Hello Study Abroad Alumni,
My name is Colleen Grinham, and I am the Graduate Assistant at the International Center, a 2011 study abroad alumna, and this year’s coordinator for the Peer Ambassador Program.
For those of you that are not familiar with the Peer Ambassador Program, I will explain our goals. The peer ambassador program looks to introduce international students to URI students, and vice versa, to allow for more cross-cultural interactions on campus, and to encourage a peer bonding experience that is sometimes difficult to achieve when in a foreign country, as many of you know.
My personal goal for this upcoming year is to make the Peer Ambassador Program a comprehensive cross-cultural education program. This means that there will be presentations and seminars throughout the year to share cultural and study abroad experiences from both perspectives. Additionally, there will be more social events throughout the year including a salsa night, day trips, intramural teams, “speed friending”, language coffee hours, foreign film nights, and many other great activities.
Throughout the 2013-2014 academic year, there will be international students from all over the world including those from China, Norway, Spain & Brazil, to name a few. These students have indicated on their applications to URI that they would like a Peer Ambassador, so international students participating are excited to meet URI students and learn about a new culture.
If you are interested in being paired with an international student or learning about other cultures in general, please visit our website for more information. http://www.uri.edu/
The deadline for Fall 2013 Applicants is July 15th. You can find the Peer Ambassador application at the link above.
At the end of July you will receive your international partner’s contact information. This is available so that international students have a chance to ask their partners questions regarding what to bring, what to do in Rhode Island, and other questions about the University best answered by a student.
This is a great opportunity to practice a second language, learn a new one, becoming involved in the URI international community, and experience a different culture! Remember, your participation enhances these student’s experiences abroad!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Colleen Grinham
Graduate Assistant
Office of International Education- University of Rhode Island
