This content was published: November 7, 2005. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC Goes Global
Photos and story by James Hill
International students at PCC are in good hands. Marcio Lemos, once an international student himself, can relate to and guide PCC’s F-1 Visa students in the right direction.
“It’s very rewarding for me to be in this position,” said Lemos, who works as a specialist for the International Education Program. “I know what it is like to be in their shoes. I work closely with their advisors and help them understand the cultural issues of the students have.”
Lemos, who is from Brazil, was an exchange student 14 years ago in the Beaverton school district and an international student at PCC in 2001. After earning a law degree in his native country and working for his father’s law firm a few years, Marcio needed a change and ended up earning a transfer degree from PCC a few years ago in a first step in becoming a teacher. So, he knows the pressures that come with being an international student.
Now, Lemos and International Education Program are hosting the annual International Education Week 2005 “Engaging in Global Understanding” from Monday, Nov. 14 through Nov. 18. The week will feature a wide array of events including informative lectures and cultural performances.
The week will culminate with the third annual Global Celebration Dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18 in the CC Building of the Sylvania Campus, 12000 S.W. 49th Ave. The event will include prizes and a talent show. The dinner is free for F-1 Visa International students and $5 for the general public. Call Lemos at 503-614-7117 for tickets. There is limited seat availability.
Also at Sylvania, there will be Third Annual International Students’ Showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17 in the Upper Mall of the CC Building. There will be displays on their culture and country through their food, music, artifacts, dresses, currencies and dance.
“I want to get all of PCC involved,” said Lemos. “It gives staff experience so they can understand the international students and their needs. Who are international students? They are not refugees, but F-1 Visa holders who are here for a specific purpose.”
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About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »