Coffee Across Cultures Hour
Source: https://isss.illinois.edu/get-involved/experiences/cac/ Parent: https://isss.illinois.edu/get-involved/
Coffee Across Cultures Hour is a monthly Global and Intercultural Experiences program that brings together members of the Illinois community to explore global themes and shared experiences through conversation, learning, and connection. Designed as both an engaging and welcoming space, each session combines light informational content with interactive activities and dedicated time for participants to connect socially across cultures.
Each Coffee Across Cultures Hour centers on a different theme related to culture, everyday life, traditions, or shared human experiences. Sessions typically include a brief presentation to introduce the topic, followed by guided discussion, interactive prompts, and opportunities for informal conversation. Over coffee, tea, and pastries, participants are invited to share perspectives, listen to others’ stories, and build connections across backgrounds, roles, and lived experiences.
Coffee Across Cultures Hour is intentionally accessible and informal. Participants may choose how actively they engage, whether through discussion, listening, or simply enjoying the shared space.
Who Should Attend
Coffee Across Cultures Hour is free and open to all members of the Illinois community, including:
- International and domestic undergraduate and graduate students
- Scholars and postdoctoral researchers
- Faculty and staff
- Campus and community members
Spring 2026 Topics
Sessions will be held on select Thursdays from 12:30–1:50 PM at the Siebel Center for Design.
Below is an overview of upcoming Coffee Across Cultures Hour topics for the semester. For dates, locations, registration details, and the most up-to-date information, please visit the Events Calendar, where you can also explore additional Global and Intercultural Experiences.
January 22 – Seasonal Celebrations Around the World
Begin the semester with a warm and engaging conversation about how people across the globe welcome the winter season. We’ll explore holidays, New Year traditions, and other seasonal celebrations that bring communities together, sharing how different cultures find joy and meaning during this time of year.
February 12 – Love, Friendship, and Relationships Around the World
With Valentine’s week approaching, this session invites reflection on how different cultures express affection, build friendships, and understand relationships. Participants will explore traditions, expectations, and the diverse ways people form meaningful connections in a thoughtful and lighthearted discussion.
March 5 – Festivals of Spring: Renewal, Joy, and Cultural Celebrations
Spring is a season of renewal, and cultures around the world celebrate it in vibrant and meaningful ways. Join us to explore global spring festivals and the values they represent—hope, joy, reflection, and community—while sharing stories and discovering new traditions.
March 26 – Humor Across Cultures: What Makes Us Laugh?
Humor is universal, yet what makes us laugh can vary widely across cultures. This lighthearted session explores jokes, comedic styles, playful expressions, and humorous misunderstandings. Come ready to share a story or simply enjoy learning how humor connects (and sometimes confuses) us across cultures.
April 16 – Traditions of Beauty, Fashion, and Personal Style Around the World
Beauty and personal style carry unique meanings in different cultures. This session explores how people around the world express identity through clothing, color, special-occasion attire, and ideas of elegance, highlighting creativity, tradition, and cultural expression.
May 7 – Joy and Comfort: What Brings You Peace During Stressful Times?
As the semester comes to a close, this reflective and uplifting session invites participants to share the simple joys and comforting practices that bring calm during busy or stressful times. Learn how others find moments of peace and grounding across cultures and daily life.