Durham Technical Community College draws students from diverse backgrounds. In fact, 95 countries are represented in just our credit career preparation and university transfer programs. As more international students enroll, Durham Tech's new Center for the Global Learner will help facilitate cultural understanding and respect.

The center is the first of its kind in the North Carolina Community College System. Its mission is to lead and collaborate with all areas of the college community to foster intercultural understanding and the development of global citizens. Staff members with extensive multicultural experience work closely with our international students. As an increasing number enroll at Durham Tech, the center offers these students more support services and course options than have been available in the past.

But the Center for the Global Learner is not just for international students. All students, faculty, and staff - whatever their heritage - can benefit from a stronger focus on global issues.

The center will provide all Durham Tech students more opportunities to learn about cultures throughout the world. To that end, the center houses the study abroad program and will develop and strengthen partnerships with business and industry, nonprofit and governmental organizations, and academic institutions both in the U.S. and abroad.

The Center for the Global Learner has courses for both credit and noncredit students. Several existing programs are now part of the center. One of these is English as a Second Language (ESL). Durham Tech's ESL program offers several levels to help students develop their basic skills in English. There is no charge for these very popular noncredit courses. In addition, more specialized fee-based English courses are offered through the center.

For those interested in learning or applying Spanish language skills, the center offers the Community Spanish Facilitator and Medical Spanish Facilitator Certificate credit programs. These provide students with the skills to translate and interpret in government offices, schools, hospitals, emergency medical agencies, and other community facilities. Attendance at an information session is mandatory for these programs.

Beginning this fall, a new certificate will be offered at the Orange County Campus in Hillsborough. The Workplace Spanish Certificate, which focuses on health, is a 17-credit-hour certificate that prepares students to work as front-line personnel to facilitate basic oral communication with Hispanic customers.

Future plans for the Center for the Global Learner include additional course and program offerings, as well as intercultural activities, guest speakers, faculty exchange opportunities, assistance in "globalizing" the curriculum, and expanded study abroad opportunities.

Our communities are becoming more diverse. Our workplaces are becoming more globally interconnected. It is crucial that we prepare our students to compete, succeed, and also feel comfortable in a global environment. For more information, visit the Center for the Global Learner website at www.durhamtech.edu/html/international/index.htm