ITAIS Newsletter - July 2023 (Plain Text Version)
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TODAY'S ITAS ARE TOMORROW'S UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS AND POLITICIANS Dr. Roger Anderson, Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio, USA
I recently attended the (virtual) signing ceremony of agreements between universities in Palestine with universities of Southwest Ohio. These emerging relationships were created through the Sister City organization, through which Dayton, Ohio became linked with Salfit, Palestine. The Zoom meeting was formal and predictable, as ceremonies typically go. What struck me about this meeting was the introductions: several of the Palestinian VIP’s and dignitaries introduced themselves by citing their advanced degrees earned in Illinois, California, Ohio, etc. Having spent years working with ITA’s and international undergraduates in Ohio, I was struck by these comments made. Through their short introductions, mostly done in English, I heard echoes of ITA’s with whom I had worked. The possibilities for students and faculty of participating universities seem great and varied. In short, it is no exaggeration that our ITAs -in North American universities, will be the leaders of the future in important institutions. It is their universities, colleges, government ministries, and civic organizations that will develop their respective societies in peaceful, prosperous ways. As such, ITA educators may serve as among the first points of contact between future leaders of countries around the world with (North/) Americans, U.S. culture, and U.S. systems of higher education. Yes, I am pointing out the obvious: the work of ITA educators matters. Sometimes, such reminders are helpful.
Roger W. Anderson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of International Languages & Cultures at Central State University (Wilberforce, OH, USA). His research interests lie in the area of applied linguistics, international education, Arabic language pedagogy, La Francophonie, and international students in higher education. |
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