November 24, 2010

What’s Happening in the Community

I recently observed the substantially growing arena of International development, involvement, and awareness going on in the Charlotte community and in campus involvement. I would like to take a brief moment to highlight some of the different international organizations in our Charlotte community, there purpose, and how you may potentially become involved! We are very excited about the growth of our diversity in international relations in the greater campus and charlotte community, and would love for you to experience the same joy. We have a lot of support and leadership in enhancing the ability for other to grow in and experience other cultures, heritages, and backgrounds. Sit back, relax, and admire some of the organizations highlighted as Charlotte is pumping the gear and changing pace to increase International relations and development near you!


In the Greater Charlotte Community:

International House:

Info: The International House promotes international understanding by serving as a center for diversity, advocating for people of diverse national backgrounds and facilitating professional and cultural exchange programs.

To accomplish its mission, the role International House plays in the community is threefold:

Center for International Diversity

We provide a meeting place where Internationals and Americans can establish and strengthen relationships, and promote cultural awareness by connecting with people who share an interest in language, culture, or ethnicity.

Immigrant Advocacy Program

We provide legal representation and other resources to guide over 600 low-income internationals through the complexities of U.S. immigration law.

Citizen Diplomacy Programs

We play an important role in America's citizen diplomacy efforts by partnering with the U.S. Department of State and United States Agency for International Development to implement two U.S.Government sponsored programs: the International Visitor Leadership Program and Community Connections Program.



Location: 322 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204

Contact: The office – 704.333.8099

If you are interested in learning more about this organization please visit their website at:

http://www.ihclt.org/



The Latin American Coalition:

Info: The Latin American Coalition is dedicated to serving Mecklenburg County’s 75,000 Hispanic families with the services that allow them to overcome language, economic, educational and cultural barriers while offering the wider community opportunities to learn about and connect with the Latino population. Also, to promote full Hispanic participation in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region, by informing, educating and advocating for the Latin American community. Ultimately we aspire to help build a diverse and vibrant Charlotte-Mecklenburg community which embraces, supports, and respects people of all cultures and backgrounds.



Location: 4949 Albemarle Rd, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28205

Contact: Jess George, Executive Director – 704-531-3848



If you are interested in learning more about this organization please visit their website at: http://www.latinamericancoalition.org



CIEE International Work and Study Program:

Info: CIEE's mission is to: “Help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.

We approach our tasks aware of the great responsibility we are given to help mold tomorrow’s citizens in a complex and fast-changing world…”

We encourage you to welcome a foreign student into your home. Open your hearts to a special young person and allow them to experience the American way of life inside a warm and loving family environment. CIEE provides an opportunity to gain new insights and renewed appreciation for different cultures, as well as an unforgettable adventure for you, your family and your exchange student. Discover the difference you could make by becoming a Host Family.

Location: 4542 Glenlea commons Dr., Charlotte, NC 28216

Contact: Iztok Umek – 704.697.9730

If you are interested in learning more about this organization please visit their website at:

http://www.councilexchanges.org/

________________________________________________________

In the Campus Community:

Office of International Programs:

Purpose: strives to strengthen international education at the University as well as in the Charlotte community. On campus, it seeks to make international understanding and global awareness a fundamental part of the curriculum and an integral part of campus programming. To this end, it promotes curriculum development, faculty research, and program implementation in the various colleges; administers the University's English Language Training Institute; and coordinates campus activities related to international students and scholars, education abroad, international exchange, cross-cultural training, and world affairs education

Location: 2nd floor, College of Health & Human Services Building

Contact: The Office - 704-687-7755

*The OIP website is filled with countless resources that would allow anyone the ability to indulge in the many opportunities and events afforded to our campus community, faculty, staff, and students.*

If you are interested in learning more, please visit their website at:

http://oip.uncc.edu/



Caribbean Culture Connection:

Purpose: The purpose of this Organization is to enhance the understanding of the Caribbean through the sharing of cultural experiences and social interaction between its members.



Contact: Natasha Webster - 704-560-8573

If you are interested in learning more, please visit their websites at:

http://caribbeanuncc.webs.com and http://www.facebook.com/caribbeanuncc

Education Abroad Association:

Purpose: To stay active internationally! EAA aims to advocate study abroad among the University population. EAA reaches out to students interested in study abroad by providing Peer Advising for studying abroad and fun campus programming. We serve as a connection for study Abroad Alumni! Also, returning Study Abroad students often face challenges adjusting to life in the US and at UNC Charlotte. We connect to these students, and listen to them share their common international experiences. We provide resources such as Re-Entry Workshops, we advocate using the Counseling Center, Career Center Guidance, and topic discussion groups (long distance dating, dating internationally, etc.).

Contact: Rebecca Hallatschek

If you are interested in learning more, please visit their website at:

http://http//www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=268256751361&v=wall&ref=ts


Now that you see a little of what’s going on in Charlotte, join the crowd and get involved! These are a few amazing opportunities for one to expand their horizons. Let’s start with you!

No comments:

Post a Comment