Country of Focus
In 2007 the Penn State New Kensington Campus began a “Country of Focus” study program. This program was intended to give our students glimpses into the richness and diversity of a foreign culture, to compliment the campus’ active student travel program, and to help our students grow into “World Citizens.” China (2007), Ecuador (2008), India (2009), Spain (2010), and Kenya and Tanzania (2011) have been our first six Countries of Focus.
The International Committee is responsible for the selection of the Country of Focus and for coordinating a schedule of associated campus events. Every year a series of speakers, films, food events, and dance and musical performances focus on aspects of our chosen country. A number of faculty also develop assignments and readings for their courses that focus on our chosen country, and in two of the five years we have also been able to select a first year summer reading program book that was based in our selected country.
The campus has selected Ireland and the United Kingdom as the countries of focus for the 2012 - 2013 academic year. Events and activities will be announced soon!