Miami Dade College to Host Nearly 100 Fulbright Scholars
Miami, August 4, 2009 - On Aug. 17, Miami Dade College (MDC) will welcome nearly 100 Fulbright Scholars from far away nations and territories, anxious to embark on their most ambitious academic endeavor yet – working toward graduate degrees in the U.S. The scholars will attend a five-day Fulbright Gateway Orientation hosted by MDC’s Wolfson Campus in downtown. In fact, MDC has been hosting Fulbright Gateway Orientations since 2004.
“They are so bright, so smart, with light in their eyes,” said Maureen O’Hara, MDC professor and Fulbright Gateway Orientation director. “Miami is their gateway, their first port of entry on their way to U.S. colleges and universities. We are very proud to host these orientations.”
Sponsored by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, the program prepares Fulbright scholars for academic and personal life in the U.S.
This year’s scholars will arrive from Spain, Turkey, Chile, Switzerland, Pakistan, Nepal, Colombia, Italy, and Norway, among many other countries. They will attend sessions that focus on academic skills, graduate student life and cross-cultural awareness. Some Fulbright scholars who completed their studies and are still living in the U.S. will provide practical advice – how to shop for an apartment, open a bank account, or mail a letter.
In addition, the group will be treated to a sightseeing boat tour, a special dinner at The Knife restaurant and visits to South Beach and other popular locations. They will also meet with MDC students.
For more information about the Fulbright Gateway Orientation, please contact Maureen O’Hara at 305-237-3127, or e-mail mohara@mdc.edu. You may also contact Dorothy Avondstondt at 305-237-7598, or e-mail davondst@mdc.edu.
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist
Alejandro Rios, 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu
Tarnell Carroll, 305-237-3359, tcarroll@mdc.edu, media specialist