International Student Development Series

The International Student Development Series is a sub-series within the larger Student Development Series program through the Student Activities Office. It is created and sponsored by an International Student Task Force, consisting of members of various departments at GCC.

Over the years, the number of International Students attending GCC has grown significantly. Because of this increase in the International Student population on GCC’s campus, the importance of distributing helpful information to this population has become an even greater focus. You are an important part of our college, so we want to make sure there is information available to you that will help you reach success as a student at Genesee Community College!

As an added incentive, the International Student Development Series will serve as a Certificate Program, by which student participants will receive recognition for their involvement. Students who attend enough workshops or events to accumulate 5 “credits” during the year will receive a certificate of completion at the Spring Awards Banquet! You will receive one “credit” for each program you attend.

Most workshop sessions will last for 45 minutes and prove to be interactive and informative. Students are asked to SIGN UP ahead of time in the Student Activities Office (S115) for all workshops and activities they plan on attending. Attendance sheets should be marked or signed during each workshop or activity, and students will be tracked for their participation.

We hope you will attend as many workshops and activities as you can, and ultimately find success here as an International Student at Genesee Community College!


Fall 2008

Opening Reception
Thursday, September 18
12:30-2:00pm
T121
All students are invited to attend the reception and learn about the programs offered through the Student Development Series.  There will be “pre-registration” opportunities for upcoming events – and a FREE lunch!

Getting Off Campus
Wednesday, August 27
5:00pm
College Village
Linda Knox – B-Line Bus Service
How do I get groceries in Batavia?  What is the best way to get where I need to?  Come and find out about the public transportation that’s available to you as GCC College Village students!  Participants will also be given the opportunity to take a ride along the B-line Bus routes and learn how to use the system.

Bicycle Safety
Tuesday, September 2
5:00pm
Village Hall
Robert Cooper
Have you ever used your bicycle as a way of getting back and forth between home, school, work and shopping?  Have you ever thought about it, especially since the price of gasoline has reached an all-time high?  This workshop will present the bicycle as a practical form of transportation.  We will discuss safety issues regarding cycling under a variety of conditions including the proper methods for cycling in traffic.  What does New York state law have to say about cyclists’ rights and responsibilities?  What do the accident statistics say about cycling in the presence of motor vehicles?  We will answer these questions, and you will learn techniques for minimizing your risk as you ride your bike on the open roads.  Your presenter will be Robert Cooper, Instructor of Art at GCC, who cycled 5050 miles in 2007 under all conditions of weather and traffic including cycling after dark.  Join us for a chance to win a free bike!

Tourism in Batavia
Tuesday, October 7
12:30-1:15pm
S104
Dawn Ireland-Monsees 
Every wonder what there is to do around here?  Join us for an informational session about Genesee County and the fun opportunities that await you!

Managing Your Money
Tuesday, October 21
12:30-1:15pm
S104
Cheryl Corke   
Ever wonder where all your money goes?  How come you are broke at the end of the month?  Join Cheryl Corke for an introductory workshop on personal money management.  Find out how to do more with the money you have, budget it better, and maybe, just maybe – have more at the end of the month to start saving!!

Surviving the Weather in Western NY!
Wednesday, October 22
5:00pm
College Village
John Sisson
What are the seasons like here in NY?  How cold does it really get in winter?  Don’t let the local weather catch you unprepared!  Come learn some important tips you should know so you can stay healthy, travel safely and be ready for every change that comes! 

Immigration Options
Tuesday, November 18
12:30-1:30pm
S104
Susan Burgess
What do you plan to do after you finish your studies?  Do you want to stay in the US?  Do you want work experience?  Come learn about different immigration opportunities and ask any questions you might have about staying in the US and be sure you still follow the rules of your visa. 

Thanksgiving Traditions
Tuesday, November 25
5:00pm (prior to Thanksgiving Dinner)
College Village
Lauren Paisley
On the 4th Thursday of November, Americans sit down to a BIG meal of turkey and “all the fixings!!”  Why do we eat turkey (of all things) and not steak on Thanksgiving?  What are we giving thanks for?  Come share a meal with us and learn a little American history.  Bring your appetite and try “all the fixings!!”

Christmas Party!
Thursday, December 4
12:30-2:00pm (ISO meeting)
D252
Please come and enjoy some Christmas merriment with ISO.  We’ll discuss some of the traditions of an American Christmas.  Refreshments will be served.