Office of International Program News

 
International News Header.png

November 2024

 

GENIE Día de los Muertos hybrid event with Universidad La Salle Oaxaca

By Kaitlyn Davis

The Office of International Programs hosted a Global Engagement Network for International Education (GENIE) event on the Día de los Muertos, a celebration that transcends borders.  This hybrid event, held at San Antonio College on October 28, 2024, with approximately 50 students in attendance, was a testament to the power of cultural exchange. On the Mexican side, the Universidad La Salle Oaxaca made a presentation about the Día de los Muertos tradition and its cultural significance, fostering a deep sense of connection.  This event was an opportunity to hear from international students, further strengthening the bond of cultural understanding. In addition to this rich cultural exchange, the Alamo Colleges students could also earn an Empathy digital badge for participating, enhancing their sense of connection.

 

 

 

Al Otro Lado del Espejo Cultural Exchange: Bridging Arts, Culture, and Education

imagekzrwv.png

By Isabel Breur

Nine outstanding students from the Alamo Colleges District recently participated in the transformative Al Otro Lado del Espejo Cultural Exchange, an immersive journey into the vibrant arts and culture of Querétaro, Mexico. The program coincided with several landmark events, including the signing of the Friendship Cities Agreement between San Antonio and Querétaro, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Alamo Colleges District and a consortium of six Technological and Polytechnical Universities in Querétaro, and an agreement celebrating the launch of a direct flight between the two cities.

A highlight of the trip was the opening of the Al Otro Lado del Espejo exhibit at the Museo de Arte de Querétaro, showcasing works by talented San Antonio artists. This program fostered global competence and multiculturalism among the students, who engaged with Querétaro students and faculty, explored local artisans' work, and gained meaningful insights into Mexican culture.

Through this exchange, students not only deepened their understanding of international collaboration and cultural appreciation but also experienced significant personal growth. Their journey embodies the Alamo Colleges District's commitment to transformative education and global learning, and we couldn't be prouder of their achievements.

 

Contributing to North American Prosperity through Educational Training

By Reynaldo Cano

Last December, Alamo Colleges District hosted a small delegation from the DGESUM as they toured the United States.   DGESUM is a vital link to all the Normales (teacher training schools) throughout Mexico, and the goal of the collaboration is to provide ESL courses to help improve their English language abilities, to the benefit of their future students, and also observe pedagogy models and techniques in a more diverse context.    After a successful 8-week pilot program for 12 students from Normales in Nuevo Leon in March of this year, Alamo Colleges welcomed 27 new students from three states in Mexico. This program, which contributes to developing future teachers and improving education in Mexico, is a cause we can all be proud of.

 

We have heard from the program's participants of the resounding success of instilling confidence in the students while significantly improving their English and broadening their perspectives, benefiting their future endeavors. This success underscores the value of our work and the exciting potential for further collaboration.  In partnership with Alamo Colleges District International, the ESL at Northwest Vista College program, and the Directorate of Higher Education for Teachers in Mexico, these participants, who are the future change-makers in the field of education, volunteer at Harlandale district while exploring U.S. college life. NVC is proud to host them. Their passion is our inspiration!

Growing.jpg

 

SAIE: Alamo Colleges Hosts this year Regional Forum on International Education

By Patricia Ferguson

The San Antonio International Education (SAIE) Forum was held on November 8 at Northeast Lakeview College, bringing together 85 attendees from various educational and community organizations. The event highlighted the importance of international education, featuring keynote speakers and discussions on global learning opportunities. Participants enjoyed a collaborative environment with exhibitors, networking opportunities, and a focus on fostering global engagement in education. The forum showcased local higher education institutions' dedication to international initiatives, including its active international club, study abroad participation, and progress toward welcoming F-1 visa students.

SAIE.jpg

 

Archives

October 2024

 

ACD Students, Faculty, & Staff Attend COIL Event with US Ambassador to Honduras

On Monday, October 7th students, faculty, and staff from across the Alamo Colleges district joined 140+ colleagues from Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, and the United States for a special event “Building Bridges: Empowering Central American and U.S. Students through COIL Partnerships”.

This event was a celebratory kick-off for students participating in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) courses in the fall.  The event started off with Welcome remarks from Dr. Jon Rubin, the founder of COIL, and the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras,  Laura Dogu. Ambassador Dogu encouraged students to participate in COIL whole heartedly and become COIL ambassadors on their campuses. She also emphasized the important role that COIL plays in the professional and economic development of the countries and communities represented on the call.

The second half of the event was dedicated to student presentations. Students from three different countries shared the academic, personal, and professional impacts that participating in COIL had on them and shared advice with students who are about to begin their COIL Journey.

Alamo Colleges District is entering its second year of participation in this Central American  COIL initiative.

 

Honduras.png

 

New Meeting Model to Showcase the Bachelor’s Degree Programs

imagekzrwv.png

As part of our quarterly International Faculty Committee meetings, a new meeting model has been implemented to showcase the bachelor’s degree programs at each of our Colleges. Dr. Raymond Chacon, Cybersecurity & Information Technology Department Chair, hosted the inaugural meeting. During the Partner highlight, William Smith II, PhD, Senior Director of Global Engagement, Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC), spoke about expanding ACD opportunities abroad and within the State of Texas through partnerships and access to available funding for education mobility partnerships. Each OIP team also shared information on the latest initiatives and project updates with an audience of faculty from the various ACD Colleges. As the last topic of the meeting, Dr. Chacon provided an overview of the installation where the meeting took place and provided a tour of the impressive cybersecurity teaching facilities.

2023