All posts by tibaldo.margherita@spcollege.edu

SPC Students Studies Abroad in Spain: Expectations And Fears!

Spain
Scholarships, Spain 2019

I feel the Spain study abroad program will benefit me academically by being immersed in the Spanish culture.  I believe it will provide a richer experience than a typical classroom setting because I will be able to explore, absorb and appreciate a language and culture that is new to me.  Being able to eat the food, listen to the music, see the architecture and museums enhances the learning experience exponentially. The most important of these experiences is connecting with the Spanish people.  Having the opportunity to learn other cultures habits, ways and traditions can only serve to expand my way of thinking, therefore enriching me.  That is true education. I think this form of learning can only come from traveling and experiencing other nationalities.

To me, this opportunity is very personal.  I was born in Spain, but I haven’t had the opportunity to return until now. I would like to see where I come from. When I am finished with this trip to Spain, I hope to be a changed person.  A more well-rounded, empathetic, and diverse person.  I think that meeting and spending time with people from other cultures is vital to becoming that person.  This experience will put me one step closer to finding my path in life as well as in my career.

I want to become a better student and human being, I need to get uncomfortable.  Along with learning a new language, my goal is to step out of my comfort zone by actively engaging in conversations and activities with the local community.  My goal is to put aside my awkwardness or embarrassment and really experience Spain in a way that can’t be had from only being in a classroom.  I look forward to sharing my experience with friends and family and hope it will encourage them to expand their horizons.  I hope that my experience will encourage other students to get out of their comfort zone and apply for the study abroad program.

– SPC study abroad student, Samantha Cameron

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. 

blog.spcollege.edu/international | 727-341-4731 | studyabroad@spcollege.edu

 

“As An Aspiring Visual Artist, Traveling Has Always Been Important To Me.”

Germany
Travel

Studying abroad and traveling has always been some out of reach dream I’ve yearned for, as I love to travel and experience the world. Well, SPC made that dream a reality and I’m still having a hard time believing that I’m leaving for Germany in just a month! The process was easy and the SPC staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.

As an aspiring visual development artist, traveling has always been important to me. Every place I’ve been, every person I’ve met, it all translates into my work. I believe it’s important for an artist to gain a wider perspective by visiting different countries and people and learning the history and cultures that make those places what they are.

Coming back to class for the fall semester, I met Dr. Li Lee Tunceren, an absolutely wonderful professor who encouraged me to join the Germany spring semester class. I’ve struggled with my health for years now and only recently have been able to make my recovery. Spending an entire semester abroad would have been very difficult for me, hence why it was so out of my reach. However, when I found out the Germany trip is only a week long, I quickly jumped at the opportunity. I simply filled out an online application, met with Dr. Tunceren for a sort of briefing, and bam, I was accepted.

Now the only problem was cost, because so much of my family’s money had gone into medical bills. So, I applied for a scholarship. I filled in some information and answered some questions in written responses and got the application submitted only days before the due date. All I could do then is wait. Weeks passed until I received the email… “Congratulations!” I was accepted and the cost of the trip was cut in half! I’m going to Germany! Where will you go?

-SPC study abroad student, Brianna Mallory

2018 Winter Olympics: Everything You Need To Know!

2018 Winter Olympics
Events

2018 Winter Olympics start today, February 9, 2018, lasting through February 25. The host city this time is Pyeongchang, South Korea.

How much do you know about South Korea? Take this quiz!

How to watch the Olympics:
South Korea is 14 hours ahead of New York. It’s 15 hours ahead of Chicago. It’s 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles. It’s nine hours ahead of London.
For those in the United States, NBC will broadcast the games on TV and online. In Canada they will be on CBC. In the United Kingdom, fans can watch the Games on BBC TV and digital platforms.

Opening and closing ceremonies will be housed at PyeongChang Olympic Stadium, a temporary structure with capacity for 35,000 spectators.

2018 Winter OlympicsThe city is about 80 miles east of Seoul and about 60 miles south of the Demilitarized Zone that separated North and South Korea. This will be the second Olympic Games held in South Korea. The International Olympic Committee announced on January 20, 2018, that North Korea will participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics. North Korea will send 22 athletes who will compete in three sports, according to IOC President Thomas Bach. Athletes from the North and South will also march together under one flag at the opening ceremony for the Games. For the first time in Olympic history, the two nations will enter a joint women’s ice hockey team under the name Korea and represented by the unification flag.

The athletes in Pyeongchang will compete in seven sports — biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating and skiing — with 15 varied disciplines across all sports.
The competitors each will be hoping to take home at least one of the 102 medals up for grabs. A record 102 medals will be awarded in 15 disciplines. The first is expected to be won on Saturday, February 10, early morning Eastern Time, for a cross country skiing event, the women’s 7.5km + 7.5 Skiathlon.

But which nation is likely to win the most medals? With some Russian athletes banned by the IOC in December, the top nation from the 2014 Winter Olympics will be absent from the podium. Using the results from key competitions over the past four years, Germany will take home the most medals, followed by Norway and the United States.
The 2018 mascot is a white tiger named Soohorang. The tiger is “closely associated with Korean mythology and culture” and is a “familiar figure in Korean folk tales as a symbol of trust, strength and protection,” according to the Games website.

Click here to visit the official website of the 2018 Winter Olympics!

New Zealand Here I Come! Thanks To SPC Scholarship!

new zealand
Australia and New Zealand

“Come study Abroad in New Zealand!” The statement in itself seemed very inviting, but I scrolled down the page and looked at the other Study Abroad options at SPC instead. New Zealand felt unattainable because it was such a beautiful place; and one that I can only imagine being that way. My mind starting flooding with the possibility of experiencing the amazing Maori culture there, the great selection of food and visiting the movie set of the famous ‘Lord of the rings.’ new zealandWith denial of my abilities to ever Study Abroad; because it was such a major thing to do. I filled out the application to speak with the international officials at the SPC in St.Pete, Florida.  To my surprise I was accepted and from there everything happened very quickly.  Courtesy of the college I received a 100% free physician checkup and gladly put in for a 3,000 scholarship for my Study Abroad Trip. The anticipation was eating away at me for a month afterwards. The thought that I would not get picked for the scholarship was the only thing on my mind even though I was determined to go because It was the only thing I wanted the most in the year 2017. I was confident in my writing abilities but was increasingly afraid of my reasons of wanting to visit New Zealand that I submitted to the application. I thought I might have needed a better reason of wanting to Study Abroad. The number one reason that I stated on my application was that it would help me have an educational experience that I would never forget, and would gladly tell my future students all about when I become a Special Needs Teacher. Some time passed, and I got an email in my inbox one day, and on this day, I was having a bad day- Everything seemed to be going wrong. I got the 3,000-dollar scholarship! My focus shifted on the near future from then. I would finally breathe new air and have an amazing opportunity to visit a beautiful place that was previously unknown to me.  The only place I have previously traveled to on plane was San Fransisco, California when I was 20 years old, but this is a whole different ballgame.

If you have food restrictions they take that into consideration, if you are a disabled student they accommodate you, if you are a student who needs help with payments there are various ways to assist you.  The lodge you will be staying at is already provided with an option of a single room and food is served daily.  Other Study Abroad experiences may be different, but a few things remain in your utmost consideration.  If the opportunity is there why not take it?

If you are a student at SPC who is looking to Study Abroad, go for it! You have nothing to lose. Make sure to save for unexpected expenses. Plan ahead, Plan ahead, Plan ahead! I can’t stress that enough. There are mandatory meetings, travel insurance, a passport, food accommodations, travel money, payments to make to the international program before you take your trip. The flight itself can be quite expensive so saving must be an aspect here as well. Also, it is required to take a class while you are studying abroad so the payment of class attendance and class materials are required.  If you have never traveled before this is the best way to do so because your school sets up daily activities and you will be with a group. The opportunities to meet new people and experience a new way of living was enough to entice me to fill out the application.  You’d be surprised what opportunities are at your fingertips when you take a leap of faith in an uncharted direction. Study Abroad and you won’t regret it!

-Ariel Desousa 

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. 

blog.spcollege.edu/international | 727-341-4731 | studyabroad@spcollege.edu

Learn About Upcoming International Opportunities at SPC!

september
Events

You don’t have to get on a plane to experience diverse cultures. They are all around us! Center for International Programs (CIP) invites you to join us in the upcoming international opportunities at SPC!

Event Date Time Campus/Location
Latinos United Club Meeting Weekly, Tuesdays 12:30 pm – 1:40 pm TS Campus – Room EP 454
English Conversation Partners Weekly, Wednesdays 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Clearwater Campus Library
Multicultural Club 2/15/18 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Clearwater Campus – Room ES 105
USF Chinese New Year 2/17/18 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm USF Tampa (SPC to provide transportation) – sign up
St. Petersburg Conference on World  Affairs 2/21-2/23 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm USF St. Pete – (SPC to provide transportation) –  sign up
Marina lomazov, Solo Recital, A Russian Keleidoscope 2/23/18 7:30 pm – 9:45 pm St. Petersburg/Gibbs, Music Center
Global Citizen Program Info Session 2/23/18 10:30 am – 11:30am Clearwater Campus – Room ST 129/Virtual – sign up
CIP Lunch & Learn: The US & Middle East in a Globalized World  2/27/18 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Seminole Campus – Room UP 193
International Club Meeting 2/28/18 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Seminole Campus – Room LI 113

Save the Dates for these future events!

Event Date Time Campus/Location
Multicultural Club Meeting 3/01/18 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Clearwater Campus – Room ES 105
CIP Lunch & Learn: Asia 3/13/18 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm SPC Downtown
4th Annual International Symposium: Fulbright Opportunities for Faculty/Staff 3/16/18 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EpiCenter – sign up
International Careers Workshop 3/22/18 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Clearwater  Campus – Room LI 209
Global Citizen Program Info Session 3/23/18 10:30 am – 11:30am Tarpon Springs Campus- Room DE 442B – sign up
International Club Meeting 3/28/18 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Seminole Campus – Room LI 113
Experience Spain at SPC: El Camino de Santiago 3/29/18 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Clearwater Campus – Room ES 104
Multicultural Club Meeting 4/12/18 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Clearwater Campus – Room ES 105
International Club Meeting 4/25/18 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Seminole Community Library
Spanish Club Meeting 4/26/18 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Seminole Campus – Room PW 704

Don’t wait! Join us in these upcoming international opportunities!

We Want to Hear from You!

If you have already planned an event with global content and want us to help get the word out, click here

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. 

blog.spcollege.edu/international | 727-341-4731 | studyabroad@spcollege.edu

Join us for the Global Citizen Program Info Session!

Global Citizen Program
Global Citizen Program

Do you want to learn more about the Global Citizen Program (GCP)? Join us for the Global Citizen Program Info Session on Friday, January 26th, 2018, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

Sign up now!

The Global Citizen Program (GCP) at SPC is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of a competent global citizen who is ready to live and work in a diverse world. The GCP entails curricular, extracurricular, and capstone components that students complete alongside their degree program.

Practically speaking, the Global Citizen Program helps prepare students to confront global problems and 21st-century challenges. Holistically, it is the blueprint to ensure St. Petersburg graduates are skilled women and men, prepared to take responsibility and apply what they know in any situation anywhere.

Global Citizen Program Info Session

Today’s college students are likely to have more than a dozen jobs by the time they turn 40. Every year, more than 30 million Americans work in jobs that did not exist three months previously. That pattern holds throughout the developed world.

Saint Petersburg College is preparing students to meet the demands of this interconnected and global century. Our graduates will confront unanticipated challenges, doing jobs that don’t yet exist, as they contribute to solving local, regional, and global problems.

By helping them develop knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, intellectual and practical skills, understanding of personal and global responsibility, and the abilities to integrate and apply what is learned, the Global Citizen Program is designed to help SPC students excel in this new world.

Upon successful completion of the Global Citizen Program, students are recognized as a Global Citizen and will be awarded:

  • A Certificate of Completion from the SPC Center for International Programs (CIP)
  • Global Citizen Commencement Medallion and SPC portfolio bag
  • Global Citizen stamp on diploma
  • A digital presence and resume that is ready for the competitive global economy

Sign up now!

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. 

blog.spcollege.edu/international | 727-341-4731 | studyabroad@spcollege.edu

Paid Teaching Opportunities in Spain for Native Speakers of English!

Native Speakers of English
Spain 2019, Tips & Opportunities,

The North American Language and Culture Assistants Program is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Spain to provide North American students who are native speakers of English or French with the opportunity to assist teachers in the English or French programs in elementary, secondary or language schools in Spain (12 to 16 class periods a week).
The program is addressed to US and Canadian university students –majoring in any subject- and graduates, with some proficiency in Spanish.

Students will spend a full academic year in Spain, typically from the beginning of October through May 31 (specific dates are given in the appointment letter the selected candidate is sent). Preferred placement in different Spanish regions can be requested. Participants in the program will receive a €700 monthly stipend and medical coverage.

Native Speakers of English

Who can participate?

  • Hold a USA or Canadian Passport
  • Hold a minimum of a BA or BS by the end of the academic year preceding the start of the program, be a junior or a senior, or have become a university graduate. Alternatively, you can also hold an Associate Degree or be a community college student in their last semester of studies by the end of the academic year preceding the start of the program.
  • Be a native speakers of English or French. Please bear in mind that, if it deems it necessary, our Office reserves the right to assess the applicant’s proficiency in the language whose teaching he/she is going to assist with at any moment in the application process.
  • Be in good physical and psychological condition. It will be necessary to submit a complete medical evaluation signed by your doctor when it is time to apply for your visa.
  • Have a clean background check, which will have to be submitted when it is time to apply for your visa.
  • Be born not earlier than October 1, 1958. For your information, the ages of most participants range from 21 to 35.
  • Participants are requested to have an open-minded and flexible attitude since they will be working as language assistants in the classroom, regardless of their previous educational experience. It is also advisable to have basic communicative skills in Spanish.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This is a process that students or interested individuals can apply for on their own, for free, through the Ministry’s website.  However, if you want to have extra assistance throughout the application process and the whole teaching period, the School for Intercultural Education offers additional assistance to interested participants for a fee of $1800, including:

  • Pre-departure assistance (choosing a destination, visa application, sending documents on time, translation if needed…) throughout the whole application process.
  • Airport reception in Madrid (in a pre-established date)
  • 4 nights in Madrid
  • Tasks and cultural orientation in Madrid (Specific to your destination region/city)
  • 24/7 phone assistance over the teaching period
  • Personal staff assistance in Sevilla
  • TIE (valid visa while in Spain) application assistance
  • Housing search advising

Deadlines

Application deadline with SIE:  March 5

Attend Ambassador Thomas Pickering Conference to Deliver Keynote Address!

Ambassador Thomas Pickering
Events

The public, including students of St. Petersburg College, USF St. Petersburg and other area universities, are cordially invited to attend the Ambassador Thomas Pickering conference free of charge on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at USF St. Petersburg Student Center.

The event has been organized by the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs, which is a cooperative venture of a group of civic-minded St. Petersburg residents and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Multiple panels of distinguished diplomats, military, media, and academic experts will discuss critical international issues of the day.

Ambassador Thomas Pickering is Chairman of the Board of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. He holds the personal rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the U.S. Foreign Service. In a diplomatic career spanning five decades, he was U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation, India, Israel, El Salvador, Nigeria and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. From 1989 to 1992 he was Ambassador and U.S. Representative to the United Nations in New York. His last assignment with the Department of State was as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from 1997 to 2000.

Upon leaving government, Ambassador Thomas Pickering served as Senior Vice President for International Relations and a member of the Executive Council of the Boeing Company for five and one half years. He is currently Vice Chairman at Hills and Company, which provides advice and counsel to a number of major US enterprises.

Pickering received his bachelor’s degree with high honors in history from Bowdoin College and his Master’s from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He received a second master’s degree while a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He speaks French, Spanish and Swahili and has some fluency in Arabic, Hebrew and Russian.

Don’t miss this great opportunity and sign up here!

Please click here to learn more about St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs.

Questions?  Please contact Ramona R. Kirsch at 727-341-4732 or  kirsch.ramona@spcollege.edu.

Remembering International Education Week 2017!

International Education Week 2017
International Students, International Students Events

SPC has just celebrated International Education Week 2017 from November 13th to November 17th, an opportunity to learn the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This initiative promotes programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. As Anna Faiola said, “The International Education Week initiative is an opportunity for all students to be exposed to a flavor of another culture, this is something the Center for International is proud to participate in every year.”

St. Petersburg College cares about having an international environment, that is why it currently hosts 217 international students from 52 different countries around the world, and it offers students nine different study abroad programs. For International Education Week 2017, all SPC campuses held events students could attend to explore new cultures.

On Tuesday, November 14th, Midtown Campus offered students a variety of International Snacks from around the world. Students discovered international activities they can participate in, and they learned about the study abroad programs that SPC offers. A free passport photo opportunity from AAA was also offered to students interested in travelling outside the United States!

Downtown Campus celebrated International Education Week 2017 on Wednesday, November 15th, with an International Coffee Bar. Students were informed about international activities and SPC study abroad programs. Free Passport Photo Coupons from AAA were given to students who are ready to explore!

On Thursday, November 16th, SPC Gibbs Campus celebrated IEW 2017 with the “A Taste of Vietnam” event. The U.S.-ASEAN Fulbright Initiative Scholar, Dr. Quyet Nguyen, from Vinh University in Vietnam Dr. Nguyen, talked about Vietnamese culture and history,  and participants will also hear from SPC International Students, as Phuong Nguyen, and learn about local Vietnamese community groups. Delicious Vietnamese food was served and interactive cultural corners were set up to learn about Vietnamese language, music, film and seasonal celebrations!

On Thursday, November 16th, Tarpon Springs Campus had the International Dining Etiquette event, where students enjoyed international desserts while discovering all the study abroad options. Information about the costs, itinerary, and courses for each trip were shared and people were able to ask question directly. “The partnership with the Career team’s Dining Etiquette workshop was a perfect fit” said Anna Faiola, “students were able to stop by and learn not only about the available study abroad programs, but also about the proper dining etiquette for the various countries where SPC will be holding a study abroad program in during the 2017-2018 academic year.”

Students have been reminded to enter the International Photo Contest. Now it’s time to vote for your favorite photo! Click here to learn more!