Cultural Café
To foster multicultural diversity and awareness on campus, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the Office of Global Education sponsors a series of Cultural Cafés every semester.
Each month, students, faculty, and staff host events to celebrate the countries and cultures within the KSU community.
Everyone is welcome to attend and they're always free. See the schedule below and join us at the next one!
What to Expect: Food and Fun!
During each Cultural Café, speakers from different cultures give a short presentation. Topics often include traditions and culture, history, geography, government, art, music, theatre, food and more. In addition, the presenting students often include demonstrations of traditional songs or dances, while actively encouraging audience participation.
Perhaps the best part of Cultural Cafés is the food! The student presenters provide recipes to University Dining Services, which then makes the food for you to enjoy. Our chefs pride themselves in preparing and presenting the dishes in an authentic manner, so the hosts can offer attendees a “true taste of their home.”
See below for upcoming Cultural Cafés, check our main Events page for more activities, and visit the ISSS Instagram page for the latest notifications.
Cultural Cafés, Fall 2024
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 12:15-1:30
Country: Mauritania
Location: KSC Dining Room (218), Kent Student Center
Description: Join ISSS and the Office of Global Education for our final Cultural Café of the semester! This International Education Week, we welcome Idrissa Diakite (Master's student, Translation Studies) from Mauritania. Growing up in a multicultural environment, Idrissa acquired proficiency in four languages and is passionate about normalizing language access across systems and exploring different cultures and values. Attendees will enjoy a free lunch featuring some staples of Mauritania's cuisine and an informative presentation from Idrissa about his home country. You won't want to miss it!
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from noon-1:30
Country: Thailand
Location: KSC Dining Room (218), Kent Student Center
Description: This month, we welcome Sitang (Jamie) Jittapirom (PhD student, Cultural Foundations) from Thailand! Attendees will enjoy a free lunch featuring Stir-fried Basil Chicken, Potato Massaman Curry, Mango Sticky Rice, and Tub Tim Grob! Lunch will also feature an informative presentation from Jamie about Thailand. You won't want to miss it!
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from noon-1:30
Country: China
Location: KSC Dining Room (218), Kent Student Center
Description: Join ISSS and the Office of Global Education for our Cultural Café series! This month, we welcome the Chinese Student Association to share about their culture. Attendees will enjoy a free lunch featuring delicious samples of Chinese cuisine (including bubble tea!) and an informative presentation from the group. You won't want to miss it!
Showcase Your Culture at a Future Café
The Office of Global Education is currently scheduling cultural cafes for the 2024 Fall Semester. Are you interested in showcasing your culture? Contact International Student and Scholar Services by either phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you!
Email: isss@kent.edu
Phone: 1-330-672-7980