International relations are becoming increasingly important in a constantly growing globalized job market. To facilitate this growth, both students and schools are making a concerted effort to connect with the international community.
Sinclair alone holds a constant array of global awareness events and speeches. This week, the International Education Committee at Sinclair is holding the International Education/Geography Awareness Week.
The event is held every November and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education. It is an opportunity to learn more about international students and their countries in general.
Sinclair has roughly 250 international F-1 Visa students. This means that they have obtained a visa from the U.S. Government directly for the purposes of obtaining an education. They then have to return to their country of origin to pursue either a career of their choice or further citizenship of another nation. Aside from F-1 Visa students there are an estimated 1,000 international students that currently attend Sinclair.
Part of the International Education/Geography Awareness Week, the International Student Recognition Event on November 14 gave students a chance to meet some international students at Sinclair and hear their story. It highlighted some particular experiences of students in the U.S. and a campus speaker discussed the importance of diversity and multiculturalism at Sinclair.
As the week progresses, there are many more opportunities to attend events that are associated with international education. On November 15 and 17 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. there will be talks held in the Library Loggia area. On November 16 there will be events including the Geography bowl held in the basement of Building 8 from 10:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. More information on the entire event schedule can be found in the office of International Education in Building 10 Room 312.
Due to Sinclair’s current concentration on the BRIC Countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) which are known to be the world’s fastest growing economies, much of the event is going to be centered around Brazil. As a part of the program, each semester one of the countries is chosen and discussed in detail through seminars throughout the semester. This semester is Brazil, which will continue to allow any student interested to become immersed in their food, music, and culture.
Beyond events held at Sinclair, the college is continuing to provide opportunities to learn more about other cultures. One of these opportunities are study abroad programs. Sinclair has made an increase in study abroad programs. One of their five major goals in regards to international education.
Whatever your capacity may be, opportunities are constantly presented to increase awareness about the world. This will help immensely when it comes to getting jobs in the future and working with colleagues. Beyond that, learning about another culture can be an incredibly interesting experience.
Matt Harlan
Reporter