Last Wednesday, the CALS International Programs office was filled with graduate students from the 6 of the 12 departments within CALS. Students and CALS IP staff discussed exciting opportunities to get involved with the International Programs, over delicious Howling Cow ice cream. Among the various ideas discussed, many got excited by the following potential roles the graduate student organization would take on:

1. Hosting regular seminar series for all of CALS, wherein we ask a few faculty and students to present about their international experience

This can be a way of : learning about a specific topic (e.g. obtaining proper travel documents to bring samples back, how to get funding, etc) OR a story-telling opportunity in which we learn about the overall experience (e.g. tips and tricks for traveling to XYZ country, etc)

2. Provide an opportunity to meet the various international researchers and professionals who travel to NC State University (i.e. international networking)

3. Provide an opportunity to network with the various companies and institutions, within the Triangle area, who are conducting international work (i.e. local networking)

4. A potential source for international travel/research funds for its members

Students and staff are now preparing for their second meeting. The meeting will be open to all CALS graduate students, and CALS IP staff and students alike hope to have even more representation from the various departments within the college.

Interested in learning more about the organization or in getting involved? You can join at the next meeting which will be held on April 18th from 3:00-4:00pm in 2 Ricks Hall.