IIB Dispels Myths About Immigrants and Refugees at Erie County Senior Services Lifelong Learning Program

This week IIB Director of International Exchanges and Education, May Shogan, presented the initial session at the Erie County Senior Services’ University Express lifetime learning program. The presentation focused on misconceptions regarding refugees, immigrants, and immigration.

University Express offers free educational classes for older adults in Erie County. The program runs during the spring and fall semesters with courses in various categories, including current affairs, history, humanities, finance, and medicine. Classes are designed to stimulate the mind and provide opportunities to build social networks, thereby reducing social isolation. There’s neither homework nor tests, just exciting discussions alongside peers with similar interests.

The IIB Cultural Competency Program, offered through our International Exchanges and Education department, provides a broad range of interactive, virtual, and in-person training opportunities that focus on how to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. The department tailors the training courses to specific business or organizational needs. It also offers one-on-one consultations to address specific cultural or linguistic challenges. People and organizations that benefit from these trainings include medical professionals, educators, students, law enforcement personnel, social service providers, community-based organizations, and banks.

This fall, Shogan will make two more presentations for the Erie County Senior Services’ University Express lifetime learning program. 

Click here to learn more about the program.