Chico U.N.I.T.E. Club
A Day in the Life
Written by: Noah Ferns
March 2010
Yesterday was another usual day for me at Chico State University: I feebly attempted to speak French with my friend from Madagascar on our way to get some coffee, we ran in to our mutual friend from South Africa while he was working at the campus bike center. When we arrived at the coffee shop, several Korean friends waved at us from across the room. We sat down, and I sent a text message to my friend from Ireland inviting her join us. Later, walking with two Brazilian students, I heard mutterings of Arabic and Japanese as we headed to class. For me, it is impossible not to be exposed and surrounded by dozens of people from around the world at this campus.
When two former Chico State students, Bryan Enrici and Katie Walker, returned from studying abroad, they proposed an idea to create a venue that would bridge cultures and people here at Chico State. In 2007, they established the student club Universal Networks in Travel and Education (U.N.I.T.E.). U.N.I.T.E. is an international networking club, bringing together international and U.S. students for academic, cultural and professional development as well as social interaction. It is designed for both American and international students to form friendships.
To kick off this year, the first event put on by U.N.I.T.E. was a cricket match taught by natives from India, Sri Lanka and South Africa which over 50 students from several countries attended. November marked International Education Week, where U.N.I.T.E. hosted a trivia night and put on a potluck on campus where each student prepared a dish from their native country. U.N.I.T.E. hosts an International Career Series, where professionals involved in international fields hold discussions to answer questions about their work and experience. U.N.I.T.E. is thankful to have had Jocelyn Roberts this February, who spoke about her experience working with community based programs in Indonesia, Cambodia and Japan as well as her expertise in health education and disaster relief. Other events have included salsa dance nights, sushi making, resume workshops, international movie nights, and study group sessions.
These days, U.N.I.T.E. is stronger than ever as officers and members discuss exciting new ideas and directions for the club. One of the primary goals this semester for U.N.I.T.E. is to create a network of past and present members around the world for the purposes of both professional and social networking. If a U.N.I.T.E. member is traveling to China for example, we hope that that student can connect with former and current members from China to seek advice, a place to stay, or professional or social networking. Ultimately, U.N.I.T.E. is expanding rapidly and gaining new members every month. Everyone is excited for its direction, and it is a great asset in bridging cultures and people from around the world here at Chico State. If you have any questions or would like to be added to the mailing list, find us on Facebook by looking up "Chico State U.N.I.T.E." or contacting us at chicounite@gmail.com.
Editor's Note: Fall 2010: Noah is currently studying in France as on a Fulbright Scholarship.