SSU Criminology and Criminal Justice Club builds global connections with Swedish students’ visit
Sonoma State University’s Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) Club recently welcomed 25 students and two faculty members from Sven Eriksonsgymnasiet in Borås, Sweden, as part of a broader entrepreneurship exchange program hosted by Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). The visit provided SSU students with a valuable opportunity to engage in cross-cultural learning and explore international perspectives on criminal justice. This marks the second time in less than a year that the CCJ Club has had the opportunity to interact with students from Sweden.
The CCJ Club organized a dynamic day of campus activities through generous support from SSU Police Chief Nader Oweis, Aimee Studer, and the Sonoma State University Police Department, along with guest speakers Captain Linda Bui and Frank Scalercio from the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office. The event included a BBQ, interactive yard games, a tour of SSU, and insightful discussions about careers in criminal justice. The Swedish students also gave an outstanding presentation that provided a political and cultural overview of Sweden.
Later in the week, SSU students visited SRJC, where they presented on the mission and activities of the CCJ Club and played icebreaker games with the Swedish visitors. The day also included a lecture by Dr. Bryan Burton, SSU Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, on white-collar crime – an important topic for the Swedish students, many of whom are focused on entrepreneurship and business.
Club members also joined the Swedish students for a trip to San Francisco, where they visited the Japanese Tea Garden and attended a San Francisco Giants baseball game, deepening personal connections beyond the university setting.
“This was one of the most memorable parts of my college experience,” said Sofia Garcia, President of the CCJ Club. “We built real friendships, shared our club’s mission, and learned so much about their culture and lives.”
Tatiana Hoffman, a CCJ student, said “It was eye-opening to compare justice systems and see how much we actually have in common despite living in very different countries.”
The visit was made possible by Simona Stefanescu and Katrina Smith of Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), who coordinated the broader exchange program. SSU’s strong participation helped highlight the university’s commitment to global learning and student engagement.
“These types of programs bring people together, and I think that is a very important thing during this time,” Burton said. “It was a meaningful experience for everyone involved.”
The CCJ Club hopes this international exchange marks the beginning of an enduring tradition, one that builds friendships, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and prepares students to think globally in their future careers. The program also has the potential to strengthen the relationship between SSU and SRJC.