Join CIRCLE to chat, learn, and exchange ideas with your peers from around the world! The weekly discussion series consists of seven topics that rotate each week between cultural and academic themes including tips and strategies to accelerate your adjustment to living in the U.S. and ways to boost your academic productivity. You will leave each session with new knowledge, different perspectives, helpful tips and strategies, resources for future learning or development, and most importantly, friendships that could last longer than your educational journey at the UW.
In Spring 2024, the academic and cultural themes include:
- Learning about U.S. Sports Culture: Basketball and March Madness
- Boosting Your GPA: Timeliness for Academic Success
- Places to Visit: Discovering Seattle in Spring
- Fundamental Interviewing Techniques
- Exploring Coffee Culture
- Understanding Idioms in Cross-Cultural Communication
- Holiday Traditions and Celebrations: 4th of July
After each discussion, you will leave each session with new knowledge, different perspectives, helpful tips and strategies, resources for future learning or development, and most importantly, friendships that could last longer than your educational journey at the UW. By clicking on the links in the schedule below you can see more details about the sessions and access the registration link. You can also access the registration link for all the spring quarter discussions in the button below.
Date and Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m. (from April 4 to May 16)
Location: Schmitz Hall 250 (CIRCLE office) unless otherwise defined.
**Light snacks and beverages provided at each discussion.
Schedule Overview
Learning about U.S. Sports Culture Basketball and March Madness
Score a slam dunk into cultural insights! This discussion is an excellent opportunity for international students to delve into the heart of U.S. sports enthusiasm, understanding not just the game of basketball, but also the cultural phenomenon of March Madness, which sweeps the nation every spring. By participating, you’ll not only grasp the rules and excitement of the game but also appreciate how this annual event fosters community and school spirit across the United States.
** Light snacks and beverages (hot and cold) are provided.
Where: Schmitz Hall, 250
Boosting Your GPA Timeliness and Academic Success
Timeliness for class, assignments, deadlines, and scheduled appointments are considered a reflection of your discipline and character in U.S. academic spaces. Time is considered a priority, that many seem to hold to, setting up time to meet friends and colleagues alike. How does your concept of time fit in? Come discuss the concept of time in the context of the U.S. and share your experiences and expectations of time based on your home culture.
** Light snacks and beverages (hot and cold) are provided.
Where: Schmitz Hall 250
Places to Visit Discovering Seattle in the Spring
When the birds start chirping and the sun starts to peak through the clouds, you know it is spring in Seattle, and it’s time to go out! Come discuss the many places, spaces, and adventures that are awaiting you in the streets of Seattle. Share your experiences with discovering the city you are living in and your favorite spots from both at home and in Washington.
** Light snacks and beverages (hot and cold) are provided.
Where: Schmitz Hall, 250
Fundamental Interviewing Techniques
Interviews are a key part of applying for graduate school, internships, and jobs. Have you had an interview before? How was your experience? Come and share what your experiences or perceptions are towards interviews, what an interview is like from your home culture, and discuss techniques to prepare and be successful in an interview.
** Light snacks and beverages (hot and cold) are provided.
Where: Schmitz Hall, 250
Exploring Coffee Culture
Did you know that Seattle is known for its long history with coffee? Coffee shops seem to be on every corner and are great places to study, spend time with friends, and, of course, drink coffee! What experience do you have with coffee in your home culture? Come learn about the history of coffee in Seattle and discuss the coffee culture around the world today.
** Light snacks and beverages (hot and cold) are provided.
Where: Schmitz Hall, 250
Understanding Idioms in Cross-cultural Communication
Seattle is always raining cats and dogs! It’s not actually raining animals, but Americans often use this idiom (a figure of speech) to express that it is raining hard. Idioms exist in every language as a unique way to express our thoughts and everyday experiences. In English many people use idioms when communicating in and outside of the classroom, which may be confusing and even make you laugh. Come join us to share how these phrases can be a bridge that connects us together by sharing our similar cross-cultural experiences.
** Light snacks and beverages (hot and cold) are provided.
Where: Schmitz Hall, 250
Holiday Traditions and Celebrations: 4th of July (Independence Day)
Come dive into the spirit of tradition and festivity! We will explore the 4th of July, an essential part of American heritage that resonates with freedom, unity, and celebration. From the crackle of fireworks lighting up the sky to the joy of community parades and the warmth of family barbecues, our discussion will enrich your understanding of American culture. Join us to learn about the historical significance behind this holiday and the ways the 4th of July brings people together.
** Light snacks and beverages (hot and cold) are provided.
Where: Schmitz Hall, 250
Weekly Discussion Facilitators:
Mellot Samuel is a Program Assistant at CIRCLE. She currently is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in International Studies, with a minor in African Studies. In addition to her major, she is currently studying two languages, Japanese and Swahili. Mellot was born and raised in Seattle, WA.
Samuel Lam is a Program Assistant at CIRCLE. He currently is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Business with concentrations in HR, Finance, and Information Systems. Samuel was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to the US in high school. He likes to travel and collect Starbucks cups from different cities and countries.
Heidi Nguyen is a Program Assistant at CIRCLE. She currently is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Public Health-Global Health and is interested in working in the healthcare field. She has a love for traveling and trying different cuisines. Heidi is a Vietnamese American born and raised in Seattle, WA.
Ziyan Bai, Ph.D. is the Assistant Director of Graduate Programs at CIRCLE. She is dedicated to promoting the holistic success of students in higher education. She has over 9 years of professional experience leading professional development workshops for students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Ziyan received both her master’s and Ph.D. degrees in higher education leadership and policy studies from the UW.
Background of CIRCLE Fast Track Weekly Discussion Series:
In winter 2023, CIRCLE launched a weekly discussion series to better prepare international undergraduate and graduate students with knowledge and skills for a smoother transition to U.S. academic and social life. As international students coming from different cultural and educational backgrounds, your past experiences inform how you adjust to the U.S. and the University of Washington. Each quarter, CIRCLE Fast Track weekly discussion series highlight different topics each week that are the most relevant to student academic, social and cultural life.
Previous Quarter Schedule Overview
Protests in the U.S.: The Origins and Perspectives
What are protests and why do they happen? A multifaceted form of advocacy, protests, are rooted in the founding principles of the United States. Join us to discuss the cultural phenomenon of protests and their origins. Share your experiences and perspectives of protests and the purpose they serve in society.
Highlighting Experiences for Your Resume
Making your resume stand out to employers, one that highlights your capability and experience, is a vital first step through the door to getting any job or internship. Sometimes it can be difficult to showcase your skills; nonetheless, a resume is your opportunity to communicate your foundation. We welcome you to join us in sharing relevant experiences for your resume and discussing how to make your skills shine in the job or internship search process.
Greek Life: The Mystery and the Appeal
Step into the mysterious world of Greek life, as we invite you to an enlightening discussion that goes beyond stereotypes. Join us to explore behind the curtains of fraternity and sorority culture, providing a firsthand account of someone in UW’s Greek life. This discussion aims to uncover the complexities of Greek life, delving into its rich history while confronting controversial issues. Share what you have heard, experienced, or thought about Greek life at the UW.
Presenting Your Online Professional Persona
Are you interested in building your public networks and profiles? In the digital age, crafting your professional profile is a key to making connections and success in your career. Come discuss the programs and platforms you use to engage with potential employers and discover helpful practices in expanding your network. Consider how you would build networks and connections in your home country compared to the U.S., and share the core values you want your public persona to present.
Exploring Tea Culture
Tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a global language of hospitality, culture, and tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or new to the wonders of this global beverage, this discussion is a perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of tea and its role in different cultures. From the green tea ceremonies of Japan to the spiced chai of India, each cup tells a unique story. Bring your curiosity, your favorite tea stories, and be ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the world of tea.
Effective Email Communication
Dear Students,
In the U.S., email is the most common form of written communication in the academic and professional world. We welcome you to join us in discussing how to write emails to teachers, faculty members, or resource centers more efficiently and with confidence, considering tone, timing, and how to address each individual based on your relationship with them. We look forward to seeing you this week!
Sincerely,
CIRCLE Team
Holiday Traditions and Celebrations: St. Patrick’s Day
Do you want to know what’s at the end of a rainbow? Well… it is a bucket of gold! A bucket of gold is associated with St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday celebrated by the Irish both in Ireland and across many countries, including the U.S. This day celebrates Irish folklore, history, and religion and showcases how immigrants have spread their cultures in America, contributing to the diversity of its people today. We invite you to learn new traditions, share your thoughts, and reflect on your own cultural celebrations similar to St. Patrick’s Day.
| Week | Date/Time | Category | Topic |
| Week 2 | Oct 04 (Wed), 4:00-5:00 p.m. | Cultural/Social | Making Connections via Small Talk |
| Week 3 | Oct 11 (Wed), 4:00-5:00 p.m. | Academic | Tips to Kick off a Successful Academic Year |
| Week 4 | Oct 18 (Wed),4:00-5:00 p.m. | Cultural/Social | Learning about U.S. Sports Culture |
| Week 5 | Oct 25 (Wed), 4:00-5:00 p.m. | Academic | Making the Most of Office Hours |
| Week 6 | Nov 01 (Wed), 4:00-5:00 p.m. | Cultural/Social | Places to Visit: Museums |
| Week 7 | Nov 08 (Wed), 4:00-5:00 p.m. | Academic | Educational Experience Around the World |
| Week 8 | Nov 15 (Wed),4:00-5:00 p.m. | Cultural/Social | Holiday Traditions and Celebrations: Thanksgiving |
| Week | Date/Time | Category | Topic |
| Week 2 | April 5 (Wed) | Cultural/Social | Holiday Traditions and Celebrations: Easter |
| Week 3 | April 12 (Wed) | Academic | The Art of Saying No |
| Week 4 | April 19 (Wed) | Cultural/Social | Discovering Parks in Seattle |
| Week 5 | April 26 (Wed) | Academic | Goal Setting and Planning |
| Week 6 | May 3 (Wed) | Cultural/Social | Exploring Coffee Culture |
| Week 7 | May 10 (Wed) | Academic | Fundamental Interviewing Techniques |
| Week 8 | May 17 (Wed) | Cultural/Social | Balancing Finances as a Student |
| Week | Date/Time | Category | Topic |
| Week 2 | 1/12 (Thu) | Academic | Making the Most of Office Hours |
| Week 3 | 1/19 (Thu) | Cultural/Social | Making Connections via Small Talk |
| Week 4 | 1/26 (Thu) | Academic | Successful Participation in Class |
| Week 5 | 2/2 (Thu) | Cultural/Social | Learning about U.S. Sports Culture |
| Week 6 | 2/9 (Thu) | Academic | Effective Email Communication |
| Week 7 | 2/16 (Thu) | Cultural/Social | Exploring Food in the U.S. |
| Week 8 | 2/23 (Thu) | Academic | Writing in the U.S. University |