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Learning College Retreat
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Learning College Retreat Focuses on International Education
In her welcome to the attendees Dr. Somersall stressed that MC is one of the most diverse colleges in America, with international students from 175 countries. Events like the Learning College Retreat are critical, she said, so that the College community may learn ways to meet the unique needs of our student body. “We know from talking with [students] on a daily basis that they gain invaluable life lessons by learning with people from other countries and different walks of life,” said Somersall in her presentation. “Our multicultural students consider Montgomery College to be a rich learning laboratory: a place where it is safe to test new ideas, to voice opinions, and to learn about others.” Professor Dawn Avery, professor of music at Rockville, agreed, and she spoke about her initiatives to bring a greater recognition of global music to Montgomery College. Professor Avery is one of the 2006 Make it Happen Innovation Grant recipients, and she used her funding to establish a student world music ensemble that performs at a variety of prominent College events. Five students of this ensemble joined together to form a reggae band that opened the retreat. Jermaine Swaby, composer, lead singer and guitarist; Willie Gammel, electric lead guitar; Jay Katzenberger, electric bass; Alexis Magdaleno, percussion; and Diana Downey, violin; comprised the band, and each spoke at the Learning College program. One student said that “music is a powerful tool that can help keep the world together through peace.”
It is that appreciation and respect for different cultures that prepare students to prosper in a global world, echoed Dr. Gail Forman, director of international education and professor of English at Rockville. In her presentation that day she said that “the importance of global education cannot be exaggerated.” She recommended to her fellow educators that they work to internationalize the curriculum and bring the entire world to Montgomery College campuses, since not all students take advantage of study abroad opportunities.
Rounding out the presentations, Professor Heidi Russell-Kalkofen, international counselor at The remainder of the day consisted of international-focused workshops where attendees learned more about bringing an international focus to the workings of the College. One interesting highlight occurred at the end of the day’s functions when Professor Karissa Silver, counselor and associate professor for counseling and advising, Rockville, took home the program’s door prize, the chance to accompany the five summer study abroad students for an all-expense paid trip to Turkey.
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Dr. Clarice Somersall, vice president for Academic Initiatives & Partnerships , welcomed 88 faculty, staff, and administrators last month at Montgomery College’s third Learning College retreat. The event was held at the Germantown campus on March 29, 2007. Yet this Learning College retreat stood apart from its two predecessors, as it was the first theme-retreat and focused entirely on explaining and promoting Montgomery College’s international education programs.
Dr. Mary Kay Shartle-Galotto, executive vice president for academic and student services, reiterated the need for international education. She said there is a need in today’s higher education institutions to make students more globalized and aware of different cultures. It helps them understand more about themselves and America as a whole, she said.
But if it were up to Professor Greg Malveaux, everyone would study abroad. Professor Malveaux works as coordinator of travel and study abroad for the international education program. He revealed that “despite the perceived risk and liability” that exists regarding post-9/11 foreign travel, the study abroad program at the College has continued to grow. He used the retreat as an opportunity to announce to faculty that they can incorporate a two-week study abroad component into any of their courses. He also informed attendees that there is a study abroad scholarship funded through Montgomery College that will provide five students with the opportunity to participate in a two-week travel/study program in Turkey this summer from June 30–July 13. These scholarship funds have also been granted to two other students for semester-long study abroad programs. One student will study language, philosophy, and German culture at the Freie Universitat in Berlin and another will study at the World Link Education Japanese Language and Culture Program of Tokyo, Japan. 
Rockville, spoke about the need to understand the international student diversity that exists on our campuses. She said that Montgomery College is among the top ten community colleges that attract students from foreign countries for study in the U.S. When such students leave their homelands for a Montgomery College education, many come alone and need our support and understanding. The backgrounds of such students are also as different as can possibly be – some are children of diplomats, some are refugees, some are professionals in their home countries with advanced degrees, and some are au pairs and other service workers. They all need understanding and specific accommodations.
