Jim Bensley, the Director of Outreach Services, has been on a mission. He has been working with ESIMT and the Curriculum Committee and is currently conducting departmental listening sessions, all in hopes of creating  new opportunities to help NMC go Global.

The Global Endorsement

In adherence to NMC’s strategic directive of “incubating a co-curricular learning certification by July 2014 in order for learners to track and provide evidence for intercultural learning experiences” students will be able to earn a Global Endorsement at NMC. The endorsement will be earned by students acquiring “points”, through defined opportunities in courses, study abroad, internships, and attending inter-cultural activities and events.

Jim is working with Curriculum Committee on just what defined opportunities in courses will look like and be evaluated.  Plans are also in the works for a new infusion of resources, idea’s for innovation, and help to assist faculty in developing opportunities to integrate culture into classrooms and campus activities.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Study abroad opportunities already exist, and are on the rise.  Last year NMC students went to Peru, Costa Rica, Wales, Brazil, and England.  This year the list has grown:

• Renewable energy is partnering with Denmark.
• Astronomy – Chile.
• Social Sciences – Brazil in partnership with Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná.
• Fresh Water Studies and Humanities -Costa Rica in partnership with Earth University.
• Engineering and Liberal Arts – Russia in partnership with Peoples Friendship University.
• Culinary – Italy through the Marco Polo institute of Mediterranean Culture.
• Liberal Arts- Brazil in partnership with US-Brazil Connect.
• Visual Communications – Netherlands.
• Aviation – South Africa in partnership with Witwatersrand University.

Study Abroad trips typically happen December/January, during Spring Break, or in May/June. Students wishing to take advantage of these opportunities can apply for the Global Opportunities Scholarship.  Initially started by Tim & Nancy Nelson, the scholarship is funded by the Foundation.  NMC agrees to pay up to $1,000 dollars or up to 50% of the expenses.  Financial aid can also be used as the trips are set up as independent studies or academic courses.

Are you interested in setting up a Study Abroad opportunity for your students? Jim is working on “how to” guides. If you would like assistance, please contact Jim.

International Events

As an established cultural facility in Northern Michigan, The Dennos Museum Center, offers a variety of events and programs that can be integrated into your curriculum through exhibits, lectures, demonstrations, artists’ workshops, and concerts. Going on now, Thursday Nights @ the Dennos:

• Community Cinema.
• International Affairs Forum.

NMC students can pick-up free tickets to Dennos Museum events at the box office or at the Student Life Office.

Keep your eye out for more Global opportunities as NMC and the Office of Outreach Services explores going Global.

Have an idea?  Want more information? Contact the Office of Outreach Services at 231.995.2525 or leave a comment below.