First-Year Cohort Launches Residential Program
Members of the GLLC and Language Teaching Assistants
Front row: Christian Le, Benjamin Cordell, Jasmine Houston; Second Row: Gabrielle Docog, Caleb “Caelan” Onggosanusi, French language teaching assistant Marine Nelc, Kit Elbert, German language teaching assistant Jan Burger; Back row: Spanish language teaching assistant Gilber Rodriguez, Selina Brooks, Ethan Paspula, Deron Dwomo-Bediako, Kurt Jacobson, Aven Roberts. Not pictured: Caleb Balderas, Graceanne Dix, Sonja Huntwork, Cody McIntyre, Keylan Minnis, Kester “Chris” Nkese, and Emma “Rae” Sinclair
The newly formed Global Living Learning Community (GLLC) in the Jordan Family Language House not only fills a wing of the unique residence hall, but also helps interested first-year students engage in global learning from the start of their Austin College experience. The 18 first-year students in the inaugural cohort of GLLC were chosen by application when they showed a serious interest in global learning— not just for the sake of travel, but also to learn meaningful ways to serve others and represent the College to the world. Aside from living together and attending monthly programming, the diverse students have varied academic interests and cocurricular activities.
Cheryl Marcelo, Director of International Programs, works with Dr. Beth Gill, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Julie Hempel, Associate Professor of Spanish; Dr. Colin Foss, Assistant Professor of French; and Dr. Wolfgang Lueckel, Associate Professor of German, to plan and execute the programming. The students have discussed topics such as different responses to COVID-19 around the world and how different cultures respond to LGBTQ identities. These discussions were led by Language Assistants who are international graduate-level students living on campus.
Marcelo says, “Our goals are to solidify a community of students who are interested in global learning; to have them be prepared to take what they’ve learned into their sophomore year and later, and be prepared not only in a practical sense to study abroad but also to have a consciousness of why they want to. Also, we hope some may be interested in learning one of the languages in the Jordan language house … to keep them engaged from first year to fourth year.”
“We are definitely learning a lot in our first year,” Marcelo continued. “What works really well right now is integrating the rest of the Jordan residents, who are older. I think students enjoy getting to know other students and getting a peek at what is possible for them.”