Office of International Programs

Office of International Programs

International Dateline

Fall 1997

Faculty

Students

Faculty

Old and New, University Exchanges Thrive

"Our students need faculty who have an international perspective."
— Steven Clarke, coordinator, International Agriculture Program.

Leading Colleges in Exchange Involvement

Registered exchanges per college
Liberal Arts: 23
Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences: 22
Institute of Technology: 21
Carlson School of Management: 14
Education & Human Development: 12
U of M — Duluth: 19

Sharing knowledge beneficial to the world through research, teaching and learning is an integral part of the University of Minnesota's mission, and the U's many exchanges and research collaborations with institutions outside the United States exemplify our international identity.

The University of Minnesota has exchanges with universities in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania. Some exchanges, such as those with institutions in Iceland, Germany and Sweden are defined by long-standing cultural and historical ties. Others develop when U of M faculty find faculty from abroad with matching interests, often after short term academic visits for conferences or research. Still others take root when students from abroad return to their home countries.

Historically, U of M exchanges have been most effective when sposored by the department or college that has the most direct interest in engaging its faculty and resources in teaching or collaboration.

A warm agreement with Iceland

The long-standing exchange agreement with the University of Iceland in Reykjavik is a good example of how cultural and academic ties continue to build academic and personal relationships. The agreement was first established in 1981 by Guomunder Magnusson, then the new rektor, and C. Peter Magrath, then the U of M president.

Kroeger and Nutter on exchange in Iceland. The photo below will help you recognize them without parkas and sunglasses.

Magrath chose the University of Iceland over a number of European contenders while on a USIA sponsored tour. Rektor Magnusson worked with his academic vice-president Halldor Guojonsson, a U of M Mathematics Ph.D., and Carol Pazandak, then assistant to Magrath, to draft the agreement. Both institutions ratified the agreement in 1982 and it has been reaffirmed with two five-year periods since then, most recently when President Nils Hasselmo signed the agreement with University of Iceland Rektor Sveinbjorn Bnornsson.

Typically, U of M visitors to Iceland have academic interests in Old Icelandic literature and history, and Icelandic visitors to the U of M are alumni. Exchange participants receive similar benefits at each institution including office space and support and sometimes housing. The exchange began with Rektor Magnusson's request for someone with expertise in student personnel and counseling to come to Iceland to help develop a student counseling program. Carol Pazandak, now professor emeritus in psychology, answered the call and has continued to be a champion of the Iceland exchange program.

Sue Kroeger and Kevin Nutter, without their Icelandic-appropriate clothing, at their University offices.

Recently, Sue Kroeger, director of Disability Services, was tapped for her expertise when she was invited to help the University of Iceland develop a plan for accommodating students with disabilities.

The exchange became a family affair when her spouse, Kevin Nutter, senior counselor in Counseling Consulting Services, was asked to join her and fill in for a faculty member on sabbatical. The couple's young daughter Mora accompanied them and attended the embassy school in Reykjavik.

"It was such an honor to be asked, and I did feel that my contribution made a difference and was appreciated,"says Kroeger.

Kenyatta agreement exemplifies sharing mission

The College of Education and Human Development established strong new ties with Kenya through an agreement with Kenyatta University in Nairobi. Visiting Kenyatta Faculty have specific interests in vocational and technical education, kinesiology and leisure studies, curriculum and instruction and educational policy and administration. According to Samson Ondigi, the U of M Kenyatta Program's graduate assistant, Kenyatta University, a teacher training institution, wants to set up similar departments and programs in Nairobi.

George M. Kaganjo, lecturer in physical education, and Edwin N. Gitau, chairman of the Department of Education, Communication, and Technology,were the most recent faculty exchangees to the U of M from Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya.

Through funding from the United States Information Agency, three faculty members from each institution will be exchanged each year until 1998 for consulting and research. Kenyatta visitors often stay in Minnesota up to 3 months and are provided office space, open access to University resources and a stipend for living expenses. U of M faculty enjoy similar hospitality at Kenyatta. The sharing goes beyond information and expertise, however. As Ondigi reported, some of the biggest differences between the institutions are in the availability of information and information technology, and several U of M faculty have donated texts and computer equipment to help bridge this gap.

International Agriculture Relationships are Growing

Acutely attuned with the University's international mission, the International Agriculture Department has internationalization as a central tenet of their mission. "As U.S. companies move to expand operations in more and more developing countries, we want to be able to provide U of M graduates that can help them. The main goal of our exchange projects is to internationalize our faculty ... our students need faculty who have an international perspective," says the exchange program coordinator Steven Clarke.

This department has several long standing agreements with a number of developing countries. Their programs are built on the model of returning participants to their home countries to conduct research on home country development problems. To some extent, exchange development has followed political tides. Clarke commented extensively on new agreements with Russian Institutions where U of M students and faculty alike are becoming involved with studying and advising Kraznidor regional agriculturalists in processing and marketing for the growing market economy.

Personal and Professional Growth

It is clear that exchange participant's experiences have affected them, and often others, both personally and professionally.

Carol Pazandak has been an exchangee several times. She visits the University in Reykjavik to give seminars, and also spends time vacationing and renewing personal ties. At home in Minnesota, Pazandak has been instrumental in establishing the Icelandic American Association in Minnesota to promote ties with Iceland and to build the Icelandic American community.

Samson Ondigi feels that faculty who have participated in exchange programs and have spent time living, working and collaborating with academics in other countries have a noticeably different quality from their non-traveling counterparts. "There is a difference in faculty who have traveled abroad and taken part in an exchange program...they understand the importance of the international element and are able to convey that message in their work and community."

Kevin Nutter and Sue Kroeger were equally enthusiastic about the cultural, personal and professional aspects of their exchange. The couple related being freely invited into the offices and homes of many Icelanders, having tea with visiting diplomats while their children played, and seeing the President of Iceland keeping her chauffeur waiting while she shook out the rug on her front doorstep. When the couple left, their respective departments gave them each very personal gifts."It was an entire experience," says Nutter. "It's impossible to separate the personal from the professional."

Delegation Signs Agreements and Confers Honors

Upon returning to campus on December 4, President Nils Hasselmo and his delegation report that their fifteen-day trip to Taiwan, the People's Republic of China, and South Korea was a success. Among other accomplishments, President Hasselmo signed new exchange agreements with National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, Xi'an Jiaotung University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the People's Republic of China, and Seoul National University in South Korea.

In Seoul, President Hasselmo and Regents' Chair Tom Reagan conferred an honorary degree of doctorof laws on Kim Young-sam, President of the Republic of Korea, in a ceremony at theBlue House. In Beijing, President Hasselmo conferred an honorary degree of doctor of science on Professor Emeritus Tang Peisong, who completed his bachelor's degree at Minnesota in 1927 and went on to become the father of plant physiology in China and one of the five hundred members of the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences.

ISP Offers Resources for Exchange Development

Are you interested in establishing an exchange agreement? Do you want to learn more about U of M exchanges? Are you thinking of traveling abroad to participate in a conference or conduct research? Does your department already participate in exchanges or collaborations with institutions abroad?

In support of the U's mission and recent recommendations of the President's Long-Term International Strategy Committee, the Institute of International Studies and Programs (ISP) can provide information about existing exchange agreements, help to develop new agreements, and help find support for travel, study and research at institutions abroad.

ISP's exchange database can be searched and sorted to give an indication of U of M trends and involvement on a global scale and serves as a catalogue of existing agreements. All faculty and staff involved in coordinating exchanges are encouraged to register the information with ISP to ensure that the database is as accurate and useful as possible.

The booklet Establishing International Exchanges gives guidelines for writing and implementing new agreements. Read the booklet on ISP's web site or order it by calling ISP at 612-624-5580.

ISP manages both the distribution of a variety of travel grants and a database of funding opportunities for U of M faculty and staff. The grants enable U faculty to participate in one-time research or conference opportunities, or fund initial phases of projects that will ultimately be supported by other sources. The funding database lists options from organizations around the world.

Students also have access to a variety of international exchange opportunities. The Global Campus, the university's study abroad office, manages exchanges and works with departments to provide appropriate opportunities for students. Contact Heidi Soneson at 612-625-2571 for information on student exchanges.

For more information on developing exchanges for faculty, staff or students or funding for opportunities abroad, visit ISP's web site.

Featured Funding

Each quarter the International Dateline features New Funding Opportunities from the ISP database. Be sure to see the extensive listing of the funding opportunities at Funding Opportunities on ISP's web site.

New Fellowships

NATO Advanced Research Fellowships

Social Science Research Council

American Center of Oriental Research

American Society of Civil Engineers

Australian Research Council

Center for International Mobility

Grant Competition Guidelines Are Out

The U's International Strategy committees have approved grant guidelinesfor new internationalization funds. The funds are earmarked for a variety of projects recommended by the Long-Term International Strategy Committee and the East-Asian Strategy Commitee. The committee reports are available on ISP's web site under "Publications."

Guidelines will be available by January 1 on the ISP web site at "Funding Opportunities."

CARLA Offers New Fellowship Program

The Center for Advanced Research in Linguistic Acquisition (CARLA) has designed a new graduate fellow program intended to encourage graduate students and visiting scholars studying in the field of language acquisition to become more involved with CARLA. Fellows will be asked to present their work in the ongoing CARLA seminar series and will be encouraged to submit their written work for consideration to be published as part of the CARLA working paper series. Fellows can receive a modest stipend to support travel to a language related conference as a presenter or participant. Current CARLA staff are not eligible. Applicants should be a visiting scholar or a graduate student in good standing pursuing a program related to language and culture teaching, learning and/or research.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, a resume and an academic transcript. Letters should be addressed to Elaine Tarone, CARLA director, and should state the applicantŐs interest in CARLA, research interests, and a proposed topic for a short seminar.

Call the CARLA office at 612-627-1870 with any questions about the program.

Campus News

Firchow Teaches and Publishes in Germany

Professor Evelyn S. Firchow, Department of German, Scandinavian and Dutch taught summer semester '96 at the University of Bonn in Germany and also published two books. The books,Notker der Deutsche von St. Gallen: "Categoriae."; Boethius'Bearbeitung von Aristoteles'; Schrift kategoriai, and Wortlisten und Abdruck der Texte nach den Codices Sangallensis 818 und 825, were the fruit of a twenty year project to translate the works of an eleventh century monk at the Saint Gaul Monastery in Switzerland. Walter de Gruyter Pubilshers in Berlin produced the books which she edited together with Richard Hotchkiss. She also published an interview with the Swiss author Adolf Muschg in Germanic Notes and Reviews 27 (1996), 2-10.

1996-97 U of M Fulbright Scholars

Activity at the Humphrey Institute

from the Humphrey Institute News Briefs

Professor Robert Kudrle spoke on lessons learned from the U.S. national health insurance debate at the Medical School of the University of Kuwait in Kuwait City in October. Kuwait and other Persian Gulf countries are designing a system of universal health care coverage. In September, Kudrle discussed how some types of economic nationalism have become outmoded at a joint meeting of the Japan Association of International Relations and the International Studies Association in Makuhari, Japan. Most states are becoming far more careful about their immigration policies at the same time they embrace greater freedom of trade and investment, Kudrle said.

Associate Dean Sandra Archibald spoke on the role of economic reform in sustainable development to visitors from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences October 22. The presentation was part of a short course for Chinese managers sponsored by the University of Minnesota's China Center. Archibald said that while countries such as the United States use sustainable development concepts to tackle local environmental problems, national economic policies and environmental regulation often lack sustainability criteria. "Global dimensions of economic policy must be addressed if economies, both market based and mixed, are to achieve goals of sustainable development," Archibald said.

International Community Welcomes Scholars

Bob Burgette, alumni Relations outreach director, Kay Thomas, associate director of international student and scholar services, Emily Anne Tuttle, president of MIC and President Nils Hasselmo joined in the festive reception.

Sammy Sackey, a plant pathology scholar, Rita Snider, of the ISP, and Mohammed Kuna, a sociology scholar, enjoy the reception in front of one of the Weisman's original art.

Yong Tao Liu, a political science scholar from China, Joann Laird of the China Center, and Hongmei Xue, a research specialist scholar from China, come together for a picture.

Several hundred people attended the November reception held for international scholars, faculty and staff held this year at the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum. The annual event is co-sponsored by ISP and the Minnesota International Center.

Working Papers Available

ISP's collection of working papers on internationalization and semester conversion is now available. Call 612-624-5580 to request a copy or print them directly from ISP's web site.

Announcements

Tax Preparers Needed!

The Internal Revenue Service, the Minnesota Accounting Aid Society, International Student and Scholar Services, the Minnesota International Student Association, and Professor Gary Carter in the Department of Accounting, Carlson School of Management are cooperating to start a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site, and we need you!

Call Dr. Gary Carter at 624-6077 for more information on this volunteer opportunity.

Immigration Law Changes Affect Many

International scholars, students, faculty and staff who are traveling, studying or visiting in the United States may be seriously affected by recent changes in U.S. immigration law. For detailed information, see the International Student and Scholar Services web page.

Non-U.S. Citizens Must File Tax Reports

All international scholars and students must file income tax reports for the 1996 tax year by April 15, 1997, whether or not they earned income in the United States. Tax help for non-U.S. citizens will be available from trained tax preparers beginning mid-February in. Wilson Library's Business Reference room. Contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for scheduling information at 612-626-7100.

1040NR or 1040NRE tax forms can be downloaded or picked up at International Student and Scholar Services in B-wing, 6th floor, Mayo Building beginning in mid-February. Be sure to check ISSS's web site for more information.

1998 Visa Lottery Begins

Information on eligibility and applicaiton instructions for the 1998 Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery Program have been published by the Department of State. The 8-page Visa Bulletin is available in International Student and Scholar Services, B-wing, 6th Floor, Mayo Building. Individuals may take it from the office and have it copied at their own expense. The application period begins on February 3, 1997 and ends March 5, 1997. The application can be done without an attorney and does not require a fee.

Teaching and Advising Information

IES and IAS Seek Faculty Associates

The Institute of European Studies and the Institute of Asian Studies seek nominations for the IES/IAS faculty associate program for the 1997-98 academic year. Associates assist with language programs, lecture and teach, direct field experiences, or conduct other projects at overseas centers around the world. IES/IAS centers exist in Argentina, Australia, Austria, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and Spain.

Applicants should teach in a field offered in IES/IAS programs including one of the liberal arts or sciences, international business, education, arts, and communications. Applicants are encouraged to suggest projects, but IES/IAS will work creatively with them to develop ideas for approaches that will contribute to the curriculum without departing from IES/IAS's emphasis on native instructors at all locations.

Applications from faculty members in fields not offered by IES/IAS will be returned. The deadline for 1997-1998 academic year applications is January 20, 1997. Interested faculty should contact the Rita Snider at 612-626-9585.

Visits from The Global Campus Inspire Students to Study Abroad

The Global Campus would like to thank professors, instructors and teaching assistants for making our classroom visit effort such a success. Over 200 faculty members welcomed study abroad past participants, faculty and staff into their classrooms to spread the word about study abroad.

Beginning- to advanced-level classes in 25 departments were targeted to make students aware that there are over 150 different opportunities available, and that students of all levels and majors can find the study abroad program perfect for their interests and needs.

"We are already seeing the positive results of these visits through increased activity in Nicholson Hall," Says Cheryl Bragonier, Global Campus Advising Director. Students using our resources or attending our daily information sessions come highly influenced by class visits. They are excited about what they learned and hoping to study abroad as soon as possible.

In turn, faculty indicated that the presentations are not only informative and valuable, but that their students exhibited a high degree of enthusiasm about wanting to study abroad. As one professor writes, "[The presenter] gave a very competent and concise presentation. When the students left the room after class, I noticed that the hand-outs had all disappeared."

Faculty receptiveness to classroom visits is especially valued as The Global Campus Strives to reach the U2000 goal of tripling study abroad participation. During winter quarters, many faculty will again be contacted to schedule a visit to their class. Interested facultywho have not been contacted are encouraged to schedule presentations in their classrooms, or bring their class to 102 Nicholson Hall to have their students explorethe resource center and attend an information session. Call the Global Campus at 625-3379 for more information, or look us up on the web.

Immigration Law Changes Affect Many

International scholars, students, faculty and staff who are traveling, studying or visiting in the United States may be seriously affected by recent changes in U.S. immigration law. For detailed information, see the International Student and Scholar Services web page.

Be a SPAN Adviser

The Minnesota Student Project for Amity Among Nations (SPAN) seeks four advisors for two-year, paid, part-time positions beginning winter of 1997. SPAN advisors recruit students, lead country group meetings, assist in individual research projects, spend eight weeks in summer 1998 in the host country and grade completed projects. Applicants must have a graduate degree and international experience. Contact Jennifer Blatz, 612-626-1083, span@tc.umn.edu, for an application or more information. Applications must be postmarked by January 10, 1997.

VISA Lottery Program, 1998

Information on eligibility and applicaiton instructions for the 1998 Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery Program have been published by the Department of State. The 8-page Visa Bulletin is available in International Student and Scholar Services, B-wing, 6th floor, Mayo Building. Individuals may take it from the office and have it copied at their own expense. The application period begins on February 3, 1997 and ends March 5, 1997. The application can be done without an attorney and does not require a fee.

Leadership and Involvement Opportunities for Students

Are your students looking for ways to be involved in campus activities? Do you think they would benefit from leadership opportunities and experience planning events?

International Student and Scholar Services programs like the Small World Coffee Hour, International Friendship Group Program, Discussion Groups, and the Intercultural Encounters Conference provide great opportunities for international and U.S. students to get involved as participants or as volunteers creating and organizing these programs. ISSS also serves as a resource to recommend opportunities throughout the campus. Encourage students to come to ISSS in room 20 Nicholson Hall and ask us about how to be more involved.

ISP's collection of working papers on internationalization and semester conversion is now available. Call 612-624-5580 to request a copy or print them directly from ISP's web site.

Students

Programs Provide Fun and Professional Development

Are you looking for a distraction from your classes and home work? Do you want something to do that compliments your academic program, yet gives you a break from your studies? Try one of the many programs offered through International Student and Scholar Services. These programs can all help you develop leadership skills, meet other students, and get involved in campus life.

"The programs are energizing," says program coordinator Barbara Kappler; "and you do find the time-they are all flexible to accommodate students' academic priorities. It's healthy to have a change of pace, and these programs are both fun and helpful academically."

Share your culture with literature

by Kristin Zibell

"People getting to know each other and having a deeper understanding of other cultures," was the purpose of two new group on campus, explain group founders Maggie Catambay and Pat Tollefson.

The International Literature and Discussion Group and the International Political Literature Discussion Group is for international and American students and staff at the University. Pat Tollefson and Maggie Catambay, employees at the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the International Studies and Programs (ISP), respectively, formed the group to bring people together "to present literature from their own culture and to promote an understanding of it."

Each participant is asked to bring a short poem or song from their culture and an English translation of it. "Trying to translate stories from another cultures is difficult. It is helpful to have a person from that culture reading it," Catambay notes. Not only does this promote understanding, but offers different perspectives on the issues presented in the poetry. The reader can discuss the poem's context and how the author's words relate to their culture.

Not only was there cultural understanding at the meeting but the group provides a safe haven for exchanging ideas about culture while teaching respect for the freedom of speech. Catambay gave an example: "English as a Second Language (ESL) students are told not to discuss religion and politics when they come to America. However, they want to and don't realize other people want to as well."

Tollefson thought that, "Each individual was essential to the purpose of learning about different cultures."

People who are interested in joining the fiction and poetry group can call Maggie Catambay at 625-8320 or email. The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the St. Paul Student Center, Room 110, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

People interested in the political group, call Pat Tollefson at 626-7369 or email.

Discussion group gives support

by Kristin Zibell

Most international students are in a new culture as well as being new to the University and perhaps new to an independent lifestyle; the International Student and Scholar Service's (ISSS) International Discussion Group creates a setting that makes immersion into the American culture less of a "shock." The group, started in October, gives international students a chance to talk about amusing or confusing cultural situations, hobbies, homesickness, academic issues, and many other topics, while having the security of confidentiality.

The group is a "social support network," says Laura Jarrett, one of the group's leaders. Discussing cultural issues and experiences is an important part of the group, but the participants also make new friends, which is difficult for international students, according to Jarrett. The participants support each other during the discussion with respect and courtesy. "The group is very relaxing," according to one participant, "There isn't any obligations or responsibility involved. It's kind of therapeutic."

At the start of each meeting, one of the group's leaders brings up a topic for discussion. Then individual members, if they want, discuss that topic relating to themselves and their own culture. The participants can learn from other's experiences and gain insight about their own as they listen and participate in the discussion. Overall, Jarrett believes, the group's discussion promotes cross-cultural awareness.

The group's leaders, Carol Su and Laura Jarrett, hope to continue the group throughout the year. "It's a rewarding time, as a member and a leader," says Su. "It is very interesting to see everyone's story," says one participant, "We are all uncertain about the future, we are on the edge of dreams and it's interesting to hear each other's dreams."

Groups meet once each week in 111 Nicholson Hall. Contact one of the leaders for meeting times. Laura Jarrett: 624-1245 or Carol Su: 626-7363.

Have fun with friendship groups

International Friendship Groups meet casually during the fall quarter to give students a way to meet new people, take part in the campus community, and try new activities. Past events have included bowling, picnics, group walks, and a pizza party. If you missed out, think of joining next year's program. Applications will be available in Room 20, Nicholson Hall beginning late February.

Mark your calendars!

The Intercultural Encounters Conference serves as an on-going orientation to international students and provides an opportunity for U.S. and international students to come together for poetry, dance, lectures, workshops, and great food! Well over one hundred students attend each year to take part in activities focused on campus and community, cultural background, and diversity.

This annual event is also great way to get involved on campus. Many students gain valuable experience when helping plan the conference, giving presentations or displaying art work. If you would like to get involved in these ways,contact Barbara Kappler or call at 625-2010 . Next year's conference is set for May 3, 1997.

See a report from the 1996 conference

Relax and chat over refreshments

Relaxation and fun is the key with the informal Small World Coffee Hour. The international lounge in 111 Nicholson Hall is open every other Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. with coffee, tea, snacks, games and music. "Its pretty fun, usually we end up getting kicked out because we don't want to leave at the end!" said one participant. Students from the United States and all over the world routinely drop in to play games and chat with friends, meet new people and take advantage of the free refreshments provided by International Student and Scholar Services.

Help with organizing or hosting the Small World Coffee Hour. Contact Barbara Kappler at 625-2010 or email.

Warding off the "Winter Blues"

by Sasha Chernyshenko

Winter in Minnesota has two distinct aspects. One is physical and comes in the form of snow and cold temperatures. The other is psychological and is known as the "winter blues" or "cabin fever." We all know how to deal with the physical aspect of winter. We crank up the heat, throw another log on the fire, wear several layers of clothing indoors and out, and rent some videos.

Dealing with the psychological aspect of a Minnesota winter, however, is a bit more challenging. As gray skies and shortened periods of daylight stretch on through the winter months, we become restless and long to be able to spend more time outdoors. But what can you do in a foot of snow and below zero cold?!

Every winter staff at International Student and Scholar Services meet students and scholars who are having trouble with a winter depression. ISSS staff have personal experience and training that can help you through a Minnesota winter. Here are five strategies for overcoming winter blues:

  1. Maximize your exposure to sunlight. Winter blues are related to changes in the production of melatonin, a hormone secreted only at night. Exposure to light suppresses melatonin production and reduces your chances of being depressed. Remember, this does not necessarily mean you have to spend more time outside! Sitting by a window during your classes or while you are studying will also help.

  2. Exercise! Exercise increases the production of chemical relaxants that are naturally produced by your body, improving your physical and mental well-being. Try skiing or skating, or take up a new indoor sport. Follow the example of Sherman Kho, a student from Malaysia who says, "Always try something new." Sherman has jumped right into Minnesota winters and sampled both skiing and winter camping. Indra Adrisudiro, an International Friendship Group participant and student from Indonesia agrees, "It makes Minnesota not so terrible."

    The U of M Center for Outdoor Adventures can introduce you to many Minnesota winter activities such as downhill and cross-country skiing, caving, and snowboarding. Contact them at 625-0251. If you pay student service fees, then most University recreational facilities such as gyms, racquetball courts, exercise equipment, and swimming pools are free. Call the Recreational Sports Department at 625-6800 for more information.

  3. Avoid being alone for long periods of time. Talk to people, call friends, go to coffee shops or movies, play some pool! Socializing is very effective against winter depression. There are several support groups offered by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), University Counseling and Consulting Services (UCCS) and Boynton Mental Health Clinic.
  4. Eat several small amounts of food frequently throughout the day. Eat six small meals each day instead of three large ones. Try fruits and other high-energy foods in the morning and carbohydrates and starches in the evening.
  5. Talk to a trained counselor. If you feel depressed and are having problems eating, sleeping, or concentrating, talking to a trained counselor can help. Call ISSS at 626-7100, UCCS at 624-3323 or Boynton Mental Health Clinic at 624-1444. All have excellent counselors who are specifically trained to help students from different cultures with depression and other difficulties.

Remember — you're not alone in your frustration! Even native Minnesotans experience the "winter blues." Just think spring

Career Resources

Career Workshops for International Students

Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Room 202, St. Paul Student Center, St. Paul Campus

February 5, 1997 — Job Search Strategies

An introduction to the process of finding a practical training or career position in the United States. We will discuss how to find job openings, what employers look for, cultural differences in the job search process, and campus resources.

February 12, 1997 — Resumes & Cover Letters.

Your resume and cover letter are your ticket to a job interview. Learn about format and content. Sample resumes will be available.

February 19, 1997 — Job Interviews: How to Prepare, What to Expect.

Learn about interview purpose, format, standard questions, effective communication, and dress. Tips for preparation will be provided.

February 26, 1997 — Visa Options After Graduation.

An overview of post-graduation visa options will be given, including: F-1 Optional Practical Training, J-1 Academic Training, and H-1B Temporary Worker Visas.

March 5, 1997 — Academic Job Search

Are you hoping to find a teaching, research or administrative position in higher education in the United States? In this session, learn about how to find job postings, what search committees are looking for, hiring timetables, curriculum vitae and other application materials, and interviewing.

No preregistration in necessary, just come! For more information or for disability accommodations, contact Alisa Eland at 626-7100.

Cosponsored with the St. Paul Student Center, Worldspan, College of Human Ecology Career Services Center and International Programs, College of Agriculture Career Services, College of natural Resources Career Opportunities Office, College of Biological Sciences Career Center, and University Counseling and Consulting Services-St. Paul Campus.

Career Resource Room

In conjunction with the Career Workshops, ISSS will provide a Career Resource Room for international students. There you will find:

Don't miss this great opportunity to prepare yourself for your job search!

February 6 to March 6, 1997
Thursdays, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Room 10, Nicholson Hall, East Bank

International Student Leadership Opportunities

The New Students Programs Office (NSPO) wants international students to join its staff. This is a great opportunity to develop and enhance leadership skills and to become involved in the University. There are two types of leadership positions now available to current U of M students:

For more information or for an application contact the New Student Programs Office at:

Room 324 Coffman Union
624-0666
web page

Non-U.S. Citizens Must File Tax Reports

All international scholars and students must file income tax reports for the 1996 tax year by April 15, 1997, whether or not they earned income in the United States. Tax help for non-U.S. citizens will be available from trained tax preparers beginning mid-February in Wilson Library's Business Reference room. Email International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)or call them at 626-7100 for scheduling information . You can download the 1040NR or 1040NRE tax forms or pick them up at ISSS in 20 Nicholson Hall beginning mid-February. Be sure to check ISSS's web site for more information.

Featured Funding Information

New Funding Information

Each quarter the International Dateline features New Funding Opportunities from the ISP database. Be sure to see the extensive listing of the funding opportunities at Funding information on ISP's web site.

1997 Dunn Peace Research Scholarship

Applicants must be degree-seeking University of Minnesota undergraduate or graduate students. The proposed research must be relevant to issues of international peace and require a phase outside of the United States, and may be for a Ph.D. dissertation, a Masters thesis, a Plan B Masters paper, an honors thesis, or an independent study project. The foreign phase of the research must commence between April 15, 1997 and April 15, 1998. Application deadline: March 24, 1997

For further information, contact:

The Global Campus
102 Nicholson Hall
625-3379

College of Human Ecology

Phone: 624-4713
Deadline: April 4, 1997

Phone: 624-4713
Deadline: April 4, 1997

American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR)

Deadline: February 1
Phone: 617-353-6571

Colonial Dames of Minnesota

Program in Asia

Deadline: April, September
Phone: 212-373-4300

CARLA Fellowship

The Center for Advanced Research in Linguistic Acquisition (CARLA) has designed a new graduate fellowship program that encourages graduate students and visiting scholars studying in the field of language acquisition to become more involved with CARLA. Fellows will be asked to present their work in the ongoing CARLA seminar series and will be encouraged to submit their written work for consideration to be published as part of the CARLA working paper series. Fellows can receive a modest stipend to support travel to a language related conference as a presenter or participant. Applicants should be a visiting scholar or a graduate student in good standing pursuing a program related to language and culture teaching, learning and/or research. Current CARLA staff are not eligible.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, a resume and an academic transcript. Letters should be addressed to Elaine Tarone, CARLA director, and should state the applicant's interest in CARLA, research interests, and a proposed topic for a short seminar.

Call the CARLA office at 612-627-1870 with any questions about the program.

Visit CARLA's web site

Financial Aid Information Sessions

International Student Financial Aid Program, 1997-1998
Information Meetings
Tuesdays: 209-A Nicholson at 4:00 p.m.
Dates: January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, and March 4, 11

Wednesdays: 209 Nicholson at 4:00 p.m.
Dates: January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 12

Until Feb. 15, applications will be available only at these workshops. After that they will also be available in B-wing, 6th floor, Mayo Building.

Financial Aid Application Deadline: May 1

Campus News

Minnesota Agricultural Student Trainee Exchanges Ideas and Students with Russia

Row 1: Oleg Slioussar, Andrei Gougoutchkine
Row 2: Aleksandr Kotchegur (RS), Dr. Natalya Gubanova (RS), Tracy Mickelson, Jean Underwood
Row 3: Carl Aakre, Alexei Medvedev, Serguei Kostevitch, Mary Pat Tubb, Dr. Earl Bracewell, Dr. Nickolai Korlyarov (RS)

In this photo, three of the four COAFES students, three Russian faculty who spent two weeks visiting COAFES and the three faculty members who have traveled with the US student groups

MAST (Minnesota Agricultural Student Trainee) International provides both practical and academic training in production agriculture and horticulture for qualified students both in the US and abroad. Inbound participants spend between four and eight months in practical training with producers and businesses throughout the United States. The practical period is followed by three months or one academic quarter of study through the College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul. U.S. participants have the opportunity to gain practical agricultural and horticultural experience in one of 15 countries in Europe, Australia and South America.

The agricultural exchange program began in 1949 as an exchange between young Minnesotan and Swedish farmers. Currently more than 4,000 participants from 50 countries have successfully completed the training program in the United States and abroad.

In 1995 an exchange program was initiated between the Kuban Agricultural State University in Krasnodar, Russia and the College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences at the U of M in cooperation with MAST International. During the summers of 1995 and 1996 four COAFES students and two faculty members traveled to Krasnodar for two weeks to learn more about Russian agricultural systems. Each year four students from Kuban have participated in the MAST International program gaining experience with farms and horticultural operations in the Midwest.

More information on the MAST program

Exchange Program Sends U of M Students Abroad

This fall, seven University of Minnesota students will be studying abroad through the International Reciprocal Student Exchange Program (IRSEP). Each student receives a scholarship which offsets most expenses for a year of study at a foreign university. Students are fully integrated into the host country's culture by enrolling in university courses and living alongside the people of the host country.

The following students will spend the 1996-97 academic year abroad.

Congratulations IRSEP Winners!

If you would like more information about IRSEP or other University exchange and study abroad programs, visit The Global Campus web site, stop in 102 Nicholson Hall, email The Global Campus or call 625-3379.

New Canada-University of Minnesota Society

Q: Who looks like a Minnesotan, sounds like a Minnesotan and dresses like a Minnesotan, but isn't a Minnesotan?
A: A Canadian!

Minnesota and Canada share more than a common border and cold winters. At the University of Minnesota, two hundred Canadian students, faculty and staff represent a culture often overlooked in Minnesota because of the close proximity to Minnesota's northern neighbor.

A new University student organization, the Canada-University of Minnesota Society (C-UMS), will provide a forum to explore issues of common interest between Canadian and U.S. students, faculty, staff and any other interested participants. Some topics of discussion will include trade agreements and disputes, environmental policy, and health policy.

A primary goal of the Canada-University of Minnesota Society is to promote Canadian Studies and in turn foster interest and participation in the 14th biennial conference of the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States in Minneapolis in November, 1997.

If you would like more information about the Canada-University of Minnesota Society, please contact Brad Buxton at 378-9445 or email.

Announcements

Public Assistance and Legal Status Alert

If you hold a temporary, non-immigrant visa status such as F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2, you should be aware that using public funds defined as "public assistance" could result in the loss of your legal status. These funds include "welfare," "Medical Assistance," and possibly others. To receive a visa or a re-entry visa, you must have sufficient funds to cover your needs while in the United States. Accepting "public assistance" indicates that you do not have sufficient funds and have become a "public charge."

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has recently learned of specific cases in which international students, spouses, or children were either denied a visa stamp at a United States Consulate or were denied entry into the United States due to the fact that Medical Assistance had been used to pay for the births of international students' children in the United States. Students have been told by these officials that all benefits must be repaid before a visa stamp will be issued or entry into the United States will be allowed.

If you have questions about what constitutes "public assistance" or how you may be affected, contact an advisor at ISSS at 626-7100. Check out ISSS's website for more information about recent changes in visa regulations.

1998 Visa Lottery Begins in February

The Department of State has published information on eligibility and application instructions for the 1998 Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery Program. The 8-page Visa Bulletin is available from Copies on Campus in 44 Coffman Union or at International Student and Scholar Services in 20 Nicholson Hall. Individuals may take it from the ISSS office and have it copied at their own expense. The application period begins on February 3, 1997 and ends March 5, 1997. The application can be done without an attorney and does not require a fee.

CARLA Offers New Fellowship Program

The Center for Advanced Research in Linguistic Acquisition (CARLA) has designed a new graduate fellowship program that encourages graduate students and visiting scholars studying in the field of language acquisition to become more involved with CARLA. Fellows will be asked to present their work in the ongoing CARLA seminar series and will be encouraged to submit their written work for consideration to be published as part of the CARLA working paper series. Fellows can receive a modest stipend to support travel to a language related conference as a presenter or participant. Applicants should be a visiting scholar or a graduate student in good standing pursuing a program related to language and culture teaching, learning and/or research. Current CARLA staff are not eligible.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, a resume and an academic transcript. Letters should be addressed to Elaine Tarone, CARLA director, and should state the applicant's interest in CARLA, research interests, and a proposed topic for a short seminar.

Call the CARLA office at 612-627-1870 with any questions about the program.

Non-U.S. Citizens Must File Tax Reports

All international scholars and students must file income tax reports for the 1996 tax year by April 15, 1997, whether or not they earned income in the United States. Tax help for non-U.S. citizens will be available from trained tax preparers beginning mid-February in Wilson Library's Business Reference room. Email International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)or call them at 626-7100 for scheduling information . You can download the 1040NR or 1040NRE tax forms or pick them up at ISSS in 20 Nicholson Hall beginning mid-February. Be sure to check ISSS's web site for more information.