Friday @ Global creates connections and community
International Student Services (ISS) at the University of Arizona is dedicated to creating opportunities for international students to find their place at the university. Through guidance, involvement and encouragement, ISS helps students feel more comfortable and make the most out of their experience at UArizona.
One of the many ongoing events organized by ISS is Friday @ Global. Formerly known as “Coffee @ Global,” Friday @ Global is held at the Global Center courtyard once a month. Designed to bring international students together and offer them a chance to get to know someone new, every event holds a different theme, usually reflecting a festive activity for the current season.
“It helps students connect with resources,” said Olivia Adams, international student advisor and organizer of Friday @ Global events. “International students can gain new insights into some of the activities we're doing and also gain a sense of community. It's really easy to feel isolated in such a spread out campus and knowing that we're here, Global’s here, and just feeling that connection to our little international community makes a difference.”
Students celebrate the Lunar New Year during February's Friday @ Global.
Recently, Friday @ Global celebrated the Lunar New Year. Red paper lanterns were set up along with other festive decorations to fit the theme. Students hung out in the Global Courtyard playing games and chatting as they ate dumplings and sipped on the tea provided.
Last semester, ISS hosted a holiday themed social right before winter break. Students socialized with one another as they prepared hot chocolate at the hot cocoa bar, snacked on treats, and played ping pong.
Global Ambassadors are also an essential part of Friday @ Global. “Global ambassadors are international as well as domestic students that are selected to help the newcomers to the University of Arizona in different ways,” said Osama Mohammed, third-year Global Ambassador. “One of the main purposes of the Global Ambassadors is to make you feel like there are people here that can support you. We want and are willing to help you without anything in return. Most of us have been here for almost a year just because we love what we do.”
These students take on the responsibility of being mentors to incoming students and assisting during events like Friday @ Global. They are always ready to help newcomers feel more comfortable and welcome to each event.
According to Adams, although these events are created for international students, any local Wildcats are also invited to join the fun. This fosters meaningful connections within the international community and the UArizona student community as a whole. In the past, an average of 50 to 60 students have participated in each event.
“Students don't need to prepare anything before coming, it's very casual and totally open to everyone,” said Adams. “So, come with your friends, or come make some friends!”
If you are interested in joining the fun, check the Arizona International Calendar for the next Friday @ Global event.