
⏰ 5:00-5:50 pm
📅 Wednesday, November 19th
📍 Join here!
IEW Coffee and culture: Special Edition 2.0 PICnPRINT
Join us for this week’s Coffee & Culture Hour, where community, conversation, and global curiosity come together!
Whether you’re dreaming of studying away or simply love learning about different parts of the world, this is the perfect place to connect and explore.
Coffee & Culture Hour is a casual, fun space to discover new regions, cultures, and global celebrations each week. We meet every Thursday from 12–1 p.m. in International Hall 107. Come share a cup of coffee and join the conversation!
⏰ 12:00-1:00 pm
📅 Thursday, November 20th
📍 International Hall
IEW Fashion Show
Experience a vibrant showcase of culture and creativity at the International Education Week Fashion Show, featuring SRJC students modeling stunning traditional and contemporary attire from around the world!
Celebrate diversity, design, and global expression in one of the most colorful highlights of International Education Week!
⏰ 5:30-6:30 pm
📅 Thursday, November 20th
📍 Bertolini SAC
Faculty Fulbright Information Session
Thinking about taking your expertise global? Learn about short-term and long-term Fulbright grants designed for faculty.
You’ll get practical guidance on:
-Choosing a country where you’ll be most competitive
-Finding support to write a strong application
-Identifying potential host institutions abroad
Questions? Contact SSU’s Faculty Fulbright Program Liaison: Diane Guido — [email protected]
⏰ 12:00-1:00 pm
📅 Friday, November 21
📍 Stevenson 2900
OPT Alumni Panel
Join SRJC international alumni as they share real-world experiences with Optional Practical Training (OPT), job hunting in the U.S., and life after graduation. Get practical, firsthand advice you can use right away.
You’ll learn about:
-Applying for OPT and common pitfalls to avoid
-Job search strategies that work for international students
-Weighing OPT before transferring to a university
-Navigating challenges and building a support network
Join us on Zoom! Bring your questions and leave with clear next steps.
⏰ 12:00-1:00 pm
📅 Friday, November 21
📍 Join here!
International Friendsgiving!
Join us for Friendsgiving Dinner, a warm and welcoming global potluck where everyone brings a dish from their home country to share!
The GEO team will serve up classic American Thanksgiving favorites, including turkey and pie, while guests contribute flavors from around the world.
Enjoy amazing food, fun games, and great company as we celebrate friendship, culture, and community. The Global Engagement Office can’t wait to share our version of Thanksgiving with you!
Please sign up here if you are planning to attend.
⏰ 5:00-7:00 pm
📅 Friday, November 21
📍 International Hall