President William N. LaForge (center) joined the International Student Association for a cookout on the quad recently, one of many events held in March for International Student Month.March has been a busy month for Delta State University’s growing international student body. Throughout the month, students from across the globe have been hosting campus events for International Student Month.
A number of international students at the university continue to make an impact, on campus and off, thanks to support services provided by International Student Services, housed in Delta State’s Student Success Center.
“The month of March has been set aside to celebrate the different realms of diversity here at DSU,” said Kim Trotter, assistant advisor with the Student Success Center. “During the month, the Student Success Center, along with the International Student Association, promotes the different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities through various social events on campus. We encourage students, faculty, staff and community members to attend these events for an opportunity to meet our current international students and help develop a global perspective.”
Some events and activities have included a food drive, bake sale, food tastings, country presentations, display boards, soccer tournament, softball game and a cookout on the quad.
Joel Salazar, ISA president and graduate assistant, helped coordinate the schedule with Trotter.
“International Student Month has provided us with the unique opportunity to highlight our cultures and promote cross-cultural awareness to bridge the gap between international and local students, and the Cleveland community,” said Salazar. “Being ISA president and assisting Kim with coordinating International Student Month has helped me gain the skills I need to work closely with people from various cultural backgrounds and taught me the importance of being culturally competent.
“I have a chance to discover and learn about other cultures, enhance my understanding of cultural biases and differences, and improve my intercultural communication skills — all important traits to work effectively in today’s globalized society.”
Christy Riddle, executive director of International Student Services and the Student Success Center, is thrilled with the growing number of opportunities for international students to excel on campus.
“We focus on prospective international students through recruiting and admissions and also help ensure that Delta State is a ‘home away from home’ for our current international students,” said Riddle.
To learn more about international programs at Delta State, contact the Student Success Center at 662-846-4574.
