The Office of Global Engagement helps buildconnections between the University of Northern Colorado and the world.
When international students come to study at UNC, transportation might become a problem when experiencing what the university and Colorado has to offer. The OGE provide different services and events for these students to help international students feel more at home.
UNC was first approved by the Department of State to host J-1 and F-1 international students as early as 1962.
“Even before that time, some version of this office existed to provide support to faculty engaging in international research opportunities and connecting with colleagues from other countries,” said Olga Baron, executive director of the OGE.
Prior to April of 2022, OGE was first known as the Center for International Education. They support a range of functions relating to international mobility including programs like Education Abroad, U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility and supporting international students and scholars at all levels in all types of programs.
Julia Spellman, a graduate assistant from the OGE, is a large part of this organization. From arranging different events and trips to making sure they run smoothy, Spellman does a lot to make sure international students feel safe and welcome.
“They get to campus and they don’t have the opportunities that our domestic students have to have [such as] parents or friends or caregivers taking them to the store and get their extra essentials,” she said.
Some of the events include shopping trips, cooking classes and cookie decorating to help domestic and international students meet new people and participate in new things. Shopping trips to places like Target or the Centerra Outlets in Loveland help international students experience what life in America looks like. The cooking classes help bring the community together to help create a new cultural experience.
Neus Serrano, a junior from Spain studying advertising, has attended many of these events and said she believes it’s a great experience.
“We don’t have cars so it’s very helpful that they take us grocery shopping,” said Serrano.
Join the OGE as they create new connections, experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime here at UNC.
