Weather Update
Due to the storm, Barnard College will close at 4pm today, for non-essential personnel. “Essential personnel" include staff in Facilities, Public Safety and Residence Halls.
Friday evening and weekend classes are cancelled but events are going forward as planned unless otherwise noted. The Athena Film Festival programs are also scheduled to go forward as planned but please check http://athenafilmfestival.com/ for the latest information.
Please be advised that due to the conditions, certain entrances to campus may be closed. The main gate at 117th Street & Broadway will remain open. For further updates on college operations, please check this website, call the College Emergency Information Line 212-854-1002 or check AM radio station 1010WINS.
3:12 PM 02/08/2013
Ambassadors host VISP students from six different countries for dinner in their suite.
What are VISAs?
VISAs are Barnard students that help to welcome and integrate Barnard’s visiting international students.
Where are the visiting students from?
Visiting students come from Barnard’s partner schools in Denmark, Italy, China, South Korea, Ghana, Spain, Australia, France, the UK, and other countries.
Who should apply to be an Ambassador?
Applicants should want to make new international friends; be interested in learning about other cultures and languages, traveling, or study abroad; or simply want to show a visiting student around Barnard and New York City.
What do Ambassadors do?
Ambassadors will meet 1-2 times each semester to plan for the arrival of new visiting students. Ambassadors will also communicate with visiting students before they arrive at Barnard through Facebook, email, or postcards. Ambassadors will participate in events arranged by the International Programs Office (approx. 1 event each month), such as cultural nights on Barnard's campus or activities in the city. Ambassadors will also plan their own smaller events, be it a study break, a trip to explore a city neighborhood, or seeing a movie downtown. Some funds are available to help defray any out-of-pocket costs incurred by Ambassadors.
What benefits do Ambassadors get?
A dedicated ambassador will gain skills in cross-cultural communication and social event planning. You may also gain international friends, knowledge of a new culture or language, and most importantly, the satisfaction of making a visiting student’s semester memorable!
How do I apply?
Fill out an online application in the fall semester. Applications for 2013-2014 will be available in September 2013.
I have some more questions – who do I contact?
Email Rachel Romesburg, International Programs Coordinator: rromesburg@barnard.edu.
Ambassadors host an American Culture and Slang Night, complete with root beer floats, PB&J, and other American "delicacies."
Feedback from Ambassadors
"I learned the importance of getting to know people of all different ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, etc. It is a lesson I have learned before but not in such an integrated context."
"I've met so many people and learned about their lives and cultures. I've also learned a lot about the study abroad adjustment process."
"I learned how to appreciate New York again!"
"I learned that you can make connections with people from totally different cultures as long as you keep an open mind."
"It was a unique experience and I'm glad I got to share my own culture and traditions with them as well."
"I have made life-long friends from taking part in the program."
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Online application for 2013-2014 will be available in September 2013.
Photos from past years
Ambassador Anastasia Vartsaba with VISP students from China and Australia.
Ambassadors with South African VISP student at VISP Food Night.
Ambassador Juliana Stebbins with South African VISP student at VISP Celebrates the Arts event.
Ambassadors and VISP students go ice skating during January NSOP.
Ambassador Alina Abazova with Chinese VISP student on the NYC subway.
Students from Spain and Denmark meet their Ambassadors.
