Study Abroad : Fall 2015 newsletter

d a o r b A y d u St A Newslet ter from the Center for Inte

rnational Programs and Ser vices

Fall 2015 Gelato, Croissants, and Espresso – What More Could You Ask For?

Important Dates September 9

Intellectual discourse is a given.

Study Abroad Fair 10am – 2pm, Outdoor Student Plaza (Near the Fountain)

by Jacqueline Quintanar

September 11

Mainz, Germany, is a little gem of a city, roughly 30 minutes outside of Frankfurt. But, don’t be fooled, a “little city” in Germany is nothing like a little city in Tennessee. It is intensely urban by Memphis standards with every necessity within a four block radius: tall apartments built above shops, markets, bakeries, cafes, ice cream, laundromats, gyms – you name it. To say you can get a scoop of gelato, a croissant, and cup of espresso every 100 feet or so is hardly an exaggeration. The streets are a narrow mixture of cobblestone and modern concrete. Everyone walks, cycles, and takes the buses or trains. Having a car is not only unnecessary, but also cumbersome and inconvenient unless you plan to drive out to the rural countryside. Speakers of English can also get by easy enough, but knowing a little bit of German is helpful too.

The title of the Maymester study abroad class in Mainz this year was “War on Terrorism: Reporting War that Never Ends.” It was a small class mixed with students from Germany, Finland, the Czech Republic, and the USA. As a journalism minor majoring in film and video production, I expected the course to be intellectually stimulating and there was no disappointment there.

Jacqueline

I expected to obtain a broadened perspective and understanding of the role media plays – I did. I expected to be intimidated by the German students because of all the hype regarding their superior intellectual capabilities and the competitive nature of getting admitted to the Johannes Guttenberg University of Mainz – I wasn’t, and I discovered my own capacities to be on par. (continued on page 2)

Gilman Scholarship Overview Webinar 1pm - 2pm

September 14 Study Abroad Day at the Lambuth Campus

September 18

Gilman Scholarship Essay Review Workshop 2pm - 3pm, Brister Hall 220

October 1

Spring Semester Scholarship & Program Application Deadlines

October 9

Critical Language Scholarship Overview Workshop 2pm - 3pm, University Center Memphis Room (340)

October 16

Boren National Security Scholarship (NSEP) Overview Workshop 2pm - 3pm, University Center Memphis Room (340)

October 23

Tigers Abroad Photo Contest Deadline

October 23

DAAD Scholarship for Study in Germany Overview Workshop 2pm - 3pm, University Center Memphis Room (340)

November 1

Spring Break Scholarship & Program Application Deadline

November 10

Study Abroad Day at the Lambuth Campus

November 16 – 20 International Education Week November 20 The Amazing Race & Tigers Abroad Photo Contest Reception 2pm, University Center Memphis Room (340)

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Beyond these expectations, I was open to anything the tide might bring. I did not expect to experience much sightseeing or much immersion, but we did both to my pleasant surprise. I did not expect much personal growth, yet I achieved a far greater sense of self-confidence.

I also fell in love with the city and country of Germany.

I gained a good friend among my student companions on the trip, made several networking contacts and became staunchly aware of how Americans need to recycle more.

The highlight of this trip was a rural countryside breakfast at the house of Dr. Katja Schupp, the best breakfast experience ever, followed by a tour at Rheinstein Castle in Bingen. During the trip, we also visited several churches built around 1000 A.D., ate traditional German food, and viewed artifices of the first prints and printing press from the 1500s. We saw remnants from the Roman Empire, rode a boat along the Rhine, and discovered old stone castles built on what seemed like every other hill. On a trip to the German capital of Berlin, we visited the Brandenburg Gate and a segment of the former Berlin Wall.

As a bonus experience, my student companions and I even ventured into France for a weekend in Paris. I may have to live there one day.

Jacqueline This fall will commence the second half of my fourth year, but I will graduate as a fifth year senior. My professional goals are to be a freelance writer and filmmaker. Understanding other cultures through immersion is crucial to the development of excellent writing and storytelling, among other things.

I would not trade this study abroad experience for anything less and it is my hope to study abroad again.

Worth the Investment: Why you should do an Internship Abroad

by Jonathan Holland, Study Abroad Advisor In today’s world it is not enough to simply get a college degree and have a good GPA to be competitive in the job market after graduation. In addition to gaining leadership experience by being active in organizations on campus, many University of Memphis (UofM) students seek to gain valuable professional experience through an internship. With approximately 5,000 students a year participating in an internship, the UofM is nationally ranked in the top ten by U.S. News and World Report of universities providing students with an internship experience. It is apparent that many UofM students realize that it takes more than academic achievement to reach their professional goals. With so many participating in internships, what can students do now to make themselves standout? An internship abroad of course!

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There are many reasons to do an internship abroad.

These include developing skills like flexibility and adaptability, gaining confidence, and expanding your international network. In addition to gaining a valuable professional experience, an internship abroad offers the opportunity to explore a local culture by living and working alongside locals. Unlike a domestic internship, an internship abroad will help you develop a global perspective and understanding that will set you apart from your peers.

The UofM Abroad Office offers a variety of internship abroad opportunities through its affiliation with International Studies Abroad (ISA) and Academic Programs International (API), CEA, and CAPA, and Alliance for Global Education. Through these organizations students can seek internship placements

in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Spain, Chile, England, Argentina, India, Czech Republic, Costa Rica and Ireland.

Although helpful, foreign language skills are not required for placements in non-English speaking countries.

During the application process students submit a cover letter indicating their career goals and the type of internship they are looking for. With this information, our affiliate organizations look for the best possible placement that matches the applicant’s career goals.

Placements for internships abroad are available in dozens of career fields including business, healthcare, communications, journalism, computer science, education, engineering, science, performing arts, tourism and hospitality, social work, law and history to name a few. Examples of some exciting recent placements include working in broadcasting in Hong Kong, biomedical research in Shanghai, sustainable tourism in Chile, and customer management at a professional sports club in Spain.

Internship placements with partner organizations include 24 hours in-country support, cultural excursions and activities, and guaranteed housing among other services. Most importantly, the internship program includes professional development resources to assist participants with incorporating their international experience in a resume and cover letter when applying for future careers.

With many of today’s companies and organizations of all shapes and sizes working with international clientele and operating around the world it is important for their team members to have global understanding. Students who participate in an internship abroad, will gain not only a valuable professional experience but also develop the skills needed to be successful in a global economy and will definitely have the edge on their peers who don’t take advantage of this opportunity. Participating in an internship abroad is definitely worth the investment for students that will pay dividends when entering the job market.

How Study Abroad Helped Me Reach My Career Goals

by David Kennedy, UofM Alumni During my time at the University of Memphis (UofM) I earned Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering and Electrical Engineering Technologies, an International Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s Certificate in Applied Lean Leadership. I currently work at my dream job at Wright Medical Technology as a Manufacturing Quality Engineer where I am responsible for supporting new product development of medical devices in a global regulatory environment.

I also lead efforts in quality assurance and leaning out old processes and developing new processes in the manufacturing and receiving inspection areas.

I attribute most of my success to the dedicated staff at the UofM study abroad office in not only helping me secure my participation in interesting and worthwhile study abroad programs but the advice they provided in the steps needed to move beyond my studies.

I first approached the study abroad office as an undergraduate student with a desire to participate in the cultural studies class in Meiji and Osaka, Japan that was offered in early summer. This program was my first real experience with Japanese culture which greatly influenced my future endeavors. The Director of Study Abroad, Rebecca Laumann and Study Abroad Advisor, Jonathan Holland were invaluable with their help

David and friends

regarding the application process and advice necessary to have successful experiences abroad. Once I returned to Memphis I knew what direction I wanted to take my life and career, but I had to orchestrate the right opportunities to get there. (continued on page 4)

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I eventually decided to pursue an International Masters of Business (IMBA) degree with a focus on Japanese Business Culture.

This required me to spend a year in Japan dedicating a semester at Osaka University of Economics followed by a semester working as an intern for the Japanese company NC Leasing.

During my time at Osaka University of Economics I made many friends with whom I still keep in contact with today.

I give credit to these individuals and groups to my increased understanding of Japanese culture and improvement of my language skills. The Japanese people I met were patient and always willing to help when I had a question about the idiosyncrasies of Japanese culture or some lack of understanding due to language or cultural barriers. Often times the coordinator at Osaka would lead excursions to different areas of the region and was extremely excited about orchestrating cultural events for us visiting exchange students. One of my favorite experiences was a failed but meaningful attempt to climb Mount Fuji in 24 hours.

David and friends

Following my semester at Osaka, I began my internship at NC Lease, a company that provides scaffolding materials for construction sites for infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects. It was my goal to learn the operations of the company and seek out possible improvements by leveraging my technical and process improvement background. During the internship, I gained knowledge and experience that cannot be taught in books or the classroom. I was able to increase my understanding of Japanese business culture by traveling with NC Lease salesmen, processing orders, modifying adjustments and scheduling deliveries. I also worked on a Kaizen (Improvement) project which reduced truck wait times by 75% and increased truck capacity by 100% at one of their distribution plants.

Not only did I gain a tremendous understanding of how to interact with team members in an international

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business context, I gained a great deal of experience on how to suggest, implement, and even share ideas of improvement. This experience, probably more than any other has catapulted me into my new career and is helping me flourish in a global market environment.

I returned to Japan in May of 2015 to visit my friends.

I was met with great adulation and delight in my successes for which I attributed to them. They listened with great interest on how my life has evolved since my departure from Japan and how they influenced my career path. I am looking forward to meeting my Japanese friends again in the very near future.

My advice to anyone thinking about studying abroad is to just take the plunge. It does not matter if you are knowledgeable of the language or culture; those things will come to anyone who is willing to learn and immerse themselves. The memories and experiences I gained while studying abroad will last a lifetime. Possibly more importantly, the knowledge I gained made me a unique candidate when I was searching for a job. Most people in the job market do not have professional experience in a foreign country, and in an increasingly multi-cultural world, studying and interning abroad are opportunities Memphis students should not overlook.

“Mom, Dad, I really want to study abroad!”

Conversations with Parents

by Carissa Hoitenga, Study Abroad Advisor Parents are a vital part of the study abroad discussion, and it’s important that parents have their questions answered. Many parents are skeptical of the study abroad experience for various reasons, but once given the opportunity to learn about the process and benefits of study abroad, parents are usually very glad they allowed their child to leave their comfort zone and learn by doing in the “real” world.

As study abroad advisors, we regularly discuss studying abroad with UofM parents. But parents themselves are an excellent resource for other parents. We interviewed parents of three study abroad alumni for suggestions on how they walked through the study abroad experience with their children.

Joy spent the 2012 - 2013 academic year in Japan at Nagoya Gakuin University. When Joy first brought up the topic, her mom, Odessa had questions. “I have never traveled before and the idea of my child traveling, not to mention studying abroad for any period of time, was frightening. I didn’t believe it would happen at first because Joy had never been away from me for any long period of time…so I didn’t take it seriously.” She had a wide range of questions, from communication to safety to hair upkeep. Talking with a study abroad advisor helped, but did not fully quell her anxiety.

However, Odessa trusted that the UofM would not send her daughter to a dangerous place, and motivated by the enthusiasm of her daughter, Odessa decided to it would be okay.

Many parents notice a significant difference in their children once they have returned to the USA, and Odessa confirmed this. “Joy has grown a lot more independent and gained more confidence. Prior to this trip Joy was very timid and shy, and she is now able to go out and meet new people with minimum reservation. The exposure (to a different culture) is so great and has allowed my daughter to grow up and see the world for more than just Memphis.”

m Joy & mo

Ben & mom

Advice to future study abroad parents: “Put your fears aside and let your child experience the world as it is because the school offers amazing, trusting programs that are definitely worth the time and effort. If your child wants to travel, then let them travel.

It will only allow them to grow and see things from a broader perspective. If your child can experience things internationally while in school, then his/her chances of success will be greater in the long run.”

When Ben told his mom, Sharon that he wanted to study abroad for a month in Costa Rica for the summer 2015 term, his mom had many concerns about him being abroad. “I was excited for him, but I was also afraid due to my lack of knowledge concerning international travel.” So Sharon started to educate herself. “I began reading the program webpage and spoke with my son often on the deadlines for required items. I emailed a study abroad advisor several times with questions. These questions were always answered in a timely and professional manner. I also attended the pre-departure orientation with him.”

Sharon is now encouraging her son to apply to study abroad again in the future and wants to share their experience with other parents. “I would definitely recommend other students study abroad. The knowledge gained through study abroad cannot be compared to the knowledge attained in a typical classroom setting.”

Is it worth the financial investment?

“Studying abroad is, without a doubt, worth the financial investment. This has been the most educational experience of his college experience to date – culturally, linguistically, and socially.” (continued on page 6)

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Danae studied French language in the French Riviera on a CEA Study Abroad program during the Summer 2014 term. Danae had traveled before to Mexico to visit her family, but this was the first time she ventured abroad on her own. Her parents, Rodrigo and Orquidea had their concerns but knew it was important to support her and learn about the program. “I felt it was a good opportunity for growth, but I was also afraid for her to travel alone so far away. I felt scared but knew it would be good for her,” her mother shared. Her father attended the pre-departure orientation and asked Danae a lot of questions about the program.

Upon Danae’s return, her parents were impressed with the impact the study abroad experience had on Danae. Her dad explains, “She had to learn how to grow outside her comfort zone and how to meet new people. I see that because of the experience, she’s become more confident and easily associates with new people.” He said the financial costs are worth it, as it allows students to see that there is so much more to the world than what they know.

Parents are a support system:

“Let them have dreams, encourage them and be their support system,” says Rodrigo. “Let them go,” says Orquidea, “Believe they will be okay and have hope that they will come back with a lot of experience that will help them grow. More than the memories, they will always remember they had their parents’ support.”

s t n e r a p & e Dana

Spotlight on Germany

by Rebecca Laumann, Assistant Director, International Programs & Study Abroad Germany is one of the top destinations for University of Memphis students studying abroad. This is consistent with national trends based on data from the Institute for International Education (IIE), which ranks Germany as the 6th leading destination for U.S. study abroad students. Increasingly, Germany has become an attractive location not only for German language students, but also for engineering, business and journalism majors. University of Memphis students interested in studying in Germany can choose from a wide variety of institutions. These include our current bilateral partners, the Catholic University of Eichstaett, Johannes Guttenberg University of Mainz, Hochschule Hohenheim and the University of Applied Sciences in Ulm. In addition, students may opt to study at other reputable German institutions through our affiliation with the International Student Exchange program (ISEP), International Studies Abroad (ISA) and Academic Programs International (API). Most schools in Germany now offer courses in English, making it easy for students who have no German language skills to enroll in classes.

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U of M Students in Germany Germany is an excellent study abroad destination because schools there offer high quality education and academic rigor. In fact, the excellent reputation of higher education in Germany is well recognized and will set students apart for future employers. Germany has a long tradition of university education and most German universities focus more on teaching than on research.

In a recent survey by the Times Higher Education, 85% of international students surveyed were satisfied with the quality of teaching at German institutions and 90% were impressed with the high standard of equipment in German university laboratories.

UofM students studying at the University of Applied Sciences at Ulm (FHU) will be able to enroll in engineering courses that are accredited and will count towards a UofM engineering degree. Since FHU is located in one of the most industrialized regions in Germany, their faculty are engaged in cutting-edge research for leading industries in the region. UofM students who are interested in keeping up with the industry will find internship possibilities at corporations such as Daimler Chrysler Research Center Ulm, Nokia Design Center, European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company, BMW AG Munich, and Siemens AG Munich.

Our partnership with Johannes Guttenberg University of Mainz (JGUM) is ideal for advanced German language learners as well as journalism students.

While no German language skill is required, it is highly recommended, especially if students are interested in an internship at ZDF a leading German Broadcasting Station. JGUM also offers an American Studies major taught entirely in English. Students who have enrolled in the American Studies program have enjoyed sharing their unique perspective as an American with their peers in Germany.

If you are considering learning a second language, then a semester or academic year at the Catholic University of Eichstaett (KU) will help you reach your goal of becoming fluent. Students enrolled at KU’s Language Center will have the opportunity to apply for a tandem partner with whom they can practice speaking German. In addition, KU’s business school located at their Ingolstadt campus offers a full curriculum of English courses.

Apart from the excellent academics, there are many funding opportunities for study or research in Germany through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Our partner institution FHU offers the Baden Wurttemberg scholarships to nominated UofM students.

Nominees receive a stipend of about 400 Euros per month to defray living expenses while in Germany. UofM Pell grant recipients have also applied for and been awarded the Gilman scholarship for study in Germany.

If you are still not convinced that Germany is an ideal study abroad destination, consider these “top ten” things you can do while in Germany and you may finally be sold on the idea of studying there.

S “TOP TEN” T HING NY TO DO IN GER M A on the Rhine 1. Take a river cruise est 2. Celebrate Oktoberf in the Black Forest 3. Spend a weekend Autobahn 4. Take a drive on the in Berlin 5. Spend a weekend Munchen game 6. See an FC Bayern 7. See a Castle ns) (Kaufhaus des Weste 8. Shop at KaDeWe ll 9. See the Berlin Wa top of the Zugspitze 10. Take a tram to the

Faculty Spotlight A conversation with Professor John Bensko, MFA, PhD of the Department of English’s Creative Writing Program.

Please tell us about yourself and your position at the University of Memphis.

I teach Creative Writing in the Department of English and am the Coordinator of the Creative Writing Program. We offer an undergrad degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and an MFA degree in Creative Writing, so I teach at all levels, primarily poetry writing but I’ve also taught both fiction and creative non-fiction. I teach forms courses as well, which approach writing, literature and other forms of art from a variety of angles in a variety of formats.

What is your role in study abroad here at the UofM? I helped set up a cooperative agreement to exchange students between the UofM and the U of Alicante in Spain, I serve on the Fulbright selection committee, and

Dr. Bensko with students at Alicante, Spain

I’ve taught a creative writing course in Alicante 3 times during the summer. That course draws students from all over the country, both at graduate and undergraduate levels, and it creates good national visibility for our study abroad program. It gives students a full emersion experience, staying with a Spanish host family and experiencing cultural events in the city’s yearly Fiesta of San Juan. This summer, the regional newspaper Información did a full page article on us. We visited the newspaper offices for an inside view of Spanish journalism (continued on page 8)

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and current events. It was an excellent example of how a study abroad course can lead to cultural interchange and insights you’d never receive as a tourist.

Please tell us about your first experience with study abroad.

I was a Fulbright professor at the U of Alicante, a single parent carrying along an 11 year old son, and for both of us it was a life changing experience. As a writer, I found that the international experience not only helped me to see into another culture; even more significantly, I gained a distance and perspective on my own country that made a seminal difference in my writing. Suddenly I was able to see in a new way a book of poetry I’d been working on for years and revise it so that it was accepted for publication not long after I returned. For a writer, any exposure to another culture and another language is invaluable. A vast majority of the best writers from around the world have spent time in more than one country.

How has your career afforded you the opportunity to travel abroad?

The Fulbright was an amazing gift that came at a crucial time in my life. It literally saved me. I was forced to give up my tenure-track teaching job at Rhodes College to accept it; but I have never regretted the decision. The Study Abroad Program at the UofM has allowed me

UofM Students Awarded Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships for Study Abroad!

to maintain my connections with Spain, and I’m very grateful for that. Arranging and teaching a course abroad is enormously time consuming, so while I’m there for the course, I’m focused on that; but I usually manage to tack on a little time for my own writing projects. Two years ago I went to Hungary and Slovakia, where my father’s family came from. This summer I went to Ireland, where my mother’s family has roots.

Do you feel a study abroad experience is important for students at the UofM? Even minimal exposure to another culture and language broadens a person in immeasurable ways; the effects of it radiate into that person’s life and the lives of others from then on. We live in a global community. One thing I’ve learned from my travels is that most Americans are handicapped by the failure to take a more international focus and learn more than one language. To walk down a sidewalk in Europe is to immerse yourself in a stream of different languages, and you realize that is the world of the present, which most Americans are not fully aware of. In Ireland, I was surrounded by droves of Spanish schoolchildren everywhere I went. Imagine if we were sending thousands of grade school children to Mexico every year to study and learn about the culture. What a difference it would make.

For more information about the Gilman Scholarship

Congratulations to the following recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for Study Abroad. The Gilman encourages students to choose non-traditional study destinations, especially those outside Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

The program supports students who may be unlikely to study abroad abroad, including those with financial need, those in underrepresented majors such as science and engineering, students with diverse ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities. Recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process and must use the award to pay for eligible study abroad costs.

please visit www.iie.org/en/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program or email tigersabroad@memphis.edu Summer 2015 Gilman Scholarship Recipients:

Fall & Academic Year 2015 Gilman Scholarship Recipients:

Evelyn Aguilar-Villela (France) Gage Alexander (Japan) Torika Baleilekutu (Morocco) Robbie Bradley (France) Bria Brown (Costa Rica) Quovatris Gibbs (Costa Rica) Antwan Gordon (Japan) Jonathan Jones-Edwards (Japan) Timothy Polk (Russia) Jonathan Seagraves (Japan)

Ronald Coupland (China) Binh Duong (South Korea) Amber Jackson (Thailand) Deora Sutton (Costa Rica) Jessica Travis (Japan) You can also keep up with important dates at and the latest news ad ro ab u/ .ed his memp

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM 102 Brister Hall Memphis, TN 38152 901.678.2814 tigersabroad@memphis.edu memphis.edu/abroad The University of Memphis, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action University. It is committed to education of a non-racially identifiable student body.

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