Office of Global and Cultural Connections

A Fun, Supportive Environment
Seton Hill University offers students from around the world a supportive environment in which to learn, live and grow. The Office of Global and Cultural Connections helps students with everything from immigration guidance to navigating campus life and adjusting to living in the United States.
Activities and Campus Life
In addition to one-on-one support, the Office of Global and Cultural Connections hosts a range of programs and events throughout the academic year. Activities include club meetings, community service projects, cultural showcases, leadership workshops, discussions of current global issues, and off-campus experiences that highlight both regional and global engagement. The office also has signature campus events and traditions, such as Fan Fest and the Bovey Memorial Soccer Game, which bring students together in celebration and reflection.
Annual Food Festival
Each fall semester, intercultural students are invited to share a favorite recipe from home during our annual Intercultural Food Festival. This event allows students, faculty, and staff to experience flavors and traditions from around the world together.
Annual Fashion Show
In the spring, the office presents its Annual Fashion Show, a creative event that celebrates cultural expression and individuality through clothing, pop-up shops, and performances. Students model traditional and modern looks that represent their heritage, creativity, and confidence, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Fan Fest
Each semester, the office collaborates with students, athletic teams, and campus partners to host Fan Fests. These events are a spirited campus tradition that brings students together to cheer on Seton Hill athletic teams while enjoying refreshments. Fan Fest events are open to all students and create an exciting, welcoming space to celebrate Griffin pride and connection.
Cultural Celebrations
Throughout the year, the Office of Global and Cultural Connections recognizes holidays, observances and cultural milestones that are meaningful to our students. Past events have included celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Ramadan and an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service; a collaborative event with the Department of Mission and Identity. Monthly heritage spotlights, storytelling sessions and campus showcases invite everyone to learn from one another’s traditions and experiences.
Programs and Initiatives
Recent initiatives through the Office of Global and Cultural Connections continue to strengthen connections and community across campus. For example, the L.I.F.T. (Learning & Inspiring Fearlessly Together) Mentorship Program pairs returning student mentors with first-year and intercultural students to help them navigate the academic and social transition to college life. Through one-on-one mentoring, monthly gatherings, and leadership development opportunities, participants build confidence, find belonging, and form meaningful relationships that often last well beyond the first year.
The office also provides student-led affinity groups where individuals can gather around shared backgrounds, interests and experiences. These groups host discussions, campus events, and creative projects that highlight student voices and celebrate identity and expression in positive ways.
Additionally, the office supports new initiatives that encourage collaboration and leadership development, such as cultural storytelling nights, peer-led dialogues and special topic workshops designed to help students grow personally and professionally while building understanding across communities.
English Language Learners
Seton Hill offers an English language course for international students or anyone interested in strengthening their English skills. In this course, students receive guidance in writing, reading, speaking and listening. Faculty provide conversational practice, help with generating writing ideas, locating main ideas within texts, developing clear sentence structure and improving grammar. Weekly conversational tutorials are also available for additional support and are open to all students, even if they are not currently enrolled in an English language course.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for international students and is provided through Seton Hill. Once students are accepted, insurance details will be shared. Please note that international student-athletes must also meet NCAA insurance requirements while participating in sports. Because medical services in the United States can be expensive, maintaining health insurance helps cover or reduce the cost of care.