Columbia Global Centers Prepare International Students for New York
Alumni strengthen send-off events with advice and support.
From Beijing to Mumbai, Rio to Istanbul, Columbia Global Centers spent the summer preparing international students for their trip to New York and first year on campus.
"These send-off events capture something essential about the Columbia Global Center's role. We are not just an administrative bridge to New York, but a living community. For incoming students, meeting alumni before they ever set foot on Morningside campus turns an acceptance letter into a real network of people who've walked the same path; and for our alumni, it's a chance to stay connected to Columbia through the next generation of students,” said Athens Global Center Director, Stefanos Gandolfo.
Center send-off events featured information about Columbia, local opportunities, faculty presentations, and connections to alumni, who offered advice, guidance, encouragement, and connections.
“We want to ensure that students have an exceptional first impression of Columbia and get off to a strong start, because their success is success for us all,” said Santiago Center Director Antonio Campaña. “Each student is a potential future leader who will become part of our alumni network, helping other Columbia graduates and working to make a positive impact in our local and global communities.”
“The Summer Send-Off is a meaningful opportunity to welcome our incoming students and celebrate the journey they are about to begin at Columbia. It is also a moment to pause, reconnect with Columbia alumni in the region, and celebrate the experiences and relationships that make the Columbia journey so meaningful. We hope these gatherings leave students feeling encouraged and supported as they look ahead to what comes next, while giving them a sense of how their connection to Columbia can continue well beyond the classroom,” said Nairobi Center Director Dr. Murugi Ndirangu.
Since their establishment in 2009, Columbia’s 10 Global Centers have served as the University’s bridge to global research and partnerships, while also working to grow Columbia’s international reputation, presence, and its recruitment of new students.
Learn more about the work and opportunities available at Columbia Global Centers.
