Upcoming Study Abroad Conference to Focus on Lessons Learned

The College Green

The College Green. The Geneseo to host "Roc Your Global Future" conference on Sept. 30.

SUNY Geneseo will host the “Roc Your Global Future: Lessons from Abroad Rochester Area Study Abroad Returnee Conference” on Saturday, Sept. 30. Recent returnees from study abroad experiences will learn how to understand their time abroad and how to become a more effective global citizen. They will also learn how to study abroad again, among other techniques.

A first for the region, the conference is expected to gather around 125 students from the Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester, Nazareth College, St. John Fisher College, SUNY Brockport, Alfred University, Alfred State, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Roberts Wesleyan College, Wells College and SUNY Geneseo. Attendees will receive a continental breakfast, lunch and access to all the different events throughout the day with a $10 registration fee. Some participating schools, including Geneseo, have subsidized the some students’ registration.

“I am excited by the number of students attending not only from Rochester area colleges but also from schools in Buffalo and Syracuse,” said Emily Cole, Geneseo study abroad advisor. “I think this will provide our students with a great networking experience.”

After a welcome, students will attend breakout sessions. Topics showcase how study abroad experiences can be translated into academic, career and future travel plans, including how to include it in resumes, cover letters and interviews. The keynote speaker is Glenn McClure ’86/M.S.Ed. ’11, adjunct professor of English at Geneseo, who will deliver a talk, “Be a Global Listener.” McClure has studied, performed or worked in Italy, Mexico and Ghana. He recently spent part of the fall 2016 semester working with the University of California, San Diego, through the Antarctic Artists and Writers Fellowship from the National Science Foundation in Antarctica (Read a story about his work there).

During the lunch period, recent returnees can also participate in the International Opportunities Fair and get their resumes reviewed by career development and international education professionals. Afternoon sessions will continue the discussion on how to access study abroad experiences, exploring areas such as working in international education as well as available fellowships and scholarships.

For more information, contact the Study Abroad Office at studyabroad@geneseo.edu

— by Malachy Dempsey, Study Abroad Office communications intern