University of The Bahamas students enjoy an immersive study abroad experience
University of The Bahamas students enjoy an immersive study abroad experience
University of The Bahamas (UB) students were given the opportunity to broaden their academic and cultural horizons through an immersive study abroad experience in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico at The Center for Linguistic & Multicultural Studies, Universidad Internacional.
PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS
Benefited students
Taja Hudson, Krista Dames, Katlyn Rolle, and David Romer, were able to take advantage of the opportunity through UB’s longstanding partnership with the Association of International Banks and Trust Companies (AIBT). It was hoped that the students strengthened their foreign language skills, developed global perspectives and built intercultural competence.
“I feel ecstatic about having this opportunity to go to Mexico,” said Hudson, who is pursuing a degree in Spanish, said she thought the summer immersive would be a perfect opportunity to really expand their vocabulary and Spanish experience.
Romer, a senior who is also a double degree major in hospitality management and Spanish, was elated he was chosen.
“When I got the news that I was accepted I was very grateful for it, and very astonished,” said Romer. “And with this opportunity, I look forward to refining my individual Spanish skills, coming back home, developing them further and becoming better and stronger at them.”
The host University
The Center for Linguistic & Multicultural Studies is renowned for teaching Spanish to international students and fostering meaningful intercultural exchange. Classes run on a group of five system, where there are no more than five students assigned to one professor, resulting in students receiving dedicated and personal attention.
“I think it’s very important to learn a second language and be proficient in it given the times that we’re in now where we have so many ethnicities moving through The Bahamas,” said Dames, a law and psychology double-major who is minoring in Spanish. “I think it’s important to be able to understand each other, communicate effectively and create a beautiful fellowship with one another.”
Rolle, a Spanish major, said she is eager to put her Spanish skills to the test.
“Since my major is Spanish, I feel ecstatic about being selected,” said Rolle. “I always wanted to be immersed so I could put my skills to the test. I’m mostly excited about living with a host family, because it’ll be a more natural environment where I can practice my Spanish, whereas at the school, we’ll be having more academic teaching. Although I’m excited about that as well, I think talking to the family, interacting with them and going on excursions is what I anticipate most.”
AIBT sponsor students since 2013
AIBT has been sponsoring language and cultural immersions since 2013. Although traditionally focused on students pursuing banking and/or finance-related degrees to enhance national capacity for multilingualism, scholars in other academic disciplines are also able to participate in the study abroad program.
“We are extremely excited about this venture with the University of The Bahamas to help university students achieve a part of their goals, which is to accelerate the progress of their foreign language,” said Perry Rolle, AIBT director. “In international banking, there’s always a need for foreign languages, particularly Spanish. And, we find that when we’re dealing with Spanish clients, having access to the foreign language is a key asset within the various institutions. And this is not specific to any one institution; this is specific to the sector as a whole. To be a part of this program to advance that and to bring in new talent within the field is something that we are extremely excited about.”
Dr. Cristina Fimiani, head of UB’s Foreign Languages Department in the School of Communication and Creative Arts, stressed the importance of the initiatives in cultivating Bahamian multilingual corporate professionals.
“I think it’s the best way to learn a language, not only through books or classroom exercises,” said Fimiani. “So, I think this is the best opportunity they can have to be multilingual, because with these kinds of travel opportunities, they also meet different people from other countries since it is an international university. This international exchange program allows some of our students to interact with new cultures and improve their intercultural competencies. That is one of our strategic goals as a department.”
AIBT’s commitment to promoting best practices, supporting professional development and advancing The Bahamas as a premier international financial services center encompasses shaping future leaders. Study abroad experiences they believe contributes to students flourishing as they expand their knowledge of other countries, cultures, and languages.
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