International Education in Action
International education brings an active discussion to campus about world events and international issues. Vol State students have been involved in many projects and have shared their experience with the campus and community. These are a few examples:
Ireland 2011
Returning home to Haiti
Vol State student Frantz Massena was born in Haiti. He watched on TV from the United States as pictures flooded the airwaves showing the destruction caused by the Juanuary 12, 2010 earthquake. He wanted to return to the country to check on family members and see the recovery effort. He made a video of his trip, which was helped with fundraising from the VISA International Students Association and the Collegiate Ministry student organization. The short film was screened for students, faculty and staff on campus.
London 2009
Brazil 2009
“Living in Brazil, while studying the people and culture, has shed a new light on my way of being. I am not the same person as I was before I left. My eyes are more open and see things differently now. I appreciate things more and want to lead a simple life. I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to study abroad.” — Amber Bond TnCIS Brazil Summer 2009 Program
France & Spain
“My trip to France and Spain helped me to be more independent. I’ve gained knowledge about other cultures and learned how to navigate different locations.” — Kristina Shannon
Service Learning in Guatemala
The International program also provides help for students participating in what is called Service Learning. They take skills learned in the classroom and use them to help people in the community, and sometimes that community can be thousands of miles away. Vol State Ophthalmic students put their skills to work in Guatemala on three trips, in conjunction with the Hendersonville Rotary Club. The students performed eye tests and fit needy Guatemalans with glasses, donated by the Lion’s Club.