Oregon Tech and Klamath Community College Celebrate International Education Week with Special Guest Speaker Haisum Shah

KCC's Baxter and Oregon Tech's Hootie supporting the IEW event

On Nov. 19, Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) and Klamath Community College (KCC) held a joint event in honor of International Education Week, focusing on the value of global education and cross-cultural learning. The celebration highlighted how international experiences help students develop adaptability and problem-solving skills needed in today's global society.

"At Oregon Tech, we are committed to growing our international programs because we are nurturing the leaders of tomorrow with diverse and global perspectives," Oregon Tech President Dr. Nagi Naganathan said. "We are preparing them for important leadership roles in business, government, and their communities."

In recent years, Oregon Tech has expanded its international connections, encouraging students and faculty to study abroad and investing in global engagement to bring international students and faculty to Oregon.

The event also recognized international students and employees from both Oregon Tech and KCC, who contribute their unique ideas and experiences to the community.

"We envision the International Studies program at KCC to become one more way to reach out to the world for our community college," said KCC President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez. "Exchange of ideas across nations is vital to growing a world view for our students on campus. This program has the potential to lead to new economic development in the community, as well."

KCC's International Studies program got underway last spring, hosting students from Brazil and Vietnam. This winter, seven exchange students from France will be on campus and KCC students and faculty will visit France. The students are from CESI School of Engineering in France and will join KCC's Computer Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology programs.

Haisum Shah with Presidents Gutierrez and Naganathan

Guest speaker Haisum Shah, a Senior International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service, shared insights from his non-traditional, international upbringing. His career now includes helping U.S. businesses expand into international markets, including the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and Latin America.

Shah, a University of California, Davis, graduate in International Relations, has worked in Saudi Arabia, South America, and with global organizations such as UNICEF and the United Nations.

Shah presented attendees with the following challenge at the event: "Tonight, as we celebrate all things international, I'm asking you to do the same. Blur the lines of your 'tribe,' turn the brick wall of us versus them into something softer; porous enough to let people in. Don't see others as others: see them as neighbors, as friends, as just like you. Zoom out. Build a larger sense of identity and see yourself as part of something greater: a global collective."

The event was the first formal celebration of Oregon Tech and KCC working together to create more global opportunities for students and employees. This partnership helps individuals on both campuses gain skills and global perspectives to succeed in today's interconnected world.

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