Last Thursday, the OIS concluded yet another successful coffee hour. The event was strategically located on the doorstep of the OIS Office, so as to attract as many international guests as possible. Samosas, cookies, and coffee were served to the students as they stopped by to catch up with their peers.
The event was co-hosted by USC’s Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services (RSVP), which provided students with an informational game and stress relieving gifts as they enjoyed their refreshments.
The fact that USC boasts one of the country’s most diverse student bodies was clearly reflected at the event. Unfortunately, the author of this article did not stop to count all of the different nationalities represented at the Coffee Hour. He did however interact with at least ten people, all of whom came from different national backgrounds.
Just this simple statistic shows the tremendous value of having a cup of coffee with your fellow international students. The coffee and other treats are of course intended as a stimulant for conversation, providing students with an opportunity to learn more about each other.
The first and foremost element of the OIS Coffee Hour’s added value is friendship. Meeting new people at the coffee hour can result in lifelong friendships which will continue to keep you connected on a global level. The second element is the learning factor. Talking to people from different cultures around the world opens the mind to different perspectives, promoting diplomatic discourse. Last but not least, the coffee hour provides an ideal setting for networking. You never know if a fellow international student you meet over a cup of coffee might be the person offering you a job a few years down the line!
In summary, the OIS Coffee hour presents a perfect opportunity to converse, connect, and ultimately celebrate the benefits of being an international student at USC!
If you were unable to join us this time round, we greatly hope to have you with us next time!