Participating students, left to right, Bruno Bortoli, Hernidia Tavares, Ayuko Shiraishi, Alan Fitzgerald, Miu Chi Ho, Juan Du from China and Alistar Kerr.

Ceremony Held for Current Exchange Students

Posted on November 14, 2008 - Permalink
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More than 20 exchange students from all corners of the world recently joined faculty, staff and administrators in the Dunn Conference Suite of Crimson Hall to discuss the benefits of BSC's exchange programs.

The event, hosted by the Office of External Affairs, included a catered lunch and a panel discussion featuring exchange students who answered questions about their impressions of BSC and what they've learned during their time here, among other topics.

The panelists were: Bruno Bortoli from Brazil; Hernidia Tavares from Cape Verde; Ayuko Shiraishi from Japan; Alan Fitzgerald from Ireland; Miu Chi Ho from Hong Kong; Juan Du from China; and Alistar Kerr from England.

Edward Minnock, vice president of external affairs, welcomed the guests, saying that the more than 30 exchange students currently at BSC play an integral role at the institution, introducing U.S. students to diverse cultures.

"Having this global perspective on campus is very important," he said.

President Dana Mohler-Faria elaborated on that idea, saying the culturally diverse relationships formed by visiting students helps to promote acceptance.

"This type of interconnectedness is something we must come to better understand and must use as a vehicle to make a better world," he said.

During the panel discussion, which was moderated by Sydné Martins, staff assistant in the School of Education and Allied Studies, the exchange students all agreed that BSC has a culturally diverse and friendly atmosphere.

Ms. Tavares said, "Every time you turn your head there is someone that you can identify with."

When asked what knowledge they'd bring back to their home countries, Ms. Shiraishi said, "I want to bring English lessons to Japanese students and help my country's institutions establish better relationships between students and faculty members."

The exchange students began courses this fall, and some are staying for a full academic year. (Story and photo by Rob Matheson, Office of Institutional Communications)