Stories That Connect Us: ISSC’s Creative Expression Workshops (30–31 July 2025)

As part of the 21st Century Skills Program under the Soft Skill Enhancement Project, the International Student Services Center (ISSC) organized two enriching workshops on 30–31 July 2025 at the VIP Room, CMU Office. These activities aimed to foster creativity, intercultural understanding, and community building among Thai and international students.

On Wednesday, 30 July 2025, the center hosted Story Circle Connections: An Introduction, a session designed to help students develop intercultural competence and express personal narratives in a safe, supportive setting. Participants shared real-life experiences, listened to diverse voices, and reflected on themes such as belonging, identity, and cultural adaptation. The story circle method encouraged empathy and deep listening, reinforcing the power of storytelling in building cross-cultural connections.

The following day, on Thursday, 31 July 2025, ISSC held The Art of Micro-Fiction, a creative writing workshop that challenged students to craft impactful stories in just a few words. Through guided writing exercises, students explored the structure and rhythm of ultra-short fiction while experimenting with language and literary style. The session helped improve communication and critical thinking skills while allowing for personal and cultural expression.

Both workshops drew enthusiastic participation and sparked meaningful conversations, reinforcing ISSC’s goal of supporting students’ growth through both creative and interpersonal development.

Looking ahead, ISSC continues its mission to offer dynamic, student-centered programs. Upcoming events include:

🌏 Film Club: Pan’s Labyrinth – Wednesday, 6 August 2025 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Join us for a screening and discussion of Guillermo del Toro’s acclaimed dark fantasy, exploring symbolism, storytelling, and cultural themes.

🌏 Game Night: Scattergories – Thursday, 7 August 2025 | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Connect with new friends and test your creativity in this fast-paced word game.

Students are encouraged to register in advance at https://form.jotform.com/251739351340454 and follow our Line OA: https://lin.ee/jy87foH for updates. All students are warmly welcome to participate and continue building a vibrant and inclusive CMU campus community.