Office of International Programs

Office of International Programs

International Education Week 2001

The following are events that were hosted by various University of Minnesota colleges, departments, and campuses during International Education Week 2001.


Monday, Nov. 12, 2001

Kick-Off Information Tables

Office of International Programs staff will give away breakfast bars and schedules of International Education Week events.

China Challenge

Test your China I.Q. for a chance at prizes. Stop by the China Center to take the Challenge. Winners will be selected each day.

Sponsored by the China Center.

A Festival of Nations

The School of Nursing will hold a Festival of Nations. Small groups of students representing a particular country or region will display information -- maps, art, jewelry, clothing items, literature, history, geography, health issues, health care, government, and entertainment. Students will also provide samples of native foods. Flags of all the countries represented will be on display. School of Nursing students can discuss information about study abroad opportunities with faculty and International Programs staff.

Sponsored by the School of Nursing.

International Pizza and Talk
Community Living for People with Mental Retardation in Australia: A Matched Comparison of Group Homes and Semi-Independent Living

This event will include a pizza lunch and featured presentation by Roger Stancliffe, Research Associate at the Institute on Community Integration and Visiting Scholar from the Centre for Developmental Disability Studies, University of Sydney.

Sponsored by the Committee on International Education at the College of Education and Human Development.

The World of International Education St. Paul Campus Brown Bag Lunch Series

Exploring Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Systems: International Field Study Program to China

During the May 2001 Intersession, 13 COAFES students participated in a two-week field study in China. Students and faculty will discuss their experiences and how beneficial short-term programs like these can be.

Co-sponsored by College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Office of International Agricultural Programs, MAST International, and the Peace Corps Campus Recruiting Office.


Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001

China Challenge

Test your China I.Q. for a chance at prizes. Stop by the China Center to take the Challenge. Winners will be selected each day.

Sponsored by the China Center.

The World of International Education St. Paul Campus Brown Bag Lunch Series

See the World Through the Eyes of a MAST Student

The Minnesota Agricultural Student Training (MAST) Program has been providing opportunities in international agricultural training for more than 50 years. Young people from all over the world come to the US for up to 18 months to gain practical training in their field of interest and to study at the University of Minnesota for one semester. Find out what type of experiences these trainees have had and more about agriculture in their home countries.

Co-sponsored by College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Office of International Agricultural Programs, MAST International, and the Peace Corps Campus Recruiting Office.

What Pharmacists Need to Know About Moslems and Islam

Join us for a presentation by Dr. Tam Saidi and an international tasting. (Food provided by The Holy Land Deli.)Tam Saidi, Pharm.D., of Children's Hospitals & Clinics, is a 1998 graduate of the University.

Sponsored by the College of Pharmacy.

Maximizing Study Abroad through Language and Culture Strategies

In this interactive presentation, Barbara Kappler will demonstrate and lead participants through some of the exercises that have been developed for a new set of materials for students who plan to study abroad. "Maximizing Study Abroad: A Student's Guide to Language and Culture Strategies" takes a hands-on approach to helping students learn how to improve their own strategies for learning language and a new culture before they go, while they are abroad, and when they return.

We encourage the participation of students who are planning to study abroad, study abroad program coordinators and advisers, language teachers who would like to see how some of these exercises could be used in their classroom, and those simply curious about how these materials engage learners.

Barbara Kappler, Ph.D., is an assistant director of International Student and Scholar Services. During the past year, she has been working with Professors Michael Paige and Andrew Cohen on the piloting and revision phase of the development of a set of materials designed to support students' study abroad experiences as part of a grant project through CARLA.

Sponsored by the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA)

Annual Dean's Reception in Honor of International Education

A reception to welcome new and returning international students, scholars, and visitors in The College of Education & Human Development

Sponsored by The College of Education & Human Development

International Student Welcome

International students and scholars will have an opportunity to meet and dialogue with CHE deans, department heads, faculty, and staff. This year a map will be displayed, pinpointing where international students are from, locations CHE students have studied abroad, and countries where CHE faculty have connections. Open to CHE students, faculty, and staff.

The Arab World and the U.S.: Reflections and Questions

Shafeeq Ghabra, director of the Kuwait Information Office in Washington D.C., discusses relations between the Arab world and the US

Sponsored by the Minnesota International Center (MIC)


Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001

China Challenge

Test your China I.Q. for a chance at prizes. Stop by the China Center to take the Challenge. Winners will be selected each day.

Sponsored by the China Center.

Study Abroad Fair

Study and travel abroad organizations across the University will display opportunities for students interested in going abroad. In addition, CHE faculty who will be leading study abroad classes in the coming year will be available to answer questions about the courses they are offering. Open to all CHE students, faculty, and scholars

The World of International Education St. Paul Campus Brown Bag Lunch Series

International Education: Pre- and Post-Peace Corps Service

Join us as a panel of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers share how they incorporated international education into their degree programs either in preparation for joining the Peace Corps or as part of their graduate degree programs after living overseas.

Cosponsored by College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Office of International Agricultural Programs, MAST International, and the Peace Corps Campus Recruiting Office.

International Pizza and Talk

Integrating English Language Teaching & Intercultural Training: A Solution to China's English Language Teaching Problems

Presentation by Hongling Zhang, Visiting Fulbright Scholar from Shanghai International Studies University

Sponsored by the Committee on International Education at the College of Education and Human Development.

The World Since 9-11, Global Perspectives

The events of September 11 have truly had a global impact. This lecture will focus on the issues of globalization and capitalization and the inequities they cause in different parts of the world. Also, hear about the different ways global media are reporting recent events.

Sponsored by the Twin Cities Student Unions

Medical School Alumni "International Distinguished Physician Award"

The Medical School will present its "International Distinguished Physician Award" to alumnus Dr. James Hart, an internist at Regions Hospital and a major leader in the Minnesota International Health Volunteers. Dr. Hart will also present a special lecture, "Chance Favors the Prepared Mind."

Two fourth-year medical students will also provide a brief overview of their recent international experiences. Troy Lund will discuss his research experiences in The Gambia, West Africa, and Nissrine Nakib will review her experiences at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Open to the public

Wednesday Worldview: Ireland

Find out about work, volunteer, and intern opportunities in Ireland. Also learn more about ISTC Sponsored Alternative Adventure: Ireland, Celtic Spring Break.

Sponsored by International Service & Travel Center

International Opportunities for Students in Biological Sciences

Biology students will discuss their study abroad experiences in places such as Australia, India, England, and Kenya. Join us to learn about the variety of international programs available (from language study to more individualized internships and research experiences). What are the advantages of study abroad? Why is it important for biology students to consider study abroad? How do students pay for these opportunities? Can students study abroad and still graduate in four years? We'll introduce you to some exciting programs to consider and answer all your important questions.

Sponsored by the College of Biological Sciences and International Student Science and Cultural Exchange Club


Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001

China Challenge

Test your China IQ for a chance at prizes. Stop by the China Center to take the Challenge. Winners will be selected each day.

Sponsored by the China Center.

Welcome to IT, the University, Minnesota, and the USA!

The Institute of Technology invites international students here on the Institute's custom exchange programs to a luncheon in their honor. This year students are here from Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, Switzerland, and Scotland. The international students will have the opportunity to get better acquainted with each other and to meet the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and faculty in IT departments in which they are studying.

Interfaith Dialogue Panel Discussion

Dialogue is an effective tool that can build bridges of understanding between representatives of different cultures and faiths by unmasking stereotypes and clarifying misconceptions. Panelists will discuss how we, as members of the University community, can improve our ability to dialogue with those of another faith. Other questions will include: Should there be such a dialogue? On what scriptual or traditional basis do you respond? What should be the purpose of the dialogue? What forms should be used? Who should be involved?

Panel participants will include Robert Osburn from the McLaurin Institute; Nadir Budhwani, graduate student from Pakistan studying in the College of Education and Human Development, and Amy Olson, Executive Director of the Hillel Jewish Center. The facilitator will be Prof. Gary McLean, Coordinator of Adult Education & Human Resource Development.

Sponsored by the Minnesota International Student Association, International Student & Scholar Services, and the Office of International Programs.

Recognition Reception for International Faculty, Scholars, and Staff

All visiting international faculty, scholars, and staff are invited to a reception in appreciation of their contributions to the University and the community, Mentors, departmental sponsors, and spouses are also welcome. Please reply by Monday, Nov. 12, by calling 612-625-2936 if you plan to attend. MIC guests, call 612-625-4421.

Cosponsored by the Office of International Programs, International Student and Scholar Services, and the Minnesota International Center.

Norwegian and Swedish in Sound and Pictures: A Multimedia Demonstration and Reception

This event will include a demonstration of two new CD-ROMs and web-enhanced courses for teaching intermediate and advanced-level Norwegian and Swedish, developed to complement classroom teaching. These materials were developed by two teachers of Norwegian and Swedish Ñ one a graduate student in Curriculum and Instruction and the other a graduate student in German, Scandinavian & Dutch. There will also be a reception with refreshments. Open to students, teachers, and any other interested persons.


Friday, Nov. 16, 2001

China Challenge

Test your China IQ for a chance at prizes. Stop by the China Center to take the Challenge. Winners will be selected each day.

Sponsored by the China Center.

International Experiences of CVM students

At this seminar, College of Veterinary Medicine students will share their international experiences, and the college will provide information about funding opportunities for international visits and training. Each year the College of Veterinary Medicine sponsors travel grants for students for overseas externship training. The goal is for students to acquire additional skills and learn the veterinary medicine practice as it exists in other countries.

Natural Resource Conversations: Study Abroad and Post-Graduation International Options

College of Natural Resources students are invited to learn more about study abroad and other international study options. This event will include a short panel presentation, a question-and-answer session, and student stories about study abroad. Panel members include: Martha Johnson, Director of the International Service and Travel Center; Sheila Collins, Global Campus • Study Abroad; Kristen Nelson, Faculty Member, College of Natural Resources; and Bill Ganzlin, Director of Student Service CNR. Free bag lunch will be provided to the first 30 people to show up! Event is open to undergraduates and graduate students in the College of Natural Resources.

Study Abroad Open House for Faculty & Advisers

Grand Finale
Small World Coffee Hour

Join us for this festive finale to International Education Week, featuring international food, international music and dancing, speakers discussing international education, exhibit tables, raffle, balloon drop, and photos with Goldy Gopher. The highlight of the evening will be a special performance created for this event by the Pangea World Theater, winners of the 2001 Twin Cities International Citizen Award.

Sponsored by: International Fellowship Programs, Minnesota International Center, and the Small World Coffee Hour.

Cosponsored by: Institute for Global Studies, Center for German and European Studies, European Studies Consortium, and the Office of International Programs.