The International Education Center News Magazine: Vol. 1 Issue 3

CROSSROAD

STUDY ABROAD SOCIAL

We want to help if you have questions about your upcoming trip or if you just want to learn more about study abroad!

Previous study abroad students will be there to talk about their experience, answer questions, and give advice. Join us April 17th from 5 - 7 PM at Blackbird. The first 5 students will get a free beverage Open to all students!

THE INTERNATIONAL CLUB

Are you looking to join a club full of friendship, inclusivity, and diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds? Join The International Club! This vibrant community offers monthly events and activities, making every moment a celebration of global unity. All students are welcome!

Upcoming Events:

April 13-14: Trip to Charleston, SC

April 24th: Last meeting of the semester

Follow The International Club on Instagram to stay updated on events and meetings! @gc internationalclub

Program Abroad: Montepulciano, Italy

Why did you choose to study abroad?

“I’ve always wanted to study abroad because I love traveling, learning about different cultures, and my older brother did it when he was in college and absolutely loved it! I also went not knowing anyone and met the most amazing people who are now my best friends.” What did you like about your course abroad?

“The courses I took was a Geography class and a psychology of adjustment class They were both so interesting because my professors included aspects of Italy into our lessons. Our classes were also in a renovated castle at the top of the hill overlooking Montepulciano which was absolutely beautiful I can’t wait to one day go back and I miss it everyday!”

Written by Sydney Zeff and Ansley Hill

M I C H A E L N C U B E

GCSU ADVANTAGE

Michael Ncube graduated from GCSU in 2019 with a degree in Politics/International Relations. A recipient of the UGRAD scholarship facilitated by World Learning, Michael acknowledges the opportunities that the university offered for his personal and professional growth postgraduation.

“Georgia College And State University really has a vast number of programs that it provides for young students to be able to get involved with their communities It is overwhelming how much a young student can learn by simply being in the environment that the school provides. I remember arriving at Georgia College and opening a web page that led to the number of societies one could join and thinking to myself how instrumental this would be in the African context and what a privilege and a blessing to have this in front of me. So excited I basically enrolled for as many volunteer opportunities as I could. I was so fascinated by the concept of volunteering and community work and just being able to freely give your time but be able to learn a lot from that process is what I thoroughly enjoyed I think what was amazing or what was lovely was the fact that World Learning recommended us to volunteer at our various universities in advance ”

WHAT’SNEXT?

Michael is looking forward to graduating from the University of Cape Town in the upcoming year where he will have completed a Masters degree in Development Policy and Practice. Following this achievement, he will be pursuing a PHD from either Oxford or Harvard University for research in policy, strategy, and renewable energy.

“I am beyond grateful for Georgia College, World Learning, and UGRAD for trusting me and helping me build the foundations of the young leader that I have turned out to be. ‘Once a Bobcat always a Bobcat!’”

“The organizations at GCSU really equipped me with some strategies that I went and took back to Zimbabwe and went to employ opening my own organizations which gained a lot of traction as I was able to be nominated for the 40 under 40 Africa awards in community development being the youngest nominee Some of this recognition has led me this far in this journey and recently I've been awarded the Mandela Rhodes Foundation scholarship which equipped 39 leaders with leadership training throughout the year and paid finances for them to pursue a postgraduate study at the university of their choice in South Africa I was chosen for this scholarship in the year of 2023 and as the first Georgia College alumni, it was indeed a proud moment, to remember all the little steps I took in Milledgeville led me this far to be representing ICONIC names such as Nelson Mandela, and I have been in residence for the whole year ”

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SHARE THEIR COUNTRIES WITH LOCAL SCHOOL

COMMUNITYIMPRESSION

GCSU international students went to the Lakeview Elementary School’s Montessori program to speak to the children about their countries. From England to Vietnam, four international students were able to share various facts and stories related to their homeland.

Isobel Young, a junior exercise science major from South Kent, England shared, “The students really enjoyed learning about the British accents and the school uniforms I grew up wearing Not only did I get to share facts about England with students, but I also got the chance to learn about countries from the other international presentations.”

IN HONOR OF LUNAR NEW YEAR IN VIETNAM, I GAVE AWAY RED ENVELOPES WITH LUCKY MONEY AS A TRIVIA PRIZE.

Nhu Nguyen, a sophomore MIS major from Vietnam, jumped at the opportunity when she heard about the event. “I thought it would be a great chance to interact with kids that go to primary school because I didn’t get the chance to be abroad in the US during their age, ” she said Nhu was also impressed with how interactive and curious the students were about Vietnamese culture and language

CAROLINE COLE

ONEYEARATOXFORDLEADSTOPURSUINGA MASTER’SDEGREEATSTANDREWS

In Spring of 2023, GCSU’s Caroline Cole spent six months as a visiting student at Regent’s Park College, University of Oxford, in Oxford, England. In her return in Fall 2023, she took various classes, including “Global Middle Ages,” “Victorian Literature,” and “Post WWII Britain ” While writing a couple research essays per week was a lot of work, her reading and writing skills improved through each paper.

Caroline recalls the library to be her second home, “the most enriching part of my experience was not just the academics, but the social scene and the relationships I formed.”

Caroline made meaningful connections with both the visiting and full-time students from Regent’s and other Oxford colleges. She spent much of her time involved in Trinity Church Oxford, becoming one of her favorite parts during her time abroad Caroline also continued her involvement in Oxford Intercollegiate Christian Union, the Oxford University Conservative Association, and the Regent’s Park College Boat Club; truly making the most of her experience at Oxford

Pictured: Regent’s Park College Quad

“The town and university are ancient, with very few modern buildings and architecture. The North Sea laps against the cliffs the town is set upon, and walkable beaches, called the West and East Sands, stretch for miles on either side.”

Towards the end of her fall term last year, Caroline traveled to St. Andrews, known for the world’s first golf course and the acclaimed University of St Andrews Upon her arrival, she fell in love with the town and knew this was where she would flourish in pursuit of her Master’s. This coming year, Caroline will be attending the University of St Andrews, Scotland to pursue an MLitt in Museum and Heritage Studies. Like most Master’s degrees in the UK, this is a one-year program and is the highest ranked museum studies program in Europe.

MEET SUSIE RAMAGE,INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR

Susie Ramage, the International Admissions Counselor, assists with international student recruitment, international admissions for both undergraduate and graduate programs, and is also involved with international programming. She is a co-advisor of the International Cluban organization composed of both international and domestic students interested in cross-cultural experiences - that is one the largest and most active student organizations at Georgia College. Ms. Ramage has received numerous awards and recognitions from GCSU for her outstanding service to - and care for - the international students that come to GCSU and Milledgeville.

“My favorite part about being the International Admissions Counselor is helping international applicants from all over the globe through the application process in hopes of fulfilling their dream to coming to the U S to study here at Georgia College & State University. For the applicants who are admitted and are successful in getting to the U.S, it is extremely rewarding when we meet in person, and they join our Bobcat Community.”

“I am very happy helping to make international students feel welcome and becoming their family away from home to assist them throughout their time here at Georgia College & State University.”

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

One of the biggest concerns about studying abroad is how to finance the program. While studying abroad can be costly, GCSU is dedicated to making study abroad affordable and accessible to as many students as possible. Students' regular financial aid is often applicable to studies abroad - plus the International Education Center has many scholarships specifically geared towards Study Abroad. In particular, be sure to check out GCSU's innovative "New Horizons" scholarship, designed to assist both underrepresented populations, plus students who may be experiencing unusual or unexpected hardships.

Financial Aid

HOPE or ZELL Scholarships, Federal aid (such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans) for eligible students can be applied to approved programs.

GCSU Study Abroad Scholarship

The GCSU Study Abroad Scholarship is open to any Georgia College student who has applied for any credit-bearing study abroad, internship abroad, or servicelearning abroad program. Georgia College is able to award many students each year, so all students going abroad are encouraged to apply!

3rd Party Scholarships

GCSU-affiliated study abroad partners may offer scholarships or grant-matching to GCSU students who are accepted to their semester or summer programs. For example, ISA, CEPA, TEAN, and any other scholarships you can find independently.