Top Story!
International Farewell Reception: Bon Voyage to International Students
On April 18, 2012, IPC hosted a farewell reception for all international students about to depart UNCG. The event celebrated UNCG students about to embark on study abroad terms around the world, international exchange students about to return after a term at UNCG, and degree-seeking international students who are now graduating from UNCG. Guests enjoyed complimentary food and beverages and a slide show of images from various IPC events during the 2011-2012 academic year. |
 |
(Left) Denise Bellamy, Study Abroad and Exchanges Director, looks on during Provost David Perrin’s address. (Right) Pamela Harrod with Provost Perrin. |
Denise Bellamy, Director of Study Abroad and Exchanges, opened the evening with a brief welcome and regards from Dr. Penelope Pynes, Associate Provost for International Programs, who was unable to attend the reception because she was away in China. Bellamy also described the breadth of UNCG’s international programs. She noted that in the coming year UNCG is sending abroad approximately 280 students, 131 of whom are about to undertake fall, spring, or full-year terms at schools in 22 countries, with another 148 students attending faculty led programs this summer in nine countries. She pointed out as well that UNCG is saying goodbye to 164 exchange students from 24 countries. She also highlighted the accomplishments of about 200 INTERLINK students and 30 degree-seeking international students who graduated from UNCG this May.
 |
UNCG exchange students at the International Students Farewell Reception. |
The highlight of the reception was an address by Dr. David Perrin, Provost, in which he discussed the importance of UNCG’s international programs. He emphasized that internationalization was one of the five strategic areas of the 2009-2014 UNCG Complete Strategic Plan, and that study abroad and exchange programs were a crucial aspect of that effort. Provost Perrin urged outgoing exchange students to take full advantage of the opportunity before them, and on behalf of UNCG he stated that, “We are proud to have you as our diplomats and know that as you meet others our reputation around the world becomes stronger.” Additionally, he thanked those international students who were finishing their terms at UNCG and affirmed, “We hope that you will bring treasured memories back to your home and remember UNCG fondly." And finally, to graduating international students, he offered best wishes for the future and urged them to keep in touch “so that we can bask in your accomplishments.”
Provost Perrin’s speech was followed by an address by Pamela Harrod, Director of International Admissions. After the speakers, attendees were free to mingle and enjoy a complimentary buffet.