(Nov. 6, 2009) -- North Georgia’s campus will take on an international flavor Nov. 16-20, as the university’s Center for Global Engagement sponsors activities to heighten awareness of the campus’ diverse cultural community and study abroad opportunities.
The Center for Global Engagement is participating in International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, with the goal of providing opportunities for students become more prepared global citizens.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide,” said Dr. Dlynn Armstrong-Williams, the center’s director.  “We want to promote programs that prepare students to work a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.”
North Georgia currently has 274 international students. This past academic year, 101 students from North Georgia participated in study abroad programs. The number of study abroad participants is expected to exceed that mark this year.
Activities planned for International Education Week include a performance by Tropical Breeze, a steel drum band from the University of Georgia; a brownbag lunch discussion allowing international students to share their experiences at North Georgia; a Staff Development seminar to enhance cross-cultural communication; an “Internationalizing the Campus” roundtable event to discuss the future international impact of North Georgia; the Korean Spirit and Culture Presentation; Marketing Your International Experience Presentation; and the International Student Association International Dinner fundraiser.  
International education has provided many North Georgia students with experiences that contribute not only to their education, but to their lives in general.  Justin Beverly visited Morocco, where he took classes in Moroccan history, Islamic culture and Arabic. He also had the opportunity to stargaze in the Sahara Desert
“Forgive my poetic indulgence, but there is no way to describe that amazing experience in ordinary terms,” Beverly said. “I’m glad I had this one-of-a-kind experience.”
Vicky Kaniaru visited Chile, where she practiced Spanish in the classroom and the environment. Kaniaru also became friends with native Chileans, as well as some other students who were also studying abroad as part of the University System of Georgia.  
“Studying abroad in Chile is now something I believe every student should experience,” Kaniaru said. “It provided me with an opportunity to study and immerse myself in a distinctly different culture. Chile has definitely left an impression on me and I plan to visit there again very soon.”
For details, visit the Center for Global Engagement’s Web site.
-    Mike Marshall