Adelphi University's RSACEHS Fall 2024 International Initiatives

FALL 2024 International Initiatives

IN THIS ISSUE A Message from the Dean

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Italy | January 2024

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Jamaica | January 2024

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Norway | March 2024

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Kenya | March 2024

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China | May 2024

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Ukraine | June 2024

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Greece | July 2024

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International Partnerships

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A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN In our increasingly globalized world, the ability to connect and collaborate across borders is no longer an advantage—it’s a necessity. At the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, we are committed to cultivating global-minded professionals prepared to make meaningful contributions worldwide. Through our strategic initiatives, we strive to expand our international connections and create transformative learning experiences that equip students with a global perspective.

Our partnerships with institutions and organizations across the globe allow students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, engage in life-changing experiences, and build networks that transcend geographic boundaries. This special issue celebrates these initiatives, showcasing the impact of our collaborations and the enriching international experiences we offer. We invite you to join us in supporting and advancing our global mission— building bridges and fostering understanding that benefit not only our students but the world we share.

Xiao-lei Wang, PhD Dean

I T A L Y January 2024

In the ruins of Pompeii, students immerse themselves in history, discovering the stories etched in stone and the lessons that transcend time. This unforgettable study abroad trip not only enriches their academic journey but also fosters a deep appreciation for the cultures that shaped our world.

Students learning the Italian history in Tuscania. Surrounded by stunning historic villages, they delve into the rich heritage of Italy, learning about art, history, and culinary traditions.

This study abroad experience not only enhances their education but also fosters lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories amidst the beauty of the small Italian town.

Students visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. This gallery exhibits the art journey of renaissance.

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JAMAICA January 2024

A group of students and faculty traveled to Kingston, Jamaica to gain a global perspective on Speech Pathology and Audiology. They worked for one week to provide services to residents of Mustard Seed Communities (MSC). MSC provides homes, nutrition, and education for the most vulnerable including those with disabilities. The group had the opportunity to visit the University Of Technology's clinic in Kingston to learn about the work they do with individuals with disabilities.

Additionally, the group experienced the island's rich culture, local cuisine and took in Jamaica's tropical landscape.

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NORWAY March 2024

Participants in the course report that one of their fondest memories is getting the chance to teach in Norwegian classrooms.

Our friends from UiT (The Arctic University of Norway) take us on a hike.

AU future teachers explore a whole new world of outdoor Pre-k in Norway.

AU students chase the Northern Lights and learn of the cultural significance for indigenous peoples.

Students explore indigenous Sami culture at Tromsø museum, the oldest scientific institution in Northern Norway.

Adelphi students enjoyed delivering a lesson to Norwegian students on ocean pollution and the ways the Gulf Stream connects our regions.

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KENYA March 2024

Esther Kogan Associate professor and Director of STEP The School of Education Studying abroad enriches the college experience by providing students with opportunities and exposure to cultures and settings they wouldn't encounter in any other course. This service-learning course combines specific learning objectives with genuine community service, creating an educational approach that fosters hands-on, authentic learning while addressing the needs of a community. In this case, the community is a school-orphanage in Wangige, Kenya.

This course has been a life-changing experience, transforming students' perspectives, values, and ways of viewing the world.

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CHINA May 2024

To expand international collaboration, our college has actively partnered with Chinese universities. In June 2024, Dean Wang and Professor Bedard explored opportunities with Wuhan Sport University, Nanjing Normal University, Zhongbei College, and Fudan University. This trip resulted in promising avenues for an online CSD doctoral program, a 4+1 program in sports management and TESOL, as well as future academic exchanges.

These partnerships reflect our commitment to enhancing the global reach and providing enriched educational experiences for our students.

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UKRAINE June 2024

Carl Mirra, PhD Associate Professor, Chair The School of Education

"Focus" group discussion on civic values at Gymnasium (High School) 34 where earlier a Russian missile destroyed many of the classrooms.

Dr. Mirra’s joint project with the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Institute of Problems on Education researches the role of schools and youth values in democracy promotion in Ukraine. It examines civic education, student-centered pedagogy, and resilience among youth and how schools contribute to the democratization process.

The project entails ethnographic observations across Ukraine from Kyiv to Kharkiv to Donetsk oblast as well as field interviews, focus groups, and interviews with members of the parliament and Ministry of Education. The most recent scholarly dissemination of the findings includes presentations on “The Ethical Hazards and Scholarly Opportunities of Oral History Methodology” at the Ukrainian Oral History Association International Conference, Oral History in Wartime, Uzhhorod National University in June 2024, and “The Impact of War on the New Ukrainian School,” at the Oral History Association annual meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio in October 2024.

Discussing civic values and global politics at Dominanta High School in Kyiv.

Students assiduously filling out a survey on democratic values as they recognize the historic importance of preserving and extending Ukraine's strides toward a full-fledged democracy, which has been frustrated by invasion and war.

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GREECE July 2024

In July 2024, the college launched the inaugural alumni trip, “From Adelphi to Delphi,” in Greece. This event deepened alumni connections and strengthened their advocacy for the college and Adelphi University.

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I NT E R NA T Partnerships

I’M grateful to serve as a Research Fellow for the Centre for Sport Leadership at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. The Centre was formed:

A. To conduct leadership development within a sporting context for student athletes, coaches, and general sport practitioners and administrators; and B. To provide thought leadership on key issues within South African, African, and global sport, through conducting and facilitating interdisciplinary research for impact.

I was fortunate to travel to South Africa in June 2024, during which time I partnered with Dr. Cora Burnett, the Director of the Centre, on an interdisciplinary research project exploring resilience among peer leaders in sport organizations. We partnered with an NGO in Pretoria for early work on this project, and we will partner with two other NGOs in Stellenbosch this November to continue this project.

Meredith A. Whitley Professor The School of Health Sciences

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ConnectED Rewiring Multilingualism Since the onset of COVID-19 in March

2020, we’ve adapted our courses to include international virtual exchanges.

We’ve partnered with schools in Spain, Brazil, and Taiwan to enhance our curriculum. These courses are essential for all teacher education tracks and are also popular electives for students in other fields like nursing and physical education. Our goal is to instill a commitment to social justice and prepare future teachers to be responsive to multilingual and diverse communities.

By engaging in these international exchange experiences, pre-service teachers and professionals in education in training learn to apply new insights to their teaching practices in New York while engaging multilingual learners in authentic language learning. Our projects include creating podcasts, videos, and other collaborative work, amplifying students’ voices and ideas.

Clara Vaz Bauler Associate Professor The School of Education

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I NT E R NA T Partnerships

Fourteen English teachers from New Taipei City took part in an immersive eight-day professional development program at Adelphi’s Ruth S. Ammon CEHS, guided by lead faculty Ming-Hsuan Wu alongside Emily Kang, Mary Jean McCarthy, Esther Kogan, Devin Thornburg, Diana Schwinge, and Clara Bauler.

Their experience included interactive workshops, in-depth explorations of bilingual education programs, and educational visits to Crossroads Farm, the Long Island Children’s Museum, and various public and private schools across Long Island and NYC.

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This special publication of the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences is presented by the Dean's Office and was designed by Jessica Mannhaupt (2024).

A learning community actively engaged in social change.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT ADELPHI.EDU/EDUCATION. CONTACT US AT CEHS@ADELPHI.EDU. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! AdelphiCEHS