Lone Star College recognizes International Education Week

HOUSTON, TX -- The United States Department of State defines International Education Week (Nov. 13-17) as a joint initiative celebrating the benefits of international education and exchange. Lone Star College achieves this mission by offering students a global education that prepares them to compete and succeed in an increasingly diverse world.

“Lone Star College continues to set the international stage on how community colleges can produce competent and confident students ready to take the world by storm,” said Katharine Caruso, Ph.D., LSC associate vice chancellor, Honors and International Education. “The college has opportunities for all students to participate in internationalized programs, like The Honors College, Global Scholars, National Model United Nations and International Studies, which provide students firsthand training on how to navigate and tackle local, national and global issues.”

LSC is an open enrollment institution that welcomed 2,641 international students in fall 2023. Campuses across the system will host International Education Week events, focusing on this year’s theme, “International Education is the Future.”

Visit LoneStar.edu/IEW for a list of upcoming IEW events at various LSC campuses.

Safi Dapetel Balkissou Wouna moved to the United States from Cameroon, Africa in June 2021. By that fall, she enrolled in LSC-University Park and began classes in spring 2022. The international student is part of LSC Honors College, which she credits for her success.

“The Honors College has been helpful in shaping my goals at Lone Star College,” said Balkissou Wouna. “They provide the assistance I need and are always ready to hear from me and help me with my challenges.”

When Balkissou Wouna immigrated to the U.S., her college credits from Cameroon did not transfer, causing her to retake math courses like algebra. Despite those challenges, she excelled in and out of the classroom, gaining leadership skills and earning two Shining Stars Awards.

“Education is important to me because it is the key to my future goals,” said Balkissou Wouna. “Although there are differences between the education here and Cameroon, both are preparing me for a career in the oil and gas field.”

Balkissou Wouna plans to graduate from LSC-University Park in fall 2023 with an associate of science degree. Before attending a four-year university to study chemical engineering, she will participate in LSC’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) program that helps international students obtain employment experiences in their chosen profession for a period of 12 months.

“Recognizing International Education Week allows the college to bring the world to students and the community,” said Caruso. “Through global lenses, campus activities will help the audience develop their cultural competency skills through engaging activities.”

Lone Star College’s International Programs offer students various opportunities to learn more about the world around them. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/IP.