WHITTIER – Río Hondo College students, staff and administrators gave firsthand accounts of how studying abroad can expand one’s mind, provide language immersion and teach cultural diversity during an experience exchange forum, hosted by the Indo-Pacific Research Center on Nov. 30.

The forum, held at the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Monterey Park, featured Río Hondo College Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss, Computer Science Professor Dr. Shin Liu and 10 students to talk about the College’s partnership with the Taiwanese government for its study abroad program.

The event also featured government and business partners, who are in support of global cultural exchange programs.

During the forum, Dreyfuss announced a new study abroad partner for the College, the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women, Greater Los Angeles chapter (GFCBW-GLA). The GFCBW-GLA will provide Río Hondo College students with career mentorship, by connecting them with industry professionals, to make them more competitive in the job market.

Liu, who created the College’s Taiwan study abroad program, said the new additions to the program will continue transforming Río Hondo College students into global citizens who are ready and able to enter the workforce, thanks to their rich cultural experiences.

Río Hondo College student Jing Chen, who visited New Taipei City in 2018, said her study abroad trip improved her Chinese-speaking skills and fully immersed hers into a new culture.

“We are excited about our partnership with the Taiwanese government for the Teaching English program because it gives students a once-in-a-lifetime cultural exchange experience abroad,” Dreyfuss said.

In addition to the study abroad program, in 2022, the GFCBW-GLA will arrange an educational tour for Río Hondo College students to visit Novotech Nutraceuticals, Inc., a Ventura-based manufacturer that specializes in functional chelated minerals and patented Omega-3 power on nutritional ingredients. This tour will provide students with a chance to build professional connections with an established business.

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STUDYABROAD1: Río Hondo College Superintendent/President and students give firsthand accounts about how studying abroad can broaden one’s mind and enrich them with cultural diversity, during a forum hosted by the Indo-Pacific Research Center. The forum was held at the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Monterey Park and also featured government and business partners, who are in support of global cultural exchange programs.