On Friday, September 27, 2024, the International Student Club (ISC) hosted a cultural exchange event that was formally open to all students and staff. This was their third general meeting for the 2024-2025 academic year, filled with enjoyable activities and a diverse map-pinning game featuring various countries. The meeting was a huge success, attended by 23 students and staff from various departments.

The event opened with a warm welcome of the participants and a debrief of the uniqueness behind ‘Cultural Exchange,’ which enlightened the majority of the students to have an idea of it and its purpose equally. This introduction and debrief was led by their SOCC Liaison, Toakase Toke, followed by Shwe Thel Nway (Outreach and Engagement Officer) and the help of the officers Mabel Lynn (President), William Ordoyo (Vice President), and Ace (Treasurer/Secretary).

Following the preview session on the instructions for their enjoyable activities (Map Pinning, Cultural Object Showcasing, and Language Exchange), the hosts encouraged the participants to form small groups and exchange information and knowledge about their unique traditional languages and objects, exploring what makes them fascinating. This map-pinning game was creative; participants revealed countries such as Myanmar, Vietnam, the Philippines, Tonga, the UK, Fiji, Kiribati, etc. Within these various countries, participants shared food, recommended places to visit, and historical monuments of each country. Most students shared information about the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, a significant Buddhist monument with a long history of legends; some shared about Tonga being the only Polynesian Kingdom that has never lost its indigenous governance. Moreover, several traditional meals were introduced, dishes acknowledged from the countries of Fiji and Kiribati called “kokoda,” made from local fresh fish, marinated in lime juice, and served with zingy salad. “Roro,” a traditional Kiribati beverage made from the sap of the coconut palm, was also highlighted.

The ISC then distributed each participant’s meal while the participants actively socialized, learning more about each other’s traditions and cultural backgrounds. Further, the officers wrapped up the event with a massive “Thank You” to appreciate everyone’s time there.

This event was sponsored by the Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC) and the Center of Student Life and Leadership Development. The International Student Club is part of the International Student Program (ISP), a branch of the Global Learning Programs and Services Division. ISP will continue providing services and programs for international students and the Skyline College community. If you want to learn more about future ISP programs and events, contact the ISP office at skyinternational@smccd.edu.

Article by Toakase Toke

Photos by William Ordoyo

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