Happenings in 2009-2010
Through the cycle of this upcoming academic year, CISLA Director Robert Gay and Associate Director Mary Devins will prepare and guide students in the classes of 2010, 2011 and 2012 through the many components of the CISLA challenge. Their long-standing commitment towards preparing CISLA students for professional and personal excellence outside of the College remains as strong as ever.SEEKING OUT INTERNSHIPS
Internship and Publications Coordinator Dorothy (Dot) Wang, having reached her two-year anniversaries with CISLA, will once again work with CISLA students in the research and preparation of the unique pre-professional, cultural experience known as the CISLA internship. Dot recently worked with the Class of 2010 in securing their summer internship placements. This fall, there are only nine CISLA juniors on campus. The rest are studying abroad, honing their language skills in preparation for their summer 2010 internships.
SENIORS SHARE EXPERIENCES, SEMINARS
The fall 2009 semester welcomes home the CISLA seniors from their internships around the world. They will begin their Senior Integrative Projects (SIP's) and will participate in their CISLA senior seminar, IS 401: New Perspectives on Modern Global Society. The senior class of 27 had internships in 17 countries including Senegal, Russia, China, Germany, Jordan and India. Through class discussions and presentations, students will share their overseas experiences with one another as well as the concept of living in a global society. Several CISLA seniors will soon be eligible to apply for travel grants and scholarships to continue their research and work abroad.
THE ANNUAL CISLA BANQUET
Over Fall Weekend 2009, CISLA will honor the returning seniors with its annual CISLA Banquet. CISLA will welcome the Class of 2010's families and friends to celebrate the students' completion of their internships. The banquet will include group presentations by the seniors that highlight common themes of their SIP's. During this weekend, CISLA typically sponsors a lecture. This year’s speaker will be renowned entrepreneur and internet pioneer, Fernando Espuelas '88, who currently is a talk show host at the number 1 rated Spanish language station in Los Angeles, and who was named by Time magazine as one of the “Leaders of the Millennium”.
MANY APPLICANTS FOR 2011
CISLA again had a large pool of applicants from which to choose. When it was finally narrowed down, 36 students were admitted into CISLA in the spring of 2009. The students began their journeys through the CISLA program, including the CISLA designed and required gateway course, IS 201: Perspectives on Modern Global Society. This course was team taught by a group of Connecticut College professors from various disciplines. Early in the spring semester, a special ceremonial banquet was held for the students and their parents to honor the selected sophomores. In April, the sophomore class visited the United Nations and met with delegates from the Permanent Missions of Israel, the United States, China and Egypt. In the past, CISLA students have met with delegates from the missions of Argentina, Italy, Iran and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Students have had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on a variety of global issues.
THE TRADITIONAL SPRING BALL
Other events that CISLA traditionally sponsors include the Annual Margaret Abel '39 Powell Spring Ball. This elegant evening of dancing to The Dick Campo Big Band has become a wonderful campus tradition. In preparation for the ball, the College sponsors a ballroom dance course so that students can arrive well prepared to dance the night away.
THE CERTIFICATE CEREMONY
Lastly, CISLA will hold its International Studies Certificate Ceremony during commencement weekend. At this special ceremony the CISLA Class of 2010 will receive the Toor Cummings Center of International Studies and the Liberal Arts certificates. The certificates recognize the rigorous academic accomplishments in attaining proficiency in a foreign language, in developing a personal and global understanding as exemplified by their senior projects/theses, and a tremendous amount of personal growth. As in past ceremonies, proud parents, students, faculty and staff will celebrate these joyous accomplishments together.
Last Modified: Thursday, September 17, 2009 16:10