Last summer the Office of Intercultural and International Life (OIIL) moved out of its temporary space in Laird and into a permanent home on the second floor of Sayles-Hill. The central location and flexible space—including a lounge, work table, and conference room—makes OIIL a popular student hangout and study spot.
- Brisa Zubia ’05 became director of OIIL last year, having worked in the office since 2009. As a student, she was a member of both the first Posse Foundation cohort to attend Carleton and TRIO, which supports low-income, first-generation students. She managed the student interest house La Casa del Sol for two years. “It’s surreal for me to be in this role that’s been held by people who were huge role models and mentors for me and to have the chance to be that for other students,” she says.
- Shamir Kansakar ’14 is a specialist in the office. As an international student from Nepal, he was an OIIL peer leader.
- Justis Starks ’20 (Omaha, Neb.)
- Alexis Tolbert ’20 (Kansas City, Mo.)
- Manuel Lugo Acosta ’19 (Tucson, Ariz.)
- Amelia Deng ’20 (Hefei, China)
- The lending library covers relevant topics and includes books written by OIIL–sponsored convocation speakers. Students and visitors have donated many of the decorative objects on the shelves.
- Pick your favorite stress buster! A variety of board games, soft plushies, and fidget spinners are available for students looking to chill.
- On Thursday afternoons, students can drop by for “Cinema and Tea” to watch a movie and enjoy a warm drink. Coffee and tea and other snacks are always available in the OIIL office.