Gloabl Beat: Spring 2010

GLOBALBEAT Nazareth College Center for International Education • Spring 2010

Dear Friends,

TABLE OF CONTENTS Focus on China

2 International Education Week

3 Welcome New Students

4 International Trivia

5 International Presentations

5 Postcards from Abroad

6 Wine Tasting

8 Senagalese Visitor

9 Open Doors Report

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The pace of activities this spring in the CIE is intense, as we work with our international students, guide Nazareth students who wish to travel abroad for work and study, and, at the same time, explore new programs in which it would be beneficial for the College to participate. We continue to engage our global connections in a conversation about the value of international education, and this conversation, as always, brings great benefits.

We have new international connections in Russia and France, and have expanded our fruitful relationship with Leeds Metropolitan in the U.K. We are anticipating hosting new summer leadership institutes this year, in collaboration with the U.S. State Department, for Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. We also hope to once again host students from Afghanistan.

In alignment with U.S. policy aimed at fostering and supporting friendships with the Muslim world, we are setting up strategic alignments with Middle Eastern universities such as Sakarya University, a highly respected and wellestablished institution in Turkey, and Galillee College, an institute focused on international management training, in Israel. These alliances open up windows into new worlds for our own students, and offer opportunities for revenuegenerating programs and exchanges with students, faculty, and staff from these world-class institutions.

Within our regular academic system, there are also students from many Muslim countries such as Indonesia, (which has the world’s largest population of Muslims), who offer a broader world view to our students while they engage with our Nazareth community. These students offer a richness of experience that benefits all at the College, and they are a vital part of our campus community.

– Dr. George Eisen Executive Director Center for International Education

Center for International Education

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FOCUS ON CHINA Nazareth Launches Short-Term Study Tour

THE CIE AND NAZARETH COLLEGE are increasing their focus on the world’s most populous country. Following a successful exploratory visit last year by Dr. George Eisen along with Vice President for Academic Affairs Sara Varhus, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Deborah Dooley, Assistant Professor of History Nevan Fisher, and Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Yuanting Zhao, the college’s first study tour to the People’s Republic of China will be held this year from May 20 through June 8. The trip this year will be led by Fisher, who is director of the College’s Asian Studies Program, and Zhao.

Twenty three students have signed up for the trip, which will focus on “The Many Facets of China.” According to Fisher, the group will look at some of the key issues facing China. “We’ll address urban vs. rural development, coastal vs. interior culture, and tradition vs. modernity,” he said.

To participate, students must have taken a previous course focused on Asia, however the trip is open to and relevant for Nazareth students from many academic programs, not just those in the College’s growing Asian studies program. “The group is across the board,” said Fisher. “We have freshmen to seniors, and a good cross-section of majors.”

The group will learn through a variety of events. There are plans for in-country lectures, tours of farms and factories,

Center for International Education

a hike in a mountainous region, an evening at the National Theatre, a walk on the Great Wall, and travel into a Chinese minority nationalities zone.

The trip, and the College’s increased focus on China, are coming at a pivotal time in the United State’s relationship with a country that is playing an increasing role in global politics and the global economy. Since the initiation of economic reforms in the late 70s and early 80s, China has become the world’s fastest growing economy, as well as the largest exporter and second largest importer of goods. The Beijing Olympics in 2008 placed China squarely at the center of international media, with mixed results. Issues facing the country—from population control and alleged human rights violations to environmental challenges—have increasingly made the front pages of newspapers in the U.S. and across the globe. The upcoming World Expo in Shanghai will continue the dialogue.

The timing for this trip couldn’t be better, said Fisher.

“Considering China’s growing importance in the lives of our students and for the 21st century, there is no substitute for firsthand experience in this country. This will be Nazareth’s first sustained attempt to bring a large group of students to the world’s most dynamic economy, to link the college and our students to China, and to further create a global consciousness.”

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International Education Week Recap

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n November, the Center for International Education hosted a week of enthusiasticallyreceived events for International Education

Week. An Evening of International Culture and Cuisine in the forum featured performance by students including, among others, Manilak Pui Souvannakham (Laos) (photo, lower left) and French exchange students Alexandre Delecroix, Alexandre Fabris, and Antoine Audoly (below). On November 10, whirling dervishes from the Ales-i Ask Sufi music group enchanted an audience in the Linehan Chapel (upper left). Winners of the CIE photo contest, Christine Perrotti (for her photos of Kenya) and Sara Catalano (for her Russian photos), accepted their awards at a study abroad reception later in the week. Students who studied in Kenya and Russia also gave presentations on their time abroad as part of the week’s festivities.

Center for International Education

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We Welcome You! EACH SEMESTER, THE CIE WELCOMES a host of new students to Nazareth College from across the globe. This spring, our new arrivals hail from Viet Nam, France, Haiti, Malaysia, Japan, United Kingdom, and Italy. As they settle into their new routines and experience the Rochester winter, we are delighted to wish them well in their American adventure.

This semester’s new students are: Elena Antonelli, Anna Cianfaglione, Stefano D’Alessandro, Federica Giardini, Lucia Talotti, and Valerio Teoli (all from Italy); Moseline Beauvais (Haiti), Hieu Nguyen (Viet Nam); Poh Suan Tan (Malaysia); Julian Auregan (France); Taro Mawatari (Japan); Zoe Bowler (U.K.); Tuba Pehlivan (Turkey); and three students from Leeds Metropolitan University in Great Britain who spent six weeks at Nazareth as part of a service learning program: Micheal Astrop, Corinna Calori, and Danielle Hodder.

Top row left to right: Hieu Nguyen, Vietnam; Poh Suan Tan, Malaysia; Moseleine Beauvais, Haiti.

Bottom row left to right: Julien Auregan, France; Taro Mawatari, Japan.

Center for International Education

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A Winning Team Participating in the International Business Council’s annual international trivia contest has long been a tradition for the CIE. This year’s crack team placed third in the rigorous competition, enjoying themselves immensely as they did. The team included (l to r) Anna Hadnagy (Hungary), Dr. Eisen, Brianna LaDelfa (CIE student assistant), Jessica Geraci (CIE student assistant), Johann Dubouzet (NYC), and dean of the School of Management, Professor Jerry Zappia.

BRINGING the WORLD to ROCHESTER International student Regina Yarotskaya, studying at Nazareth as part of the IREX program, gave a presentation to the Pittsford Rotary in January on her homeland, Belarus. Her presentation, which touched on Belarus’s culture, economy, and geography, received a standing ovation. Later that month, another Nazareth student, Jigme Sherpa of Nepal, and also presented a lecture to the Rotary on her homeland. Congratulations to Regina and Jigme on giving Rochesterians a better understanding of their beautiful native lands.

Fast Facts: Belarus Capital: Minsk Official languages: Belarusian, Russian Government: presidential republic Independence (from Soviet Union): 1991 Population: 9.6 million Largest exports: heavy machinery, agricultural products, energy products Geography: Belarus is flat and landlocked.

40 percent is covered with forest, and it holds more than 11,000 lakes.

Center for International Education

Fast Facts: Nepal Capital: Kathmandu Official language: Nepali Government: republic Population: 29 million Chief exports: carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, and grain.

Geography: contains five climatic zones, from tropical to arctic; and eight of the world’s top ten highest peaks, including Everest (on the border with Tibet).

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Postcards from Abroad Nazareth students travel the globe each year, living and learning and gaining new experiences as they go.

At the college’s website, you can read their tales and impressions on the study abroad student blog (http://naz.typepad.com/cie_studyabroad/). Here are just a few brief excerpts from three very different regions of the globe.

LONDON These blog entries are by nursing students and faculty who spent last spring break exploring their field as it is practiced in Great Britain.

We had a tour of St. Thomas’ Hospital. Imagine waking up from surgery in a site like that! St. Thomas was designed by Florence Nightingale, who believed the patients should have the best views in the hospital, as well as a constant flow of fresh air circulating through the rooms. What do you think about that concept? Brilliant, wouldn’t you agree?

–Linnea Classes at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London add an inspirational dimension to the examination of the health care system in Great Britain. Looking at the faces of students, back-lit by the illumination from the windows [of St. Thomas Hospital] that Florence Nightingale prescribed for patients, with a view of Big Ben in the background, was an exciting moment in my teaching career. Our students stand out in other ways, too. I am very proud of the Nazareth students and their commitment to learning over spring break.

–[Professor of Nursing] Marie O’Toole We had to get halfway across the city for an interview with one of the best midwifes in the UK. The interview was fantastic – we collected so much interesting information about the midwifery profession and healthcare in England and realized just how much our system needs an upgrade. Spending an hour interviewing this amazing woman and learning more than we could have anticipated definitely was totally worth it!

–Maggie I have already been to a medieval banquet, the London Bridge, and the Florence Nightingale museum. OH and I saw BIG BEN today! It was so AWESOME! I have to go because it is 6:40 pm and we are going on a walking tour of Jack the Ripper’s London!

–Stacey

FROM VALENCIA… From the blog of Amanda Poppe, who spent a semester in Spain.

I still can’t get over how much America, and what we do, affects Spain and the rest of the world. I am willing to bet many of the people here are more knowledgeable about our political affairs than many of our citizens. Their hope is that Obama can fix our economy, or at the least, boost it. When America’s economy rises then so will everyone else’s. On the day of the inauguration everything stopped, and everyone was watching. After the speech all of the news programs for two or three days straight focused only on Obama. When people here ask me where I’m from and I tell them the United States the reply usually is “OBAMA!

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I like the food here. For breakfast in the morning I have tea or juice, and my roommate has cafe con leche. We have variations of bread including magdelenas (muffins), and galletitas (little cookie/crackers) with jelly of either frambuesa (raspberry) or melacoton (peach) on them. Lunch consists of meat, beans, rice, and vegetables. We ALWAYS have oranges for dessert — after all this is Valencia! Every other Sunday my host mother’s son, wife, and three grandchildren come over. I am so lucky to be able to experience this “Sunday after church” meal traditional to many families around the world.

An absolutely awesome tradition is siesta. Everyone comes home from work and school around 2 o’clock and then there is a break before everyone returns to work or classes and the shops open up. Many take short naps, others go walk in the park ...

Another tradition is the night life. It starts around 1:00 a.m. and everyone is out until 5 or even 6 in the morning. At 2:00 a.m. I saw more people in the Plaza de la Virgen than I did during the middle of the day! It’s nice to be able to go out with friends, meet new people, practice the language, and enjoy the culture at the same time.

MEANWHILE, IN RUSSIA… A group of graduate social work students in the joint Nazareth-SUNY Brockport program spent a week in Russia early last summer to explore some of the social paradigms that were applicable to their own field.

This class and trip feels like a dream come true for me. Reading about international social work and being a “global citizen” has reawakened my passion for international issues and participation. When I decided to go into social work I quietly resigned myself to a less international career than I had always dreamed of, thinking that I would have to pursue travel and international disaster relief efforts as more of a hobby. The topic, material, and service-learning of this course, however, have inspired me anew that I can be a social worker and participate at a global, world-expanding level too!

–Sara The trip [to a camp] took us almost until 5 p.m. to get there on rutted rain soaked roads. We reached the camp – an old, run-down, mansion in the country that had served as a field hospital in WWII. The camp leader was a character: large, oil-drum belly, brushed eyebrows, yellow pinstriped suit, the staff in soviet style uniforms, following his commands. He informed us the children had a treat for us – outside in the cold wind and rain. Then it happened: magic and beauty. The children came out marching and singing, with English greetings written on their hands, smiling and paraded for us, gave the women flowers from the fields sang the U.S. and Russian national anthems, invited us to their bunks, hugged us. We were overcome, words can not describe, we have found a new partner, doing the most beautiful work with children, in an unlikely place. Just when we were certain there was only disaster, how wrong we were and how lucky to say “yes” and let fate take us to the riches of this world.

– [Assistant Professor of Social Work} Jed Metzger This trip blew by my wildest expectations. I never could have imagined the breathtaking beauty of Novgorod, the potentially life-long connections made within a community half way around the world, and, most importantly, the incredibly moving friendships developed with people from Rochester to Russia. I now have two new places to call home: a tiny flat in Novgorod where my Russian family lives, and with the amazing GRC group that I traveled with. Such memories and experiences are, as my hostess and friend Elena would say, what make life “taste good.”

–Sara

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Join Us for an Elegant Evening, Fine Wine, Food and Jazz

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The Center for International Education Presents the Sixth Annual

International Wine Gala Friday, April 30, 2010 at 7 p.m.

Advance Tickets Available: $75 Per Couple or $40 Each

Questions and Purchases: Call 585-389-2371 or e-mail global@naz.edu All proceeds go to the Study Abroad Fund for Nazareth College students.

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A West African Visitor to Nazareth Staff from the Center for International Education met in March with visiting scholar Babacar Fall, who was at Nazareth to give a series of workshops and lectures on history, literature, and politics in West Africa. Professor Fall is chair of the history department at University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal. His trip, sponsored in part by the Center for International Education, presented the opportunity to discuss possibilities for exchanges between Nazareth College and the University Cheikh Anta Diop, one of Senegal’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning.

The Open Doors Report • International Education Explained EACH YEAR THE NATIONAL Institute of International Education, with the support of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, publishes a statistical information guide on international education. Titled Open Doors: Report on international Educational Exchange, this comprehensive survey is the only one of its kind in the U.S., and offers insight into trends impacting the world of international education. Among this year’s facts are the following: Academic year 2008/09 featured an all-time high of 671,616 international students at U.S. colleges and universities, an 8 percent increase from the previous year. In keeping with this trend, Nazareth College saw its international student numbers climb to 67 (matriculated and exchange) from last year’s 52. Although this was a gratifying increase, it did not reach the record-setting levels of 2006/07, when the College hosted 76 international students.

A total of 262,416 U.S. students studied abroad in 2007/08 (the most recent year for which records are available), an increase of 8.5 percent over the previous year. According to Open Doors, U.S. student participation in study abroad has more than tripled over the past two decades. Astoundingly, Nazareth’s record far surpasses that. In 2004/05, the College sent 36 students abroad.

By 2008/09, that number had more than quadrupled, Center for International Education

to 163 (this number includes short term, residential, and exchange students). The breakdown by destinations/ countries during 08-09 was as follows: Australia: 5, India: 1, Ireland: 18, France: 5, Germany: 16, Chile: 2, Italy: 67, Hungary: 6, Belize: 5, Spain: 11, Finland: 2, Japan: 1, UK: 22, and Israel: 3.

Open Doors reports that international students nationwide contributed 17.7 billion dollars to the U.S. economy in 2008/09. During the same period, Nazareth’s financial contribution to the local economy through international (exchange only) students and their dependents was $1,959.000, according to the report Economic Impact Statement for N.Y., released by NAFSA, the association of international educators.

As the CIE continues to work toward strengthening international partnerships to benefit our students while providing opportunities for those from other countries, it is gratifying to see that both national trends and those at our own school are on the upswing.

All Nazareth College data taken from the 2008-2009 Center for International Education Annual Report, copyright 2009, Nazareth College.

All national data taken from Bhandari, R., and Chow. P. (2009). Open Doors 2009: Report on International Educational Exchange. New York: Institute of International Education.

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