INTERNATIONAL FOC
This Month's International Focus News

October 2015
A packed house as Dr. Rick Van Sant explains the importance of international exchange to North Carolina
Sister Cities Dinner Highlights Local Citizen Diplomats
 
"Before when I went down, I saw it as them against us. Now, they are my heroes."
 
Discussion moderator Dr. Rick Van Sant used this quote from a cultural exchange participant to Mexico to demonstrate both the power of international exchanges to expose citizens of North Carolina to other cultures and peoples as well as the sort of grassroots esteem building possible through citizen diplomacy. The 2015 Sister Cities Association of Cary Annual Citizen Diplomacy Dinner was held this past Thursday, September 10th at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center in downtown Cary. The annual meeting, sponsored in association with the City of Cary and partnership from International Focus and the Cary Chamber of Commerce, allowed citizens of Cary and the Triangle area to enjoy a meal and expose them to the opportunities and rewards of international exchanges in the area.
From left to right: Dr. Rick Van Sant, Ms. Barbara Shepard, Mr. David Campbell, Ms. Sandy Campbell, Mr. Jeff Hadley, Mr. Srijan Mukherjee




 
Program of the Month: Visitors from North Africa and Near East explore local human rights NGOs, "wowed" by world famous Hunt Library


Visitors from various North African and Near East states visited the Triangle in order to learn about Non-governmental organization (NGO) management in North Carolina. The group included participants from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and Tunisia. It was organized under the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and spoke to local authorities, academics, and organizations courtesy of programming efforts by International Focus.


Dr. Richard Clerkin of the Nonprofit Institute addressing the IVLP delegation.
Speakers Beth Dehghan and Tereza Romano

spoke on the power of networking and coordinated advocacy in the policy process.


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Coffee and Conversation with Emerging Foreign Leaders! 



On Friday, November 13th International Focus will be offering its first Coffee and Conversation event. This is a unique opportunity to interact with visiting international delegations. We are delighted to open this new venue to members, friends and supporters to help create ties between Raleigh and the rest of the world. For more information about upcoming event, contact [email protected]
Upcoming Delegations

 
October 14-17
"Digital Education"
5+2
Uzbekistan
Home Hospitality: Requested (Thursday, October 15 or Friday, October 16)
 
October 14-15
"Stem Education"
16+4
Colombia
Home Hospitality: NOT REQUESTED
 
October 29-November 4
"Murrow Program for Journalists"
14+3
NEA Region
Home Hospitality: REQUESTED in Chapel Hill (Monday, November 2)
 
November 5-11
"100,000 Stronger Initiative"
7+2
Western Hemisphere
Home Hospitality: REQUESTED in Raleigh (Sunday, Nov 8 OR Monday, November 9) 
 
November 11-14
"International Trade"
5+2
NEA Region
Home Hospitality: TO BE ANNOUNCED
 
November 11-17
"Entrepreneurship and Social Change"
6+1
Multiregional
Home Hospitality: REQUESTED in Raleigh (Friday October 13 OR Sunday, October 15)
 
 
November 15-18
"Elections"
10+2
Thailand


Home Hospitality: TO BE ANNOUNCED 

**If you are interested in Home Hospitality, a Homestay, or volunteering with any of International Focus's programs, please contact the IF Office at (919) 782-0552
International Networking Opportunity with the Consulate General of Canada

The Canadian Business Association of North Carolina (CBA-NC) and the Consulate General of Canada cordially invite International Focus Members to attend a Networking Reception on the occasion of the appointment of Scott Cutler as the Honorary Consul of Canada in Raleigh. Tickets are $25 in advance but can be purchased at the door for $45.



The Canadian Business Association of North Carolina (CBA-NC) is a registered 503C non-profit organization where North Carolina and Canadian leaders meet to share knowledge, connect, network, and build awareness of the significance of the US-Canadian relationship with a special focus on cross-border issues of current concern. CBA-NC also aims to facilitate the successful transition of new companies and professionals arriving in North Carolina, or of North Carolinians pursuing business in Canada.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.cba-nc.org/next-event.html
 
Date: Wednesday, October 7
Time:  5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Venue: Quintiles Plaza 9th Floor Terrace
4820 Emperor Blvd in Durham



The International Festival is coming this week!



The Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary will be held October 9th, 10th, and 11th at the Convention Center in downtown Raleigh. Featuring Triangle residents representing 63 nations, the festival will be filled with events to entertain, educate, and inspire.
 
Bring your family and guests, invite your friends or perhaps offer tickets to newcomers in your neighborhood, school or workplace to savor and experience multicultural in Raleigh!
 
Come and immerse yourself in IF International Bazaar and Cultural Exhibits area. Support local talent at festival fashion and dance shows. Try new tastes at one (or all) of our 28 cafs; offering food from all corners of the globe.  There's plenty for the whole family; with a children's talent show, kid's corner, and stories for the little ones and a World Beer Garden for the grown-ups.
 
Individual, Family, and Group rates passes are available for all three days. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit us at: 
For more information about the International Festival or International Focus of NC visit us at 
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