CIAO (Cecil College International Affinity Organization) is dedicated to supporting our highly valued international students and the promotion of global awareness and exchange among all CCC students and the local community. CIAO provides an atmosphere of camaraderie for students, vital information for foreign students to succeed at Cecil, and the forum for all students to celebrate multi-cultural events & engage in the discussion of international issues. Membership is open to all those interested in enhancing global understanding & multi-cultural sensitivity.

The CIAO provides the unique opportunity to learn about other cultures, many of which are represented in the Cecil College’s student body. Further, the CIAO allows students to connect with each other and have a place for educational fellowship and fun. International students gain a warm welcome, immediate personal connections, and vital support and information to succeed as a foreign student. For those ‘traditional’ American students who join, CIAO affords the opportunity to enhance one’s understanding of global issues while gaining a new perspective on a multitude of topics; from world politics to cultural traditions, from international economics to the diverse tapestry of music, food, and the arts which enrich and spice our lives. In summary, the ultimate benefits include connecting with others, gaining rich new experiences, and exchanging ideas about our world.

CIAO expects its membership to be actively involved in generating ideas for & executing internationally themed events/discussion groups, keeping supportive literature in the ‘international nook’ updated and relevant, and being ambassadors for multicultural sensitivity and global awareness on and off the college campus.

Please visit our website at http://ciao.cecil.edu.

For further information or to provide input, please contact the CIAO advisor, Gayle Stauffer.