This summer, our international students continued our community outreach efforts with our third annual Summer Building Bridges International Coffee Hour Series in collaboration with the Fresno Country Public Library.

We are proud to have partnered with Gillis Branch Library to provide a weekly program through the month of June, exposing the community to cultural exploration and the wonderful diversity Fresno State has to offer.

Our international students shared their cultures, answered questions, displayed items from their home countries and shared dialog with library patrons of all ages in a low key, relaxed setting each week. We highlighted India, Hong Kong, Canada and Myanmar.

Our program helps to dispel cultural misconceptions, break down cultural barriers and create cross-cultural understanding. It’s a wonderful enriching experience for all those involved.

The International Coffee Hour Series, during the summer and fall/spring semesters, is just one way the International Office strives to educate and engage the campus and local community through meaningful cross-cultural dialog.

With international students from over 70 countries currently studying at Fresno State, it’s important to highlight and share their unique experiences and. International students enrich the learning environment and help expose the community to diverse cultures, ideas and experiences they would not otherwise have an opportunity to interact with.

We look forward to continuing our International Coffee Hour series this fall, starting at 2 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Henry Madden Library, room 2206. Be on the lookout for the fall schedule where an armchair journey around the globe awaits you!

Hope to see you there.