Global Scholars Return to Miami Dade College for Fulbright Gateway Orientation
Miami Dade College to host 50 Fulbright scholars from around the world
Miami, August 15, 2011 - For the eighth year, Miami Dade College (MDC) will welcome more than 150 students from more than 60 countries as part of the 2011Fulbright Gateway Orientation. The participants, some of the brightest students worldwide, have been awarded Fulbright scholarships to work toward master’s and doctoral degrees at universities throughout the U.S.
It is rare to have in one room students from every corner of the world, representing so many different cultures, languages and major fields of study, who will one day be leaders in their chosen professions in order to help improve conditions of their countries.
MDC will serve as a bridge for the Scholars to become familiar with academic life and culture in the U.S. before beginning their studies. The College will host two orientation sessions on Aug. 15-19 and Aug. 22-26 at its Wolfson Campus, Emerging Technologies Center of the Americas, 500 N.E. Second Avenue, Buildings 7 and 2.
Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and administered by the Institute of International Education, Gateway Orientations provide an overview of Fulbright goals and traditions, a basic understanding of the American education system, and practical advice on college life.
Led by MDC faculty and staff, the orientation sessions will cover academic topics such as U.S. government and politics and the history of American art. Other topics include issues essential to their adjustment, such as culture shock, stress management, legal rights as a non-citizen and getting settled in a new place.
The cross-cultural workshops will address understanding both academic and American culture, as well as other cultures. In the evenings, the scholars will also have an opportunity to visit South Beach for an American barbecue at Club Nikki, take a boat tour on Biscayne Bay, and have dinner at area restaurants.
To learn more about the Fulbright Gateway Orientation, please contact Professor Maureen O’Hara at 305-237-3127, mohara@mdc.edu.
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Tere Estorino, 305-237-3949, testorin@mdc.edu, MDC media relations director
Tarnell Carroll, 305-237-3359, tcarroll@mdc.edu, media specialist
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist