Global Conversations
Global Conversations is an undergraduate-led project that facilitates conversations between BC students and students from universities around the world about topical current events.
Initiated in 2021, Global Conversations is a student-led project at Boston College that seeks to connect BC students with those around the world through informal yet meaningful dialogue. Through a series of in-person and Zoom conversations on politics, security, religion, climate justice, and global cultures, we hope to cultivate open-mindedness and to encourage our participants to develop a holistic understanding of the world today.
At Global Conversations, we firmly believe in the power of intercultural dialogue in promoting cosmopolitanism, mutual understanding, and open-mindedness. We seek to provide an environment where students are able to converse freely and be inspired by those from all corners of the world.
28
Countries to connect with
150+
Conversations conducted
34
University partnerships
Conversations
Our engaging conversations welcome anyone and everyone regardless of their major, opinions, or prior knowledge. We want to hear from you and our peers so that we can learn more together—both as a Boston College community and an international community, too! Conversations focus primarily on four themes that correspond with the tracks of the BC International Studies Program. Some of our conversations will have overlapping themes.
Themes
Conversations around cooperation and conflict will feature topics pertaining to geopolitics, security, strategy, and regional studies. Some examples include the war in Ukraine, the South China Sea, rising tensions in the Middle East, NATO, ASEAN, and other international organizations.
Past conversations:
- “Information and Misinformation in the Digital Era”
- “The Nature of War and the Future of War”
- “Southeast Asia Security in the 21st Century”
Conversations around ESJ will feature topics relating to justice and injustice, equity and equality, and morality in international events.
Past conversations:
- “What is Happening in Iran?”
- “State of the Climate: Oceans & Marine Life”
- “Why Boycott the Qatar World Cup?”
The broadest and most diverse theme of the project, GC features conversations around music, traditions, festivals, food, globalization, and citizenship.
Past conversations:
- “Blind Spots of Globalization”
- “Language and Identity in the Former Soviet Union”
- “The Good Citizen and the Global Citizen”
- “Different Traditions of the Lunar New Year”
Conversations in this theme will focus primarily on subjects such as the global economy, sustainable development, trade, and international organizations.
Past conversations:
- “BRICS, SCO, and the Future of the Liberal World Order”
- “The State of the Japanese Yen”
- “Prospects of Chile's Lithium Mining Industry in the Wake of New Energies and Electric Vehicles”
“I really enjoyed our conversation about what it means to be a good citizen locally and globally. I was impressed by how much diversity we had in the room and how willing everyone was to share their experiences.”
Positions
If you're passionate about creating global dialogue about current events, join the Global Conversations team!
Theme Leaders fit into one of the four themes that correspond with the tracks of the BC International Studies Program. Once placed into a theme, you would help construct conversation topics according to what is relevant to our world today, and reach out to different Boston College international programs and/or international universities to collaborate. All with the support of your fellow undergraduate peers.
The Newsletter team orchestrates our weekly update to all things Global Conversations, and even the greater International Studies Department at Boston College. This newsletter is a great way to share important events while gaining experience in communication, marketing, and teamwork.
The Social Media team creates regular posts on social media platforms, primarily Instagram, by which conversations and events are advertised. This department is another great way to gain marketing and media experience.
“I walked in with one perspective about patriotism; I walked out with a different understanding of what it can mean to be patriotic while still being critical of the shortcomings of our country.”
People
Rongwei Zhu
President
Class of 2024
Major/Minor: International Studies; History
Rylie O’Neil
Co-Chair
Class of 2024
Major/Minor: International Studies; Marketing
Vincent Sablich
Co-Chair
Class of 2024
Major/Minor: International Studies; Theology; Russian Studies
Isabella Butler
Social Media
Class of 2026
Major/Minor: International Studies; Business
Delphine Gareau
Newsletter
Class of 2026
Major/Minor: International Studies; Environmental Studies & Religion and American Public Life
Brassil Moran
Newsletter
Class of 2026
Major/Minor: International Studies; English
Mario Ronco
Conversation Facilitator
Class of 2024
Major/Minor: International Studies; Religion and American Public Life
Daisy Patrick
Secretary
Class of 2024
Major/Minor: International Studies; Finance
Reed Boscoe
Conversation Facilitator
Class of 2025
Major/Minor: International Studies; Finance
Meg Friday
Conversation Leader
Class of 2026
Major/Minor: History and Political Science; Business
Dany Arenas
Conversation Leader
Class of 2025
Major/Minor: Economics; International Studies
Boyu (Ethan) Shen
Conversation Leader
Class of 2026
Major/Minor: Economics; Math
Lia Snyder
Content Creator
Class of 2024
Major/Minor: International Studies; French
Neil Li
Theme Leader
Class of 2025
Major/Minor: International Studies
Sophia Sohn
Theme Leader
Class of 2026
Major/Minor: International Studies; Managing for Social Impact