By: Julianna M. Klose
For the third consecutive year, consul generals from a range of South Florida’s international consulates joined at Barry last week – enjoying a night of music and refreshments with more than 65 Barry students, faculty and staff.
The university’s Intercultural Center hosted the event, formally recognizing South Florida consulates for their assistance throughout the academic year. With more than 380 international students at Barry this year, the Intercultural Center regularly utilizes the many services of South Florida consulates. These may range from legal assistance – visa and advocacy services – to advice on everyday American life and adjusting to a new culture.
“The purpose of the Consulate Reception is to bring the dignitaries from the respective consulates in South Florida to our campus,” said Damaris Vasquez, director of Barry’s Intercultural Center. “Also, to show our appreciation for their advocacy efforts, the relationship we share and the resources and support they provide the international students that attend Barry University.”
Representatives from seven consulates were present at Friday night’s event, which is the only of its kind to be hosted by a college or university in South Florida. In addition to food and refreshments, those in attendance also enjoyed international music, provided by the Kiki Sanchez Trio. Consulates in attendance included Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Japan and Jamaica.
Unlike embassies, which are usually located in a nation’s capital and focus on diplomatic relations between governments, consulates offer a more general range of services to assist its citizens abroad and can be located in several major cities. There are currently 43 consulates in South Florida.
