The International Program at Darton State College visited Far Horizons Montessori School in Albany on Wednesday, November 19, as part of International Education Week, which celebrates and promotes international education and exchange worldwide.

Current Darton international students representing five countries; including Curacao, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea, shared their culture with the children. The Darton students led the kids in language lessons, cultural dances, games, and story time from their countries. Students from Montessori were encouraged to wear clothing representing their heritage; countries represented were Jamaica, China, Ireland, and India.

“It was a wonderful introduction for our students to the variety of cultures that exist throughout the world. Our children had an amazing morning learning about the different countries. We enjoyed the dances and stories, the writing activity, the plantain snack, and breaking the piñata was a great finale to a memorable day,” said Marlowe Ramey, director of Far Horizons Montessori School.

Cortney Dowdle, the International Coordinator, said the Darton students had a great time volunteering at Montessori and hope to do more events like this with the community in the future. “International students are such a unique group to have right here at Darton State. They have so much culture to offer, and this was a great opportunity for them to share just a little bit of it with the children.”

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed the International Education Week Proclamation, which is from November 17 – 21, affirming the commitment to recognize the importance of international education in the classroom and the community. 

More than 175 international students from 45 different countries study at Darton State College. The international student office offers many services, including issuing I-20s, meeting students at the airport, and helping them become a part of Darton community.