🌍 Central Piedmont Students Explore History, Nature, and Sustainability in the Azores

Group of Central Piedmont students in front of mountain range with a body of water in the backgroundOver Fall Break, a World Civilizations II class from Central Piedmont traveled to São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal, for an unforgettable study abroad experience. ✈️🌊

🔎 What They Learned

Students explored the 225-year relationship between the United States and the Azores, delving into:

  • The impact of U.S. industrialization, whaling, and trade on Azorean livelihoods
  • How immigration and diplomacy shaped the economic development of the islands
  • The Azores’ transformation into a hub for ecotourism and sustainable development

🌿 Connecting with Nature

The itinerary highlighted the Azoreans’ deep connection to nature and their commitment to sustainability. Students participated in activities like:

  • Whale and dolphin watching 🐋
  • Touring a milk factory, pineapple farm, and Europe’s only tea plantation 🍍🍵
  • Visiting volcanoes, black sand beaches, hot springs, and waterfall-filled mountains 🌋🏝️
  • Snorkeling in the crater of an ancient volcano 🤿
  • Experiencing an historic farm day 🐄

🖌️ Hands-On Cultural Experiences

The group also enjoyed:

  • A pottery workshop 🏺
  • A traditional Azorean cooking class 🍳
  • Plenty of delicious meals featuring local flavors 🥘

🧘 Mindfulness Meets Global Learning

Fittingly, the many immersive nature experiences paired perfectly with the group’s introductory mindfulness practices. Later this semester, students will complete projects analyzing how their travels align with a Sustainable Development Goal through an historical lens.

This trip was a powerful blend of history, culture, and sustainability, giving students a global perspective that will last a lifetime! 🌎✨

🌍 Virtual Exchange with EDU Africa: Focus on Good Health & Well-Being

Visual representation of goal 3 on a bright green background. Reads: good health and well being with animated heartbeat and vital signs in white

The Center for Global Engagement and Office of Mentoring & Coaching are offering monthly virtual through May 2025. Each session will explore a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), focusing on a different African country.

The next exchange on Wed., Nov. 6, 12:30 – 2 p.m., will focus on SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being in Tanzania. Hear from Margaret Kenyi, founder of Step by Step Learning Centre, followed by peer discussions with African college students.

👉 Register here or contact global.learning@cpcc.edu with questions.

🌍 Summer 2025 Study Abroad & Travel Programs – Details

Collage of international cityscapes with a photo of students travelling abroad in the center

Central Piedmont’s Center for Global Engagement is offering exciting Summer 2025 programs, including:

  • Florence, Italy: “Music, History, and Cultural Immersion” (Music Appreciation or CCE)
    Two weeks in May exploring Italian music, culture, and history with visits to iconic sites like The Uffizi and the Duomo. 🎶
  • Japan: “Japanese Warlords in Modern Media” (Humanities 120 or CCE)
    Two weeks in May exploring Japanese culture, historic sites like Kyoto temples, and modern media connections to warlords. 🎌
  • UK & Romania: “Dracula: History & Literature in the footsteps of Bram Stoker” (Humanities – Myth & Human Culture and World Civilizations II or CCE)
    10-day program following in the footsteps of Dracula, exploring the history and folklore of vampires in England and Romania. 🧛‍♂️

All applications for 2025 are officially open, deadline to apply December 10, 2025. 

These programs are open to students 18 and older, employees, and community members. Some scholarships are available for students. Please email the Center for Global Engagement with questions or call 704-330-6167.

For more details and to apply, visit the Center for Global Engagement website!

NCAIE Global Leadership and International Engagement Student Conference 🌍

Exterior shot of the Parr Center

We are excited to announce that Central Piedmont will host the NCAIE Global Leadership and International Engagement Student Conference! This conference is for any North Carolina college student passionate about working across cultures and developing a global mindset.

Conference Theme: “Building Bridges in Times of Uncertainty”

📅 Date: Saturday, October 26
📍 Location: Central Campus. Parr Center

Conference Highlights:

  • Network with fellow students and establish new relationships 🤝
  • Attend sessions led by North Carolina students focused on global leadership and exchange
  • Participate in a service-learning project to create “reverse swag bags” of school supplies for immigrant children served by International House of Charlotte ✏️

Central Piedmont students Áine Grady and Mae Wadsworth are leaders on the conference’s state-wide Student Leadership Team, representing our school with pride!

🔗 Register by October 11! (Registration includes lunch and dinner)

💼 Need help with registration fees? Students can request scholarship assistance for free registration by contacting The Center for Global Engagement at global.learning@cpcc.edu or call 704-330-6167.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect with students across North Carolina and engage in global leadership! 🌟

Join the Virtual Exchange Experience with EDU Africa! 🌍

Illustrated image of a dove perched on a gavel with "16: peace, justice and strong institutions" above and "to promote peaceful inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels" below.The Center for Global Engagement and the Office of Mentoring & Coaching are excited to offer monthly virtual exchange experiences for Central Piedmont students from October 2024 – May 2025. Each month, we’ll explore one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the context of a country in Africa, featuring insights from local community leaders and student discussions.

October Virtual Exchange:

📅 Date: Thursday, October 3
Time: 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
🌍 Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions in Rwanda

You’ll hear from Marc Gwamaka of Aegis Trust, who leads national youth leadership programs in Rwanda and is the founder of Walk to Remember, a global education initiative to fight genocide. Following the presentation, students will participate in peer discussions with students from African colleges.

🔗 Register here to receive the link to the virtual exchange.

📧 Questions? Contact the Center for Global Engagement at global.learning@cpcc.edu or call 704-330-6167.

Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to learn and connect with students from around the world! 🌍

World Affairs Council Speaker Series Luncheon with Central Piedmont 🌍

Two students at a networking luncheon

Are you interested in attending the World Affairs Council Speaker Series Luncheon? This unique opportunity allows students to hear from professional and political leaders on current global topics while networking at a professional luncheon.

Please note, there are limited seats available for each event, so be sure to request a seat only if you can fully commit to attending. Professional dress is required for the luncheon.

🔗 Sign up to request a seat

📧 You’ll be contacted by the Center for Global Engagement by the dates listed below to confirm your seat. Parking and light rail info will be provided in the confirmation email. Students are responsible for their own transportation.


Upcoming Opportunity:

📅 October 10th: Transatlantic Relations – A Fireside Chat with EU Diplomats
📧 Confirmation Date: You will receive an email from global.learning@cpcc.edu in October to confirm if a seat is available. Be sure to reply to confirm your attendance.

Event Details:

  • Check-In & Pre-Lunch Networking: 11:15 a.m. – noon
  • Lunch & Presentation: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Charlotte City Club

This is an excellent opportunity to gain insights on global affairs while networking in a professional setting. We hope to see you there! 🌍

International Education Week, Nov. 10-17

TheGroup of about 30 smiling students standing staggered on the steps of Overcash Building at Central Campus holding full size flags from around the world. Office of Global Learning is celebrating International Education Week Nov. 10-17, and you’re invited!

There is something for everyone with events on multiple campuses, engaging virtual experiences from around the world (like a Japanese Tea Ceremony), and some off-campus events like an opportunity to tour the Mint Museum on Randolph Road, and a meet-up at the People’s Market.

Explore the 2023 International Education Week schedule and we’ll see you there!

Global Student Association Presents: Country, Culture, and Cuisine Lunch on March 31

row of students sitting side by side at lunchThe Global Student Association invites you to the Country, Culture, and Cuisine Lunch! Food is often a means to learn and understand cultural identity. Share your culture, learn about other cultures and taste some of their delicious cuisines. Join us on March 31st from 12:30 – 3:30 at the Worrell Building. Invite your friends and colleagues!

Contact global.learning@cpcc.edu with any questions.

Summer in France? Study Abroad with Global Learning

The Global Learning Office is excited to announce a partnership with Davidson-Davie Community College for a study abroad opportunity to Bordeaux, France in Summer of 2022. Through this program, students will design a solar-powered cell phone charger with students from the University of Bordeaux and will include virtual exchange meetings with French students before travel. There will also be a variety of cultural excursions and homestays with French families on the weekend.

Central Piedmont has spots for 2 students who will receive a $1500 scholarship toward the total program cost of $3500.  Our college will also have a faculty leader on the program. Students must apply and take the course associated with the program through Application are due by November 15. Students must apply and take the course associated with the program through the DCCC study abroad website.
Contact global.learning@cpcc.edu with any questions.

Join a Global Learning Event this Fall

Friday, September 10th, 11am to noon – Virtual
Where will you go in 2022? The Global Learning office is traveling again! Come learn about study abroad at Central Piedmont and where we will go in the summer of 2022.
You will also learn about the NC Scholars of Global Distinction Program, the Global Student Association, and both virtual and local globally themed events.
Wednesday, September 15th, 10am –11 a.m. – Virtual
“Mzansi” (South Africa’s nickname) is one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world. Join our partners from EDU Africa as they share about South African culture, language, and history. Register for this event today!
Global Student Association Meetings – to get on our invite list to receive information about our fall meetings and schedule, complete the GSA Registration Form
The Global Student Association is a group of students who learn about and celebrate different cultures. Supported by both the International Student Services Center and the Global Learning office, the Global Student Association appreciates different languages and different ways of doing things by participating in multicultural events and supporting students who want to study abroad. The Global Student Association also creates a sense of unity among international students and those interested in other cultures.  

 

Study Abroad in South Africa – Virtually!

Join Central Piedmont, Davidson County Community College, and Edu Africa for transformative learning through this virtual study abroad to South Africa. Interact and learn about the history, culture, and racial identity issues of South Africa.

Each month during the spring semester we will co-host an event related to South Africa. Topics will include an introduction to the country, Born A Crime book discussion, speaker session with Mandela’s prison mate and prison guard and a student to student conversation event. All events are free! Learn more about registration and program details today.

Study Abroad at Central Piedmont – Now Accepting Applications

Have you ever thought about traveling internationally while earning class credit?  Do you want to stand out among your peers academically and professionally?

Central Piedmont’s Global Learning Office has various opportunities that allow you to do both!

Study Abroad: Central Piedmont offers short term and faculty-led study abroad programs during spring break and the summer term. Travel with faculty for 1 to 4 weeks and earn class credit. (Humanities 120 is an option for most programs along with the discipline attached to the program).

By studying abroad, participants gain cultural sensitivity, foreign language skills, and a global perspective. This translates to competitiveness in the job market, as employers are increasingly looking for workers who have international skills and experience. Check out our amazing program locations for 2020 and apply now (programs are filling up quickly).

 

NC Scholars of Global Distinction: The N.C. Scholars of Global Distinction is designed to equip students with the global competencies and skills needed for the 21st-century workforce.  Participating students will expand their intercultural awareness and understanding of the global relevance of their college studies by completing the program’s requirements. This honors program sets students apart from their peers and enhances their résumés.

Learn more information about program applications and requirements.

 

Email global.learning@cpcc.edu with questions or to set up an appointment to learn more!