Profile
I have always loved talking to people, especially those that come from backgrounds that differ from mine, to learn about their experiences and perspectives. When I decided to start studying Spanish in college, I realized that my opportunities grew exponentially once I was able to communicate with Spanish-speakers. After studying abroad in Chile for a semester and working in Costa Rica and Mexico after graduation, I knew my path was in education, specifically teaching others to open their eyes to a world different from their own both in and out of the classroom. One of my areas of expertise is community based learning, which offers students the opportunity to work directly with the Latinx community in Raleigh while practicing their language skills through real conversation and critically reflecting on their learning.
Outside the traditional classroom, my various roles in the Office of International Programs have been the most rewarding for me at Meredith. In 2006, I created the College’s first study abroad program in Costa Rica and have directed programs every other summer since then. I have also directed in Sansepolcro and currently serve as the Director of Meredith in Italy. I truly enjoy getting to know my students abroad on a completely different level and watch them succeed in challenging situations they never imagine being able to overcome.
Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, biking, camping – really, anything outdoors!
Academic Credentials
MA (Hispanic Literatures), UNC-Chapel Hill
BA (English Literature), Colorado College
Presentations
“Global Symposium on Assessment of Intercultural Competence.” Organized and ran symposium sponsored by the World Council for Intercultural and Global Competence. On-line. October 2023.
“ICC Assessment Working Group Updates and Burning Questions.” World Council on Intercultural and Global Competence: Global Forum. Co-Presenter. Online. March 2022.
Completed Training and Certification: Intercultural Readiness Check, January-February 2022.
“Bridging the Corporate World and Higher Education: Panel Discussion on Intercultural Competence Training and Education.” Served as panelist for Webinar sponsored by the World Council on Intercultural and Global Competence. Online. June, 2021.
“Intercultural Competence Assessment – It’s All about Attitudes.” Co-facilitated workshop for the World Council on Intercultural and Global Competence. Online. December, 2020.
“Culture Workshop.” Co-presented study abroad faculty training module for Meredith College’s Office of International Programs. Raleigh, NC. March, 2019.
“Engaged Faulty Institute” Trainer. Taught 12-hour Community-Based Learning workshop for Meredith College Faculty. Spring 2017.
“Bringing the Community into the Classroom – The Meredith Way” Co-presented on Community-Based Learning at Pedagogy Innovation & Enhancement (PIE) Conference, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC. May 2016.
“Community Engagement in Action.” Presented a two-day workshop at P.I.E. Conference: Meredith College, Raleigh, NC. May 2015.
“Latin American Cultures: Moving from Awareness toward Competence.” Presented at the Association of Academic Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. February 2015.
“Community Engagement & Reflection.” Presented a three-day workshop at Stone Soup Conference: Meredith College, Raleigh, NC. May & August 2015.
“Reflecting on Social Awareness: Global Communities in Study Abroad.” Presented at the Association of Academic Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean conference in Chiapas, Mexico. February 2012.
“Connecting the Dots: Service-Learning, Critical Thinking and Leadership.” Co-presented with Diane Strangis at 3rd Annual Stone Soup Conference: Meredith College, Raleigh, NC May 2012.
“Your Service-Learning Toolbox: An Instructor’s Guide to Language Classrooms.” Presented at the American Council of Foreign Language Teachers Conference in Denver, Colorado. November 2011.
“’Magical Neoliberalism’ as a Transculturating Force in the Narrative of Alberto Fuguet.” Presented at the Mountain Interstate Foreign Language Conference at The College of Charleston. October, 2003.
“The New Voice of Nancy Morejón.” Presented at the International Symposium of Poetry at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. March, 2003.
Research
Intercultural Competence DevelopmentInternational Education
Awards
April 2024: Laura Harrill Presidential Award
May 2019: Faculty Appreciation Award, Meredith College Honors Department
April 2015: Harry and Marion Eberly Faculty Development Award
April 2013: Pauline Davis Award for Excellence in Teaching
May 2008: Faculty Advisor Multicultural Award – Celebrating Multicultural Competencies in Academic Advising Certificate Program “For demonstrated knowledge and commitment to multicultural and diversity issues in academic advising.”
April 2008: Access Award, for advocacy and support of students with disabilities.
Publications
DeBellis, Callie K., et al. “The Practice of Assessing Intercultural Competence 36 3. A Preliminary Global Study.” Current Perspectives on Intercultural and Global Competence, Star Scholars Press, Baltimore, MD, 2024, pp. 36–62, https://payhip.com/b/6QzH5.
