International Student Program (ISP) kicked off International Education Week (IEW) 2016 with an opening reception on Monday, November 14th. On its second year of being funded by the President Innovation Fund, IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State to highlight the importance and benefits of international education in the U.S. and around the world (Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, 2016). More than 50 faculty, staff, and students from across campus attended the reception.
Dr. Kimberlee Messina, Interim Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Planning, delivered the opening remarks followed by welcoming remarks from Eloisa M. Briones, Vice President of Administrative Services. Dr. Messina, who recently joined the District from Foothill Community College, showed her support for international education at Skyline College, and congratulated ISP for organizing the event. Two international students demonstrated the value of international education in their remarkable speeches: Soriannys “Sori” Mosquera Pino from Venezuela and Franck Yao from Ivory Coast. Sori introduced the International Affairs Student Club (IASC) of which she has been president for the past two semesters, and showcased how it has contributed to campus internationalization. Franck was glad to have chosen Skyline College among many other choices as he finds the college welcoming and supportive, stating that teachers, staff, and friends are “like a family.”
ISP is part of the Global Learning Programs and Services Division. ISP plans to host follow-up workshops in the spring semester for Skyline College faculty and staff members. Please check future ISP events at: www.skylinecollege.edu/international/
Article by Chikako Walker | Photo by Rossmia Coo
