The Center for International Understanding

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Discover the Center for International Understanding

For students, understanding current world events is paramount for success in today’s global economy. Many faculty members have participated in grant-funded professional development workshops around the world, bringing back knowledge that is then integrated into several course areas. The College also offers study abroad opportunities for students each year, allowing them to study a foreign language, explore historical sites and experience another country and culture firsthand. The Center for International Understanding provides a structural framework upon which the College can further its achievements in promoting international understanding.

Mission

Community College of Philadelphia’s Center for International Understanding promotes knowledge and appreciation of a diverse and interdependent world. The Center encourages and supports the integration of international content into courses and curricula, as well as student and faculty experiential learning abroad. To foster student achievement and enrichment, the Center supports faculty development and research. Drawing upon rich resources within the College and among outside organizations, businesses and individuals, the Center initiates and sustains projects to benefit the entire College community and to serve local, national and international needs.

Celebrate International Education Week with CCP!

International Education Week, Nov. 18–22

Join us for events highlighting the range of globally focused opportunities at the College. In conjunction with nationwide efforts, these events celebrate the values of global learning and education, and the College’s commitment to “increased awareness and appreciation of a diverse world where all are interdependent.” This week seeks to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.

All events are hybrid unless otherwise noted. No pre-registration is required. Here’s a list of events happening during our 2024 International Education Week:

Nov. 18

Faculty, Coordinators, Counselors and Advisors: Meeting with Ms. Sherry Zalika Sykes, Diplomat in Residence, U.S. Department of State
10 to 11 a.m. | FCTL, Room B2-36 or Zoom
1 to 2 p.m. | FCTL, Room B2-36 or Zoom
An opportunity for department heads, curriculum coordinators, faculty and advisors to speak with Ms. Sherry Zalika Sykes about career opportunities and fellowships for students in all majors with the U.S. Department of State.

Students: Speak with a U.S. Diplomat about Career Opportunities, Internships and Fellowships with the U.S. Department of State
2:30 to 4 p.m. | Room S2-3 or Zoom link
Learn about career, internship and fellowship opportunities for all majors with the U.S. Department of State from Ms. Sherry Zalika Sykes, Diplomat in Residence for the Allegheny region. Ms. Sykes is a senior-level career Foreign Service Officer with more than 24 years of experience in the U.S. Department of State, and she will talk about why you should consider a career in public service.

Students: Learn About Studying at Temple University Japan
7 to 8 p.m. | Zoom
Attend a virtual information session and meet with Mr. Ryan Evan Goulding of Temple University Japan to learn about opportunities to study abroad and learn about transfer and scholarship opportunities.

Nov. 20

Students: CCP Study Abroad Programs in 2025: Student Global Scholarship Opportunities for Study Abroad and Study of World Languages
9:30 to 11 a.m. | Room S2-3 or Zoom
Join Boi-Lucia Gbaya-Kanga, assistant professor and coordinator of Study Abroad at CCP and Dr. David Prejsnar, assistant professor and director of the Center for International Understanding, to learn about the exciting range of study abroad locations and academic programs for summer 2025. You’ll also learn about scholarship opportunities for study abroad.

Faculty: “What Is Democracy Around the World? What Are the Current Challenges?”
11:20 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. | Zoom
Join a panel of CCP faculty from philosophy, political science and other disciplines who will discuss a range of crucial issues related to contemporary debates on “Democracy.”

Nov. 21

Students: Learn a World Language! Learn About a World Culture!
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Bonnell Lobby
Join faculty from the World Language and other departments at the College to learn a bit of a world language and some fun facts about cultures from around the globe!

Students: From Philadelphia to Rome or Spain! Study Abroad Opportunities at Temple University Overseas Locations
1 to 2 p.m. | Room C2-05 or Zoom
Students are invited to join Ms. Erica Nikolaisen, the assistant director of Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses, to find out more about study abroad opportunities at the variety of Temple centers overseas.