On Monday, June 9, the College of Staten Island had the distinct honor of welcoming the Consul General of Peru in New York City, Oswaldo Del Aguila, to campus as part of a special visit with a group of Peruvian scholarship students studying at CSI’s English Language Institute (ELI).
The students, who will spend the next month immersed in language and cultural study, were greeted warmly by the Consul General, who shared his own experience as an international student and how it shaped his path to diplomacy. Encouraging them to “live in English,” Del Aguila emphasized the importance of full cultural immersion in gaining not only language skills but a deeper understanding of the world.
The visiting scholars were selected for the prestigious opportunity through merit-based scholarships awarded by the Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano (ICPNA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s EducationUSA program. Karishma Babani, representing EducationUSA at the meeting, expressed excitement about the students’ journey, which includes academic enrichment, cultural experiences around New York City—including tours of the United Nations and Invesco corporate offices—and a short visit to Washington, D.C.
The visit also included a formal meeting between the Consul General, Deputy Consul, and CSI leadership, including President Timothy G. Lynch and Provost Michael E. Steiper. Stephen Ferst, Executive Director of CSI’s Center for Global Engagement, highlighted the significance of the ongoing partnership, which has grown over several years.
“These relationships deepen our global connections and bring immense value to our campus,” Ferst said. “They open the door for mutual understanding and allow our students, faculty, and community to engage with international perspectives.”
CSI remains proud to serve as a hub for global learning, offering transformative experiences that extend well beyond the classroom—and across borders.
See a gallery of photos from the event below:
