All posts by Mary Lancaster

It’s not too late! Apply to Study Abroad!

Applications are still open for these study abroad programs:

Think you can’t afford to study abroad? Think again!

You may be eligible for a scholarship to Study Abroad with St. Petersburg College! The scholarship application deadline has been extended to Friday, January 20 at 11:59pm for these programs:

study abroad scholarship deadline extended

  • Belize
  • Cuba
  • England Theater
  • Hebrew University
  • USF Vietnam

Visit our website to find out more about the programs and apply for scholarships!

Questions? Contact us! studyabroad@spcollege.edu / 727-341-4731

Recollecting Jamaica by LaToya Fortier

Since I have returned from my study abroad trip to Jamaica, I often find myself recalling on my time there. It was one of the best experiences I have ever encountered. My memories are vivid and I feel like I got to fulfill one of my life’s many missions. I love to help people and I had an amazing time doing just that.

I first heard about this program when the dental hygiene students from the previous year shared their stories. I was taken back by their journey. I just knew I wanted to be a part of such a great opportunity. When I applied, I was praying and hoping that if I spoke from the heart that it would see me through. Shortly after, I received my acceptance letter.

The months leading up to the trip were spent fundraising and collecting supplies. At first everything seemed to be going slow, but as it got closer to leaving, the pace picked up. We ended up having more than enough in supplies, we donated some items for the students who will be going after us. The days leading up to the trip we had Hurricane Matthew in the way, causing some trouble. It went from being a category 2, to a 4, then a 3, and back to a 4. It was jumping all over the place. It was said to go over Jamaica directly and cause so much destruction but it ended up going through Jamaica and Haiti. Sadly, causing more destruction in Haiti. Jamaica was fortunate and did not get hit by hurricane Matthew. When we received the call, notifying us that this study abroad trip was still on, we were so thrilled. We were originally supposed to leave Saturday the first of October and then ended up leaving the fifth of October. It was a surreal moment because we were headed to Jamaica!

Once we arrived to Jamaica we put our items in our rooms and started to work that evening. We were a part of 1000 Smiles Team of Great Shape, Inc.  We arrived a day later than the other groups that were assigned to go that week so, that evening we organized the staff clinic, helped with inventory, and sharpened some instruments. The following day was the first day of clinic and we all were ready to see our first patients. I worked at the Exchange Clinic that day along with Rachel, Kat, and Alyssa. I was a tad bit nervous because I did not know what to expect. Karen and Samantha the wonderful hygienists at that clinic, gave us a quick overview and after that were good to go. I was team lead that day and so I started off helping everyone get set up. I floated during the first round of patients and soon after that I got to see my own.

The people of Jamaica are so kind, happy and filled with love. That day I saw a twenty-six-year-old male who never received a cleaning before. I was so delighted to be the first clinician to see him through. He had some extensive build up but was very strong throughout the entire appointment. He had no complaints. When we were finished with the appointment, he kept thanking me and shaking my hand. I felt his gratitude that he got the opportunity to get his teeth cleaned.

The next day I worked at the staff clinic and that was good too because I got to assist the dentist and see my own patients in between. That day was that most challenging because of the patient overload and there only being two hygienists and one dentist. At the same time, it was also pleasing to serve the people of the resort that help to serve us in return. That night we had dinner, with everyone from the team 5, at a local place that was known to have the best jerk chicken in the area. The food was delicious and I even ordered a second plate to go.

The following day was Saturday and that was the day I got off because I got motion sickness on the way to dinner the night before. It was wonderful to relax and get to explore the beautiful resort. I got to socialize more with crew. On that Sunday, we worked for twelve hours. It was our last clinic day. We made sure to finish all of the patients for the day. It was one of my best days because of my patients especially one specific patient. He was in need of a cleaning and tooth restoration. The entire team accomplished just that. I saw him first. I anesthetized him and began his prophylaxis treatment once I complete him he moved on to see Dr. Krueger for restoring his front tooth. We took some before and after pictures to show him the change. He was beyond happy. No one could knock the smile off of his face.

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I was working on my next patient when I got a small tap on my right shoulder. I looked over and it was my previous patient. He had brought Dr. Krueger and I some banana chips to share with everyone. He stated that they were his brand of banana chips from his store. I felt so appreciated. I know how hard the people of Jamaica work to make their earnings and he did not have to give us back anything but did anyway. It was such a sweet gesture, and I could see that he really valued his treatment. I feel like in the states we don’t see that too often.

 

Change Lives and Be Changed: Dominican Republic Study Abroad

Make your Spring Break count! Join SPC in a service learning abroad program to the Dominican Republic and contribute to the empowerment and development of a local community.  Earn college credit, change a child’s life, and learn from the Dominican culture!

Here’s what last year’s participants had to say:

“Girls who go home to a poverty-stricken household have found their second family here. I can see their gratefulness and joy. It warms my heart to see them find an opportunity and even more so take it.”

“The Dominican culture has transformed my whole mentality of life.”

Scholarships are available for this program! Visit the Study Abroad Scholarship webpage to learn more, and apply by the deadline of Tuesday November 1.

Click here for full program details and a link to the program application.

Clayton (3)

Better as a Clinician and as a Person – Natalie Coffman

This was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Jamaica is a beautiful country and the people of Jamaica are amazing. They are welcoming, kind and happy. I feel like I gained much more than I have given.

On my second day out in the field I had a fifty-year old man that had never had his teeth cleaned before and I had the pleasure of doing his first cleaning. On that same day I had a beautiful young woman come to me as my patient and every piece of plaque and or calculus that I took off she thanked me. She did not thank me once; she thanked me after every piece. She was so grateful. I came only hope that I impacted the Jamaica people’s lives as much as they impacted mine.

I was there for only a short amount of time but I learned so much from the experience. I know I am better as a clinician and as a person because of this trip. Another fulfilling time during this trip was when we stopped at the schools and visited the children. These children so loving and they would just come up to you and hug you and talk to you. They were so sweet and receptive to what we were telling them about their oral health and I have never seen children so excited about a toothbrush and toothpaste.

I am grateful for this experience and inspired to continue helping people in my community and in other counties. I want to help as many people as I can in my lifetime. What an inspiring study abroad experience with St. Petersburg College.

-Natalie Coffman

Eastern European Folk Dance Variety Show!

The St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society Inc. (SPIFFS) is proud to present the Talija Art Company!

  • What: Talija Art Company Folk Dance Concert
  • When: Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 7 pm
  • Where: Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Avenue, Pinellas Park, FL 33782
  • Admission: $15
  • Contact: Lotta Baumann, 727-552-1896 – folkfair@ij.net

TALIJA Art Company was established in 1998 in Belgrade, Serbia. Representing a rich and colorful program, TALIJA performs folk dances from all regions of the former Yugoslavia, as well as from Hungary, Romania, Russia and Bulgaria. TALIJA’s core repertoire is comprised of the customs and folk tales gathered from these cultures, and the troupe uses motion as the element binding the colorful traditions of music and dance together. The company’s breathtaking technique transforms folk into a theatrical show. Over the past years, TALIJA has given more than 4,000 performances throughout the world. This year’s US tour includes performances in Baltimore, Boston, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Washington, Jacksonville, Miami and more.

talija

And don’t miss the upcoming 42nd Annual SPIFFS Fair, October 27-30! Click here to find out more. 

 

Apply for a Study Abroad $cholarship NOW!

Want to earn college credits as you Study Abroad in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and more? You may be eligible for a Study Abroad scholarship!

For instructions, watch our “How to Apply for a Scholarship” (click here) video.

Scholarship guidelines:

  • You must be degree seeking and in good academic standing
  • You must meet all Study Abroad program qualifications listed here
  • Scholarship amounts vary per program

Please note the following: the Study Abroad scholarship will NOT cover the entire cost of the program and applying for a scholarship does NOT guarantee award of funds.

Ready to begin? Apply now!

For more information, contact us at 727-341-4731 / studyabroad@spcollege.edu.

Join us to watch the Olympics!

The Center for International Programs invites all to follow the action and cheer on your favorite athletes during the 2016 Summer Olympic Games from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!

The Olympic telecast will be available for your viewing:

  • August 8-21, 2016
  • 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday
  • St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus – AD103 – ISS Lounge

Get warmed up: See the schedule of events and test your Olympic knowledge

Gold Medal Opportunity! For a chance to win a $200 deposit waiver for SPC Study Abroad programs, post your guess of how many Gold Medals the USA team will have this year on our Facebook page.

Want to know more about SPC International Programs?  Check out our website.

International Student Receives Standing Ovation at Summer 2016 Graduation

Sane Dr Law and Family
Sane Haidara (second from left), SPC President Dr. Law (third from left), Sane’ s mother (far left) and Sane’s family (right).

Those attending the graduation ceremony on Saturday, July 23rd were moved by the impassioned graduation speech given by Sane Haidara, an international student from Timbuktu, Mali.  In his speech he thanked all at SPC for helping him to gain leadership and community service skills which will enable him to return to Mali to address social issues such as malnutrition, illiteracy, and instability.  Sane also thanked his mother, who made the long trip from Timbuktu to see her son achieve his goals.

Sane began his studies at SPC in spring 2013 in the ESL program learning English, which is his fifth language.  At the graduation ceremony, Sane received a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy Administration and had been selected as the bachelor student speaker due to his exceptional academic, extracurricular, and personal achievements.

Sane Haidera Graduation-2016-1 - CopySane won many awards and recognitions over the years at SPC, including the Dr. Theodore Mazzu Award and the Most Engaged International Student Award.  While studying at SPC, he maintained strong ties with both the international and local SPC community through his involvement in clubs and organizations, such as International Club, American and Arabic Cultural Association, Phi Theta Kappa, and SPC ICMA (City/County Management Association).  Sane reached out to his fellow students and others in need through volunteering and community service as a French tutor, World Peace Forum Student Speaker, and summer camp volunteer.

Sane faced and overcame many obstacles on his journey to graduation which enriched his life and the lives of the people he came in contact with.  For Sane, giving back to the community is not a buzzword, but a way of life.

Congratulations, Sane! The Center for International Programs wishes you all the best.

Missed graduation? Watch Sane’s graduation speech online.