International Education Returns with Aim to Ready Students for Global Citizenship
Colton Williams, Guest Contributor

The International Education Department boasts new learning opportunities after undergoing periods of inactivity due to the pandemic.

Four Emory & Henry Abroad courses are currently being held: a course studying Italian art, a course studying tropical biology in Panama, a course studying ecotourism and recreation in Ecuador, and a course studying cross-cultural psychology in the Czech Republic and Poland.

Additionally, several summer programs are being planned in Costa Rica, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Department Chair of Psychology and Director of International Education Dr. Celeste Gaia feels that E&H students serving as global ambassadors are to thank for International Education’s return. In particular, she feels that the 8th Annual Global Street Party—held on Aug. 20—aided these efforts.

“Thanks to our global ambassadors kicking off our year with the Global Street Party, we have maintained robust international involvement,” Gaia said. “We have welcomed 17 international students to campus this fall, which is more than ever!”

Part of the current efforts of the department is to better prepare students for future workplaces.

“Employers want students who have cultural fluency and international experience,” Gaia said. “International experience also opens up so many professional opportunities, as does knowledge of a second language.”

Savana Ratliff, a third-year student, will travel to the University of Picardie at Jules Verne in Amiens, France, in December to prepare for classes in January. These courses focus on her individualized minor in French Culture.

“I chose to study abroad because I have traveled all my life,” Ratliff said. “From a really young age my dad instilled in me the importance of traveling.”

Gaia feels this importance relates to the topic of shared human responsibility.

“Realizing you are a global citizen helps acknowledge the responsibility to all of the human family, all across the globe,” she added.

Students who have questions about International Education can email [email protected] or stop by the International Education Office, located in room 140 in McGlothlin-Street Hall. Additionally, more information can be found on the Department webpage on the college website.