International Café
Welcome to Solent University's International Café! Join us every other Tuesday (see events on portal for timings) for a relaxed and welcoming space where new and returning international students can connect, share experiences, and discuss various topics. Whether you're navigating university life, exploring different cultures, or simply looking to make new friends, the International Café offers a supportive environment to engage in meaningful conversations. Come for the coffee, stay for the community!
Schedule
Fall semester 2025
23 September: New Beginnings: Navigating the Start of a New Academic Year
- Focus: Address the culture shock of starting a new academic year, especially for international students. Discuss adapting to new environments, making friends, and setting academic goals.
7 October: Bridging Cultural Gaps: Celebrating Diversity
- Focus: Explore cultural diversity and understanding different traditions, fostering inclusivity on campus.
21 October: Dealing with Homesickness: Finding Comfort in a New Place
- Focus: Strategies for coping with homesickness, staying connected with family while embracing the new culture.
4 November: Distant Relationships: Staying Connected Across Time Zones
- Focus: Discuss the challenges and strategies of maintaining relationships (family, friends, romantic) from afar.
18 November: Finding Your Place: Creating a Home Away from Home
- Focus: How to establish a sense of belonging in a new culture and finding your community.
2 December: Embracing Winter Traditions: Cultural Celebrations Around the World
- Focus: Understanding and participating in various winter traditions and holidays from around the world.
Winter/spring semester 2025
13 January: New Year, New You: Setting Cultural and Personal Goals
- Focus: Encouraging students to set personal and cultural goals for the new year, promoting self-improvement and cross-cultural understanding.
27 January: Overcoming Winter Blues: Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Focus: Address the impact of winter on mental health, particularly for students from warmer climates.
10 February: Distant Relationships: Celebrating Love and Friendship from Afar
- Focus: Strategies for maintaining long-distance relationships during holidays like Valentine’s Day.
24 February: Cultural Adaptation: Finding Balance Between Old and New Traditions
- Focus: How to integrate new cultural practices while maintaining one’s own traditions.
10 March: Women Across Cultures: Empowerment and Challenges
- Focus: Discussing the role of women in different cultures and the challenges they face, promoting gender equality.
24 March: Finding Light in Transitions: Adapting to Change
- Focus: Coping with transitions, both academically and culturally, as the semester progresses.
Summer semester 2025
21 April: Earth Day and Global Perspectives on Sustainability
- Focus: Discuss how different cultures approach environmental sustainability and how students can contribute.
5 May: Handling Stress: Global Approaches to Relaxation and Mindfulness
- Focus: Explore relaxation and mindfulness techniques from various cultures to manage academic stress.
19 May: Celebrating Differences: Recognizing Cultural Contributions
- Focus: Highlight the contributions of various cultures to global society and how students can celebrate diversity.
2 June: Transitions: Preparing for the End of the Academic Year
- Focus: Reflecting on the past year and preparing for transitions, whether returning home or staying for summer.
16 June: Global Festivals: How the World Celebrates Summer
- Focus: Learn about and participate in summer celebrations from around the world, promoting global cultural awareness.