CAPSTONE INTERNATIONAL N E W S L E T T E R
Vol. 13, No. 3; Vol. 14, Nos. 1 & 2 Yr. in Review: 2013-14
2013-14: New Faces, New Look, New Partnerships
inside Capstone International Center CIC Welcomes Kathryn Perez
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International Academic Programs CIAP Welcomes Holly Henning, Donna McCall, Heath Thompson International Education Week International Exchange Students CIAP Annual Study Abroad Photo Contest Winners
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International Student & Scholar Services CIS Welcomes Holli Homan International Enrollment Increase Tuscaloosa International Friends Peer Advisory Council International Coffee Hour
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With the conclusion of my first full academic year at The University of Alabama, I am excited to share with you our 2013-14 Year in Review newsletter. The past year saw many types of change, renovations, and renewals for the Capstone International Center. This newsletter touches on only a very few of the highlights and facets of the Center’s work over the last year. I hope it will inspire you to think more about the many aspects of internationalization on our campus and of the various ways we can help our students grow into global citizens ready to face the challenges of our interconnected world – whether in Tuscaloosa, Tuscany, Tashkent, or Taipei. During 2013-14, there were new faces and facelifts throughout B.B. Comer Hall. In the late spring and fall of 2013, we welcomed five new members to our CIC team. Read more about each of them in the pages that follow. To match the energy and enthusiasm of these new faces, over the last year, we have also given a significant facelift and a new look to our home in B.B. Comer – offices, classrooms, and hallways have been renovated and refurbished and are ready to greet new students arriving this fall. The Center also renewed or initiated several partnerships and worked with colleagues across campus and in the community to sponsor new programming and opportunities. These included: • working with Crossroads Community Center and the Center for CommunityBased Partnerships (CCBP) to bring multiple showings of The Dialogue – a film on Chinese and U.S. students traveling together in Hong Kong and China – to campus; •
joining the Modern Languages Department, the President’s Office, and Tuscaloosa Sister Cities to bring a Japanese Outreach Coordinator, Ms. Yumi Miyatake, to UA for two years;
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working with other institutions throughout the state on an annual fall cultural retreat for our international students; and,
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during International Education Week in November 2013 the President’s Office generously sponsored a reception to honor Tuscaloosa International Friends and UA’s international students.
English Language Institute ELI Tuition Scholarship Recipients 6 ELI Celebrates 30 Years of Hosting Chiba University Students 7 Brazil Scientific Mobility Program 7
Fall 2014 Calendar
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This is only the tip of the (cultural) iceberg of our activities. If you have an idea for other programming and partnerships, please contact me at cic@ua.edu. I hope you enjoy reading about the work of CIC’s English Language Institute, International Student and Scholar Services, and International Academic Programs. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead. Teresa E. Wise, Ph.D. Associate Provost – International Education and Global Outreach
The Center Welcomes CAPSTONE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER Editors LaDonna Foshee Bill Wallace Kathryn Perez Amber R. Bara
Kathryn Perez
Layout Amber R. Bara Design Office of Marketing Communications Capstone Inter national Newsletter is published by the Capstone International Center for UA friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Editorial offices are located at 135 BB Comer, Box 870254, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487. Phone: (205) 348-5256; fax: (205) 348-5298. Send news items, comments, and address changes to Capstone International Newsletter, Box 870254, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 or email: cic@ua.edu. http://international.ua.edu The University of Alabama is an equal-opportunity educational institution/employer.
Kathryn Perez joined the Capstone International Center in April 2013. As the International Education Coordinator, her main responsibility is working directly with the Associate Provost on special projects that promote the center’s mission of the internationalization of UA’s campus. In addition, Kathryn coordinates academic projects such as the Global Studies Certificate and Fulbright Program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Spanish from the University of Mississippi, and she studied abroad in Santiago, Chile. Kathryn also holds both a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in English as a Second Language from The University of Alabama.
International Academic Programs International Academic Programs Welcomes Three New Members
Holly Henning
Holly Henning joined Capstone International Academic Programs (CIAP) in May of 2013, fulfilling her goal to work in the field of international education. As a study abroad coordinator at UA, Holly primarily works with the University’s outbound exchange and direct enroll students, as well as UA students who participate in the UA Abroad in London semester program, a new customized program based at the University of Roehampton in London, England. Holly is a Mississippi native and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and psychology, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Mississippi.
Donna McCall joined CIAP as the new Office Associate II in May 2013. She has always had a love for other cultures and is enjoying her interactions with both domestic and foreign students. Donna has experience living abroad in France for several years. When she is not working, she enjoys SEC football, her children, traveling, and learning foreign languages. Her future travel plans include visiting her roots in Limerick, Ireland. Donna McCall
Heath Thompson, a May 2013 graduate of UA, joined CIAP in August 2013. His main responsibilities include working with UA affiliate programs and coordinating the Capstone International Programs Ambassadors. Heath holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Spanish, as well as a Bachelor of Science through New College choosing to focus on Environmental Thought and Management. While a student at UA, Heath studied abroad for a summer in Madrid, Spain and also spent a semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Heath Thompson
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International Academic Programs International Education Week November 11-19, 2013 Each Fall, International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and student and faculty exchange. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of The University of Alabama’s effort to promote programs that prepare our students for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States. This week of activities is coordinated by numerous departments on campus including the Capstone International Center, Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, Crossroads Community Center, the Department of Modern Languages, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Events included workshops, panels, fairs, movie nights, other social events, and Capstone International’s annual study abroad photo contest.
International Exchange Students During fall 2013 and spring 2014 Capstone International Academic Programs (CIAP) welcomed 39 exchange students from 13 different countries to UA from partner universities around the world. Long before we ever met our new international students, the Capstone International Center team provided application, U.S. visa, and travel assistance for these students. We were delighted to greet them at the airport and help them settle into housing and campus life. Navigating Target was a fun adventure for this group of first-time, big-box store shoppers! Exchange programs offer students the chance to experience academic and social life at an international partner university. Program lengths vary but are typically one to two semesters. For more information about exchange programs and UA partners, please refer to our website: studyabroad.ua.edu.
Capstone International’s Annual Study Abroad Photo Contest Winners
Capstone International Academic Programs (CIAP) held its annual study abroad photo contest during International Education Week in November 2013. All students who participated on a study abroad program, as well as UA international students, were eligible to apply. Congratulations to our winners below in the categories of: Crimson Captured, UA Spirit, Local Color, and Landscape.
Crimson Captured
UA Spirit
Anne Lewis Morocco Anticipation
Runqui Ji Tuscaloosa, AL When Fall Comes
Local Color
Lauren Northcutt Bolivia The Beauty of Life is in the Eye of the Beholder
Landscape
Corey Dennis Peru Llama Looking at Machu Pichu http://international.ua.edu Capstone International Newsletter • 3
International Student & Scholar Services Capstone International Services Welcomes Holli Homan! Holli Homan joined the Capstone International Services (CIS) team in November 2013 as the new Immigration Assistant. Holli graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Consumer Sciences.
Tuscaloosa International Friends Every year, Tuscaloosa International Friends (TIF) pairs new international students with local American families. These volunteers serve as the students’ family support while living so far away from their own homes and families. Students who choose to participate in TIF also get the opportunity to experience life in an American family and learn more about American Southern culture. Students who signed up to participate in TIF were introduced to their families on August 25th at the Ice Cream Welcome Party. Students and families enjoyed lots of ice cream, music, and fellowship. In 2013-14, TIF paired 170 international students with American families. Numerous TIF events are held throughout the year, including: potluck dinners, holiday gatherings, and picnics. CIS thanks all TIF members! If you are interested in becoming a TIF host family, please visit: is.ua.edu/programs-activities/ tuscaloosas-internationalfriends/.
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Prior to her position with CIS, Holli worked at Child Educare Center in Tuscaloosa where she was the Program Assistant. Holli is the Music/ Worship leader at Fellowship Baptist Church in Reform, Alabama where her husband, Adam, is also the pastor. Holli and her husband have Holli Homan participated in an International Exchange Student Host Parent Program through the ASPECT Foundation and have hosted 5 exchange students from Germany, Hong Kong, Ukraine and Vietnam. Hosting international exchange students is an experience that has brought Holli and her family much joy and many memorable experiences. Because of her experiences as a host parent, Holli can better understand and relate to the needs of the international students here at The University of Alabama. She is excited about working with Capstone International Services and serving the international students at The University of Alabama.
International Student Enrollment Increases at UA for 5th Consecutive Year The 2013-14 Academic Year began on a positive note as the 5th consecutive year of international enrollment increases at UA. In August 2013, Capstone International Services welcomed 369 new international undergraduate, graduate, and ELI students to UA, bringing the total number of international students served by CIS to 1670. Of the 1670 total international students served by CIS, 1537 were active, enrolled students, and 133 were recent graduates who remain on The University of Alabama’s visa sponsorship while working on Optional Practical Training (OPT). The 1537 actively enrolled international students came from 78 countries and regions of the world and represented 4.4% of the 34,852 students enrolled at The University of Alabama for fall 2013. At a total of 1670, The University of Alabama hosted 188 more international students in fall 2013 as compared to the 1484 international students and recent graduates on OPT in fall 2012. This accounts for a very significant 12.5% increase in the total number of nonimmigrant international students served by UA’s Capstone International Services. In fact, in the last 6 years, there has been an overall increase of 115% in international students served by CIS. We anticipate welcoming approximately 350 new international students this fall. For more information on International Student Enrollment Data and to access the 2013 International Student & Scholar Report, please visit: is.ua.edu/about-us/enrollment-scholardata/.
International Student & Scholar Services International Coffee Hour 2013-14 Thank You to Our Sponsors Capstone International Services kicked off the 2013-14 academic year with the first International Coffee Hour of the year on Friday, August 23. The coffee hour was part of UA’s Week of Welcome. Hundreds of new and returning international and domestic students came to the event, making for a great time for everyone. This event set the tone for an amazing year of International Coffee Hour events. CIS would like to thank the many generous sponsors who make International Coffee Hour possible. In 2013-14, CIS’s International Coffee Hour sponsors were: The President’s Office, The University Registrar, Academic Affairs, Crossroads Community Center, English Language Institute, Honors College Assembly, Mallet Assembly/Palmer Hall, Parking Services, Undergraduate Admissions, UA Libraries, Women’s Resource Center, Baptist Campus Ministries, and Lutheran Student Fellowship & University Lutheran Church. International Coffee Hour will resume in Fall 2014, starting on Friday, August 29, 2014. All international and domestic students, scholars, faculty and staff as well as community members and friends are welcome to join us for free coffee, tea, snacks, and conversation with our friends from around the world. For more information about International Coffee Hour, or if your office would like to sponsor one of the coffee hours, please visit: is.ua.edu/programs-activities/international-coffee-hour/.
International and domestic students and CIS staff enjoying International Coffee Hour
International Peer Advisory Council Each year, CIS selects a council of undergraduate and graduate students to the International Peer Advisory Council (IPAC). IPAC members assist new international students with their cultural adjustment and are instrumental to the success of international student orientations held throughout the year. Furthermore, IPAC members assist with critical intercultural event planning throughout the academic year, such as the weekly International Coffee Hour events. In April 2014, CIS interviewed more than 60 candidates for IPAC, and we are pleased to announce that the 2014-15 IPAC members are: Alisha Jackson, Alden Claros, Emily Zhou, Fareed Bordbar, Isaiah Freeman, Jacob Reed (IPAC Leader), Jessica Shieh, Liu Liu, Luisa Sanchez, Miwon Kim, Nicole Tollman, Rachel Bell, Richard Arnatt, Ruo Shi “Rose” Fan, Toria Hedrick (IPAC Leader), and Ty Sims. For more information about IPAC, please visit: is.ua.edu/programs-activities/ipac/. http://international.ua.edu Capstone International Newsletter • 5
English Language Institute ELI Tuition Scholarship Recipients The ELI Tuition Scholarship, established in the spring of 2001, is awarded each 8-week session to a continuing ELI student who is enrolled on a full-time basis in the Intensive English Program. The scholarship covers 50% of the tuition for one 8-week session of full-time study at the English Language Institute. Selection of the scholarship recipients is based on a variety of factors, including academic performance and financial need. The ELI is pleased to have been able to award 19 such scholarships during 2013 and 2014. Our scholarship recipients were: Dasol Kim, Nicolas Rivera, Jingge Yu, Natalia Perez, Qiong Wu, Josefina Carcamo, David Ortiz, Goki Asano, Ana Maria Guaca, Paola Quinche, Andrea Castaneda, Gayeon Kim, Mingyi Bi, Selina Schall, Ling Jing Gu, Andrea Rodriguez Sanchez, Huming Liu, Sang Woo Kang, and Camila Concha Monsalve. We wish them continued success in achieving their educational and career goals.
Goki Asano Oarai, Japan
Mingyi Bi Dailan, China
Josefina Carcamo Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Andrea Castaneda Bogotรก, Colombia
Ling Jing Gu Pingxiang, China
Ana Maria Guaca Bogotรก, Colombia
Sang Woo Kang Seoul, South Korea
Dasol Kim Daegu, South Korea
Gayeon Kim Daegu, South Korea
Huming Liu China
Camila Concha Monsalve Santiago, Chile
David Ortiz Colombia
Natalia Perez Copiapรณ, Chile
Paola Quinche Colombia
Andrea Rodriquez Sanchez Tunja, Colombia
Selina Schall Fellen, Germany
Qiong Wu Beijing, China
Jingge Yu China
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Nicolas Rivera Bogotรก, Colombia
English Language Institute UA English Language Institute Celebrates 30 Years of Hosting Chiba University Students In 2012 the English Language Institute (ELI) celebrated the 30th anniversary of its establishment at The University of Alabama. Now the ELI and its oldest international partner, Chiba University in Japan, have together reached another milestone—30 years of cooperation. It was in July of 1983 that the ELI first hosted a group of students (14) from Chiba University for a 4-week program of English Language & US Culture. Current ELI Director, Dr. Bill Wallace, was one of the teachers in that initial summer program. Wallace states that he can still recall the emotional farewell at the end of the program: “The students from Chiba University were extremely emotional when the program ended; males and females alike were crying, hugging goodbye, and expressing how appreciative they were for their experience at UA.” The ELI and Chiba University have remained strong partners since 1983, with the ELI hosting groups of Chiba students each year thereafter. In 1996/97, Hideo Takahashi, Chiba University professor of English Language, spent 9 months as a visiting scholar at UA which served to strengthen the bond of friendship between the ELI and Chiba University. In 2003, the ELI began hosting groups of Chiba University students in the “Southern Culture Tour.” In September 2013 the ELI and Chiba University celebrated the 10th anniversary of this program, as Professor Takahashi accompanied 21 students from Chiba University for the two-week program of seminars and travel. The ELI has forged many partnerships with institutions from around the world during its 31 year history, but its 30-year history with Chiba University in Japan is an extremely rewarding, meaningful, and unmatched partnership.
ELI and UA Host Scientific Mobility Program Students from Brazil The University of Alabama is pleased to be partnering with the Institute of International Education (IIE) to serve as a host campus for undergraduate students in Brazil’s Scientific Mobility Program (BSMP). In 2012-13, UA and the ELI hosted ten BSMP participants who have now returned to Brazil following their one-year program of study. There were 10 BSMP students enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at UA for the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 semesters. In addition, there were 20 other BSMP students enrolled in the UA English Language Institute (ELI). These students were improving their English so that they could enroll as undergraduate students either for the Spring or Fall semester of 2014. All BSMP students are selected and funded by the Brazilian government. The BSMP scholarship provides full funding for undergraduate students to spend one year studying abroad with additional time for intensive English study, if needed. These students then transfer their academic credits back to their home university in Brazil. Jonatas Costa, currently studying Electrical and Computer Engineering, says, “Due to Brazil’s current rate of development, more and more qualified professionals are necessary.” Willian Leandro dos Santos from Mechanical Engineering adds, “We are having classes in one of the best universities in the United States, with good professors and laboratories that can help the student to understand. This will definitely help us in our careers.” The ELI and UA hope to welcome more Brazil Scientific Mobility Program students in the future. The UA Capstone International Center also looks forward to the possibility of developing linkages and partnerships with universities in Brazil.
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Nonprofit Organization US Postage Paid Tuscaloosa AL Permit No. 16 Capstone International Center Box 870254 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0254
Capstone International Center Mission Statement
The mission of the Capstone International Center is to initiate, promote, and support The University of Alabama’s international efforts on campus as well as throughout the state and the world. The Center, comprised of International Academic Programs, International Services, and the English Language Institute, coordinates the University’s international endeavors, facilitates the development of a global perspective campus-wide, and supports students, faculty, and staff in global outreach, teaching, and research.
Fall 2014 Calendar August 12 - International Graduate Student Check-in and Orientation 13 - International Undergraduate Student Check-in and Orientation 29 - International Coffee Hour
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - International Spouse Group 5, 12, 19, 26 - International Coffee Hour 15 - 2015 Spring Exchange deadline 16 - Fall Study Abroad Fair 18 - CIC Open House
October 3, 10, 17, 24 - International Coffee Hour 7, 14, 21, 28 - International Spouse Group 11 - International Cultural Retreat 15 - 2015 Spring Affiliate deadline 15 - 2015 CIP Spring Scholarship deadline
November 4, 11, 18, 25 - International Spouse Group 7, 14, 21 - International Coffee Hour
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Capstone International Center Dr. Teresa E. Wise, associate provost for international education & global outreach Kathryn L. Perez, international education coordinator Vickey Phillips, accounting assistant International Student and Scholar Services (CIS) 105 BB Comer • (205) 348-5402 • fax (205) 348-5406 • is.ua.edu Sheila Malone, SEVIS coordinator Charter Morris, director Stephanie Freeman, immigration advisor LaDonna Foshee, assistant director Holli Homan, immigration assistant Janet Edmonds, immigration advisor English Language Institute (ELI) 101 BB Comer • (205) 348-7413 • fax (205) 348-9266 • eli.ua.edu Dr. Bill Wallace, director Robyn Shifrin, associate director for external programs Bill Merriman, associate director for internal programs Jeff Capilli, recruitment and admissions coordinator Laura Hebert, academic advisor Marci Daugherty, special programs coordinator Amanda Burroughs, accounting assistant Wendy Grof, office manager Monica Hollie, receptionist Carol Weaver, program assistant Vicky Wyatt, student services coordinator Kim Andrus, instructor Allison Callahan, instructor Al Evans, instructor Bill Henderson, instructor Brad Hodges, instructor Frannie James, instructor
Kendall King, instructor Demetria Li, instructor Lauren Lovvorn, instructor Daniel McCurry, instructor Kelly McPherson, instructor Marc Metzler, instructor Emily Mitchell, instructor Sarah Nowak, instructor Mitch Porter, instructor Jay Robbins, instructor Drew Sanford, instructor Catanya Stager, instructor Amy Taylor, instructor David Taylor, instructor Michael Townley, instructor Kendall Yates, instructor
International Academic Programs (CIAP) 135 BB Comer • (205) 348-5256 • fax (205) 348-5298 • studyabroad.ua.edu Heath Thompson, Carolina Robinson, director study abroad coordinator Holly Henning, study abroad coordinator Jackie Maye, program assistant Brittnay McMillian, study abroad coordinator Donna McCall, office associate II