GEO Weekly Bulletin - 9/22/25
Coffee & Culture Recap: International Emmy Awards
The IEEC is so grateful to everyone who joined us for last Thursday’s Coffee & Culture event with the International Emmy Awards theme. We had a great time playing trivia and sharing fun facts from our home countries!
Game Night Recap
We had a wonderful time at last Thursday’s Game Night! Between axe throwing, Phase 10, and Uno, there was no shortage of laughter and friendly competition.
While some players showed impressive skills, the evening ended with smiles all around and new friendships made.
Coffee & Culture this week: National Student Exchange (NSE)
NSE is a unique opportunity that allows students to study at other universities across the U.S., and even Canada.
Join us on Thursday, September 25th, at 12 pm in the International Hall to learn more and play some games with coffee, tea, and snacks.
New Study Abroad Highlight: Ireland – Spring 2026
We’re excited to announce a special study abroad opportunity in Dublin, Ireland, hosted by Ball State University (BSU), through NSE Study Abroad this Spring! Applications are due September 30, so act fast!
Program details:
Tuition/fees: Regular SSU tuition & fees
Program fee: $6,700 (includes housing, daily breakfast & dinner, and at least one excursion)
Application deadline: September 30, 2025
Courses include:
GEOG 121 — Geography, Culture, and Diversity
COMM 210 — Fundamentals of Public Speaking
CJC 101 — Intro to Criminal Justice
CJC 229 — Decision-Making & Ethics in Criminal Justice
ENG 214 — Literature & Gender (travel course; additional fee applies)
RMI 270 — Principles of Risk Management & Insurance
ILA Dublin direct enroll: Economic & Social Foundations of Ireland OR Irish Music
Upcoming Workshops
Gilman Scholarship Workshops:
Are you a Pell-grant recipient planning on studying abroad between Winter and Fall 2026? Work on the Gilman Scholarship at these upcoming Gilman Scholarship Workshops:
On Wednesday, September 10, 12-1 pm: Zoom Link
And Friday, September 12, 12-1 pm: Zoom Link
Scholarship Application Workshops:
Want to learn more about applying for scholarships? Join us for tips and resources to help fund your study abroad journey.
On Tuesday, September 23, 12-1 pm in International Hall 107
NSE Virtual Fair Session: Best of the West
Learn more about the amazing Western NSE campuses — from the Rockies to the Pacific — at this NSE Virtual Fair on Thursday, September 25, 1-2 pm PST.
Deadlines
The Fund for Education Abroad's Spring 2026 Scholarship application deadline has been extended to September 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon Eastern Time)!
Japanese Speech Competition Registration Deadline: October 1
Sonoma State University is honored to partner with the Komaru-Koutsu Foundation to host a Japanese Language Speech Contest. This contest provides a unique platform for participants to showcase their language skills while fostering a deeper connection between the Japanese language and local Sonoma County communities. SSU looks forward to welcoming participants, supporters, and attendees for this celebration of language and learning. Speeches must be on the topic of transportation as a tool for global engagement.
Gilman Scholarship Deadline: October 3
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State, supports students with limited financial means to study or intern abroad, enhancing skills crucial for national security and economic prosperity. It is a competitive, merit-based scholarship available to Pell Grant recipients or those who will receive a Pell Grant during their term of study abroad.
University of Canberra Application Due: October 5
The University of Canberra (UC), a dynamic and modern institution in Australia's vibrant capital, offers exchange students a unique blend of academic excellence, practical learning, and strong industry connections across diverse fields, all within a supportive, student-friendly environment rich in cultural attractions, real-world opportunities, and a thriving campus life. With over 70 social, cultural, sporting, and academic clubs and societies at UC, ranging from music and cosplay to rugby and environmental science, there’s something for everyone, and if not, UC Life will help you start your own.
USAC Highlight: Bangalore, India
The Bangalore (Bengaluru) program provides students with the opportunity to study Indian culture, sociology, and global issues while volunteering in the local community. Based in a prestigious university in India’s Silicon Valley, students gain firsthand insight into the blend of traditional and modern Indian life. The program includes cultural immersion through campus integration, buddy systems, volunteer work, clubs, excursions, and optional courses like Indian cuisine. USAC offers both semester/yearlong options and a six-week summer session.
Bengaluru, the third largest city in India and capital of Karnataka, blends rich history with modern development. Founded in the 16th century, it has grown into a major tech hub, home to multinational companies and the world’s second-largest software producer. Known as the "Garden City" for its many parks, Bengaluru offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with shopping, nightlife, and diverse cuisine, all set in a pleasant subtropical climate.
SSU Event of the Week: Open Mic: A Midsummer Mic's Dream
AS is hosting Open Mic: A Midsummer Mic's Dream this Thursday, September 25, 5:30-7:00 pm, in the Alumni Amphitheater: This open mic night invites dreamers of all kinds to share their voices beneath the forest magic. (AS Site)