The SPC Center for International Programs (CIP) believes it is never too early to think about College and global engagement! The month of April presented CIP with two incredible opportunities to discuss the many options for global engagement at SPC. The first opportunity was during an International Folk Festival at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg and the second opportunity was at Clearwater Academy in Clearwater.
John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, FL was filled with music, food, dancing, and laughter as students participated in the International Folk Festival. Cultural booths lined the perimeter of the courtyard as the student’s energy and excitement filled the air. The Center for International Programs (CIP) was present to discuss one important message: it’s never too early to plan for college! CIP Director, Dr. Ramona Kirsch, along with staff, interacted with students using a fun facts “quiz.” Students learned about Australia, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Greece. CIP inspired students by discussing the recent Italy HS trip and how they could join SPC in the future to embark on their own study abroad trip! Between traveling to different countries (booths) and stopping by to discuss a future with SPC, students joined on stage to practice various dances. The performances represented Africa, Hawaii and Cuba. UK Hip-Hop dancer, Samuel Chalmers, spent time with the students prior to the event teaching them hip-hop dancing fundamentals. Students floated in and out of the courtyard with plates of food symbolic of each represented culture. The importance of exposing students to cultural diversity and inviting them to dream about their future explorations was prominent in the International Folk Festival! A HUGE thank you to John Hopkins Middle School staff and faculty for allowing CIP to be a part of such a fun and exciting event! Please see below a short clip of the festival!
Clearwater Academy is an international school with a diverse student population from all around the world. Clearwater Academy has an incredible ESL program, which ensures every student who enrolls becomes an active and participating member of the student body. On Thursday, April 19th, the international school invited Center for International Programs director, Dr. Ramona Kirsch, to talk with 9th and 10th graders about the various opportunities available at SPC! This included talking with international students attending Clearwater Academy International about options for getting their AA degree at SPC! As always, the most important message for high school students is that it’s never too early to consider SPC and the opportunities for global engagement, especially study abroad! A special thank you to Clearwater Academy for the opportunity!
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!
blog.spcollege.edu/international | 727-712-5883 | studyabroad@spcollege.edu