Re-Entry Events & Opportunities
Research shows that the re-entry piece of study abroad is just as significant and critical as the preparation before you go and the study abroad experience itself. It is crucial that you allow yourself time and opportunities to successfully readjust back into your life both here in the United States and on the North Central College campus.
As part of this re-adjustment and re-entry phase, the Office of International Programs and your GLS 277 instructors announce several upcoming events and opportunities, described below. Please remember that, as part of your GLS 277 course, you are required to:
(1) attend your program evaluation meeting (# 2 below),
(2) participate in EITHER event #5, Study Abroad Returnee Retreat OR event #6, Study Abroad Re-entry Conference, and
(3) turn in your final reflective project (see your syllabus for Options A, B, and C, remembering that the Scholarship Video [#4 below] is Option C) by Saturday, March 2.
1. Welcome Back Evening for Study Abroad Returnees
Wednesday January 9th in Smith Hall, Old Main 2nd floor. Please come to either the dinner, seating at 5:00 PM or the dessert, seating at 8:00 PM. Join us for a wonderful evening as we welcome you all back to NCC and take a journey through your study abroad memories!
* We ask that you please bring either a special object or a photo (flash drive only) from your study abroad experience to share with the group.
2. Program Evaluation Meetings and Feedback Sessions
Mandatory program evaluation meetings to review both positive feedback and suggestions for improvement for our study abroad programs. Click here to see when your program evaluation meeting has been scheduled.
3. Photo Contest
Deadline: Monday, February 11th
Winners Announced: Monday, March 4th
We invite all 2012-2013 study abroad participants to submit no more than three of their best digital photos to the Office of International Programs. Entries will be divided into two categories, People and Places, giving more people the chance to win! First, second, and third place winners in both categories will be awarded Downtown Naperville Gift Certificates in the amount of $30, $15 and $10 respectively. Winning photos will be displayed on the NCC campus. Please email your best photographs to Jesus Velasco at jevelasco@noctrl.edu. We know you all took some amazing journeys abroad and look forward to seeing the "inner photographer" in each of you!
Click here to view complete guidelines for photo submissions.
4. Video Scholarship Competition
Deadline: Friday, March 8th (last day of winter term)
The Office of International Programs is pleased to announce a scholarship available ONLY to study abroad returnees.
What does the video application require? This scholarship serves two main purposes: it gives you a chance to create a unique kind of reflection on your study abroad experience, while it provides other students with helpful information about your program. We are asking that your application take the form of a five-minute video that could be used to promote study abroad at North Central College. You can decide what photos, text, and music you’d like to use; all we ask is that you select those that best represent the academic, cultural, and personal aspects of your experience that were most memorable and meaningful. No inappropriate subject matter (e.g., sex, alcohol, violence) should be included.
First, second, and third place scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $500, $300 and $200 respectively. All videos should be emailed to Jesus Velasco, International Student Advisor, at jevelasco@noctrl.edu.
Click here to view complete guidelines for video submissions.
5. Study Abroad Returnee Retreat (more reflective)
Thursday, January 31st, 7:30 – 11:00 PM, Smith Hall, Old Main 2nd floor.
This re-entry event is designed to bring us together, as a returnee group--to reflect on, discuss, process, evaluate, and share our study abroad experiences, as well as think about how study abroad has impacted us and how we can make the best personal and professional use of the experience in the future.
6. Study Abroad Re-entry Conference (more practical)
Saturday, March 2nd, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
North Central College Campus: Larrance Academic Center: 309 E. School Street Naperville, IL 60540
$5 at the door; free for NCC students. Advance registration is encouraged. bkshammas@noctrl.edu or (630) 637-5132
Free parking in the lot adjacent to the Larrance Academic Center or free 4-hour street parking.
I'M BACK, NOW WHAT?
Have you ever thought about a career with the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer? How about a job teaching English overseas or volunteering with the Peace Corps? Are you contemplating graduate school but not sure what universities/programs to look at? What about a job in International Education working as an International Admissions Counselor or International Student/Study Abroad Advisor? Are you a business major and wondering how to get a job with a global corporation? Do you even know how to market your study abroad experience on a resume or in an interview?
The primary purpose of this conference is to explore ways of integrating YOUR study abroad experience into YOUR personal and professional plans. You will be encouraged to think about your future goals and look at ways of making good use of your overseas experience.
7. Global Perspectives Program
The College has recently instituted a way to officially acknowledge substantial international experience and course work. By completing a set of requirements--including intercultural courses, language study, study abroad, an internationally focused internship, campus international programming, and a capstone seminar—students can now be recognized on their transcripts and at commencement. Students in all majors can apply; potential employers or graduate school admission officials will know that you have added significant international dimensions to your undergraduate degree. See handout for details. Full description of the program will appear in the 2012-13 North Central College Undergraduate Catalog, pp. 138-139.
8. BBC (Being Back Conversations)
Every other Friday afternoon
This time is designed for those of you would like to get together regularly, in a smaller, more personal setting, and talk about your experiences abroad and the challenges of returning. E-mail Kimberly at kmlarsson@noctrl.edu if you are interested in participating. Time and location TBA, based on interest.
9. ...And There's More...
As a study abroad returnee, the Office of International Programs would also really appreciate your assistance and expertise with upcoming spring orientations - as fall 2013 NCC students prepare to go abroad! You may also want to consider getting involved with the NCC International Club, rooming with an international student, participating in the international buddies program, or becoming a study abroad ambassador.
International Club- The International Club is a community of international and American students dedicated to the enhancing international awareness, cooperation, cultural diversity and dialogue among students of different nations and American students attending North Central College.
Rooming with an International Student- An exciting way to continue your international experience as a resident student at NCC.
International Buddies Program- Do you remember what it was like when you arrived in your host country for the first time? Help new international students settle in during the first couple of days during their first week experience at NCC.
Study Abroad Ambassador's Program- As a Study Abroad Ambassador you will have the opportunity to highlight the variety of programs NCC offers, while sharing your own life-changing study abroad experience.
For a printable PDF of all of the information above Click here