Southeast held an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new International Village April 17, which also marked the 40th anniversary for the Intensive English Program, which is through the International Village.

Southeast President Carlos Vargas gave a speech and executive director of International Education and Services Kevin Timlin said it was Vargas’s idea for the International Village to be created, and moved to its current location.

“I wanted to promote internationalism at this university,” Vargas said. “I hope we can strengthen our international activities here on campus.”

The buildings International Village were first acquired by the university in September 2017. After extensive renovations, it is one of the latest residential living areas open for students.

International Village consists of five cottages and one administrative building, which houses the office of International Education Services and the Intensive English Program. The cottages which are operated by the Office of Residence Life, are themed housing for students interested in living with other students from various cultures around the world.

Timlin said he is very excited about this new change.

“This is where the campus and community can gather, this is a home away from home for our international students,” Timlin said.