Spring 2014 Newsletter - Community Colleges for International

Transcription

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
COMMUNITY COLLEGES FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, INC.
Greetings from the President
I
t’s going to be an interesting and exciting summer at CCID. The new host college and
site will be announced at the CCID Summer Advance in Baltimore in July, which will
launch the organization into major transition mode. This move will be the catalyst for a
number of changes - some good and some not so good.
The “not so good” is that a number of staff members are not able to relocate to a new
location, so eventually we will be saying good bye to some extremely fine people who have
made CCID what it is today. We’ll be sure to announce those
changes (tearfully) when they occur later this year. We’ll also
be taking the opportunity to re-group and re-focus and ensure
that CCID is positioned to best serve its members as we move
forward into this new age of opportunities for our sector.
Our consortium’s depth and breadth of expertise is unique
and in high demand by all countries grappling with workforce
development challenges. We look forward to your continued
input and support as we take this opportunity to strengthen our
brand and our global partnerships.
It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to represent member
college interests and to serve as an advocate for our role in the global higher education
arena. Together we can achieve so much more than we can individually, and I hope you
will continue to take advantage of your membership and leverage each other’s strengths and
connections.
Please enjoy this issue of International News. I continue to marvel at the fantastic
programs our member colleges are contributing to the international education landscape.
Congratulations to you all, and stay tuned for all the “news” in the coming months. Enjoy
your summer and I hope to see you in Baltimore.
Carol Stax Brown, Ed.D.
President
Community Colleges for
International Development, Inc.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 SPRING 2014
INSIDE
2
CCID News
3
CCID Events Calendar
4
Humber College
5
Davidson County
Community College
6
St. Louis Community College
7
Delaware Technical
Community College
7
Tobago Community College
8
Universidad Tecnologica de
Xicotepec de Juarez, Puebla
9
USMEXFUSION, CCID
Outreach Partner, Mexico
10
Robert Gordon University
11
Maricopa Community
Colleges
12
Wayne County Community
College District
14
Lone Star College System
14
Broward College
15
Indian River State College
16
Community College Faculty
and Administrator Program
17
Miami Dade College
18
Seminole State College of
Florida
19
Northwestern Michigan
College
20
Hillsborough Community
College
21
Jackson College
22
Northwestern Michigan
College
Community Colleges For International Development, Inc. | 1
CCID NEWS
1
3
4
2
6
5
6
2013 CCID
Annual Conference
1: Dawn Wood of Kirkwood Community
College
2: Dr. Tom Ramage, President of Parkland
College, speaking with conference
attendees
3: Jikei Group, Japan at the Global Arena
4: Universidad Tecnologica El Retono and
Alamo College reviewing the agenda
5: Moraine Valley’s Dr. Normah SallehBarone talks with newcomers
6: Nithy Sevanthinathan from Lone Star
College System making introductions
to Ministry of Education of Malaysia
attendee.
7
CCID
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair
Dr. Tom Ramage
Parkland College
Chair Elect
Dr. Jack Bermingham
Highline Community College
Immediate Past Chair
Dr. Richard Carpenter
Secretary/Treasurer
Dr. Mick Starcevich
Kirkwood Community College
Member at Large
Dr. Barbara Prindiville
Waukesha County Technical College
Executive Director
Dr. Carol Stax Brown
EXECUTIVE OFFICES
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
Phone: (319) 398-1257
Fax: (319) 398-7113
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.ccidinc.org
CCID was founded in 1976
CCID is an Affiliate Council
of AACC
International News
is published by
5000 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
7: CCID Board of Directors 2013-14
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 Community Colleges For International Development, Inc. | 2
CCID EVENTS CALENDAR
Plan to Attend
I
n most regions of the world, workforce development and access to higher
education are at the top of the list of national priorities. Globalization’s
impact on the nature of work in the 21st century and on higher education in
general is resulting in a greater demand for the expertise in the precise areas
in which CCID members excel.
The fact that CCID has been serving in this capacity for almost 40 years
has been one of those “best kept secrets.” But due to the great work CCID
members are doing around the world, and to the increased efforts to share
knowledge and best practices, the secret is out. As numerous agencies, nonprofits and private sector entities are engaging more and more in this arena,
many are turning to CCID to draw upon our collective knowledge and expertise.
The location of CCID’s Summer Advance 2014 will provide opportunities for
conference attendees to learn about this expanding sector and to meet with,
and hear from, the leaders of various global organizations that are seeking
to meet the demand for support and technical expertise. A combination of
panels, roundtables and dialogues will allow CCID leaders to learn more
about these organizations, while the organizations can learn more about
CCID’s exemplary institutions and ability to serve in this capacity. The environment will be structured as a think tank designed to foster new relationships and to generate opportunities for all who attend. See CCID’s website
for a detailed agenda and a list of key panelists.
SUMMER ADVANCE
IMPORTANT DATES
• Hotel Reservation Closes:
June 20, 2014
($157/night for Single/Double
occupancy, includes Internet)
• Registration fees: $395
(member)/ $450 (non-member)
Included in the registration are:
• All sessions (Saturday - Monday
noon)
• Attendance at three outstanding
workshops* (Saturday and
Sunday)
• Top of the World reception
(Saturday)
•Meals
• Continental breakfast (Saturday,
Sunday and Monday)
Please join us!
• Banquet Dinner (Sunday)
OTHER EVENTS:
• Access to the Hospitality Suite on
two evenings (Friday and Sunday)
Mark your calendar!
CCID 39th Annual Conference
February 20 – 23, 2015
* For those interested in registering for workshops only, please use the same registration link. Fees per workshop are $75 (CCID
member institution) and $125 (Non-member).
Marriott Newport Beach Hotel and Spa
Newport Beach, California
Humber Alumni Launch Femme International – Promoting
Women’s Equality
by Sara Chappel & Daniella Cross
H
umber College offers an International
Development postgraduate program
that is designed for people who want to
see the world and make a difference as global
citizens. Two recent graduates of this program,
Sabrina Rubli and Ella Marinic
have done just that by founding
Femme International , an NGO
Humber
devoted to helping girls and
College
women deal with issues around
menstruation. “Starting an
NGO was never something we
thought we’d do,” explains Rubli. “It’s been a
steep learning curve, but it’s also been an incredible experience. We’ve gone from being students
to being professionals very quickly.”
The idea for Femme International evolved out of a class assignment: design a water and sanitation program for a rural village
in Kenya. “While we were working on the project, we started
thinking –
what do girls
do during
their period
when there’s
little access to
running water
or private
toilets? We
discovered that
uElla Marinic, co-founder of Femme International a lack of faciliwith students in Mathare, Kenya
ties and affordable sanitary
products
leads girls in Kenya to miss an average of 4.9 days of school every
month,” said Rubli. So, in January 2013 – halfway through their
program – Marinic and Rubli started Femme International and
set out to address the largely ignored issue of feminine hygiene
management.
Getting in touch with a contact Rubli had made in Kenya, the
pair launched their pilot project in May 2013. Working with 22
girls, Marinic and Rubli held workshops about women’s health
and distributed Femme Kits, which contain a menstrual cup and
other materials. Since then, Marinic and Rubli travelled to Kenya
multiple times, working with more than 300 girls and women
in Mathare, a slum outside of Nairobi. Femme International
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 has secured official charitable status, presented at the League for
Innovation in the Community College conference, spoken at
Humber’s International Development Week, obtained funding
from Humber
College’s
New Venture
Seed Fund
(HumberLaunch) , and
received the
prestigious
2014 Ontario
Council for
International
Cooperation’s
(OCIC’s)
Global
Changemaker
Award.
Since that first
pilot project,
Marinic and
Rubli have
now launched uA participant examines the menstrual cup during
one of the Femme International workshops
similar
programs in
several schools
in Mathare and are looking at expanding into other parts of the
world. Marinic and Rubli feel the decision to distribute menstrual
cups rather than disposable feminine hygiene products was an
easy one. “We wanted to provide girls with something practical
that was sustainable, eco-friendly and allowed girls to engage in
everyday activities without worrying about their period,” explains
Marinic. “The cups, which are manufactured in Nairobi, are reusable, last up to ten years and provide protection for 10 to 12 hours
– so girls can go to school and not worry about having access to a
private latrine.”
Both women say they have been helped immensely by what they
learned at Humber. “This program gave us the skills we needed,
because neither of us had a background in finance, business or
project management before we came to Humber,” said Marinic.
“We went to a business meeting in Nairobi, and the people we
were speaking with complimented how prepared we were – and
we knew that it was because of the support we’d gotten from our
teachers and colleagues.”
Davidson County Community College Honored with
Prestigious Award for International Education
by Erica McDowell, Kathy Kepley
D
avidson County Community
College is the 2014 recipient
of the Institution Award for
International Excellence given by the
North Carolina Association of International Educators. Each year, NCAIE
honors an institution that has demonstrated remarkable dedication to
advancing the goals of international
education.
DCCC was selected based on leadership in the
field of community college education, as well as
international programming. “Over the past several
years, DCCC faculty and
staff have been committed
Davidson
to
international educaCounty
tion
on our campuses,”
uNatalie Akashambatwa discusses the culture and customs of Zambia to guests at
Community
DCCC’s International Night event.
says
Suzanne
LaVenture,
College
director of International
Education. “The members
• Fulbright Scholar Foreign Language Teaching Assistant
of our International Education committee are
program, which enables young educators to refine their
passionate, and spend many extra hours carrying out our vision
teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency
to provide students with a global perspective in order to prepare
and extend their knowledge of the cultures and customs of
them for the 21st century workforce.”
the U.S.
DCCC is involved in numerous international initiatives. The
• A partnership with the Asolare Fine Arts Foundation, a
school recently joined the Institute of International Education’s
nonprofit organization in Lexington that works to provide
Generation Study Abroad initiative to double the number of
community arts services to emerging international artists.
American students who study abroad by the end of the decade. In
2014, study abroad programs will include a language immersion
• Passport Events, which provide students with several opporprogram in Salamanca, Spain and a Community Travel Club trip
tunities throughout the year to learn about different counto Australia and New Zealand, in addition to annual study abroad
tries and cultures through unique events and presentations.
trips to China and Peru. Other international education initiatives
include:
• A virtual exchange between DCCC students and students
at Lycée Brémontier in Bordeaux, France. The school
• Scholars of Global Distinction, a program that offers
partners with them on a grant proposal through the Eurostudents a chance to enroll in globally intensive courses,
pean Union. Universities in eight European countries are
such as foreign language, world civilizations and geography,
involved; DCCC is the only non-European partner.
international cultural exploration, business and more. As
part of the program, students attend international Passport
• DCCC hosts international students on campus through the
Events on campus, as well as participate in a study abroad
CCI program and a new Truck Driver Training program.
or domestic intercultural experience.
A Country Becomes
Classroom for St.
Louis Community
College Art Students
by Deborah Ward
I
t is not uncommon for students
at St. Louis Community College
(STLCC) to leave the traditional
classroom to gain a new perspective
on their discipline. But this spring,
art students from STLCC - Wildwood
took the idea bit further; about 4,400
miles further that is. They traveled
all the way to Spain.
“Art travel abroad trips are a one-of-a-kind learning
experience,” said Mark Weber, chair of the Art
department at STLCC-Wildwood. “Students have
the opportunity to visit world famous museums,
cathedrals and art galleries as well as experiencing
the culture all in one package.”
uSTLCC students in front of Gaudi architecture in Madrid
The trip is one of the many STLCC study abroad
programs offered during the year. Students can
choose from trips that vary in length from a week
to a semester in places as diverse as England,
Macedonia, Costa Rica
and even Africa. Students
St. Louis
have the option of earning
Community
credits while on the
College
programs, or participating
on a non-credit basis. As
a result, the groups are usually very diverse, with
students of all ages and backgrounds coming
together to enjoy a common interest. Students
traveled to Madrid, Barcelona and Figueres
during the week-long trip.
“The art study abroad class to Spain offered a
unique experience to see the art of Spain from
early medieval times to the present,” said Weber.
Among others, students saw the artwork of
Picasso and visited the Salvador Dali Museum
and the Royal Palace Cathedral. “Another unique
and real-life memory is that students feel more
part of our global community by traveling abroad.
This will stay with them for the rest of their lives,”
Weber said.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 uSTLCC students at the Girona’s Cathedral
Tobago Indigenous Science
Academy First
by Dr. Winston Murray
S
uCollege administrators and faculty from Denmark and Delaware
Tech met to discuss higher education
tudents and teachers at the Tobago Community College are building a new science laboratory as that missing link to drag Tobago
to become an integral part of the world community of scholars and researchers to cope with the
demands of the 21 Century. This was impressed
upon members of the Tobago Community College
by Prof. Patton of the Illinois Institute of Technology who, on 12th December, 2013 when she
came to Trinidad to recruit science students for
her Institute.
Delaware Tech Hosts
Community College
Delegation from Denmark
by Tammy Watkins
O
n April 4, 2014, Delaware Tech hosted a
delegation of ten technical and vocational
college administrators from Denmark.
The delegation members also attended the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
annual convention in Washington, D.C.
The visit was sponsored by the Danish Agency for Higher Education. Delegation members hailed from various institutions such as
Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, Tech College Aalborg,
Mercantec College, Social and Healthcare College FredericaHorsens, Technical College of Jutland, and Silkeborg Technical
College.
During the visit, the group met with Delaware Tech President Dr.
Orlando J. George, Jr. as well as college administrators and faculty,
and discussed student success and retention, faculty development and programDelaware
specific opportunities. “We appreciate
Technical
the
opportunity to host our colleagues
Community
from other countries and discuss imporCollege
tant topics related to education, stated Dr.
Orlando J. George, Jr. “These visits are
invaluable and we hope to continue to foster relationships.” The
group toured the Charles L. Terry Campus business, allied health,
and energy facilities, and enjoyed lunch catered by students in
Delaware Tech’s culinary arts program.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 Consequently, the Tobago Community College working with Dr.
Desmond Murray, Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Andrews
University and Marine Biologist/Oceanographer Dr. Britnel
Sylvester, from NYU are working with us to establish the Tobago
Academy for Science, Technology, Mathematics and Humanities. Already we received requests from teachers in North America
seeking information on how they can help
the Tobago Community College make
Tobago
this dream come to pass. It is quite chalCommunity
lenging; however there is an acute need
College
for researchers in science her to promote
economic development which is lacking in
Tobago. And one of Tobago’s Management Consultants in the US
Dr. Gatty James is also advising members of this indigenous and
nascent institution with his support to enhance this project.
And indeed, we thank you (him) for giving his countrymen this
historic opportunity to assist and prepare the Tobago Community
College, how to build the people of the New Tobago to face the
future with confidence and self-reliance. As a consequence, Dr.
Gatty James, on behalf of all the sons and daughters of Tobago,
otherwise known as Robinson Crusoe Island, we are extremely
grateful and excited to receive this help from you together with
others mentioned in this article will help us find our lost Golden
slipper through science and the humanities so that we can no
longer be known as that Cinderella who did not know how or
where to find it (this Golden Slipper) that was lost for over two
hundred years.
Real Heroes
by Dianne Vargas Carballo
H
ave you ever found yourself complaining
about not having enough money, clothes,
and time or about not being blessed with
all the things you have dreamed of? I am sure
we all have. After meeting these students I have
learned to be grateful for everything I have and
also for the things I do not have.
During these months we have been working hard in the Coordination of Mobility and Internationalization, looking for opportunities to allow faculty and students to experience other cultures and
ways of living. In one of the congresses
Universidad
I attended, I heard for the first time the
Tecnologica de term “High order Skills”. These skills are
Xicotepec de
International-Intercultural Competencies
Juarez, Puebla. and obviously they are only acquired when
Mexico
we are surrounded by people not only
from different countries, but also from
different cultures. Once we get the ability to understand others,
no matter the country, beliefs and opinions, we become better
human beings.
One of the many calls for applicants we had this year was the
“Seminar about History and Government of the United States”
promoted by the University of Arizona. This seminar was addressed
mainly to students who belonged to an Indigenous group. It was
here I first met “these heroes” through the papers and the forms
they had to fill out. When I read the motivation letters they had
written, it was like almost feeling their heart beating in every word.
After not getting a positive reply from any of them, a new international scholarship came up. This time it was with SUNY.
We arranged an internal contest to choose the student who
would represent the UTXJ Internationally. The first candidates
the committee considered were the ones who had applied in the
previous call. There was an oral exposition in order to choose “the
one”. And there they were: Adriana, Hernan, David, Gustavo,
Mariana and Ricardo. You could easily tell by their eyes and the
way they looked at you that there was no evil in their souls. They
are just as they are, appreciating and enjoying every single detail of
their lives either good or bad. Actually I think that they do not see
the difference; for them everything is rewarding.
They started presenting their information and showing the excitement they felt. One by one they were talking about their goals
and the reasons they had to travel abroad. They talked about their
families, likes and how their daily lives were. I cannot express
the amount of thoughts that crossed through my mind as I was
listening. As the time went by the feelings grew strong. During
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 the whole time I got chills that came and go over and over again
and a lump in my throat I could not help. “I wake up at 4 or 5
am. I get ready and walk about 2 kilometers to catch the bus to go
to Xicotepec. I get off and walk again 1 kilometer to arrive to the
University, because otherwise I would have to spend more money. I
arrive always on time. I have never been late to my classes, said one
of them”. “I am the first one in my family who has the chance to go
to the University, said another”. “I have 4 younger siblings and in
the town where I live nobody speaks Spanish, so I am fluent in my
native language. I am the hope of my family, said another”.
The fact of realizing how hard these students try to do their best in
order to achieve their goals and to make their families feel proud
of them became a life lesson for the entire faculty who were there.
Once they finished and as soon as we closed the door to decide
who would be the chosen one, my eyes watered and some tears
were shed. Once you get to know the extraordinary effort some
u From left to right: Gustavo, Adriana, David, Mariana and Hernanl
people make in order to achieve their goals you look inside yourself and around you and think, God! What am I doing? This is
why I see these students as real heroes. They go through so many
difficulties every day without complaining and they find always
the bright side of life. People like them are role models not only
in the University, but also in the world. Adriana was chosen to be
the one who would represent us at SUNY. The President, moved
by what he had witnessed, told the others that we would look for
a host Institution that offers us a summer course for them. They
are outstanding students and human beings. They speak Náhuatl,
Otomí and Totonaco fluently and they have been studying
English ever since they were told we would find a place for them
somewhere.
This is a call for all the CCID members. The UTXJ has a budget
to send these students abroad so we are looking for an English
summer course at an affordable price. Be our heroes’ host and
make their dream come true! Dianne [email protected]
USMEXFUSION & CCID Represented
at Mexican Student Mobility Forum
by Jennifer Granger de Huerta & Carlos Silverio Huerta Jiménez
O
ver the past two years, CCID and USMEXFUSION have been gaining more visibility within the governing bodies of
higher education institutions in Mexico. Due to
this recognition, USMEXFUSION was invited
to attend the 5th Regional Forum of Student
Mobility held at the University of Chapingo May
8 – 9, 2014. It was sponsored by the Autonomous
University of Chapingo, the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, ANUIES, and the
Network for Academic Cooperation of ANUIES in
the Central South Region.
There were over 150 attendees from approximately 15 universities and organizations. This is a forum that was started 5 years
ago with the intention of encouraging university students in the
central-south region of Mexico to take advantage of opportunities to study abroad. Each year, many universities from the region
bring their best and brightest candiUSMEXFUSION,
dates to attend this forum in order
CCID Outreach
to encourage them to consider an
Partner, Mexico
educational experience outside of
Mexico. Students who completed
study abroad programs gave presentations about their experiences and answered questions from their peers. In addition to the
student presentations, the French embassy in Mexico (Campus
France Mexico), and DAAD, the German Academic Exchange
Service in Mexico, also presented about the logistics of study
abroad opportunities in France and Germany.
As CCID Outreach Partners in Mexico, USMEXFUSION was
invited to give a presentation entitled “Internationalizing the
Campus”. Since the audience was mainly comprised of students,
the presentation focused on the following:
• How USMEXFUSION & CCID promote international
mobility, including CCID’s capacity to manage large scale
mobility programs
• 2+2 programs and a brief overview of the community
college system
• The importance of mobility programs (Global Competencies)
• Recommendations for students to develop these competencies without leaving the country
• Recommendations for institutions to internationalize “at
home”, including the use of CCID’s System for Comprehensive Internationalization
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 u Addressing How CCID and USMEXFUSION work in the realm
of international mobility
u Jennifer Granger de Huerta answering student questions
uStudents listening attentively about the importance of global
competencies
• Other USMEXFUSION & CCID services available institutionally
The students were engaged in the conversation about global
competencies and why they are important regardless if a student
studies abroad. One student from the Universidad Tecnológica
de Querétaro asked us to explain the difference between internationalization and mobility. We were pleased to hear that question
as many institutions speak only of mobility when they speak of
internationalization. That opened up a new path in the conversation about bringing the world to the 99% of students who do not
receive an opportunity to study abroad or participate in an international mobility program.
An invitation to International Week in Scotland
by Richard Barnes
A
berdeen Business School at Robert Gordon
University in Scotland, will be hosting its
5th International Week from the 3rd to
7th November 2014. Colleagues from around the
world will be coming together for a week-long
celebration of International Education.
There will be a celebration of international cultures, prepared by
students, a study abroad fair to promote exchanges, an opportunity for academic and administrative staff
to visit our exciting new campus, give
Robert Gordon guest lectures and workshops or simply
University
observe our classes and meet with our
faculty and other colleagues. There will be
a research poster fair for those seeking new
partners and projects, plus a full cultural programme including
castle and distillery visits and a Ceilidh (Scottish country dancing,
pronounced ‘Kayley’ and not for the faint-hearted).
u Entrance to the new RGU Riverside Campus
The Dean of the Aberdeen Business School, Professor Rita
Marcella, will be hosting an
evening banquet. Richard
Barnes, who is Head of International Academic Development, says “We are very keen
to welcome other members
of CCID to our international
week, especially to learn more
about our 2+1 and 2+2 degree
link programmes with the USA
and Canada. It’s pleasing to see
that some existing CCID partners have already registered for
this free event so that they can
experience Scottish hospitality
and the University environment that their students will be u Inside one of the new buildings at RGU
enjoying”.
There will also be a series of
special ‘Scottish Culture’ lectures, learn the fascinating history
of the kilt and tartan, how to appreciate good whisky and how
we market luxury Scottish foods and candies. If you would like
further information and an application form, please contact
Richard Barnes at [email protected] All events are free, but you
will need to pay your own travel and hotel costs. Travel within
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 Aberdeen will be paid for by the Aberdeen Business School.
Further information is available at http://www.rgu.ac.uk/internationalweek2012
Maricopa Community Colleges District Faculty and Student
Engagement in Mexico
by Kathryn Howard, Dean Wheeler and Mario Castaneda
T
he Maricopa Community Colleges District in
Phoenix has an active partnership and MOU
with the University of Guanajuato that
supports student and faculty exchange, faculty
professional development opportunities and joint
scholarly research projects. The district is holding
its 5th Global Engagement Faculty Curriculum
Development program to Mexico City and Guanajuato this summer, in support of this partnership.
During these three-week programs, participating Maricopa
faculty are linked to academic counterparts at the University of
Guanajuato for the purposes of engaging in academic exchange
and discussing collaborative partnership opportunities that connect students
Maricopa
and faculty from both institutions. This
Community
program supports the Maricopa CommuColleges
nity Colleges Global Engagement Mission,
and assists faculty in their efforts to internationalize the curriculum and the campus at the ten Maricopa
Community Colleges. Participating faculty also have opportunity to visit key cultural and historic sites in Mexico City and
Guanajuato, live with host families, and engage in daily Spanish
language instruction at the university. Additionally, they receive
daily presentations from University of Guanajuato faculty on
topics related to their disciplines and interest. A few of the key
outcomes of this program are highlighted below.
Virtual Cultural Exchange
As part of his participation in the Maricopa faculty program,
Dean Wheeler, Professor of Anthropology at Glendale Community College, developed a project to address the need to provide
cost-effective international learning opportunities to students in
the United States and Latin America. Professor Wheeler’s Virtual
Cultural Exchange uses the internet to connect students in his
Introduction to Anthropology class, with students at the University of Guanajuato in Mexico. The goal is to have students in the
United States learn about the culture of Mexico directly from their
peers at a Mexican University without having to travel there. In
turn, Guanajuato students learn about the culture of the United
States and improve their English language skills by interacting
with native English speakers. Professor Wheeler developed a wiki
webpage where students from both schools interact. Students
from Glendale Community College post questions about specific
aspects of the culture of Mexico. The questions focus on eight
categories: music, art, food, religion, politics, family life, special
occasions, and sports and recreation. University of Guanajuato
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 u Maricopa Community Colleges Faculty at the University of
Guanajuato in Mexico
students post answers to the questions, and upload photos, videos,
links to websites, or other media they feel best illustrates the
particular aspect of their culture. They also post questions of
their own for Professor Wheeler’s students to answer. The project
culminates with Glendale Community College students delivering
a multimedia presentation on what they have learned.
Collaborations with the University of Guanajuato
School of Civil Engineering
Mario Castaneda, Director of GateWay Community Colleges
Water Resources Technologies Program is spearheading several key
initiatives with Mexican counterparts as a result of his participation in the Maricopa faculty program during the summer of 2012.
One of Castaneda’s projects was developed with the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Guanajuato to address
the need for training technicians in water resources (from the
resources measurement to water/wastewater treatment). Water
resources issues such as drought and climate change are problems that are affecting both countries as well as the environment
around the globe, and the technology and training to address
these issues is transferable to other countries. The goals of this
ongoing project between GateWay and the University of Guanajuato are to:
• Learn about current training for water resources technicians
at both institutions
• Explore common interest and potential collaborative opporcontinued on next page
MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES continued from previous page
tunities on water resources training
• Learn about both countries methodologies to provide
training for water resources technicians
• Develop a teaching module (both in Spanish and English)
on water resources issues that could be incorporated into
the curriculum at both institutions
• Promote student exchange ideas/opportunities through the
use of webinars or live broadcast at student club meetings.
(Already, a technical workshop held at GateWay in 2013
was broadcast to the University of Guanajuato faculty and
students to connect students and faculty at both institutions.)
To date Castaneda has hosted two student/faculty delegations
from the School of Civil Engineering at GateWay Community
College. As part of this, he developed a rich itinerary of activities
for the delegates, including visits to several water and wastewater
treatment plants and reinjection sites in the Phoenix area; a tour of
the Industrial Technology Division/Water Resources Technology
Program facilities; a visit to the Arizona State University hydrology
lab; and visits and meetings with the GateWay WRT Program
Advisory Committee Meeting. Additionally, (and very significant for the engineering students at the University of Guanajuato), Castaneda, is providing the ADEQ Water and Wastewater
Operator Certification exams that GateWay offers in conjunction
with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Gateway
is the only entity in Arizona that offers the certification exams.
Discussions are underway for Castaneda to also proctor these
exams at the University of Guanajuato in the future.
This ongoing project also contemplates developing a joint course
on industrial pretreatment and wastewater treatment topics that
can be taught at the University of Guanajuato by faculty from
both institutions. In addition, both institutions will continue to
explore ways to promote and increase student exchange in support
of Mexico’s Proyecta 100,000 initiative.
Study Abroad and Service Learning in Guanajuato
In addition to the faculty program, the Maricopa Community
Colleges District has had a long standing study abroad program
to Guanajuato, Mexico that is sponsored by Mesa Community
College. To date, hundreds of students have participated in this
program in Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that
offers them a very safe and culturally enriching experience in
Mexico that includes courses in Mexican History, Anthropology,
Spanish Conversation, and Cultural Diversity in Education. The
program also includes a service learning component, ServiceLearning Experience in Education. For this 1-credit class, participating students complete 50 hours of community service in local
schools and health care settings. The service-learning component
enables participants to become familiar with the Mexican educational system, gain experience working with Spanish-speaking
students in a classroom setting, and identify teaching and learning
strategies that create positive learning environments for diverse
student populations. This program element provides a rich experiential learning opportunity for the participating students, as
well as a valuable service to the institutions in Mexico that are the
beneficiaries of it.
Journey to Amsterdam
by David C. Butty
T
wenty-seven Wayne County Community
College District Study Abroad students
spent a week in Amsterdam studying
the arts, language, history and culture, and also
smelling the fragrance of the tulips.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands also known as Holland is
tucked in the middle of Europe. Not only
is it situated below sea level, it is also a
Wayne County country of countless canals and dikes
Community
and where bicycling is the most wildly
College District used method for transportation. However,
this tiny country, the size of New Jersey,
is rich in so many ways. It is a country
where cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers are king and considered
continued on next page
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 u Ahsen Malik, a dental hygiene student presented a WCCCD
sweatshirt to Professor Jonathan Gill following lecture at
Amsterdam University College
WAYNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
continued from previous page
to be an appetizer before any meal. While famous for its tulips,
the Netherlands is also known for the liberalism that is wildly
respected throughout Europe. Most recently, 27 students from
WCCCD spent a week in Amsterdam on
a study abroad trip in partnership with
Amsterdam University College. Their visit
was well rewarded with lectures by Professor
Jonathan Gill; a historian and professor
of humanities. Professor Gill, author of
“Harlem: The Four Hundred Year History
from Dutch Village to Capital of Black
America,” shared light on why the Dutch
are fond of their open and liberal society
and talked about the Dutch culture and
society.
mine what type of education they will receive? It may be college or
some type of trade school. College tuition, according to Professor
Gill, is $3,000 a year. College students are also paid; they receive
free transportation, housing and food allowances. Education and
arts are valued in the Netherlands.”
Not only did the students attended classes
at Amsterdam University College; but they
also took a boat tour on the canals and
visited the Keukenhof Flower Fields to
see the beauty of the tulips. The students
also visited a Dutch wooden shoes factory
to see how the “clogs” are made; a cheese
factory, and toured The Hague; the seat
of the Dutch government. Each student
took away a piece of the Dutch culture and u With the Rijks Museum in the foreground, students posed for photo in the city square
in Amsterdam.
embraced its tolerance to diversity. Jahura
Hobby said the country gave her a window
to the world. Although she is not cyclist at
Tonia Gladney was in awe when it came to the food and the
home in Michigan, she was able to try the bicycling culture when
restaurants. In Amsterdam, there were many fast food restaurants
she and a group of friends rented a few to try them out. “We did
here and there side-by-side with other ethnic restaurants – Thai;
exactly what the locals would do – ride a bike. So we rented bikes
Chinese; etc. One thing that shocked me was the fact that, many
and this turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip for
if the restaurants did not cater to Dutch food. I wish that I would
me because I felt I really got to see what Amsterdam was all about,”
have been able to experience the taste of authentic Dutch food.”
she said. “When I am back home, I plan to dust off the bike in the
basement and take it for a spin.”
Deborah Mathias, a nursing student was grateful for the trip.
“I am about ready to enter in a career that I’ve been working so
Lorraine Reed was fascinated by the support the Dutch governhard for. In this line of work, I will be encountering different
ment gives to local artists and to students to encourage them to
cultures, and the visit to Amsterdam has allowed me to come
continue their studies. “I think their family system is great; at
across different customs outside of my normal perspective.” While
least from the lectures. Professor Gill shared with the class that a
the trip was to a land that is below sea level, the students gained
woman, who is a mother is entitled to a year off with pay and no
an understanding of the culture that raised their appreciation of
loss of job after the delivery of the baby. She can take six months
that notion to new heights. “I came back as a different person.
and the father can also take six months,” said Reed. She continued,
I learned a lot from this trip and I could say that I am really
“Best of all, artists are supported by the government, and they
grateful that I had the opportunity to go study abroad,” said
receive subsidized housing and living costs. Can you imagine,
Mutmainnah Quayoum.
children starting school at the age of four and receiving eight years
of schooling and about 13 years of age they take a test to deter-
LSC-University Park Commencement Spotlight: Ayse Balta
by Rebecca Aguilar
I
nternational students enrolling in colleges and
universities account for a 7 percent increase
in the recent academic year with most of the
growth in numbers coming from Asia and Southeast Asia. International students leave family and
home and community and arrive in the United
States for higher education and employment
opportunities offered here.
Ayse Balta’s learning journey is typical of the international student
seeking opportunities in the United States.
She considers how far she has come as
she recalls her first semester at Lone Star
Lone Star
College System College-University Park. As a student
whose first language was Turkish, she felt
anxious she might say something wrong
speaking in English.
She credits several LSC-University Park professors for their attention and support, in or out of the classroom. “I was blessed to have
Devika Lalsinghani and Tom Rogers,” Balta said. “They were
tolerant, accepting and positive.”
Her speaking anxiety now gone, Balta has grown into several
student leadership roles. Out of a desire to share her culture, she
engaged in talks over coffee or tea and helped increase membership in the International Students Club. She developed communication and executive skills at LSC Leadership College and began
taking part in Student Government Association (SGA) meetings.
By May of 2013, she had been named SGA president.
A highlight of her tenure was an
inspiring video that introduced
SGA members to LSC-University
Park students and showed them
how they can participate in the
organization and in the life of
their campus.
When asked how she came
to develop such a high
level of focus, Balta
responded, “Confidence comes from
facing challenges.
I’m not a genius, but
beyond that I can learn
and be prepared.”
Balta has garnered a
scholarship from the
University of St. Thomas u Ayse Balta
where she would like to
earn a degree in business
management after graduation at LSC-University Park this May.
A Tu Salud, Ecuador
by Linda Washington and Claudia Sahagun
E
leven reregistered nurses (RN) enrolled
in the bachelor’s of science in nursing
(BSN) degree program at Broward College
accepted an international challenge to take
their health care skills and knowledge to one of
the poorest health deprived areas in Guayaquil
Ecuador.
The goals of the international experience were to: 1) apply the
principles of academic service learning to global populations with
limited resources, 2) analyze the impact of global academic service
learning on health screening outcomes of medically underserved
populations, and 3) compare and contrast the importance and
benefits of providing community service locally and internationally using academic service learning as a teaching-learning strategy
to enhance cultural competence among RN-BSN students.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 Prior to embarking on this journey, the students were required to
take a “Spanish for Health Care” immersion course to increase their
abilities to communicate with children and families in Guayaquil. In addition, the nursing students practiced their Spanish and
skill sets (hearing and vision screenings,
nutritional, skin and hair assessments, and
Broward
healthcare referrals on a large group of
College
medically underserved and educationally
disadvantaged Hispanic children attending
a volunteer afterschool program near the
College, whose parents originated from diverse areas of Central and
South America. The students were also required to complete a preand post Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory created by Vangent,
to assess students ‘cultural awareness and sensitivity to diversity and
adaptability.
BROWARD COLLEGE continued from previous page
Once the students and faculty arrived in Ecuador, they performed
at maximum proficiency, screening over 340 children, treating
over 200 children under the professional guidance of an Advanced
Registered Nurse Practitioner faculty, and referred over 60 cases
that fell outside the scope of our ability to manage and required
immediate medical attention at four separate locations. The
students were able to treat several children for head lice, tinea
corporis (ring worms), impetigo (skin sores), nasal congestion,
and identified visual and hearing deficits, cardiac murmurs and
breathing impairments. The nursing students worked alongside
rural physicians at one medically indigent clinic, assisting with
performing electrocardiograms, starting intravenous therapy,
treating diabetic wounds, and providing breathing treatments and
assistance where ever needed.
To align the experience with course objectives, students were
required to journal daily reflections of both the local and international experiences; complete an online windshield survey of
and conduct a real-time windshield survey of Guayaquil while
driving to the various screening locations. At the completion of
our journey, we left behind medical, dental, and school supplies,
and most importantly, our hearts for the healthcare needs of these
children and families.
Indian River State College Students Expand Global
Understanding Through Model UN
by Michelle Abaldo
B
efore serving as a delegate to the Model
United Nations Julian Rodriguez didn’t
know that the country of Liberia existed.
After participating in the Southern Regional
Model UN Spring Conference, the Indian River
State College student gained broad-based understanding of the small African nation.
He and three fellow delegates from IRSC represented Liberia and
collaborated with other students representing African nations at
the three-day conference held in Charlotte, South Carolina in
April. “I feel I can see the world through
the eyes of smaller, developing nations
now,” Rodriguez said. “As a result of the
Indian River
State College
Model UN experience, I will listen to
those who are not listened to, whether
it’s people living in a small country or a
minority group, all voices should be heard.”
Joining Rodriguez of Port St. Lucie in the United Nations simulation were IRSC students Doraliz Sosa Perez, Stuart; Danielle
Michelle Barker, Vero Beach; and Aldair A. Rodriguez, Port St.
Lucie, under the direction of Dr. Monique Moleon-Mathews,
IRSC Associate Professor of Sociology. The students developed
leadership, research and public speaking skills as they engaged
in debates, negotiations and consensus building on contemporary global issues. Topics included protecting the rights of
children in areas of armed conflict and extreme poverty, the role
of UN peacekeeping in adapting to new economic challenges,
advancing human rights through sex education, and strengthening international response to crisis migration.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 uIndian River State College students Julian Rodriguez, Doraliz Sosa
Perez, Aldair Rodriguez and Danielle Barker prepare to represent
Liberia at the Model UN Southern Regional Conference.
“It was a great learning experience,” said Aldair Rodriguez. “You
learn to work with others, negotiate and compromise for a greater
purpose. It helps with public speaking and with talking to people
you don’t know. By the end of the three days, I had made a lot of
friends. I also learned how countries in the same region work with
one another since they face the same social issues. In my committee,
the delegates of the African countries quickly joined forces to
become a loud voice and be heard. “ The Model UN Club at IRSC
has involved students in Model UN activities since 2006, including
participation in regional and national conferences.
Building International Linkages through the Pair Project Assignment
by Rina Suprina and Tantri Ekongini
O
ur experience started from an assignment
when we, representatives of Trisakti Institute of Tourism, Jakarta, Indonesia, were
asked to implement a ‘pair-project’ as a follow
up of Community College Faculty and Administrator Program (CCFAP). Implementing our pair
project in our institution has enabled us to build
international link between Indonesia, USA, and
Cambodia.
CCFAP at a Glance
The CCFAP was funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs and designed for faculty and
administrators from Indonesia’s colleges to learn about all aspects
of community college in the USA. Ten Indonesia’s colleges were
selected each of which was representated by one faculty and
one administrator. Therefore, all together there were 10 faculty
members and 10 administrators.
Community
The 10 administrators spent their
College Faculty
four months at Kapi’olani Commuand Administrator
nity College in Hawaii and the
Program
ten faculty members at Highline
Community College in Washington.
We represented Trisakti Institute of Tourism, with Rina Suprina
as the faculty member and Tantri Ekogini as the administrator.
uTantri and Rina were giving a presentation about service learning
project at CamTESOL conference
The Institutional Pair Project
As part of the CCFAP, we were asked to prepare an institutional
pair project based on what we learned during the program to be
implemented in our home institution in Indonesia. Having considered what kind of follow up program would be suitable for our insti-
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 tution’s context, we finally decided on “Service Learning Activity
Implementation” related to English language instruction in which
we both are teachers. We are interested in service learning because
having learned from HCC and KCC during the program we
understand that service learning classes benefit everyone involved:
students, faculty, and the community. Service learning program
uThe student’s engagement in one of the service learning activities
called “Fun English with Kids”
refers to “a teaching and learning method that integrates critical
reflection and meaningful service in the community with academic
learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility.” (http://kapiolaniserve.weebly.com/mission--vision.html) In Indonesia, we are
familiar with community service, but it is different from service
learning program in US community colleges.
Unlike service learning, community service in our institution so
far is not embedded in academic courses and does not optimize
students’ involvement in the community. Compared to students,
faculty members are more dominant in community service. Therefore, we introduced the concept of service learning to the management of our institution and proposed a service learning project,
named “Maximizing Opportunities for Students with Advanced
English Proficiency through Service Learning Activities”. We were
delighted because our management was interested in our project
and approved it to be implemented.
How The Service Learning Project
was Implemented
Our project was targeted to our first-year students at our institute who had advanced English proficiency based on the result
of their TOEIC Test. 500 students were tested and 69 students
COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATOR
PROGRAM continued from previous page
uStudents and faculty members after the service learning group
presentations at the end of the project.
were chosen because their TOEIC score was above 750 (advanced
working proficiency level). These 69 students were exempted
from regular Basic English Class and they joined service learning
project instead. They were divided into some small groups and
each group was supervised by a faculty member as their mentor.
The service learning students’ activities were varied and related
to implementing their English skills such as teaching English in
elementary schools and orphanages, writing blogs and newsletters, and designing a website. The project was held from August
to December 2013, and at the end of the program we conducted
a focus group discussion with students and mentors. The results
showed that students have learned soft skills such team-work,
leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, self
confidence, and tolerance. In terms of English skills, they had
more opportunities to increase their vocabulary, writing skills and
presentation skills depending on the activity they had chosen.
The 10th CamTESOL Annual Conference – Phnom
Penh Cambodia
After finishing this pilot project, we saw an opportunity to present
the project on the 10th CamTESOL Annual Conference held
in February 2014 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, under the area of
English teaching methodology. We submitted our abstract for a
call on paper, and the abstract was selected to be presented. We
were excited to be able to give a presentation in an international
forum. The CamTESOL has opened an opportunity to build
international network, broaden our knowledge and gain more
experience.
Miami Dade College Faculty and Students Assist Orphans
in Nicaragua as Part of Service-Learning Project
by Tere Estorino Florin
K
eeping with its mission to provide a truly
international perspective to students,
Miami Dade College (MDC) faculty recently
traveled with students to Nicaragua, where they
completed a special service-learning project at an
orphanage in Managua.
The students spent a busy week helping the children with their
schoolwork, participating in arts and crafts projects and sport
activities, and delivering much-needed ESL (English) lessons
so the children can be afforded better
opportunities in the future. They also
Miami Dade
helped repair the facilities in which the
College
children live, go to school, and grow up
in. The ultimate goal for the group was to
help foster an environment that promotes
the healthy growth of each child. “We are constantly striving to
involve students in meaningful contributions beyond the classroom,” said MDC President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón. “This project
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 provided an opportunity for the group to positively influence the
children’s lives as well as gain perspective on the realities of life
in a nation with close ties to our community.” The orphanage
the students visited was founded in 1985 and originally took in
children left orphaned as a consequence of the war. Subsequently,
most arrived at the orphanage because they were orphaned, abandoned, or abused by their parents. The orphanage also works with
at-risk girls whose parents or guardians have problems, such as
alcoholism, drug addiction, and prostitution or because they have
become street children. Since its inception the orphanage has
provided for more than 700 children in the community. Nicaragua is the largest of Central American nations and the second
poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. It is the focus of the
Nicaraguan Compact, a consortium of USA universities focusing
alternative breaks and development efforts towards long-term,
sustainable, meaningful, and social justice-focused projects to
fortify economic and social development in Nicaraguan communities.
Indonesia looks to Seminole State, others for community
education model
by Joseph Hunter
A
delegation of educators and representatives from institutions of higher education
in Indonesia visited Seminole State College
of Florida to explore ways to improve the model
and execution of their community college system.
programs and its track record of global coordination. The College
has exhibited a commitment to developing as a diverse, globally
connected institution through the development of its Center for
Global Engagement, as well as collaborations with educators from
around the world.
The group of 15 visitors attended sessions on March 5 from Seminole State College administrators on topics ranging from developing community partnerships to creating
and implementing high-tech programs
Seminole State such as information technology. “One of
College of
our goals at Seminole State has been to
Florida
become more global,” said Dr. E. Ann
McGee, president of Seminole State
College, addressing the delegation. “We
have developed several programs with a worldwide need that we
think can be replicated in Indonesia.”
The College has hosted similar groups visiting from Denmark,
Ukraine and Turkey. The College draws students from 86 countries, and it has become a nearly majority-minority institution.
The Center for Global Engagement, established in 2012, promotes
interaction among students of all cultures and develops a culturally enriching learning environment by providing programs and
services to facilitate international diversity and foster global understanding and awareness.
The speakers for the day were chosen from
programs offered by Seminole State that
appeal to the needs of Indonesia’s infrastructure and economy, such as engineering,
construction and technology. Speakers
included Dr. McGee; the associate dean of
the Center for Business, Legal and Entrepreneurship; the associate dean of the Center for
Information Technology; and the program
manager of Automotive Technology. The sixweek trip, funded by the U.S. Department
of State, is primarily being hosted by Florida
State University, which places particular
international significance on Indonesia
through various partnerships and exchanges.
“We were pleased to have the Indonesian
delegation visit Seminole State – there
was much shared learning that took place
about both cultures,” said Kevin Konecny,
director of Seminole State’s Center for Global u Dr. E. Ann McGee, president of Seminole State College of Florida, addresses a delegation of
Engagement who helped to arrange the visit.
about a dozen representatives from community colleges in Indonesia.
“It was comforting to learn that, as educators,
we have a common goal: A mutual desire
to see our students learn, develop and grow to become contributing members of society.” Seminole State was chosen as one of
six stops the delegation visited in Florida due to the utility of its
NMC Nautical Archaeology Students:
Piecing Together the Past in the UK
by Jim Bensley
F
“
or I could hear the loud and repeated orders
of the mate, the trampling of feet, the
creaking of blocks, and all accompaniments
of a coming storm.” Richard Henry Dana penned
this description in his 1848 novel of shipboard
life, Two Years Before the Mast. During that
era storms at sea presented a huge risk to shipping, especially off the coast of Wales, known the
“Skeleton Coast” of the UK.
Dr. Mark Holley, anthropology instructor and certified Nautical
Archaeology Society (NAS) trainer at Northwestern Michigan
College, wanted his students to participate in research that would
help identify some of the 300 long forgotten wrecks that went
down along this coast, as they passed between Britain and Ireland.
It would be a challenge. Some of the vessels are well documented,
u NMC archaeology students examine a shipwreck off the coast
of Wales
others are known only by timbers, discarded anchors and other
examples of flotsam and jetsam which rise regularly on the
dramatic tides and shifting sands of this storm-ravaged coast.
During the summer or 2013, using their skills in archaeological site
survey, Holley’s students helped compile records and assisted the
Welsh Heritage Agency (Cadw) in documenting which ships met
their fate on the gale-swept seas of long ago. The opportunity also
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 allowed the students to experience British culture and engage in
archaeological artifact examination that is often not permitted in
U.S. waters. Nine NMC students worked on the coastal fringes of
Wales and at a Roman Iron Age settlement in Yorkshire. They were exposed
Northwestern
Michigan
to a number of cultural sites and had
College
the chance to get their hands dirty with
field-work activities. “The international
experience was innovative in the breadth
of specialty courses offered and the quantity of research that was
completed,” said Dr. Holley.
Not only did the students compile data for the Cadw, they also
completed three distinct monographs that will be added to the
permanent historical record of the UK. After residing within
the walls of a 13th century castle and visiting the ruins at Stone-
uNMC students complete a site survey on an Iron-Age settlement in
Yorkshire, UK
henge, the student spent the last week in Yorkshire with a group
of their British peers excavating an Iron-Age home. “It was a great
way to use skills learned in the classroom in a real life situation,”
student Alaina Schurr said. Plans for this summer include hosting
an International Nautical Archaeology Society Field School in
Traverse City from July 12- 27 (www.nasnmc.com) with a return
study abroad opportunity taking place in the UK during the
summer of 2015.
Hillsborough Community College International Festival
by Matt Barrett
J
“
oheun achim!” shouts one of our Korean
students, greeting those who pass by. Turn
the corner, and you see a group of Saudi and
Kuwaiti students in robes taking pictures with
many students and staff members. At the far end
of the courtyard, Vietnamese students teach the
traditional Vietnamese Bamboo Dance while, just
a few meters away, Dominican students play a
drum line and dance their way through the entire
festival, recruiting participants along the way.
This was the scene at the 17th Annual International Festival at
Hillsborough Community College on Thursday, April 3, 2014,
which included over 500 participants from over twenty-five countries. The International Student Festival
is the opportunity for students from all
Hillsborough
over the world to introduce their culture
Community
to the rest of the student body on campus.
College
Food, dances, games, and performances
filled the festival, and all told it is one of
the largest festivals held at Hillsborough Community College
each year. “I love the opportunity to share about my country.” said
Jasem Alarmali, one of several Kuwaiti students who participated
in the festival. “Kuwait is a great place and everyone should visit!”
uThe many faces from all over the world at HCC
uTwo of our Vietnamese students
uThe March of Participating Countries
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 Hillsborough Community College, located in Tampa Florida, is
home to over 230 F-1 international student’s from 62 different
countries. The International Student Festival is just one of the
many events that take’s each year in which our international
students can get involved in on-campus activities. For more
information, please check out the video from the 2014 International Student Festival: https://www.facebook.com/photo.
php?v=287141311448729
Zero to Sixty in 3.5
by Melanie Maree
I
nternationalization is rapidly emerging at
Jackson College. Since first opening the International Student Institute (ISI) in March 2013,
it feels like we have been running at full speed.
We have encountered a few curves along the way,
but overall our transition has been exhilarating.
The ISI houses all things international including Study Abroad,
International Exchanges, International Student Services, and
International Programming. As part of
US-Brazil Connect (USBC), JC will be
Jackson
sending 28 student fellows and 10 faculty
College
team leaders to Brazil this summer. This
program has doubled in the last year
thanks to the faculty and staff who are
committed to this program. For a week last November, we hosted
a delegation of Brazilian students who won a trip to the US as a
result of their outstanding performance in the USBC program.
Our involvement with USBC has led to expansion and support for
further international opportunities on campus. In the last year, JC
has created multiple partnerships with institutions in China. This
has been a combined effort on behalf of Dr. Dan Phelan, Presi-
u As part of USBC, Brazilian students visit JC campus on a beautiful
Autumn day
dent, Dr. Rebekah Woods, Provost, and Melanie Maree, Director
of the International Student Institute and many other key contributors. Their combined efforts included multiple trips to China,
late night Skype conversations with overseas representatives, and
working hand in hand with the Higher Learning Commission to
ensure top rated programming.
It is JC’s strategic goal to create multiple opportunities for our
students, faculty, and staff to develop graduates of Jackson College
who are globally and culturally competent, which is increasingly
important, given the increasing diversity of our planet. This can
be seen through the formation of our first faculty-led study abroad
program, the development of curriculum with an international
emphasis, and the creation of a faculty exchange program. JC has
also hosted two Fulbright scholars who have taught Portuguese
and supported other ISI programs.
u Dr. Rebekah Woods and Melanie Maree visiting the campus of
Shandong Medical College in China
As we look in our rear view mirror and see all that we have accomplished thus far, we are even more excited about the road the lies
before us. Full speed ahead!
u International Student Organization at Jackson College
NMC-China partnerships forge forward
by Cari Noga
C
hinese philosophy says that a journey of a
thousand miles begins with a single step.
Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse
City, Michigan embarked on an international
engagement journey in 2010, when it set a strategic goal to ensure that learners are prepared for
success in a global society and economy. That led
to partnerships between multiple countries and
college programs, including aviation in the United
Kingdom, water studies in Costa Rica and engineering in Russia.
Now, NMC is accelerating its pace in China. “This has been a
long-term commitment to international engagement for students,
faculty and staff,” said Chris Weber, NMC vice president for
Enrollment Management and Student
Services. Formal discussions with Chinese
Northwestern
institutions began in fall 2012, when
Michigan
NMC hosted six Chinese college presiCollege
dents and vice presidents as part of the
American Association of Community
Colleges’ Vocational Education Leadership Training. The 2012
visit culminated in memorandums of understanding (MOUs)
with Huanggang Polytechnic College in Huangzhou, and Yellow
River Conservancy Technical Institute in Kaifeng. A year later,
representatives of Beijing-based Weiming Education Group
visited Traverse City to further relationships with both NMC
and the local public school district. Then in March 2014 three
top NMC officials, including President Timothy J. Nelson and
Weber, visited China and signed an MOU with Weiming. Weber
returned just one month later, in April, as Weiming’s guest.
Accompanied by an NMC alumna, Wei Cao, a 2009 graduate
and Beijing native, she met with more than 500 Chinese families
about the opportunities at NMC. As part of the strategic goal,
the college hopes to increase international student enrollment to
five percent of total enrollment. Cao, who can speak to prospective students in their native Mandarin, provides perhaps the most
compelling voice for what NMC can offer. “This will change their
lives. This will change their family,” said Weber Chinese institutions will take the next steps in the journey. Both Huanggang
and Yellow River are planning summer visits to Traverse City to
continue to identify programs that could offer short-term training
experiences, as well as procedures for degree completion. “If you’re
talking about engaging internationally, you have to be in it for the
long haul,” Weber said.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS | Spring 2014 u From left, President Nianyou Chen of China’s Huanggang
Polytechnic Institute, NMC President Timothy J. Nelson and
vice presidents Marguerite Cotto and Chris Weber on a March
trip to China.
uCotto, Weber and Nelson in China.

Spring 2014 Newsletter - Community Colleges for International

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