February 28, 2023: Spring break is right around the corner, a nice time away from classes that is often reserved for travel. While some of us have trips lined up, some of us are staying home. It’s important to know that whatever you do this year, you can have rewarding international experiences that have the potential to change your life. We have a few ideas for how you can gain new global perspectives no matter what you choose to do this year.

Attend cultural events locally. Here in Lake County, we’re lucky to be sandwiched between two major cities that offer events from a variety of cultures that showcase music, dance, food, and other traditions from all over the world. Head north to Milwaukee or jump on the Metra and head south to Chicago and check out their Saint Patrick Day parades. Or stick around here and check out Switchback on March 19 at the James Lumber Center. This personable, talented duo will be playing their brand of eclectic Celtic and Americana. Switchback captures the Irish of today with an exciting mix of mandolin, guitar, bass and unique harmonies. Bonus: CLC students get discounted admission to most JLC events.

Watch international movies and TV shows, read international literature or follow social media accounts based outside of the US. Experiencing content from different countries can expose you to different cultures and perspectives. You can also watch foreign-language films with English subtitles to improve your language skills.

Make friends with an international student and learn more about their culture by becoming a Friendship Family. A Friendship Family is a local community member or family who is interested in showing hospitality to international students by inviting them into the daily rhythms of their lives (i.e. children’s sporting events, family outings, game nights, community events, holiday meals, etc.). Friendship families and their student(s) can decide how frequently to meet, typically 1-2 times a month during the academic term. Students will not live with the friendship family. Everlasting friendships and connections are bound to happen. Learn more abot becoming a Friendship Family. https://www.clcillinois.edu/department-of-global-engagement/friendship-families-volunteer-program

Study Abroad! They say that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer and studying abroad with CLC really proves it. Every year we offer lots of options for studying abroad and community travel, and guess what- they cost a lot less than you might think because study abroad courses are financial aid and scholarship eligible. This year, every person who signed up for a study abroad trip received some funding through scholarships. Learn more about our study abroad and community travel programs here. https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs-and-classes/degrees-and-certificates/study-abroad

In the Fall Garden with Melanie Bromberek, Horticulture Lab Coordinator

CLC ConnectsBy College of Lake CountyAug 01, 2022