World to Otero – Community Outreach
Become a part of Otero’s community engagement programs. By participating in these programs you can bring about opportunities for the international student population to learn about our community and share their cultural perspectives and customs with others. Learn more about what programs are available and how you can participate.
Lunch & Learn Series
Lunch and Learn programs are hosted by the IRO and Learning Commons to promote understanding and introduce our community to different destinations across the globe. Each month we highlight one of the global cultures at Otero with a presentation in the Learning Commons during the lunch hour and the audience is welcomed and encouraged to bring their lunch with them. Presentations start at 12:15 pm and run until about 12:50 pm (occasionally they do go over) and are free and open to everyone.
No lunch is served as a part of the program, but the Venom Pit Coffee Shop is generally open for those who want to purchase a snack.
For more information, please contact us at otero-international@otero.edu or (719) 384-6805.
Friendly Family Program
The Friendly Family program matches Otero international students with American families in the La Junta and surrounding community to promote intercultural understanding. Participating families and students are asked to commit to a minimum of one interaction per month, which typically includes things like participating in a family meal, game night, birthday or holiday celebration, attending an athletic event to support a family member and other common family activities.
If you are interested in being a part of the Friendly Family program please call us at (719) 384-6805 or email us at otero-international@otero.edu or download and submit the PDF Information Letter and the Friendly Family Application.
Home for the Holidays Program
Some of the international students studying at Otero have the ability to travel the US or return home for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Spring Breaks. If your family is open to sharing their home with an international student during this time, please reach out to us at otero-international@otero.edu or (719) 384-6805 or download and submit the PDF Information Letter and Home for the Holidays Application.
World to Otero
World to Otero is our community outreach program geared toward facilitating opportunities for our international student population to share their country, culture, and perspective with schools, groups and organizations in our community.
Please send all inquiries with information on organization, date/time of meeting if settled and any details or specifics regarding your group’s needs to otero-international@otero.edu or call us at (719) 384-6805.
Maureen Rikhof
Director of International Programs
(719) 384-6805
otero-international@otero.edu
Humanities Center 106
Jaime Mendoza
International Students Coordinator
(719) 384-6845
otero-international@otero.edu
Humanities Center 106