Collaboration

International Cultural Exchange in Partnership with Florida State University's Center for Intensive English Studies

During this impactful cultural exchange, MSU students are paired with other students from around the world who attend the Center for Intensive English Studies at Florida State University. They interview each other through conversations and explore sociocultural differences, language learning experiences, and cultural considerations for the classroom. Dr. Turk (MSU CBME), Dr. Rios (FSU CIES), Dr. Ciapetta (FSU CIES), and Dr. Kennell (FSU CIES) work together to arrange the live student pairings and reflective assignments to spark learning through engagement. 

Partner: The Center for Intensive English Studies at FSU

Originally from the island of Puerto Rico, Dr. Rios moved to the United States to learn English in 1994. This process marked the start of a passion for languages, which led him to also study French and Italian. Dr. Rios holds a Bachelors in French Education, a Masters in Multicultural/Multilingual Education with a TESOL concentration, and PhD in Foreign and Second Language Teaching. In 2008 Dr. Rios was nominated for the Governor's Excellence in Education Award and in 2009 he received the Teacher of Promise Award for the state of Florida. Later in 2010 he received the Teacher of the Year Award, and in 2015 he was the recipient of the Phillip R. Fordyce Award for Distinguished Teaching. Angel taught in the International Baccalaureate Program, working with international students for four years and joined the CIES family in 2013.  See Dr. Rios's Introductory Video: https://youtu.be/7QMkWlIY_fg