On November 8, Anastasiia Ovcharuk, a Dare Campus international student, provided a capstone presentation to complete the final requirement for the North Carolina Global Distinction Program (NCGDP), becoming the first program completer at College of The Albemarle (COA).

COA became a member institution of the NC Global Distinction Program in 2017.  This partnership with World View, a public service program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, allows the opportunity for participants to gain a wider knowledge of other countries and cultures.  According to Dr. Dean Roughton, COA’s Dean of Arts and Sciences and liaison for the program, “Today’s employers are increasingly searching for potential employees who have a globally diverse background and experience with cultures other than their own.” Through this partnership, COA students who complete the program receive “Graduated with Global Distinction” noted on their transcripts, as well as a joint certificate from COA and World View recognizing this achievement.

Along with the presentation, Ovcharuk completed at least 15 credit hours of globally intensive courses; participated in eight international activities and dialogue that provided insight to the cultures of countries such as Nicaragua, Costa Rica, England and Scandinavia and gained global experience through a minimum of 30 hours of participation in either study abroad or a domestic intercultural experience. Hailing from Ukraine, Ovcharuk completed an extended study abroad at COA and will graduate in December.

During the presentation, Ovcharuk shared, “Being competent in global economy issues allows to develop cultural sensitivity, a skill that is incredibly important in the workplace today. This program gives participants a chance to recognize the difference between various nations, ethnicities and countries and helps develop humility and understanding as to why people behave as they do, ultimately understanding that there are no bad or good cultures; there are just different ones.”

As a part of the NCGDP, COA is sponsoring a study abroad trip in April 2019 to Costa Rica, where participants will engage in both educational and eco-tourism activities as well as volunteer at local schools.  For more information or to inquire about becoming a trip participant, contact Brian Edwards at 252-335-0821 ext. 2206 or via email at brian_edwards@albemarle.edu.

For more information about the NC Global Distinction Program at COA, visit the program website at www.albemarle.edu/student-resources/north-carolina-global-distinction-program/ or contact Dr. Roughton via email at dean_roughton@albemarle.edu.