CAPSTONE INTERNATIONAL N EE W W SS LL EE TT TT E N ER R
Vol. 12, No. 1
Spring 2013
2012 UA Study Abroad Photo Contest Winners
inside International Academic Programs Sakura Festival 2013 Exchange Student Ambassadors 2013-2014 Study Abroad Deadlines Study Abroad Scholarship Awards Chinese Universities Develop MSW Programs CIAP Welcomes Dana Gray
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The first place photos from each category are shown below. All first and second place photos can be viewed on the CIAP website at studyabroad.ua.edu.
International Student & Scholar Services IPAC Applications Graduation Tips for Int’l Students International Spouse Group TIF Scholarship Winners H-1B Workshop for UA Faculty Spring 2013 New Students Tax Instructions for Int’l Students
Capstone International Academic Programs (CIAP) held its annual study abroad photo contest during International Education Week in November 2012. All students who participated on a study abroad program or were independently traveling outside of the U.S. were eligible to apply. Over 100 photos were submitted in four categories: Local Color, Landscape, UA Spirit, and Culture Shock. Winners were chosen by students and faculty, both in person and on the Capstone International Programs’ Facebook page. The top two photos from the various categories spanned six countries to places as diverse as Ghana, India, China, and Greece. The programs the students participated in were also diverse, ranging from a student teaching program in Ireland to a faculty-led program in Ghana. The goals of the photo contest are to give students an opportunity to display the remarkable photos they have taken abroad and to inspire students to include study abroad in their degree plans. Each first and second place category winner received a scholarship. CIAP was very impressed with the photo submissions this year, and we look forward to even more entries for next year. Interested students can inquire about the photo contest by visiting the study abroad office in 135 B.B. Comer. Submissions for the 2013 contest will be accepted starting in September.
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Local Color 1st Place Five o’clock Traffic Rosemary Brennan Ireland (shown at left)
English Language Institute Tuition Scholarship Recipients Brazilian High School Teachers Spring External Programs
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Calendar
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2nd Place It’s a Business Okha Patel India
UA Spirit 1st Place Crimson Bungee Chelsea Rayman China (shown above)
2nd Place (tied) Roll Tide Apollo Tyler Barton - Greece Hoisting the BCS trophy straight from the Waterford Crystal factory! Hunt Bowers - Ireland
Landscape 1st Place Nature Undisturbed Lera Yalysheva Switzerland Culture Shock 1st Place Skulls Daniel Connors China (shown above)
(shown at left)
2nd Place Out-To-See Asia Stephens Ghana
2nd Place Footprints Austin Lafferty China
International Academic Programs Sakura Festival 2013 The Annual Sakura Festival reminds many in Alabama of fresh beginnings and the renewal of the spirit that comes with friendship. Celebrating the successes of the past year in both Japan and Alabama, “Kibō / Aspire” is the theme of the 27th Annual Sakura Festival as we look toward the future. Many wonderful events have been planned for the Sakura Festival throughout the month of March. The goal is to provide the community an opportunity to experience Japanese culture through various exhibits and performances. Events include:
CAPSTONE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER Editors LaDonna Foshee Diedre Van Zandt Bill Wallace
Layout Lauren Hurn Design Office of Marketing Communications Capstone Inter national Newsletter is published three times per year 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.
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Exhibits at the Children’s Hands-On Museum – every Saturday throughout March
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Exhibit – “Japanese Woodblock Prints: Then and Now” from the collection of Dr. and Mrs. William T. Price Ferguson Center Art Gallery March 6 – 22 Opening reception March 7, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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JASA Cherry Blossom Festival – March 16th, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Japanese Gardens 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL
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Annual Art Contest at Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International – “The Power of Exchange” Matsuri Festival in the Mall (University Mall) – April 6, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • • • •
Sword Demonstration Martial Arts Japanese Drumming And much MORE!
For additional information contact Capstone International Academic Programs at (205) 348-5256 or view http://international.ua.edu/Sakura.html.
Exchange Student Ambassadors Through UA Exchange programs, students have the opportunity to represent their home university abroad and experience life at an international university. This spring semester, 14 students have taken on the roll as University of Alabama ambassadors at ten international universities. During their time abroad, these ambassadors will immerse themselves into their host culture, follow courses at their host institution, learn cross-cultural communication techniques, develop as an international citizen, and have the experience of a lifetime. UA’s Exchange partner institutions have also sent their own ambassadors to our campus. This spring semester, we welcomed eight new ambassadors from five international universities. These ambassadors are enrolled full-time in different disciplines across campus. They are participating in various student groups and organizations, adjusting to Southern cooking and Alabama weather patterns. We hope that they are having a wonderful experience and have learned the meaning of “Roll Tide”!
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2013-2014 Study Abroad Application Deadlines: March 1, 2013 2013 Scholarships 2013 Summer Faculty-led Programs 2013 Summer Affiliate Programs 2013 Fall Exchange Programs April 1, 2013 2013 Fall Affiliate Programs 2013-2014 Academic Year Affiliate Programs October 1, 2013 2014 Spring Affiliate and Exchange Programs
International Academic Programs Capstone International Awards Study Abroad Scholarships Capstone International Academic Programs (CIAP) awarded eight study abroad scholarships in the amount of $500 to deserving UA students participating in spring 2013 exchange programs. The winners were selected based on merit and represent a wide array of majors and destinations. CIAP awarded a total of 30 scholarships ranging from $100-$1,000 to students participating in faculty-led, affiliate, research, and internship programs during the 2012-2013 academic year. CIAP is pleased with the quality of applicants this year and looks forward to selecting scholarship winners for the summer and fall terms. The deadline for the CIAP Study Abroad scholarship for summer and fall participants is March 1, 2013. Students may apply online at http://studyabroad.ua.edu for any of the scholarships CIAP offers. CIAP Exchange Program Scholarship Winners: Katherine Amerson - Economics (University of Liège-Belgium), Myranda Bennett - Telecommunication and Film (Ritsumeikan University-Japan), Hyeonjeong Cho - Advertising (Yonsei University-South Korea), Sophia Eldred - Psychology (University of Birmingham-England), Eric Iosco - Mechanical Engineering (Polytechnic University of Turin-Italy), Hannah Mills - Telecommunication and Film (Queensland University of Technology-Australia), Charles Thomason - History (Klagenfurt University-Austria), and Laurel Wilson - International Studies (University of Tours-France).
School Spotlight: Social Work to Help Chinese Universities Develop MSW Programs The School of Social Work’s international ties continue to grow with its selection by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) to participate in a program connecting U.S. and Chinese universities. Other U.S. universities participating in the fiveyear China Collaborative include Arizona State, Case Western Reserve, Fordham, and the Universities of Chicago, Houston, and Southern California. According to the CSWE, “U.S. programs will assist their Chinese partners in the development of MSW programs that reflect the unique aspects of graduate education in mainland China. The academic programs are committed to building capacity through faculty, staff and student exchanges; mentoring and consultation; building research infrastructure; and further strengthening social work education in an international context.” The School of Social Work will work with Yunnan University to develop teaching resources for master’s level social work programs. The partnership also will provide faculty exchanges and research collaborations. Yunnan University is located in the city of Kunming in Southwest China and will serve as the lead institution for multiple universities in its region. Dr. Lucinda Roff, Dean of the School of Social Work, and representatives from the other U.S. universities, traveled to China to meet with Chinese faculty members in December 2012. Plans were developed for U.S. faculty to provide seminars on teaching social work – primarily about working with children, adolescents, and the elderly – in China during the summer of 2013. Roff said there’s a possibility of establishing visiting scholars programs and faculty collaborating on research. The assistance to Chinese faculty will center on direct practice, field education, and practice skills development. The School of Social Work has had previous experience in Asia (Hong Kong) through a partnership with Shue Yan University to teach master’s level courses. For that partnership, UA faculty taught the first year of Shue Yan’s curriculum, students did an internship in Hong Kong and finished the program at UA. Roff hopes to send UA students to China in a plan similar to a twoweek trip UA students took to Hong Kong in summer 2012 – a first in the previous partnership. For more information on this exciting collaboration contact David Miller, media relations, dcmiller2@ur.ua.edu; or Dean Roff, School of Social Work, lroff@sw.ua.edu.
CIAP Welcomes Dana Gray! Dana Gray joined the Capstone International Academic Program (CIAP) staff as the new Office Associate in September 2012. She is excited to join the CIAP team and enjoys working with a diverse student population. When she’s not working, Dana enjoys spending time with her family and pets. She loves to cook, watch movies, and explore new places. Dana Gray http://international.ua.edu CAPSTONE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER • 3
International Student & Scholar Services IPAC Applications Due Friday, April 5 Begun in 2005, the International Peer Advisory Council (IPAC) is a volunteer-based organization designed to assist newly-arrived international students at UA with cultural adjustment, and to provide an opportunity for intercultural exchange among students, both international and American. Applications to join IPAC are due by Friday, April 5 and are available in 105 B.B. Comer and online at http://is.ua.edu/programs-activities/ipac/. Requirements • Full-time, undergraduate or graduate student at UA • Minimum 2.5 GPA • Have an interest in helping international students • Be available to assist with social events throughout the academic year • Be available to assist international students during orientations in August & January.
Graduating Soon? - Tips for International Students Preparing for Life After UA Are you an international student nearing graduation? Below are some resources to assist you with a smooth transition into life after you leave The University of Alabama. EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS - If you are interested in working in your field of study after completing your academic program, you will need to apply for employment authorization. • F-1 students: Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides one year of employment authorization in your field of study. Your application must be submitted and arrive at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 60 days of your program completion date (the final day of your final semester at UA); however, you are encouraged to apply much earlier. Due to slow processing times, CIS recommends applying approximately three months in advance of your intended employment start date. • J-1 students: Academic Training provides an opportunity for employment in your field of study. The training must begin within 30 days after completion of studies. If you have a training opportunity, you will need to coordinate authorization with your J program sponsor before the end of your academic program. Please note that your on-campus work eligibility ends the last day of your final semester. GRACE PERIOD - F-1 students who do not apply for OPT have a 60-day grace period after the last day of your final semester. J-1 students who do not apply for Academic Training have a 30 day grace period. The grace period is meant to allow you time to prepare to depart the U.S. Within the grace period you have the following options: 1. Depart the U.S. – Once you leave the U.S. (including trips to Canada and Mexico) after completing your studies, you are not eligible to re-enter the United States with your current I-20/DS-2019. 2. Request a new I-20/DS-2019 if you will continue at UA in a new degree program. 3. Transfer your SEVIS record to a new school. 4. Apply to change status to another visa category. CHANGING SCHOOLS? - If you have secured admission to a new school you must contact Capstone International Services to coordinate the transfer of your SEVIS record to the new institution. F-1 students must complete the SEVIS transfer request before the end of the 60-day grace period. J-1 students must coordinate your transfer with your current program sponsor before the end of your academic program. INVITING FAMILY MEMBERS & FRIENDS TO VISIT THE U.S. FOR GRADUATION As graduation approaches, you may want to invite your parents or other family members to celebrate commencement with you. You can find some suggestions to help them apply for a visitor’s visa (B-2) at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country on our website. International students in their final semester of study at UA can access detailed information on graduation, employment authorization options, transferring, etc., by visiting the CIS website at http://is.ua.edu/currentstudents/final-semester-checklist/. 4 • CAPSTONE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER
International Student & Scholar Services International Spouse Group Do you have a wife or husband here at UA? Invite them to join us for the International Spouse Group, which meets every Monday in 121 B.B. Comer Hall, 10 AM to 12 Noon. The International Spouse Group is a new group, specifically designed to bring together the spouses of international students, faculty, staff, and scholars for activities and interaction. At the International Spouse Group meetings, you can meet new friends, enjoy conversations while having refreshments, practice your social and English speaking skills, learn new skills and teach others your hobbies or interests, practice your presentations, and talk about challenges and practical tips to overcome them.
Tuscaloosa International Friends (TIF) Scholarship Recipients TIF Scholarship Recipients were announced at the annual TIF Potluck dinner, which was held on January 24, 2013 at the Calvary Baptist Church Annex. Congratulations to the winners of the Tuscaloosa International Friends Scholarship – Shashank Wattal and Yi Liu. Shashank Wattal is an undergraduate student from India studying Electrical Engineering. He is also a member of the Capstone International IPAC team.
Shashank Wattal
Yi Liu is a graduate student from China majoring in Biology. She also works as a Teaching Assistant in the Biology department.
Yi Liu
Congratulations, Shashank and Yi!!
CIS Holds H-1B Training
CIS Welcomes 157 New Students
On March 14, Capstone International Services’ Stephanie Freeman held an H-1B Training Workshop for UA Departments in the process of hiring new international faculty and staff. During this workshop, Ms. Freeman covered the basics of the H-1B Work Visa and explained the filing process from a university perspective. Special attention was spent reviewing the Permanent Residency guidelines for teaching faculty.
In January 2013, Capstone International Services welcomed 157 new international undergraduate, graduate, and ELI students to UA. Orientation for new students was held over several days to accommodate the large Spring 2013 intake. The influx of new students brings total international enrollment at UA to 1434 actively enrolled students.
The Ides of April - Taxes and International Students and Scholars As we approach the April 15 filing deadline for federal and state taxes, this time of year can be especially stressful for many international students and scholars who may be completing U.S. Tax Returns for the first time. CIS reminds international students and scholars to be aware of refund e-mail scams. The IRS does not send unsolicited emails to taxpayers and does not request such detailed personal and financial information. If you receive such email, you should not open it as it likely contains some sort of virus or malware. International students and scholars should NEVER provide their SSN/ITIN to anyone via email. Additionally, CIS reminds international students not to use Turbo Tax, 1040.com or other similar tax preparation software available online to file federal taxes. These services are intended for U.S. citizens only and do not utilize the correct federal tax forms for nonresidents. There are very few online software programs that can assist with the preparation of taxes for non-residents, one of which is GLACIER Tax Prep - http://www.glaciertax.com/. The University of Alabama provides GLACIER Tax Prep access to all international UA students, scholars and staff who are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes. To receive access to GLACIER Tax Prep, please contact Casey Jones, Tax Analyst, at cvjones@fa.ua.edu. Finally, even if you had no U.S. income, if you were in the U.S. on an F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2, Q-1 or Q-2 visa at any point in 2012, you will need to file a Form 8843.
For more information on any of these topics and to access forms, please visit the CIS website at is.ua.edu.
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 recipient is based on a variety of factors, including academic performance and financial need. The ELI is pleased to have been able to award four such scholarships for the 2012 Fall 2 and 2013 Spring 1 sessions. The recipients of the ELI Tuition Scholarships are Claudia Mazorra Otero, Shiori Tatsumi, Maria Uchamocha Cardona, and Fangxiao Wu. Maria Uchamocha Cardona is from Bogota, Colombia. She is a graduate of Universidad Militar Nueva Granada in business administration and hopes to pursue her MBA in an American university in the future.
Claudia Mazorra Otero is an ELI student from Colombia. She is a graduate of Universidad Externado de Colombia, where she studied economics. She plans to earn a master’s degree in quantitative methods.
Claudia Mazora Otero
Maria Uchamocha Cardona
Fangxiao Wu is a recent high school graduate from China. He came to the ELI to improve his English before he begins his undergraduate studies at The University of Alabama.
Shiori Tatsumi comes from Kanagawa, Japan, and is a sophomore at Rikkyo University majoring in international communication.
Shiori Tatsumi
Fangxiao Wu
We congratulate Claudia Mazorra Otero, Shiori Tatsumi, Maria Uchamocha Cardona, and Fangxiao Wu on receiving these awards and wish them continued success in achieving their educational and career goals.
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English Language Institute ELI Welcomes Brazilian High School English Teachers to UA The UA English Language Institute (ELI) and the Capstone International Center (CIC) were pleased to host a group of 30 high school English teachers from Brazil for a special six-week program of study from January 12 through February 23, 2013. The customized program of study for this group consisted of non-credit classes offered by both the ELI and the Office of International Programs in the UA College of Education. Instruction for the participants was designed to improve their English language proficiency, to improve their knowledge and understanding of appropriate methodology for teaching English as a foreign language, and to give them the opportunity to investigate life and culture in the United States. The University of Alabama was selected by the Institute of International Education (IIE) as one of 18 universities in the US to host a group of high school English teachers from Brazil. Funding for the program was provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Education, and participants were selected from thousands of high school English teachers in Brazil. The ELI and CIC were very pleased to welcome this group of high school teachers to the UA campus!
Spring External Programs The ELI began 2013 by hosting 5 special programs during the Spring 1 session. First , the English + Business Program began its 3rd year of the 3-week program which combines intensive English study with lectures on various business topics presented by faculty of the UA College of Commerce and Business Administration. Soon afterwards, the group of Brazilian English teachers described above arrived. This program was offered cooperatively between ELI and the College of Education. The ELI is also hosting university study programs for two different UA partner Japanese universities. 11 Kansai Gaidai undergraduate students studied intensive English and American culture on campus for 5 weeks, and 25 undergraduate students from Chiba University who came for a 4-week language and culture program. Finally, a group of nursing students, also from Chiba University in Japan, traveled to UA to participate in a 2-week Trans-Cultural Nursing Program. This is a cooperative program between the ELI and the Capstone College of Nursing. http://international.ua.edu CAPSTONE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER • 7
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.
Calendar
Capstone International Center March 4, 11, 18 - International Spouse Group (CIS) 5 - Spring 2 Session Begins (ELI) 1, 8, 15 - Coffee Hour (CIS) 8, 22 - CPT/OPT Seminars (CIS) 25-29 - Spring Break - UA Closed
April 5 - Half Session Ends (ELI) 5 - Honors Day (UA) 5, 12, 19, 26 - CPT/OPT Seminars (CIS) 6 - Matsuri in the Mall (CIAP) 8, 15, 22 - International Spouse Group (CIS) 12, 19 - Coffee Hour (CIS) 26 - International Ice Cream Social (CIS)
May 2 - Spring 2 Session Ends (ELI) 4 - UA Commencement Ceremonies 7 - Summer 1 Session Begins (ELI)
Dr. Teresa Wise, associate provost for international education & global outreach International Student and Scholar Services (CIS) 105 BB Comer • (205) 348-5402 • fax (205) 348-5406 • is.ua.edu Charter Morris, director Sheila Malone, SEVIS coordinator LaDonna Foshee, assistant director Stephanie Freeman, immigration advisor Janet Edmonds, immigration advisor Lauren Hurn, immigration assistant English Language Institute (ELI) 101 BB Comer • (205) 348-7413 • fax (205) 348-9266 • eli.ua.edu Bill Wallace, director Brad Hodges, instructor Ann Ramos, associate director for external programs Demetria Li, instructor Bill Merriman, associate director for internal programs Julia Lindsey, instructor Carol Weaver, program assistant Kelly McPherson, instructor Amanda Burroughs, accounting assistant Marc Metzler, instructor Wendy Grof, accounting assistant Emily Mitchell, instructor Vicky Wyatt, student services coordinator Sarah Nowak, instructor Monica Hollie, receptionist Jay Robbins, instructor Kim Andrus, instructor Drew Sanford, instructor Allison Callahan, instructor Jenica Smith, instructor Marci Daugherty, instructor Catanya Stager, instructor Catherine Dockery, instructor Amy Taylor, instructor Al Evans, instructor David Taylor, instructor Laura Hebert, instructor Michael Townley, instructor Bill Henderson, instructor International Academic Programs (CIAP) 135 BB Comer • (205) 348-5256 • fax (205) 348-5298 • studyabroad.ua.edu Holly Hudson, director Jackie Maye, program assistant Diedre Van Zandt, assistant director Vickey Phillips, accounting assistant Brittnay McMillian, study abroad coordinator Dana Gray,office associate Amy Linden, study abroad coordinator