Get Connected
Check out some of the ways you can get connected with the global student community at Biola!
Global Student Lounge
The Global Student Lounge, located in the upper level of the Student Union Building, is a “home away from home” for Biola global students. The spacious lounge features desks for individual and group studying, cozy couches, a TV with video game equipment, a microwave, refrigerator, and snack bar, and more!
"One of my favorite spaces is the GSE lounge, specifically when it is slightly busy. It feels like the coziest of living rooms, filled with all of your siblings chatting, playing piano, gaming on the couch, and studying in the corner. For those of us who can’t go home on weekends or for Christmas break, having that space and environment act as an extension of family means the world, and now, many of my closest friendships are with the international population at Biola.”
GSE Programming
Events
We have a variety of fun events planned each semester, often involving food! Check out our events calendar to stay up to date.
MK/TCK Events
You may be a MK (Missionary Kid) or TCK (Third-Culture Kid)…
- If "Where is home?" is a hard question for you
- If you can order food in several languages or your favorite restaurants are on different continents
- If you have often had to convert the imperial system to the metric system or Celsius to Fahrenheit to understand the world
- If the terms “global nomad,” “cultural chameleon,” and “ex-pat” mean something to you
- If you sometimes feel culturally rootless or have trouble identifying with or embracing a single culture.
We have resources and a community for you here! MK/TCK-specific events happen about once a month each semester.
Graduate Student Events
Global grad students are welcome to all GSE events, but we will also have grad student-specific events 2-3 times each semester! Keep an eye on the GSE newsletter for announcements.
Community Groups
Community groups are global-student specific small groups that meet regularly to connect, share and listen to one another’s stories, and grow together. This is one of the best ways to find and build deep friendships with other global students! Community groups are open to new members for a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. Make sure to keep an eye out for sign-ups in the GSE Lounge and newsletter!
Coffee Hour
Once a week, swing by the Global Student Lounge to grab a cup of coffee, inspired by a different cultural recipe each week!Guests taste their creations and vote for the winner.
Leadership Team
GSE develops and empowers student leaders to serve the Biola global student community. Applications for leadership positions open each February.
GSE Traditions
Night of Thankfulness
Our annual global Friendsgiving, featuring both traditional American Thanksgiving foods and cultural foods from all over the world. Formal and/or cultural attire is encouraged!
Meet the Neighbors
A cultural highlight fair where global students can host a table showcasing their home country through food and drinks, games and activities, clothing and decor, and more! This beloved tradition happens each spring semester and is GSE’s largest event of the year.
Global Voices Chapel
GSE hosts a chapel once a semester, featuring multilingual worship and global student speakers. If you have musical talents and would like to help lead worship for one of these chapels, keep an eye on the GSE newsletter and Instagram for announcements about how to participate.
Stay Informed
The best way to be aware of upcoming events, important announcements, and helpful resources is by subscribing to the weekly GSE Newsletter and following the GSE Instagram.