International Café

Welcome to Solent University's International Café! Join us every other Tuesday at 9am 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!

A collection of tea and coffee items, some cups and some Tunnock's tea cakes

Schedule

Fall semester 2024

24 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.

8 October: Bridging Cultural Gaps: Celebrating Diversity

Focus: Explore cultural diversity and understanding different traditions, fostering inclusivity on campus.

22 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.

5 November: Distant Relationships: Staying Connected Across Time Zones

Focus: Discuss the challenges and strategies of maintaining relationships (family, friends, romantic) from afar.

19 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.

3 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

14 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.

28 January: Overcoming Winter Blues: Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Focus: Address the impact of winter on mental health, particularly for students from warmer climates.

11 February: Distant Relationships: Celebrating Love and Friendship from Afar

Focus: Strategies for maintaining long-distance relationships during holidays like Valentine’s Day.

25 February: Cultural Adaptation: Finding Balance Between Old and New Traditions

Focus: How to integrate new cultural practices while maintaining one’s own traditions.

11 March: Women Across Cultures: Empowerment and Challenges

Focus: Discussing the role of women in different cultures and the challenges they face, promoting gender equality.

25 March: Finding Light in Transitions: Adapting to Change

Focus: Coping with transitions, both academically and culturally, as the semester progresses.

Summer semester 2025

22 April: Earth Day and Global Perspectives on Sustainability

Focus: Discuss how different cultures approach environmental sustainability and how students can contribute.

6 May: Handling Stress: Global Approaches to Relaxation and Mindfulness

Focus: Explore relaxation and mindfulness techniques from various cultures to manage academic stress.

20 May: Celebrating Differences: Recognizing Cultural Contributions

Focus: Highlight the contributions of various cultures to global society and how students can celebrate diversity.

3 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.

17 June: Global Festivals: How the World Celebrates Summer

Focus: Learn about and participate in summer celebrations from around the world, promoting global cultural awareness.