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.

 

Our Annual Catered Fall Picnic

Join Us for Our Annual Catered Fall Picnic! Global Connections is excited to invite you to our annual fall picnic! Come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with us on Sunday, September 15th, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM. The picnic will be held at Spring Creek Park,...

ESL Discussion Circle

Housing Needed

Each year, Penn State invites hundreds of international professors and PhD candidates to its many campuses to learn and do research alongside of PSU’s faculty members. Known as Visiting Scholars, these individuals come to our community for stays lasting anywhere from...

Announcement of Process to Fill Vacancies

We are happy to inform you that yesterday we received a formal letter of resignation from Kieran Holland. As a result, we no longer need to hold a general meeting on July 31 to remove him from office, so that event is cancelled. The Executive Committee will recruit...

Summer Potluck Picnic

Global Connections is teaming up with the organizations of two of our members for an informal “Cultural Potluck” picnic on Saturday, July 27, 12:00 noon, at Sunset Park Pavilion. Wenjie Fu, who manages Penn State Global’s Community Engagement program, sees this as an...

Global Connections Centre Gives Best Ever!!!

The Executive Committee wants to thank, with GREAT FANFARE, all those members of both GC and our community for their unprecedented response to our call for support during the Centre Foundation’s May 8-9 “Centre Gives” campaign. Your generosity created an 80.22%...

Support Global Connections During Centre Gives!

Join us for Centre Foundation's 36-hour online giving event! Centre Gives begins on May 8 at 8 AM and runs through May 9 at 8 PM. This is your chance to make a real impact. Why Support Us? Global Connections is dedicated to fostering community and understanding...

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...

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