More on OACAC
by Becky Grappo, IECA (Oman)
OACAC, the overseas version of NACAC, just concluded its annual conference at Chapman University yesterday. It was a huge success with excellent breakout sessions and networking opportunities. My presentation on Transitions 101 produced a lot of conversation and dialogue, which made me very pleased. My goal was to have the audience ponder the question after the session, and it seems like that goal was met!
There were over 200 colleges there, too. While there was no way that I could meet and talk to all their representatives, I did find out about many more schools and programs than I was previously aware of. And as always, I had my students in mind and was also looking for schools and programs that would fit their needs. I have some new ideas that I can’t wait to share with them!
What makes this conference unique is that it focuses on the kids who attend international schools. That includes Americans living abroad as well as international students. It was nice to be with a group of people where the majority of the college side participants not only know Oman and Dubai, where I live and work, but have been there!
One highlight of the conference was the dinner aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Many participants wore the national dress of the country in which they live and work. It was a parade of nations, to be sure! (My dress from Oman got lost somewhere either in the mail or the move, I’m not sure which!)
Overall, it was a very positive experience and I look forward to participating again next year.
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