Category Archives: Events & Programs

Make a new American friend this semester through the VIP Program!

Are you looking for a way to connect with other students at SJSU and make a new American friend? Sign up for the Virtual International Partners (VIP) program this spring!

The VIP program will pair you up with American students at SJSU to connect with virtually throughout the semester. Over the course of the program (February 7 – May 6, 2022) you will meet with your partner(s) at least 5 times to have discussions on a variety of topics (ex: food, holidays, family, school, etc.) and learn about each other. At the end of the program, participants will be recognized with a certificate of participation, and will be invited to attend our virtual reception for all participating students.

It is completely free, and it is not a class – it’s a great opportunity for you to engage in a fun cultural exchange, learn about American culture, make a new friend, and improve your communication skills along the way!

Sign up by completing this brief form (https://bit.ly/VIPSpring22) by January 21, 2022! The Study Abroad and Away office will reach out with the program schedule and to confirm your participation in late January.

Questions? Email spartansabroad@sjsu.edu. See the FAQs below for more details!

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Scary Stories from Around the World

7Authors: Wai Hou (Harry) Sio and Mindy Sun

Halloween is coming around the corner, bringing with it the creepy atmosphere of the unknowns. Join us at the Halloween events this year to hear more about ghost tales from different cultures and share scary stories you personally experienced. We’re offering two sessions, one during Global Connections and a separate evening session.

Scary Stories Around the World  Event

  • Session 1: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 | 4:00-5:00 PM | Join us!
  • Session 2: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 | 8:00-9:00 PM | Join us!

For now, here are the four stories we believe will keep you up tonight. Get yourself a blanket and ready for the goosebumps! Continue Reading…

Mid-Autumn Festival 2021

Hi, international students! This blog post is brought to you by Aliff and Mindy, who are Global Leaders at ISSS. Aliff is from Malaysia, and he is an undergraduate majoring in Engineering Technology Manufacturing Systems. Mindy is from Vietnam, and she is pursuing a Master in Business Administration at SJSU.

Aliff and Mindy are hosting a Mid-Autumn Festival virtual event this September 21, 2021, which is also the actual festival day this year. If you are curious about what the festival is like or would like to take a drive back to your childhood to celebrate the festival, come join us!

  • Event: Global Connections: Mid-Autumn Festival
  • Date & Time: 9/21/2021, 4:00-4:50 PM (PT)
  • Register for the event!

Now, on to a brief overview of how the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated by various cultures. Continue Reading…

Silicon Valley Innovation Challenge 2021

About the Author: Sharadhi Rao is an international graduate student studying Industrial & Systems Engineering. Sharadhi is also serving as one of the student leads for the Silicon Valley Innovation Challenge this year.

Drive your career to the forefront by being a part of SVIC 2021.

As an international student myself, I came to the US for the exposure, for the freedom to explore, experiment and excel, to make my mark in this world. What better way than giving life to our ideas.

The Silicon Valley Innovation Challenge (SVIC) is a competition hosted every year, where students are given opportunities to showcase their ingenious ideas to a wide range of investors, industry experts, SJSU faculty and peers. The mission of the SVIC is to provide the necessary tools and guidance to enable students to take their innovative business ideas to the next level. www.sjsu.edu/svic 

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