Office of International Programs

Office of International Programs

International Campus Update Newsletter

November 10, 2004


Headlines

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK 2004: International Education Week 2004 is Nov. 15-19. Colleges, campuses, departments, and student groups have planned more than 30 events to highlight the University’s support of international education.

SELECTED EVENTS: To see a list of all events, go to: http://www.international.umn.edu/IEweek/

50th Anniversary Celebration, Seoul National University Development Project
Monday, Nov. 15; by invitation only.
From 1954-1962, the U of M—through a contract with the U.S. Agency for International Development—assisted in strengthening and developing the educational and research programs of SNU after the Korean War. Today, SNU is the most prestigious institute of higher education in Korea. The celebration includes a scientific lecture and discussion with Drs. Woo Suk Hwang and Shin-Yong Moon, preeminent stem cell researchers from SNU, followed by a 50th anniversary celebration and dinner. Sponsored by SNU Alumni, Academic Health Center Senior Vice President's Office, Minnesota Medical Foundation, and the Office of International Programs.

Debate and Cultural Celebration
Monday, Nov. 15; 6-9 p.m.; Coffman Memorial Union Theater
Should study abroad be mandatory at the University of Minnesota? Members of the University’s Parliamentary Debate Society and selected faculty and staff will debate this topic. The event will also include a cultural fair and speakers on international topics. Sponsored by the Parliamentary Debate Society.

Bob & Kim Griffin Building U.S.-China Bridges Lecture
Wednesday, Nov. 17; 4-6 p.m.; Coffman Memorial Union Theater
A panel discussion of U.S.-China economic policy and trade with Tian Jun, Chinese Embassy Counselor for Economic Policy who negotiated China's WTO membership; Michael Jemal, president and CEO, Haier America; and Dr. Charles Lee, CEO, Charles Lee Enterprise, and author of “Cowboys and Dragons: Shattering Cultural Myths to Advance Chinese/American Business.” Sponsored by the China Center in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Study Abroad Reunion
Wednesday, Nov. 17; by invitation only.
A fun evening for study abroad alumni to celebrate and reconnect with ellow students and faculty. Sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs; cosponsored by the Learning Abroad Center.

Outstanding Achievement Award Presentation and Reception
Monday, Nov. 15; by invitation only.
The College of Education and Human Development will present an Outstanding Achievement Award to alumnus Somwung Pitiyanuwat (Ph.D. ’76). He is currently the director of Thailand's Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment. Sponsored by the International Education Committee of the College of Education and Human Development.


Program News

THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES: The College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences awarded three Minnesotans the Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture on Nov. 8. David Johnson, Noreen Jo Thomas, and C. Jerry Nelson received the award for their contributions to the production of food and the alleviation of world hunger. Eldon R. Siehl created the award “to honor individuals who make extraordinary contributions to agriculture and the alleviation of world hunger.”
MORE: http://www.coafes.umn.edu/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={6D0C3B4E-C429-4698-878E-3E98340A3718}&DE={E193F974-6FFB-4688-9C0C-BAC11CD436E1}


Professional Notes

AL BALKCUM: At its annual conference in October, the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award to Al Balkcum, director of the University’s Learning Abroad Center, for his many years of service and significant contributions to the field of international education.

JO ANN BUYSSE: Jo Ann Buysse (College of Education and Human Development) visited Växjö University, Sweden, Oct. 4-7, to collaborate with faculty on developing a special topics course on global sport management.

JOHN ROMANO, MICHAEL GOH, and KAY HERTING WAHL: John Romano, Michael Goh, and Kay Herting Wahl (College of Education and Human Development) presented a paper, “School Counseling in the Asia-Pacific Region: Lessons from the United States,” at the Fifth International Conference on Education Research, Oct. 21-22, in Seoul, Korea.

JAMES STONE: James Stone (College of Education and Human Development) presented a paper on new ideas and methodologies of vocational education reform in the U.S., Oct. 18-20 in Tianjin, P.R. China.


Study, Work, Intern, Volunteer, and Travel Abroad

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INDENTIFICATION CARD: Are you preparing to study abroad this spring or traveling over winter break? Come into the Learning Abroad Center in 230 Heller Hall for an International Student Identification Card (ISIC)—it only takes 5 minutes! Discounts are worldwide and commonly used by students at museums and other attractions. An ISIC is often required for student airfare rates.
MORE: http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/products/idsMemberships/

WORLD CITIZENS GUIDE: World Citizens Guide, a new publication, provides practical advice for Americans on how to be more respectful when traveling abroad. The guide covers culture, politics, religion, economics, and language. The guide is published by Business for Diplomatic Action, a private group committed to minimizing anti-American sentiment around the world.
MORE: http://www.citizensguide.org

ADVISER TRAINING: The Learning Abroad Center will host training sessions on study abroad specifically for academic and faculty advisers and student services staff.
RSVP: kelj0002@umn.edu before November 30.
QUESTIONS: 612-625-6065

ADVISER AND FACULTY BROWN BAG LUNCHES: The Learning Abroad Center is hosting monthly brown bag lunches for faculty and advisers, focusing on a topic related to learning abroad. These meetings will provide opportunities to hear from colleagues around campus and to learn from each other as we continue to integrate learning abroad into the undergraduate curriculum. All sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in 295 Humphrey Center. No RSVP is necessary. Please bring your own lunch.
QUESTIONS: smith781@umn.edu or 612-626-7138

LEARNING ABROAD IN THE CLASSROOM: Learning Abroad Center staff are available to provide a 50-minute, interactive overview of learning abroad tailored to freshmen and sophomore students. Students read two short articles before class and come prepared to discuss the benefits of and barriers to learning abroad. They brainstorm learning abroad experiences that fit their academic, personal, and career goals. Learning abroad staff customize examples and content for the discipline and student population in each classroom. The goal of these sessions is to motivate students to plan for learning abroad. The sessions can include a written assignment that helps lead students into the planning process and provides a headstart for scholarship essays. If you wish to have this 50-minute module in your class, please contact Antonia Lortis at tgcmktg@umn.edu or 612-626-8966.


Funding Opportunities and Announcements

OIP FACULTY TRAVEL GRANTS: OIP Faculty Travel Grants deadline is December 1, 2004, for travel in January, February, March, and April 2005. Download application or apply online at http://www.international.umn.edu/travelgrant/ or call OIP at 612-624-5580.

TEACH ENGLISH IN JAPAN: The JET Programme offers opportunities to teach English in 12 different Japanese cities. Students must graduate by July 1, 2005. Applications are due by Dec. 1, 2004.
MORE: http://jetprogramme.org

IRSEP EXCHANGE PROGRAM: IRSEP is a full scholarship exchange program to China, Germany, Iceland, Malaysia, Senegal, and Tanzania. IRSEP is a full academic year program. Application deadline is Nov. 22, 2004.
MORE: http://umabroad.umn.edu/programs/study.html


Events

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK: Check out the more than 30 events planned to highlight international education at the University: http://www.international.umn.edu/IEweek/2004/events.html

CEHD INTERNATIONAL PIZZA & TALKS: “Teacher Educators to Thailand / Crown Princess Project” by Fred Finley, Curriculum and Instruction. Free and open to all; no reservations necessary. Dec. 6, noon-1:30 p.m., 250 Wulling Hall.
MORE: http://www.cehd.umn.edu/IntEduc/pizza03-04.html

MASTERING WINTER DRIVING: Mastering Winter Driving, a new class by Fleet Services, is designed to help staff, faculty, and students from snow-free climates in the U.S. or abroad learn to drive in a Minnesota winter. Topics will range from how to start your car after a sub-zero night to the smartest way to brush off the snow. Nov. 18, 1-3 p.m., Fleet Services Building, 901 29th Ave. S.E., Minneapolis. To register, call 612-625-7817.
MORE: http://www.parkandtrans.umn.edu/hottopics.htm

MINNESOTA INTERNATIONAL CENTER:

“ONE HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR REMEMBERS:”: Nov. 17, 7 p.m.,
Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey Center. Gerda Weissmann Klein, noted author and Academy Award winner for her documentary film, will share her personal stories and insights at a free public presentation and book signing. Klein is a Holocaust survivor liberated during a death march by an American soldier who became her husband and friend to Columbine High School, providing pathways to healing for students since the massacre.
MORE: 612-624-7346 or sherzog@umn.edu

SONG JINSHENG WATERCOLORS EXHIBIT: Through Nov. 24 at the Campus Club, Coffman Memorial Union.


University of Minnesota
International Campus Update
Vol. 5, No. 7

Office of International Programs
Assoc. Vice President: C. Eugene Allen
Editor: Jennifer Schulz

Interested persons may request to receive this newsletter as an e-mail update by contacting the editor at schul160@umn.edu or calling 612-624-0557.

The next issue will be sent in December. International Campus Update welcomes submissions. Please send items to be included to schul160@umn.edu or call 612-624-0557.