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.

 

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...

Women’s History Month

Women's History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by women throughout the history. We honor countless women, who have bravely and tenaciously fought for equality, justice, and opportunity throughout the country. If you want to learn more about this...

Make your donation to Global Connections through Centre Foundation Fund Advisor Portal

From now on, it is easier to make donations to help Global Connections keep their good work. Thanks to the new Centre Foundation Fund Advisor Portal, anyone can make a donation directly into the Global Connections Fund at the Centre Foundation at any time. Each dollar...

English Language Resource List

We are pleased to share with you a resource list on Google Docs that we have compiled for those interested in English language learning. The list includes various helpful resources and contacts that we believe will be useful for learners of all levels. Please find...

International Poetry Night

Global Connections will be holding an International Poetry Night at Webster's Bookstore Café. Everyone is welcome to step up and to share a favorite poem from a favorite poet in their own language and its English translation, or to share one of their own poems. Are...

WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH TÜRKIYE & SYRIA

We in Global Connections want to express our solidarity with the people of Türkiye and Syria affected by the terrible earthquakes that have caused an unimaginable loss of lives and suffering, along with widespread destruction. We encourage all who can to make a...

Discussion group members decide to have in-person meetings once a month

The Global Connections (GC) discussion group members decided that it would be great to have an in-person session once a month. Their first in person meeting happened on December 20th. It was a joyful celebration. The GC president, Bob Persiko, submited a request for a...

Global Connections Profile: meet the Lucky and Brave Baktygul Issabekova

Do you know anyone who has won the United States Diversity Visa (Green Card) lottery? If your answer is “No,” Global Connections has a surprise for you. Allow us to introduce a very lucky woman, Baktygul Issabekova. But, besides being lucky, she is also remarkably...

Know the elected Global Connections’ officers

Robert (Bob) Persiko was re-elected Global Connections' president at the November 9 general membership meeting. This is Bob's third term as president.  Anna Borisova de Valdez was chosen to be the new secretary. Marco Damasceno is the new public relations...

English Teachers Needed

Global Connections currently offers one weekly English class, conducted virtually, whose members are at the intermediate-to-advanced level. We might offer a more basic English class if we have a teacher and sufficient students to justify the offering. The target...

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