Suzanne LaVenture

As director of international education, Suzanne serves as the host advisor for international students and scholars, including Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants and Scholars-in-Residence. She also manages the College’s short-term study abroad programs and coordinate the Scholars of Global Distinction program. Suzanne currently serves on the SIO Council of CCID (Community Colleges for International Development) and as the community college representative for NCAIE. Additional areas of interest include the development of cultural competence and the internationalization of curricula. Her Fulbright to Russia in 2016 was one of the highlights of her life as an International Educator. During the program, she visited three cities, including one in Siberia, and met with university faculty, chambers of commerce, professionals in business and industry, and of course, students.

Participating in the CCAS in Russia had a huge impact on her life. Suzanne was amazed to learn that Americans and Russians have so much in common. In many ways, they are mirror images of one another. Growing up during the Cold War, she was raised to believe that Russians were "evil communists." Although she had doubts about all Russians being villainous, Fulbright gave Suzanne the opportunity to see things with her own eyes and form her own opinions. The impact of her experience has also benefitted her college and students; they have been able to establish virtual exchanges between Bonch University in St. Petersburg and Davidson-Davie students. They plan to engage in bilateral student exchanges as soon as they are able.

Ask Me About:

• Community Colleges
• Short-term Opportunities (IEA Seminars)
• The FLTA program
• Scholars-in-Residence
• Packing tips for an IEA Seminar