Get Involved

The IESC believes that cross-cultural understanding is an important part of being a citizen of the world. Coffee hour is a time to learn about different cultures from around the world. It is one of the opportunities where international and American students gather to highlight their cultures. Come join us for Coffee Hour!

Student Panels for an International Curriculum and Education (SPICE) allows international students to present information and share experiences from their home country in CSUN classrooms and with a variety of groups in the community. After students have applied and have been accepted to the program, they will attend a training session and can begin signing up for SPICE presentations.

Do you want to SPICE up your academic experience by helping students learn about different cultural points of view? Apply to be a SPICE panelist! If you are interested in becoming a panelist, contact Rebecca Spector at rebecca.spector@csun.edu.

SPICE is a program sponsored by the International and Exchange Student Center (IESC) at CSUN. The SPICE Program consists of a diverse group of international students who are available to present information on the topics that professors teach in their classes. For each panel presentation, there are typically three international students, each representing a different country, who present information from the perspective of their home country and culture.

Sample presentations

• Intercultural communication: verbal and nonverbal communication in other countries.
• Environmental geology: earthquakes and volcanoes, pollution and water quality.
• Sociology of gender and sex: gender roles and status of women in other countries.
• Health science (women and health): Women's health care in other countries.

Feedback from SPICE student participants

"The program gave me the opportunity to have more public speaking experiences which will lead me to be a better speaker. It also made me aware of other important issues around me and improved my research and analysis skills which are vital in college."
"I had the opportunity to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds and address important issues. This is a good way to gain a better understanding of how to work in an international environment."

If you are interested in learning more about the SPICE program, contact Rebecca Spector at rebecca.spector@csun.edu today!

Testimonials

Thanks for sending the panel, they were wonderful. The students loved it. I had Aaron Robinson from Car and Driver Magazine out Tuesday. The SPICE panel was a bigger hit. Aaron brought props — a car and a Lexus replica. The panel did a great job.
—Professor Michelle Hofmann

Thank you for a tremendous program! These speakers were the best student speakers I've ever had in any class. The students enjoyed this very much.
—Professor George Lough

The speakers this morning were GREAT! The SPICE input was very valuable.
—Professor Janet Marquard-Tormey

I think the SPICE Program is an amazing program. They all had great and interesting stories to tell about their cultures and also were all very proud to be part of the program. I think the most common comment I heard from my students was "I wasn't aware of that". I will definitely continue to request presentations for my class.
—Professor Samar Makarem

I thought the presentations were awesome and I could tell that my students loved them as well. They were very open, very honest, and allowed us to ask whatever we wanted. I'm definitely asking SPICE to come back to my classes. What an unexpected treat!
—Professor Frankie Augustin

The students and I really appreciated the SPICE presentation, because we learned so much from the panel. I've never seen my students so engaged during a presentation! It was a great experience for everyone and I will definitely have the SPICE panel return in the future.
—Professor Sally Kassamanian

My class thoroughly enjoyed the three presenters from India, Tibet and Peru. Each presenter highlighted the unique characteristics of their home culture and made interesting connections to their worlds and the U.S. My students were thoroughly engaged in the discussions and inspired by their courage to come and share their experiences with us. Thank you so much for this program—it is wonderful!
—Professor Lisa Riccomini

All three of the speakers that came to my class for the SPICE presentation were beyond outstanding! This was the best SPICE panel I've ever had in a class, by far. My students learned so much.
—Professor Bridget Sampson

At California State University, Northridge (CSUN), the International Student Community Club is a lively hub for cultural exchange and international connection. We offer a welcoming space for students from diverse backgrounds to bond and celebrate their unique traditions. Our engaging activities include “Movie Nights”, showcasing global films, and the “Travel Signature Event”, which assists with essential travel documentation. These events provide both entertainment and valuable support for our international students.

The club also partners with the Career Center to offer workshops on crafting effective cover letters and resumes, aiding members in their professional development. Through collaborations with other student organizations, we enhance our community’s impact and inclusivity. Special events at the International and Exchange Student Center (IESC) further enrich the CSUN experience with cultural festivals and discussions.

In addition to campus activities, we organize outdoor adventures like hiking trips to the Hollywood Sign and Porter Ranch, as well as camping excursions. These activities promote physical wellness and offer opportunities to forge lasting friendships. We encourage all students to join us, register for ISC, and become a part of our vibrant international community

Hello! I’m Uday D. Khillare, an international student from Maharashtra, India, and I’m proud to serve as the President of the International Student Community Club at CSUN. I’m currently studying Engineering Management, combining technical skills with leadership to make a positive impact. Outside of academics, I love singing, playing guitar, and cooking for friends.

Alongside my role as president, I am a Student Assistant at the International and Exchange Student Center (IESC), where I support fellow international students and enhance their campus experience. I’m committed to fostering a strong sense of community and am excited to work with my peers to build an inclusive environment at CSUN.

November 18th to 22nd 

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This is a joint initiative by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education as a part of their efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

For questions, please contact: Apisda Konkankit at apisda.konkankit@csun.edu

Requests for accommodation services (e.g., sign language interpreters or transcribers) must be made at least five (5) business days in advance.  Please contact Jessica Skanes at jessica.skanes@csun.edu no less than five (5) business days prior to your desired session to request that accommodation services be provided.

Check out our events and webinars page to see the planned events for this years International Education Week!

Campus resources to help you engage with the CSUN community. https://www.csun.edu/student-success/student-engagement-support

CSUN with a HEART
Addressing Hunger/Homeless and Emergency needs with Assistance and Resources Together

CSUN Food Pantry
Provides emergency nourishment and basic necessities at no cost to CSUN students, faculty, and staff. Supplies food and offers food program assistance to those who are without reliable access to affordable, nutritious food.

Housing Instability Project
A listing of resources available to help and support students who may be experiencing homelessness and are looking for housing services.

University Counseling Services
Provides a variety of free short term counseling services to students, including individual counseling, crisis intervention, group and workshops, and psychiatric consultation.