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Shaaron Trigoso and Korakot Fungkhachorn, friends and international students, chose DBCC because of the open cultural awareness the college provides.

International programs expand on campus

By: By Steve Goa

Posted: 3/1/07

Like all community colleges, DBCC consists of students from different backgrounds and lifestyles. Many of these students are from foreign countries, including the Ivory Coast, Bulgaria, Russia, the Netherlands, India, Japan and Germany.
There are many reasons why these students come to Daytona Beach. One of them is the fact that students find cheerful hospitality in a community where people care about the world and its diverse cultures. As President John F. Kennedy once said, "If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity." Even 40 years ago he understood better than most that diversity matters.
The international scene at DBCC is dynamic and ongoing thanks to the support of college administration and especially the Office of International Affairs and Department of English and Modern Languages, led by Don Matthews and Judy Campbell, respectively.
Last winter, during International Education Week two successful events took place. The long-running, annual Cultural Festival and the second International Photo Expo are two educational events that received positive response from students and staff.
Held in December, the Cultural Festival is always a big success because of the international students, who introduce overseas music and ethnic food to visitors. Beyond that, the International Photo Expo is a fascinating exhibition representing at least a dozen countries. But, let's see what's been happening this semester.

Modern and English Language studies
The Department of Modern Languages, the English Language Institute and English for Speakers of other Languages have formed a new department, the Department of Modern and English Language Studies. This department also includes the Office of International Student Advising managed by Luis Laboy. Dr. Judith Campbell, professor of ELI, is the new chair.
"The language programs were joined under one department to enhance the effectiveness of each program," said Campbell. "Language faculty work together to create additional opportunities for students to learn another language. For example, through the Conversation Partners Program, students who study French, German, Italian and Spanish can partner with native speakers of those languages who are studying the English language."
According to Campbell, the ELI and the other programs are not difficult to manage separately, but more faculty and more students bring additional managerial responsibilities.
Campbell and the staff are also planning the retirement of Dr. Bill Sarkis, professor of Modern Languages, who has been a DBCC language teacher for 30 years. In addition, it was Sarkis who began the English Language Institute in 1984.
The formation of the Department of Modern and English Language studies is another important step that DBCC has taken continue to successfully serve students.
"It is exciting that the language programs have come together again under one department. In addition, the language department will be located in Building 340 once the building has been renovated this summer," said Campbell.

International Student's voice
My name is Juan Mendez. I am 18 years old, the president of Global Friends and my major is Aeronautical Business. Colombia is my native country and is also the place where I lived for more than 16 years. I like my country very much and I miss the tremendous support of my family and friends.
In Colombia, we have at least two holy days every month. Because we Latin Americans like to party, there are a lot of festivals such as the Barranquilla Carnival and Vallenato Legend Festival. Barranquilla Carnival is held in a city of the same name, which is north of Colombia. Tourists attracted by the fame of its festivities join together with the inhabitants to enjoy several days of the country's most important folklore celebrations. Vallenato - the name of a popular musical movement - is one of most historical and important music festivals in Colombia.
Many people would be curious to know why I left Colombia to study at DBCC, which is so far from home. The answer is simple. My dream was to study overseas. While I was looking for a place that would make my living not too miserable, I found Daytona Beach. Then, a friend of mine, an ERAU student, suggested I go to DBCC. What I found was a community college that is fully accredited college with reasonable tuitions.
I plan to transfer to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and get bachelor's degree. My ambition is to have a big family and work in an important aviation company. In general, I feel very lucky to be here at DBCC. I have improved my English and leadership skills, and have been elected president of Global Friends.

DBCC in Dominican Republic and beyond
The Office of International Affairs continues its consultations with the Dominican Republic to construct a community college in the Caribbean nation. The school system and buildings are being already set up. Although he had to cancel last year, Dominican President Leonel Fernandez Reyna is expected to give this year commencement speech during DBCC graduation ceremonies.
Don Matthews, director of the Office of International Affairs, reports that the college, for a third year, will host a group of multimedia students sponsored by the International Fund of Ireland. The students will arrive in April for a crash course in multimedia production, including the creation of original programs at DBCC Channel 15. Matthews said there are now 150 international students studying at DBCC, compared to a pre-Sept. 11 count close to 500. The college is working on building more international educational alliances, though it has been made more difficult by new restrictions on travel and stays within the United States.

Cambridge Abroad Program
Sam Goldstein of the English Department is promoting another trip to the famed University of Cambridge, England, July 31 to Aug. 10. Open to the community at large, the program allows Americans to study English literature or Shakespeare in classes scheduled in the mornings and afternoons. Quick courses in science, history, art history and medieval studies are also available.
Prices, including housing, breakfast, dinner, classes, tutoring and computer lab, range from $4,195 to $5,250. Other charges apply, such as airfare and books. Students may attend lectures given at the university by professors and others, as well as elect to spend a weekend in Paris or London. Cambridge classes can substitute for courses now taught at DBCC such as Art Appreciation and Early English Literature.
For information, call Goldstein at 506-3617 or e-mail him at goldsts@dbcc.edu
Web site: http://global.usf.edu/studybroad/cambridge

International Movie Festival
This latest addition to campus activities offers an opportunity to watch poignant stories that remain big hits in the country of their origin. The festival allows students and faculty members to discover European, Asian and South American movies. There is a great variety of film to be screened, from comedy and documentaries to romance. Movies are shown several times throughout the semester. Movies so far have included "The Motorcycle Diaries," a biography of the Cuban revolutionary figure Che Guevara. A session is planned for April 4 which will showcase a series of Dominican movies.

Study Abroad Office
This new office is housed in Bldg. 110, Rm. 203. The Study Abroad Office provides students with information about innovative and affordable ways to go to school outside of America. The program is innovative because it allows students to choose from a variety of courses where they will study overseas for seven to 10 weeks. Yvette Lopez, Director of International Projects, says what makes programs affordable is the fact that a student can choose one specific course instead of a broad package of classes which a student may not want. In the process, study abroad challenges and inspires students through introducing them to different cultures and countries.

DBCC French Club
Every Tuesday at 4 p.m., members of the French Connection - or Connexion Française - meet in Bldg. 130, Rm. 122, to discuss the French language, fashion, history and cuisine. In this club, students meet French speakers, French learners and most important new friends.
A first for DBCC, the club makes its debut this month, thanks to students who love the language and culture.
"The French Club will allow me to share with interesting people my passion for France," said Helia Aranda, a hospitality management major.
This new club envisions a modern perspective of multiculturalism and is an opportunity for students to learn the basics of the language or improve their communication "en Français."

Host families wanted
More and more international students are enrolling for DBCC major programs, but finding a family environment to support such students is not easy. For this reason, the college's Office of International Affairs has posted a database of host families. Every international student looking for a host family is free to contact the Office of International Affairs to fill out an application with criteria preferences listed. The application form with a letter of reference is one of the files needed to get in touch with a host family. The office may also assist in finding roommates. Of course, meeting students who already went through this process may help as well. In this way, Global Friends - an international organization on campus led by multilingual students - allows new international students to make friends and expand their horizons.
DBCC is also looking for host families for an occupational training program that is bringing 40 internationals to the campus this summer.