At the International Coffee Hour, students come together to discuss their international travels and foreign homelands.

Sponsored by the UD International Club, the International Learning Community and the Center for International Programs, the Coffee Hour is a way to experience different cultures, and their customs and traditions.

'It's for all different types of people to interact, and to educate the campus on various cultures,' said Tricia Penno, international communications coordinator. 'The Coffee Hour is a very safe environment where you can really learn a lot about other places, and international students can benefit just as much from Western students.'

The program has recently moved to Alumni Hall, which includes rooms which can be reserved via Lotus Notes for cultural events. Moreover, the facility has reception areas and other equipment to service the UD international clubs.

'The Coffee Hour is just a small part of the Center for International Programs, but a good way to introduce people to these other cultures,' Penno said.

In the most recent session, speaker Rana Almakabi, from Saudi Arabia, discussed the traditions of Ramadan.

'Ramadan is a time when people don't eat, don't drink, prohibit themselves from cursing and try to stay out of trouble,' Almakabi said. 'A lot of people try to purify themselves during this time.'

She has benefited greatly from these meetings and has learned similarities between various cultures.

'I started to understand other cultures more deeply, and a lot of times when we do things we have the same purpose,' she said.

To show her culture and the time of Ramadan, Almakabi presented photos of the celebrations, fireworks, holiday events, foods and performers.

'Sometimes people don't realize the similarities we share from various parts of the world, Almakabi said. 'Ramadan and fasting is similar to Lent, and Nasfa is just the same as Halloween. It really supports awareness. A lot of students have questions, and the wrong idea about Muslims and traditions.'

She has been here for nine months, and through Lindsey Cuadros, her residential coordinator in the International Living Community, was encouraged to present at the International Coffee Hour.

'The International Living Community is about 44 American international students living together in Gardens Apartments on Stewart Street' Cuadros said.

This is the first year for the International Living Community; it has students from eight countries including Saudi Arabia, Thailand, China, France, Finland and Bulgaria.

Residents participate in movie nights, international dinners, panel discussions and other unique living experiences that create new perceptions for students involved.

'The International Living Community and Coffee Hour are just some aspects of the whole International Program to help bring students closer, and to gain a better understanding of each other,' Cuadros said.

Cuadros has studied abroad in Spain, backpacked in Australia, went on an Eastern European tour and will be leading a Spring BreakOut tour to the Dominican Republic.

'The Coffee Hour provides a way for people to learn about a mix of cultures, American and international, and supports Dayton's International Learning Community,' Cuadros said.

Previous meetings included 'Backpacking in Australia,' and speaker Ilkka Apunen, from Finland, who discussed his experiences and traditions from his homeland and his time in Dayton.

The next Coffee Hour meeting will be Nov. 14, in the World Exchange in Alumni Hall Room 12, with the topic, 'My Home: Vietnam.'

'The Coffee Hour is a good program because it really lets you see something about other cultures that you may not know,' Almakabi said.

Faculty, staff members and students are welcome to hear stories, ask questions and learn about places they are not as familiar with.

'If you're interested in internationalism and learning about other cultures, then the Coffee Hour is a great way to begin,' Penno said.