When Kan Towongsricharoen of Thailand came to Sacramento State, he hoped to make new friends. So, he joined the International Student Association this semester to do just that.

“Us international students have little chance to make friends, because of the language barrier,” Towongsricharoen said. “We study a lot and it’s kind of boring, so this club is a good way for us to talk. I want students from all over to join so we can continue to have fun.”

The International Student Association was formed this summer by three computer science majors. It acts as a resource, support and site of social activities to connect current international students with each other, other domestic students and faculty or staff interested in meeting international students.

“We used to have an International Student Association here on campus, but not since 2002,” Tracey Culbertson, international student advisor, said. “We hope that this creates a sort of pseudo-family for overseas students. That is really what we want it to be.”

President Winata Lay, Vice President Tsz-Kin Kwong and Treasurer Tuan Le started the club to provide social support in and out of the classroom while creating a comfortable atmosphere for international students to share their experiences and learn about different cultures.

Lay chose the club’s slogan to be “Unity in Diversity,” an Indonesian motto referring to its thousands of islands, separate languages and cultures, while still being united as a nation. “It’s similar to international students here,” Lay said. “It’s been interesting being president and having your own knowledge to share. It’s a good experience.”

There are approximately 45 members representing 18 different countries and five continents in the club. There are two club meetings a month in the University Union and a movie night.

Last month’s movie was an introduction to American comedy with “Dodgeball.” This month the club plans to have a scary focus, most likely viewing a Japanese inspired scary film like “The Ring.” Next month will probably be an international comedy, since most members wanted to watch a comedy.

The club has a website that is updated daily with all the necessary information. Membership is free. Other projects and possible trips are still in the planning stage.

“If you meet someone from Hong Kong here, you know next time you travel there, they can be your guide,” Kwong said. “Friendship will be global next time around.”

“This club can create lasting global friendships, knowing other people that have gone through the same experiences,” Culbertson said. “Anyone can join. Our main focus is recruiting international students and helping anyone that wants to get involved. We just want people to come and enjoy themselves.”

Culbertson and club officials emphasized that the club is growing. New members are strongly encouraged to get involved. According to Culbertson, there are 500 international students on campus, representing over 120 countries, so it is fitting that the club continues to develop. “We are still really new,” Culbertson said. “I think our officials are learning a lot about business practices and organization.”

“It’s a ‘world united’ thing,” Lay said. “One club, and you get to meet students from all over.”ISA is structured to encourage awareness and understanding of other cultures while sharing cultural experiences or information with the Sac State community. Members are encouraged to learn from and contribute to the cultural exchange.

“One of our main goals is to share culture. To bring something from a specific country and share what they have,” Lay said. “Our club is not politics. It shouldn’t be just one mind. It’s about sharing and meeting new people.”

Twenty-five members attended and shared food from different cultures while building friendships and having safe, open discussions about their different cultures, customs and ideas at a club barbeque on Sept. 30.

To join ISA, go to the Office of Global Education located in Lassen Hall, Room 2304, and pick up a pamphlet. Return it to the Associated Students Office and an ISA officer will contact you regarding the next meeting.

Galen Kusic can be reached at [email protected]