Global Passports Learning Community (GPLC) is located in Beall Hall on Kent State’s campus. GPLC is designed for domestic and international students who have a desire to experience and share an international living experience. Students interested in foreign languages, cultural area studies, overseas study and travel, political science, and the various aspects of international relations, or those who are interested in learning about other cultures may choose to become a part of Global Passports as well.
The purpose of this Global Passports Learning Community is to provide a cross-cultural experience for students interested in broadening their understanding of world issues and cultures. This concept is strengthened by the expectation that its residents actively participate in the organization and implementation of cross-cultural programming. Such an environment serves to further enhance the building of an inter-culture community. Programs include slide presentations, cultural events, study groups, and discussions of international issues through interactive educational activities and a whole week of programming dedicated to diversity.
Not only will residents share a common interest, but they will also share the responsibility of making the Global Passports Learning Community a success. Most importantly, Global Passports members will find a sense of closeness, community and support that provides a home-away-from-home environment. This is a great way to learn about other cultures!
Global Passports brings together international and domestic students to live and learn in a joint environment. It is an opportunity for students to live and study with students from around the world. This community will be full of different people. Everyone is bound to pick up little pieces of different cultures and a little foreign vocabulary.
Global Passports members have competed in a regional World Quest competition testing their geography and current events skills. Participants have traveled to Columbus to watch a Columbus Crew soccer match. Members are invited each fall to attend the local Russian festival.
International student participants have also shared ethnic food, traditional outfits, photos from home, and artifacts from around the world. Global Passports students watch international films, share world music selections, and learn dance from other countries.
Global Passports Learning Community is open to all majors and is typically comprised of students majoring in Anthropology, Geography, International relations, Language Studies (French, German, Japanese, Spanish, etc.), Pan-African Studies, Political Science, or Translation.
To join the GPLC program, simply request to be placed in the GPLC in the Living-Learning section (Section 7) on your residence hall application and choose Beall Hall as your number one choice. The Department of Residence Services will try its best to accommodate all room requests, however, we cannot guarantee your request will be filled.
Joel Bynum
Senior Learning Community Coordinator
jbynum@kent.edu
Phone: 330-672-9146