There are lots of opportunities for involvement with Global Connections!
Become a member
Become a member of Global Connections!
Global Connections is as a member-driven organization. We need your help in achieving our mission to bring together people of diverse national origins to foster intercultural understanding, to promote awareness of our roles as members in the wider global community, and to create goodwill. Click here!
Why join?
• You believe diverse interpersonal relationships are enriching.
• You want to be proactive in creating the environment where you live.
• You value access to global educational programming.
If you are interested in joining or renewing your registration, please fill out our online membership form.
Small Groups
Discussion Group: Making Sense of the American Experience
This group is multinational and multigenerational. It serves as a safe and supportive opportunity for international participants to ask questions and share their perspectives, cultures and values. Americans who reside in the State College area are invited to express their views, share their values, and learn about cultural values of other countries. The goal is to promote a welcoming community for all and promote mutual understanding and respect. Discussion leader Bob Persiko introduces each session with some basic principles and facilitates the dialogue. The group meets via Zoom, every Tuesday, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM.
Contact Bob Persiko via email at [email protected] with any questions.
Global Connections ESL Book Groups
Global Connections book groups are a chance for individuals to practice reading, speaking and comprehending English. Each book group is run by one or more volunteer leaders and meet on a regular basis based on the schedules of the individuals in the group.
Book groups usually meet face to face but have adapted to meeting online for the safety of participants during the pandemic. Please contact Susan Steinberg at [email protected] if you are interested in joining a book group or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer leader.
The Beginner/Intermediate Book Group
Our group continues to thrive and we now have space in our group for new members.
In our group, we take turns reading aloud, because our members want to work on their pronunciation. An impromptu English lesson often results from questions from the members. The books we have read are largely based on American history (either historical fiction or biographies). This brings up many of the more problematic parts of our nation’s history, such as racism and sexism, which provide our members with a more nuanced and factual understanding of the United States. This also helps members understand what is happening in our country currently.
We also use our weekly book group time as a way to stay connected to each other and share news about each other’s lives. This has been especially important in this time of COVID19 and I believe everyone has grown to appreciate the group beyond the reading!
Cultural Luncheons
Our cultural luncheons take on several forms. Join us for a potluck style event or for one of our luncheons cooked by a member of Global Connections.
Interested in cooking a meal to share (ingredients provided by Global Connections)? Email us!
