Global Initiatives: International
Spring 2015 Inside This Issue:
Education Newsletter Opening of The English Language Institute at SSU
The program already has 13 students enrolled from countries such as Burkina Faso, China, and
Language Institute 2. Opening of Confucius Institute/ Climate Change Lecturer Visits SSU
3. A Student’s experience in China
Joan Stalcup, a recent transplant from Georgia Southern University, will open the new English Language Institute (ELI) on January 12, 2015. With over 20 years in education, Stalcup, the program’s Coordinator, will bring her expertise in working with students who have not yet mastered the English language to SSU. The ELI will offer 21 hours of class each week and give students the chance to be immersed in a foreign culture. Students will be able to take intensive classes in Listening/Speaking, Writing/ Grammar, and Computer-Assisted Language Learning, and will be able to join the Conversation Partner Program. They will have the opportunity to interact with students from SSU. Stalcup said that the program will be an opportunity for students from abroad to immerse themselves in American culture as they gain language proficiency and enjoy beautiful Savannah while here.
1. Opening of English
4. Liberia Donation Drive 5-6. Impact Study of Study Abroad on Students 7. Summer Study Abroad Trips of 2014 and Beyond 8. ISA Happenings
The ELI welcomes students from around the world to Savannah State University.
9.Exchange Students at SSU 10.News Briefs
South Korea. The program office will be located in Hubert Hall D, Room 425. Students who are interested in the program or who may know someone who would be interested in the program can contact Joan Stalcup at stalcupj@savannahstate.edu or call 912.358.3312.
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Opening of The Confucius Institute at SSU Dr. Emmanuel Naniuzeyi, director of The International Education Center and Co-director of The Confucius Institute, Qijuan Luo, presented the introduction on October 29th, kicking off the inauguration of The Confucius Institute. Speakers included William Frazier, importer/ exporter and SSU alumni, Dr. Pengfei Li, assistant professor in the College of Sciences and Technology, and Professor Bailey Georges, visiting scholar at Jiujiang University along with Dr. Jun Wu, assistant professor in the College of Business Administration. Guests spoke about the importance of encouraging trade and communication between China and the city of Savannah and the purpose of The Confucius Institute at SSU. Opportunities for Study Abroad and Exchange Programs in China lectures were presented In the afternoon. Exchange students from Jiujiang University also performed traditional Chinese poetry readings, dances and songs.
Jackson and SSU President Cheryl Dozier, and Ms. Chunzi Zhang, Chinese Instructor, cut the ribbon at Gordon Library. As part of the Confucius Institute’s mission, Chinese courses will be offered at SSU campus through 2015. Those interested in enrolling in classes in the Confucius Institute should contact Professor Qijuan Luo at qijuanl@savannahstate.edu or call 912-358-3160.
During the afternoon, Co-directors Dr. Peggy Blood and Mrs. Qijuan Luo of the Confucius Institute, Mayor Edna
IEC Hosts UN Climate Change Lecturer higher education and the need for communities and colleges to work together to address the coming challenges that climate change will present the world. He said that the cost of inaction on the issue could cost 20 times what taking action now would cost.
On SSU Campus, Assistant Director of the IEC, Joline Keevy, shows Mr. Salamat the coastal waterways. Credit: Humpty Dumpty Institute
UN Officer Mohammed Salamat spoke on global climate change on Thursday, November 13 in the Jordan Building as part of the Humpty Dumpty Institute’s Higher Education Alliance (HEA) . The lecture was presented as part of the collaboration between the Humpty Dumpty Institute and Thurgood Marshall College Fund in an effort to bring attention to global issues to HBCUs. Salamat, a senior program officer at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Change Support Team in New York City, spoke about the relevance of climate change to
Salamat also presented the findings of the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Fifth Assessment Report (known as AR5), which delineates human involvement in climate change and outlines pathways towards mitigation of climate change’s effects.
In his lecture, Salamat explained the public misconceptions about weather versus climate and addressed the importance of public diplomacy, including the need for college students to exercise their rights as global citizens and push for political change at the local level. This event was the first of three major lectures on global issues that will be held at SSU and was scheduled with SSU’s mission to address sustainability.
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A View (From) Abroad: A Student’s Experience in China By Nicole Wiggins There is an aphorism by Confucius that says, “If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them and the bad points of the other and correct The lessons that I have learned them in myself.� In my opinion it means that no matter what you do, where from my experiences living you go, or who you meet a lesson can be learned from the person or here are not something that I experience. I have had many experiences since being here including the could have been taught in a class room. pleasure of meeting people from many different parts of the world and China. The lessons that I have learned from my experiences living here are not something that I could have been taught in a class room. First of all, I have learned the value of interacting with people even when there are barriers that are out of our control such as: communication, nationality, politics, and culture. Sometimes there are events that happen in the world that contribute to conflict among nations and this may sometimes make conflict between the people of those nations. You should never take anything at face value and it is not good to pass judgment on first impressions or looks, especially when there is lack of communication. When I first arrived I believed that I would mainly interact with Chinese people, however the university is also home to students and faculty from Pakistan, Nepal, and different African countries. So we all have different ways of understanding each other and some by stereotypes that are not so positive. Some are courageous enough to ask questions and some are not interested in understanding a portion of the truth and accept common misconceptions as what is real. The advantage of this is that for the people who have the courage to ask questions and try to communicate there is always an exchange of ideas that are beneficial to both parties.
Nicole Wiggins Major: Mass Comm Sophomore
The world is bigger than the communities we grow up with and even when it seems as if nothing new can happen it can. The goal for me is to try my best to step into every situation with a strong mind and an open heart. I am thankful for being here and being to be in the position I am in. Being here has truly been an awesome experience.
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Working Together for Liberia The news has been flooded since mid-summer with messages about Ebola and the affect it is having on people in several African countries. Even our own students who spent part of their summer in Liberia as part of a summer study abroad had stories to share of the poverty and hardship many of the citizens of Liberia face. Their stories came to life when international student, Randolph Glee, from Liberia began his studies at Savannah State in the Fall. He knows first -hand the problems facing his fellow countrymen and we knew from conversations with President’s from the University of Liberia and AME University that there is a desperate need in the country for support. Both universities face severe challenges getting textbooks for their libraries and the schools that support children have even fewer resources.
Dr. Dozier presented the campus community with a challenge to collect textbooks to send back to Liberia this summer and with the hard work of two student groups, the International Student Association (ISA) and the African Student Association (ASA), as well as the students who traveled to Liberia, several hundred books were donated. However, we know that is not enough and we are starting another drive called Operation SHEA (Sending Humanitarian
Operation SHEA
What can you do to help? Just donate any of the following:
Books: all reading levels, new or used School/Art Supplies: paper, pens, pencils, paints, brushes, crayons, scissors
Soap/Sanitizer: body wash, hand soap,
Education Abroad ) to collect new and used books for all ages and reading levels. bar soap, laundry soap, hand sanitizer We will be seeking donations of books to serve grades kindergarten to the master’s degree level. If you have books to spare please drop them by Colston room 116. We can’t stop at collecting books for Liberia! Ebola has seriously impacted many families throughout Liberia and they are now faced with the challenge of how to care for and raise children who have been orphaned because both parents died from Ebola, and many other families strained beyond their limits suffering from the loss of a parent or child. Thanks to Professor Chandler and Professor Clay, we have been able to secure a 20 foot shipping container that we can fill with books and other humanitarian supplies. The goal is to fill this container by the end of March so it can ship out in April. If you are involved with a group or organization either on or off campus that would like to help with this project please send them our way.
Exchange Students on Campus This Fall semester seven Savannah State University students spent a semester abroad at Jiujiang University in China. Martez Reynolds, Debra Chiza, Ruth Bakatukanda, Nicole Wiggins, La’Daria Jackson, Ashanti Snead, and Christal Driver have represented us well this semester. Nicole Wiggins and Martez Reynolds have enjoyed the experience so much they are asking to stay an additional semester! While our students were visiting Jiujiang University, eleven Jiujiang students chose to spend a semester at Savannah State University. You may have seen them around campus or during their performance during the inauguration of The
Latex Gloves Tissues: Kleenex, toilet paper, wipes Toys: balls, bats, gloves (not battery operated)
Clothing: new socks, underwear, towels wash cloths, children/baby clothing
Food: canned and nonperishable food items
Confucius Institute. You will continue to see 5 of them again Spring semester as they have requested to stay an additional semester. We always enjoy having Jiujiang students on campus and appreciate the contributions they make to our university. Spring semester we will be bringing 6 young ladies from Babcock University in Nigeria to spend a semester studying in the Social Work program as part of the agreement we have with Babcock University. The ladies will be living in Bowen Smith residence hall and will be active in classroom as well as within the community.
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My Graduate Internship Experience in the IEC By Katie Hynes Being in Savannah has been a breath of fresh air since spending the last two winters in Boston! I began working as the Graduate Intern in the IEC in August, and I can’t believe my time here is coming to an end in December. This internship experience has taught me the real meaning of “hands-on” learning, as I’ve been able to be a part of study abroad initiatives, international student services, and the continuing internationalization of SSU’s campus. Studying abroad as a university student is a transformative experience. I’m so glad that I’ve been able to be a part of coordinating the Summer 2015 study abroad trips for SSU students. I’ve also met many of the international and exchange students who are pursuing studies here. It’s been so interesting to learn about the international connections that SSU has made, and also about their internationalization goals for the future. The world is continually becoming smaller and more interconnected, and I believe it’s important for our universities to reflect our globalizing society. In September, the IEC began developing a survey to assess the experiences of students who participated in an exchange program during their time at SSU. We looked specifically at the experiences of students who studied at Cape Coast University and Kwame Nkruhmah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, and at Jiujiang University in China. An additional purpose of the SSU Exchange Program Survey is to analyze the impact of strategic partnerships with universities overseas on the global competence of Savannah State University’s students.
Katie Hynes
Nineteen SSU students responded to the Exchange Program Survey. We were able to hear about students’ experiences first-hand, including academics, intercultural experiences, how they used social media while abroad, and how participating in an exchange program has given them an advantage in landing a job after graduation. Here are some highlights from the survey:
The Highlights
-100% of students indicated that they referenced their exchange program experience at some point in their job or internship search.
- 100% of students indicated that they gained an appreciation for a new culture.
- 100% of students indicated that they gained an improved understanding of cultural differences. - 100% of students indicated that they gained the ability to adapt to new environments. - 100% of students indicated that they gained the ability to communicate effectively with peers of different cultural backgrounds.
Average GPA before participating: 3.01 Average GPA after participating: 3.15
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Summer 2014 Study Abroad Savannah State University hosted 6 trips overseas this summer for 27 students to experience life abroad.
Costa Rica: Nine students traveled to Costa Rica, stayed with host families, took Spanish classes, took cooking classes, visited Costa Rican businesses, and went rafting under the watchful (and sometimes participatory) eye of Prof. Irina Tedrick.
Liberia: As Homeland Security majors, it is important to see how multiple branches of the department of defense operate. Prof. Terri Clay took 4 students to Liberia to meet with United Nations Peacekeepers, who were planning to leave the country at the end of 2014—although plans may now have changed. While in country, the students also visited partnering universities University of Liberia and African Methodist Episcopal University.
Thailand: Three Gilman award winning students traveled with Dr. Chad Faries to Thailand to participate in experiential learning, where hands -on activities meet academia in a non -traditional classroom setting. The students volunteered at orphanages, in wildlife rescues, and in building houses while writing about their adventures.
Trinidad/Tobago: Social Work courses with Dr. Roenia DeLoach took a new approach to learning during a visit to Trinidad/Tobago. When they weren’t in the classroom, students were able to interact with the community and tour the South American country. United Kingdom: Dr. Anshu Arora took five business students to study at Nottingham Trent University Business School for two weeks. During the day long 10 day course, students studied sustainability for businesses and made presentations discussing best practices for multiple industries. All participants earned certifications for their work.
Be a part of Summer 2015!! Malaysia: As the last year for the NSF Magecstem Plus grant, 3 engineering students were able to travel to Malaysia and participate in environmental research.
New Study Abroad locations have been announced for Summer 2015—Vietnam (Creative Writing), Italy (Drama), Costa Rica (Spanish), Grenada (English Lit), Ireland (Homeland Security), France 1 (COBA) and France 2 (Mass Comm), Ghana (Social Work), and China (Math). Would you like to go? Come by the IEC Colston 116, call Study Abroad Coordinator Melanie Smith at 358.4188 or email smithm@savannahstate.edu.
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International Students Association Refreshment for the Runners ISA co-sponsored Water Station #11 for the Rock & Roll Marathon 2014. This amazing group of students not only distributed cups of water they also created signs and decorations in preparation for international runners. The event draws hundreds of thousands to Savannah, GA every year! Extra special thanks to everyone that got up early to ensure our area was THE BEST— especially Ms. Keevy, Captain of Water Station #11 :) Chunzi Zhang, Regina Luo, Fankun Zheng, J’maiah Nebawi, Igor Yefimenko, Jennyfer Vivas, Kamelia Dimitrova, Sandy Lochu, Raheem Ope
Ready, Set, Read International Students took center stage during Live Oak Public Library’s Children’s Book Festival 2014. Eight students presented stories, tongue twisters, songs, and phrases from their home country to a live audience consisting of children and parents.
Taking fun breaks!!!!
Homecoming 2014
One of the biggest drawbacks to being an international student is the lack of ability to get home during break times.
No Savannah State University experience is complete without taking the opportunity to experience Homecoming.
Spring 2014 was spent exploring local awesomeness—the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, historic downtown tour, Hilton Head shopping excursion, and last but not least, Ebenezer Creek, kayaking with Wilderness Southeast.
Fall 2014 was no different!
Fall 2014 allowed students to tour neighboring city, Atlanta, GA, seeing sights such as CNN— including the International News section—the Coca-Cola museum—with its global flavors tasting room (don’t ask anyone about the Beverly) - and Six Flags Over Georgia!
The float, the music, the dress, the merriment from ISA’s flag was as festive and fun as ever. Students went all out showcasing their creative and artistic talents and sharing them with the SSU Tiger community. Although no prizes were awarded to this year’s float, the students had a great time handing out candy to parade onlookers and dancing in the streets.
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Savannah State University establishes formal partnerships with two Liberian Universities The African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) and the University of Liberia (UL) joined the list of West African foreign partners of Savannah State University following the MOU signing ceremonies held respectively in June and July 2014. Indeed, on Friday, June 27, Dr. Joseph T. Isaac, President of AMEU and Dr. Cheryl D. Dozier, President of Savannah State University, signed a MOU to establish a collaborative partnership between both institutions. AMEU is located in Monrovia, Liberia and has approximately 3,000 students in 10 academic programs offered by three colleges: Bryant Theological Seminary, Business and Public Administration, and Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. On July 29, Dr. Emmet Dennis, President of the University of Liberia, accompanied by Ms. Cynthia Blandford, Honorary Consul General for the Republic of Liberia, visited Savannah State University. The highlight of the visit was the signing of the MOU between SSU and the UL by the Presidents of both institutions, Drs. Dennis and Dozier. The University of Liberia is located in Monrovia, Liberia and has six colleges, three professional schools including a law school and a medical school, three graduate programs with an enrollment of 18,000 students at its three campuses.
Caucasus University becomes the latest addition to IEC international programs Thanks to the initiative and leadership of Dr. Robert Smith, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, an agreement between Caucasus University in Georgia and SSU was signed in August 2014. The key provisions in the agreement include faculty and student exchange program, study abroad, and joint research collaboration. The International Education Center plans to begin recruiting students in Spring 2015 for our first exchange program in Georgia by Fall 2015. Caucasus University, located in Tbilisi, Georgia, is one of the leading and prestigious private universities in Georgia. It offers a variety of courses in the fields of Business Administration, Law, Media, Technology, Governance, Social Sciences, and Health Care Management. English and Georgian are the two language of instruction.
SSU students shine in the Model UN and AU conferences In November 2014, Model United Nations and African Union students participated in the Model UN conference held in Washington DC and the Model African Union conference organized at Clayton State University. In addition to getting their resolutions adopted, SSU students brought home various awards that symbolize their outstanding performance at the conference. Special recognition to Dr. Otilia Iancu, the Model UN advisor, for preparing students to excel in the simulation of the proceedings of the UN and AU.
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