Years ago, while stationed in Korea for the Peace Corps, Randy Green started a career in cultural training and administrating, and teaching English as a second language
International Student Services receives new director
Green helps international students conform to new ways of life
By Mandi Scott
Indiana Statesman
October 25, 2004
Caption: Randy Green, new interim associate director of International Student Services is pictured with Amit Thakar, a MBA graduate student from India. Green's goal is to help international students with the transition to America. Photo: Statesman/Brandy Emily
With 485 international students from 80 different countries on ISU's campus, new Interim Associate Director of International Student Services Randy Green has his hands full after taking the position on Thursday, Oct. 14.
"I want to promote more outreach community programs," Green said. "The community needs more exposure with international aspects."
Green was the INTERLINK Language Center's director for three and a half years and was closely connected to the International Affairs department.
"The two departments work so close together," Green said. "The close contact creates an intimate relationship between the two departments which is a plus for both us and the students."
The INTERLINK Language Center is a partnership with ISU and assists students in speaking and understanding the English language, writing essays, understanding different cultures, conducting research, engaging in group work and team activities, and learning to use the Internet.
"Most students go on to enroll at ISU and some do not," he said. "INTERLINK was established to help international students decide what they want to do with the Engish language and American culture."
Green said the International Studies Association has eight organizations on campus and he is working to improve and advise them.
Years ago, while stationed in Korea for the Peace Corps, Green started a career in cultural training and administrating, and teaching English as a second language. He served as Head of Studies at Yonsei University's Foreign Language Institute in Seoul, Korea, and coordinator of the American Language and Cultural Program at Teikyo Loretto Heights University in Denver. In addition to being an instructor with INTERLINK and several other schools in the United States and Korea, Green has been a foreign student adviser, a community service program coordinator and an admissions officer.
Green said his main objective is to help international students with the difficult transition from one country to another.
"I want to help international students with their transition on campus and America," he said. "Providing them with the necessary information they need is my main goal."
Green will also be in charge of advising and recruitment for the international program.
"Increasing admissions from the international student standpoint is also a goal for me and my staff," Green said. "Promoting more outreach programs will be helpful for the campus and community.
Green said everyone should take advantage of this opportunity.
"I think it is important for the campus and community to learn things outside the box," he said. "There are so many students and people in general that want to learn about other cultures. This is their opportunity. I want to encourage everyone to meet and get to know an international student. I also encourage the international students to do the same, because there is so much to be learned. It will broaden horizons and open eyes to so many things."
Green said the most frustrating thing about his job is understanding and comprehending all the cultures.
"I wish I knew more about every culture and their customs," he said. "I am not an expert in all of the cultures. Learning about the different ways of life is the most rewarding feeling. To see a student feel better about themselves and see them grow into American culture is phenomenal."
Green, who also speaks Korean, has a master's degree in intercultural human services administration from the School for International Training in Vermont.
