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Intercultural Programs and Organizations

  • Global Friendship Program

    Every year, hundreds of global students come to Gannon to pursue an academic program or learn English yet many of them never experience an American home. The Global Friendship Program seeks to bridge  that gap by matching participating students with local community members. 

    Ice Cream Social

    Program Objectives:

    • Facilitate friendship and create a sense of belonging within the Erie community for program participants.
    • Promote cultural exchange and understanding by encouraging the sharing of ideas, traditions, and knowledge between people of diverse backgrounds.
    • Give global students an opportunity to explore life beyond the Gannon campus and practice their English.
    • Supplement OGSSE's efforts to help global students adjust to college and American culture.

    The Global Friendship Program provides informal opportunities for global students to connect with volunteer community members. Students enjoy a connection to the city they might not otherwise experience. For community members, this is an exciting opportunity to learn about another culture while helping global students transition to their home away from home.

    Please note that this is not a homestay program. Global students live on or around campus and join community members in activities that expose them to aspects of American culture, such as sharing a meal, going to an event, or exploring Presque Isle Peninsula (for more ideas, see page 8 of the handbook!). Community members have no financial obligation to the student or Gannon University. 

    For full program details, including expectations, please review the Global Friendship Program Handbook.

    Global students interested in being considered for participation in the Global Friendship Program, please complete this online application: https://forms.office.com/r/B529Z7XSCPA.

    Community members, please complete this online application: https://forms.office.com/r/Xxe4q449kc.

    *Please note, first semester students will be given priority placement in the program. Placement with a community member is not guaranteed. Additionally, not all applicants may be a good fit for this program.  

    International Night

    A unique event to share food from cultures around the globe. Guests also enjoy a display of cultural performances from students and community members.

    • International Night Piano
    • International Night Stage
    • International Night on Stage
    • International Night
    • International Night Food

    Student Organizations