Welcome to Global Connections, the heart of intercultural connections in Centre County and beyond. No matter where you are from, or what native language you speak, you are welcome here. Explore our website for resources to help internationals transition, integrate, and succeed, opportunities to share, experience, and immerse in diverse cultures, and the chance to connect with friends from all over the world.

Global Connections, cultivating interpersonal relationships and building bridges across cultures, one connection at a time. Join us as a volunteer for the following programs and events.

 

GC Spotlight: Dr. Yaryna Andrushko

Yaryna Andrushko, a visiting scholar and researcher from Ukraine, embarked on a transformative journey that led her to the shores of the United States, where she has been making a significant impact in the field of psychology. In a recent interview, she shared her...

The 57th Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

Get ready for the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, one of the biggest arts festivals. This traditional event, now in its 57th year, offers an array of activities. Whether your interests lie in art shows, delectable food and drinks, exquisite wines, craft...

The resilient and kind-hearted Global Connections’ member Cristy Marquez

Resilience stands out among the many words we could use to describe this amazing person. Her name is Cristina Marquez, also known as Cristy. She is a kind-hearted woman from Mexico. She earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and a master's degree in innovation for...

Housing for incoming student

The Department of Applied Linguistics of The Pennsylvania State University is looking for a temporary place to stay for a newly arriving student this fall. Before occupying his apartment, Ximeng Shao must stay in a temporary place only from August 6th to August...

State College Spikes Baseball Game

Come join other Global Connections members for an enjoyable evening of baseball, socializing, and eating. The Spikes will be playing against the West Virginia Black Bears.  It’s “wine Wednesday!” Adults can enjoy half-price glasses of wine supplied by Seven Mountains...

Centre Gives: Thank you!

We want to express our sincere gratitude for your generous support during Centre Gives. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and your belief in our mission. Your support means the world to us. Thank you so much for making a difference!

Centre Gives

Centre County is hosting the biggest giving event in the area, and Global Connections is waiting for your help. Centre Gives is happening from May 10th, starting at 8 AM, till May 11th, ending at 8 PM. To help Global Connections Please, donate Here! We trully...

Saudi Arabian Cultural Luncheon

Tuesday, April 25, brought Saudi Arabia to State College when Global Connections hosted a Saudi-themed Cultural Luncheon at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Port Matilda. Heartfelt thanks go to Manar Salamah and her expert team of cooks who prepared a splendid array...

Saudi Arabian Cultural Luncheon

Global Connections (GC), Centre County’s first and longest standing (since 1961) community-based, volunteer-driven non-profit international relations organization, will host a Saudi Arabian luncheon. This gathering marks a welcome return to cherished Global...

Global Connections ESL tutor helps former GC member launch U.S. citizenship

One of the very first things Dr. Olga Bakayev, dermatologist from Moscow, did when she relocated to State College in May 2019 was to join Global Connections (GC). “When I arrived in State College,” Olga notes, “my English was nowhere near good enough to pass the US...

If you are looking to extend your palate and enrich your cultural understanding, come to our cultural luncheons.

Join our conversation group called Making Sense of the American Culture.

Click here and learn how to become a member of Global Connections.

Click here to visit the program webpage for a detailed class schedule.

“Global Connections is my first home here and I feel connected to that. Last year before joining the discussion group, I was so depressed and felt alone. I didn’t have motivation to go out even for a walk, because I was thinking I don’t belong here. But yesterday (June 4 2022) I had so many friends to have a picnic with and spend time with, and it’s all because of you and your efforts to make a friendly welcoming environment for new people.”

Maryam Barzegar

Iranian immigrant and Global Connections secretary

“It gives me a meaningful way to connect with other people and other cultures, continue my background in international relations and keep my language skills alive. The best part of being a GC member is that Global Connections is an organization that is trying to facilitate and develop an international presence in a largely monocultural environment.”

Bruce Truitt

Multi-lingual auditor, analyst, consultant, educator, musician and American Global Connections Member

“Global connections is much more than  an organization that will help you to improve your English. In my case, it is my support system here, I have met great and loving friends through global connections, and it has helped me grow and the  courage to reinvent myself as an artist.”

Andrea Silva

Artist, midwife, Chilean immigrant and Global Connections member