The Penn State New Kensington Campus began a “Country of Focus” study program in 2007. This program was intended to give our students glimpses into the richness and diversity of a foreign culture, to complement the campus’ active student travel program, and to help our students grow into “World Citizens.”
The International Committee is responsible for the selection of the Country of Focus and for coordinating a schedule of associated campus events. Every year a series of speakers, films, food events, and dance and musical performances focus on aspects of our chosen country. A number of faculty also develop assignments and readings for their courses that focus on our chosen country, and when possible, we select a first year summer reading program book that is based in our selected country. The staff of Blissell Library provides many resources to support these projects.
Penn State New Kensington Country of Focus History:
- 2024-2025 Haiti
- 2023-2024 Democratic Republic of Congo
- 2022-2023 Ukraine
- 2021-2022 NA
- 2020-2021 NA
- 2019-2020 South Korea
- 2018-2019 Russia
- 2017-2018 Syria
- 2016-2017 Brazil
- 2015-2016 Cuba
- 2014-2015 Turkey
- 2013-2014 Canada
- 2012-2013 Ireland and United Kingdom
- 2011-2012 Kenya and Tanzania
- 2010-2011 Spain
- 2009-2010 India
- 2008-2009 Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
- 2007-2008 China