2016 Compass

The UNIVERSITY of

ompass College of International Studies

May 2016

OKLAHOMA速

O

n behalf of the College of International Studies, it is my great honor to present the first issue of our new annual publication, Compass. This issue is a celebration of all CIS students, alumni, board members, donors and the countless other friends who help us enrich international studies at the University of Oklahoma and across the globe.

The College of International Studies continues to grow under the visionary leadership of OU President David L. Boren and First Lady Molly Shi Boren.

Together, it is our goal to develop compassionate, open-minded citizens and leaders through global engagement and educational opportunities. We now have more than 1,500 OU students participating in study abroad during their academic careers – a 139 percent increase since academic year 2008-2009.

Also, nearly 2,000 international students have chosen to call OU their home-awayfrom-home during their studies in the United States.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about everyone on the CIS team. I am privileged to work with such a dedicated team. A special thank you to our development associate, Rowdy Gilbert, who is always working to expand funding opportunities for OU students and build lasting relationships with our alumni across the world. Many thanks to Jacque Braun, marketing and media specialist, and Miranda Wilson, communications specialist, for their work on bringing the vision of Compass to life.

Just as a compass will always steer you in the direction you want to go, we hope it will also guide you back home to the College of International Studies.

Suzette Grillot, Ph.D. Dean, College of International Studies Vice Provost of International Programs

It is our goal to continue growing these numbers. As such, in the fall of 2014 we opened two new study centers: OU in Puebla, Mexico, and OU in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Along with our Study Center in Arezzo, Italy, these locations provide great opportunities for students to experience the cultures, foods and languages of the host countries, all while fulfilling their degree requirements and learning from esteemed OU faculty.

In addition, last year the staff and faculty of the College of International Studies moved into the newly renovated Hester Hall, the hub of international activity on the OU campus. The Department of International and Area Studies, Office of Education Abroad, Office of International Student Services, and a number of Research Centers and Institutes are housed within the College of International Studies, assisting students and serving the entire university community.

At the College of International Studies, our motto is “Sooner Roots. Global Reach.”

The global learning that study abroad offers students is invaluable to the college experience and beyond. To help these adventures become a reality, many of our students have obtained scholarships made possible by our generous alumni and donors. We thank these individuals beyond measure for their kind gifts and for the difference they are making in the lives of many.

Right: “Arezzo Joust,” by Dan Schoelen.

Winner of the 2015 Jim Grillot Photographer International Photo Contest.

Contents

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Gaining a New [Peace] of Mind

After earning her International and Area Studies degree, Cara McGrath joined the Peace Corps and now spends her days as a literacy specialist in Uganda. She’s making a difference in the lives of many students and enjoys watching them grow.

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Building a New Home

More than 30 years since moving to Oklahoma, OU alumni Jalal and Mohammad Farzaneh continue to build their family business.

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Student Spotlight: Darius Aruho Darius Aruho is an OU United World Scholar from Uganda majoring in chemical engineering. Discover how being a UWC Scholar has affected his life and learn more about his plans for the future.

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Rachele Clegg: Future Foreign Service Officer

Rachele Clegg currently is majoring in international security studies and will graduate in May. She recently completed an internship in Colombia and now has an interest in becoming a Foreign Service Officer.

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The Power of Saying Hello

Before arriving in the United States, Kishan Anapu had mixed feelings about studying abroad. Those fears faded away after he began his studies at OU. Now, after having successfully earned his master’s of science degree in mathematics from OU, he reflects on his fond memories at the university.

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The Virtues of Study Abroad

[Understanding]

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Economics Alum Grateful for Sooner Family

Khing Cheng, 1996 economics alumnus from Singapore, learned about the University of Oklahoma through a friend. Now he carries on the Sooner traditions across the globe.

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Jorge Ballesteros: Alumnus Reflects on Fond Memories of OU

Jorge Ballesteros earned his industrial engineering degree from OU. Now working in Peru for his family’s company, he shares the “funny stories,” travels and friendships he experienced during his college days.

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From Oklahoma to Morocco

A recent graduate with a double major in international and area studies and Arabic, Wes Ernst is spending the year in Meknes, Morocco, for an internship. He is talking with locals, developing his communication skills, hanging out at cafés and much more.

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OU’s International Study Centers

After nearly a decade of operations, the university’s flagship study abroad program, OU in Arezzo, has had a long-time dream become reality. The Santa Chiara Monastery Residential Learning Center now serves as home away from home for OU students studying abroad in the heart of Tuscany.

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Faculty Highlights

Back Cover

Before You Go

Turkey Through the Lens of Alexis Taitel

UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMA

Featu r

College of International Studies

ed in Forei gn Af fairs

Turbulent World?

Discover the University of Oklahoma’s new online M.A. in Global Affairs at the College of International Studies.

Dedicated Faculty + Global Expertise + Innovative Teaching = Understanding and Opportunity

Rebecca Cruise

Suzette Grillot

Eric Heinze

Bo Kong

Joshua Landis

Erika Larkins

Alan McPherson

Samer Shehata

Mitchell Smith

Noah Theriault

The program includes a week-long OU faculty-led study abroad experience and participation in a hands-on team project.

OU’s Italian Study Center in Arezzo, Italy

OU’s Mexican Study Center in Puebla, Mexico

OU’s Brazilian Study Center in Rio de Janeiro

For more information about this program or our on-campus M.A. in International Studies, contact Katie Watkins at kwatkins@ou.edu or visit www.ou.edu/cis.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu

ompass College of International Studies

EDITOR

Miranda Wilson GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jacque Sexton Braun COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES DEAN

Suzette Grillot ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Mitchell P. Smith

ASSISTANT DEAN

Rebecca Cruise “When in Roma” by Arianne Rick

About the College of International Studies The objective of the College of International Studies is to expand the OU international experience and develop compassionate, open minded citizens and leaders by enhancing global engagement and educational opportunities.

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION

Patsy Broadway

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Rowdy Gilbert

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ABROAD

Laura Brunson About the University of Oklahoma Created by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a doctoral degree-granting research university serving the educational, cultural, economic and health-care needs of the state, region and nation. The Norman campus serves as home to all of the university’s academic programs except health-related fields. The OU Health Sciences Center, which is located in Oklahoma City, is one of only four comprehensive academic health centers in the nation with seven professional colleges. Both the Norman and Health Sciences Center colleges offer programs at the Schusterman Center, the site of OU-Tulsa. OU enrolls more than 30,000 students, has more than 2,700 full-time faculty members, and has 21 colleges offering 171 majors at the baccalaureate level, 152 majors at the master’s level, 79 majors at the doctoral level, 32 majors at the doctoral professional level, and 35 graduate certificates.

The university’s annual operating budget is $1.8 billion. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo This publication, printed by The University of Oklahoma Printing Services, is issued by the University of Oklahoma. 500 copies have been prepared and distributed at no cost to the taxpayers of the State of Oklahoma.

This publication is printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper with soy ink. The Forest Stewardship Council’s mission is to promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests.

DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Robyn Rojas

DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND STAFF ATTORNEY

Suzanne Kern

DIRECTOR OF ITALIAN PROGRAMS IN AREZZO, ITALY

Kirk Duclaux

DIRECTOR OF OU PROGRAMS IN MEXICO AND CO-COORDINATOR OF LATIN AMERICAN PARTNERSHIPS

Armando Garcia

DIRECTOR OF OU PROGRAMS IN BRAZIL AND CO-COORDINATOR OF LATIN AMERICAN PARTNERSHIPS

Caren Addis Botelho

Gaining a New [Peace] of Mind

C

ara McGrath is a 2014 International and Area Studies graduate with a degree in international security studies and a minor in African studies. Born in Chesapeake, Virginia, she grew up in Oklahoma City. She became interested in serving as a Peace Corps volunteer during her freshman year of college, and today that dream is a reality.

the first few months, I didn’t love anything about it,” she said. “Never before had I had such a challenging time adjusting to a new place.”

“The idea was introduced to me by my study abroad adviser, Kye Leboeuf, who served as a volunteer in West Africa,” McGrath said. “I became more interested after studying abroad in Ghana and Togo, where I met a volunteer serving in Kpalime, Togo. After observing her work and learning about her experiences, I was certain that the Peace Corps would be the next step after I graduated.”

With flexibility, patience, a sense of humor and courage, she is now happier, healthier and has a greater perspective on life in Uganda.

McGrath works as a literacy specialist at a primary school in Kitgum, a district in the northern region of Uganda. Her three goals as an education volunteer under the Peace Corps Primary Literacy Project are to improve teaching, increase student success and improve the school community.

To achieve these goals, she leads smallreading intervention groups for about 80 Primary Four (fourth grade in the United States) students. She also teaches Primary Four through Six classes focusing on letter sounds and literacy. Also, McGrath facilitates teacher development workshops at her school one to two times per month, and has started a club for girls that focuses on such topics as life skills, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention and empowerment. Along with these activities, she is developing a library, preparing to implement a positive behavior system that will serve as an alternative to corporal punishment and public shaming, and serving as a representative for a sexual harassment and assault committee.

McGrath had an interest in living and working in Africa prior to volunteering for the Peace Corps. “My interest in Africa began in high school after one of my teachers let me borrow her books about African history, culture and colonization,” she said.

“Everyone in Peace Corps says ‘this is the hardest job you’ll ever love,’ but during

5 Compass

She says that with flexibility, patience, a sense of humor and courage, she is now happier, healthier and has a greater perspective on life in Uganda.

of ground nuts (G-nuts) and sim sim (sesame) mixed with greens, and usually eaten with rice, posho (finely ground white corn flour mixed with boiling water to create a solid), matooke (a type of banana that is cooked and then mashed or pounded) or millet bread.

McGrath will serve in the Peace Corps through December/January 2017. She then plans to travel throughout southeast Asia for a month or two before returning to the United States for graduate school.

“My degree and experiences at the University of Oklahoma have taught me how to look at the world through more than one lens,” she said. “Learning how to surrender my American perspective and ego in order to understand and appreciate my community in northern Uganda has been a crucial aspect of social integration and my service in its entirety.”

When asked about her most rewarding experience, she said she had a “small one.” It was during a time of an education strike because the government failed to fulfill its promise of increasing teacher salaries.

“Some of the teachers at my school were still conducting classes,” she said. “One morning I was sitting with them planning a workshop when I heard the Primary Four class singing the letter sound song I taught them a few days prior. One of the pupils decided to take matters into his own hands and led the class so the strike would not interfere with their studies.”

It is safe to say that McGrath is a busy person, with plenty of activities to keep her on the go. However, she does also have time to pursue hobbies and interests.

“With my free time at the site, I go biking, read, cook, watch TV on my laptop, hang out with friends or practice yoga,” she said. “We get two free weekends per month, so sometimes I travel to visit volunteers in other regions.”

As for food, she says her favorite dish is Malakwang (pronounced like Ma-lahkwan). It is a creamy paste combination

Source: https://peacecorpssoutheast.com

Photo provided by Cara McGrath.

“My degree and experiences at the University of Oklahoma have taught me how to look at the world through more than one lens.�

Compass 6

Building a New Home More than 30 years since moving to Oklahoma, OU alumni Jalal and Mohammad Farzaneh continue to build their family business.

J

alal and Mohammad Farzaneh are brothers first and foremost.

Secondly, they are business partners.

Together they have built many homes for people all across Oklahoma and beyond. Meet the Farzanehs, owners of the Oklahoma-based Home Creations, a successful and prominent home-building company they began in 1981.

With that information, it was only a matter of time before the brothers transferred their language studies to Oklahoma.

Thanks to the advice of a persuasive friend, in the fall of 1979 they enrolled in OU’s College of Architecture and officially became Sooners, a decision that would make a lasting impact on their lives, as well as the lives of many others.

They both knew early in life that they wanted to follow in the footsteps of their father.

Originally, the plan was for them to return to Iran after graduation and help their father grow his existing business. It was something they looked forward to.

However, those plans changed. Tensions had been rising in their home country, resulting in the Iranian Revolution.

As the Iranian Revolution grew in intensity and their father lost his business, the family decided it would be best for the Farzaneh brothers to pursue a new career in the United States.

The Farzaneh brothers grew up in Iran watching their father work as an architect.

Mohammad had the chance to work as a draftsman during summer breaks from high school at his father’s construction business, sketching original drawings that would later be turned into blueprints for use. This experience was invaluable for what was to come.

Jalal and Mohammad first came to the United States to study English as a Second Language (ESL) in Indiana. After spending time there, they decided to move to Houston to further their studies.

As they made their way south, they stopped in Oklahoma City to catch up with an old acquaintance, who only told them wonderful things about the area and the University of Oklahoma – a worldclass institution and a widely recognized option for anyone interested in the field of architecture.

Upon graduation, degrees finally in hand, they ventured out into the “real world.”

Entering this new phase of life, they soon discovered the Iranian Revolution had made it very difficult for them to find a job in the United States as an Iranian citizen.

They started thinking outside of the box about what they could do. The final decision: start their own business – be their own boss and make their own rules.

“We talked about it and decided to open a convenience store,” Mohammad said.

They went to the bank and talked to a loan officer to set their idea in motion.

While there, they spoke with the bank president, Monte Deere, a former 1962 OU quarterback. After asking the Farzaneh brothers some questions about their interests, he suggested they get a construction loan instead.

Everyone was in agreement, and on that day, the Farzanehs received their first $40,000 business loan. M&J Construction, now Home Creations, was ready to build houses.

Fast forward to today, and Jalal and Mohammad are very successful businessmen who have built thousands of homes across the Oklahoma City metro.

Anyone who has lived around Oklahoma City long enough knows the Home Creations jingle by heart. So, what do these brothers feel has made their business a success?

Having an international background and a love for international travel, they like to give each of their housing neighborhoods – communities – a specific international flair that is unique to that specific community.

“We try to be sensitive to the needs of the different cultures among our homeowners,” Jalal said.

Home Creations has grown to include real estate ventures in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa area, as well as Vancouver, Canada – a recent addition to their business in the past 10 to 15 years.“We really like Vancouver,” Mohammad said. “Now we have a reason to travel there a few times each year.”

When asked what advice they would give to current college students, Jalal and Mohammad said it is important for students to focus on what they want to do – what they are passionate about.

“Do not jump around into different fields,” Jalal said. “They should stay on course in one field they enjoy and they will make it.

Due to our background and experience in architecture, we stuck with construction and today we are successful at what we do.”

7 Compass

They also would like to see more students receive scholarships to complete internships and enter the international arena. Being generous donors, the Farzanehs want to give back to Oklahoma because this is where they live and work, and it is their new home. They want to see students get international exposure and expand their views on the bigger picture of the world.

On March 30, 2016, President Boren announced a $4 million gift from the Farzaneh Family Foundation for the establishment of a new center for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies in the College of International Studies.

to OU as international students. The Farzanehs are active leaders in our OU family.”

In appreciation of this gift, Boren said he will recommend to the OU Board of Regents that they recognize the donors by naming the hall and the center, where the college is housed, in honor of the Farzaneh Family, who has been a very generous donor not only to OU, but to Iranian Studies across the state of Oklahoma.

The Center for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies will provide opportunities for students to develop a better cultural

They want to see students get international exposure and expand their views on the bigger picture of the world.

“The University of Oklahoma is deeply grateful to the Farzaneh family for this generous gift which places OU at the forefront in Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies,” said President Boren. “It is believed to be the largest gift in the university’s history from those who came

understanding, appreciation and awareness of the United States, Iran and the Middle East. The center also will include an academic major in Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies, establishing OU as one of the premiere academic institutions for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies within the United States.

The gift will help fund scholarships for Iranian students and for students studying Persian language; three endowed professorships; an endowed lectureship; and a prize for Iranian literature. The gift also will establish a Persian artwork fund and an endowed Persian book collection.

Currently Jalal and Mohammad serve on the Board of Visitors for the OU College of International Studies. This board is composed of many international and foreign policy leaders and experts. They assist OU President David L. Boren and Dr. Suzette Grillot, dean of the College of International Studies, with the internationalization of the university.

In spring 2016, Jalal and Mohammad Farzaneh were honored with the prestigious OU Regents’ Alumni Award for their dedication and commitment to the University of Oklahoma. Presented by the OU Board of Regents and OU Alumni Association, this award is designed to honor OU alumni who continue to support the mission and life of the university.

Award recipients are selected by an OU Alumni Association committee and based on nominations made by alumni, faculty members, staff and other friends to the university.

Dean Suzette Grillot, Jalal Farzaneh, President David L. Boren, Mohammad Farzaneh and Marjan Seirafi-Pour.

Compass 8

In memory of Stephen Allen Janger Beloved board member and dear friend to the OU College of International Studies.

O

n Oct. 11, 2015, Stephen Allen Janger of McLean, Virginia, beloved husband of Kathleen, loving father of Margaret, Jay and Andrea, died after a long illness. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth; his brother Stanford; and sisters Sarilee and Sharon; grandchildren Hayley, Will, Brian, Megan and Sadie; and a host of cousins, close friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by his father, Harry. He was 79. Born in Oklahoma City, he attended Classen High School and the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner), where he earned a degree in government. He was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, and the celebrated Four Lams singing group. He was an instructor at the American Community School of Paris, and then served in the U.S. Army/Army Reserve. In 1963, Steve joined the Office of Special Services at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., Later he established – with his brother Stanford and wife Kathie – the Close Up Foundation, which brought more than 650,000 educators, middle and high school students, and others to Washington DC to experience a hands-on, close-up view of our government, and democratic process. He pioneered and was the first host of issue-oriented, public affairs television programs in cooperation with the Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network (C-SPAN).

He went on to direct the publishing of an award-winning series of academic publications in social studies, which has been used in thousands of high schools, colleges, and libraries; established a network of local and state civic education programs throughout the United States; and conceptualized and launched a classroombased civic education/community service program that reached more than 1 million elementary, middle and high school students annually. At OU he was active in the College of Liberal Arts Board of Visitors, the College of International Studies Board of Visitors, the Health Science Center Board of Visitors, the and the OU Washington Alumni Chapter. He was also a member of the American Bar Association, Advisory Commission on Youth Education for Citizenship; the Micronesia Institute Board of Directors; and was the founding president of the Council for the Advancement of Citizenship (a consortium of individuals, organizations and institutions concerned with civic education). He received numerous honors, among them an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from Rhode Island College; the University of Oklahoma Regents’ Alumni Award; the Council for the Advancement of Citizenship Bicentennial Leadership Award; Common Cause Public Service Achievement Award; WJLA “Seven Salutes Seven Who Care” Award for Outstanding Washingtonian of the year; and the C-SPAN “Super Citizen” Award. Steve loved good food, hot food, spicy food, comfort food, any food, and was a regular at many establishments; he played racquetball, attended high school and fraternity reunions and activities, and considered himself THE No. 1 most loyal fan of the University of Oklahoma football team. Watching old movies and listening to music classics were favorite pastimes. His devotion to family was legendary, and on a regular basis shepherded new friends into the fold.

Source: The Oklahoman

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The College of International Studies would like to thank all members of its Board of Visitors for their continued assistance, generosity and counsel in support of the internationalization of the University.

M. Susan Savage Chair Max Berry Stephen Chazen Nadia Comăneci Bart Conner Rebecca Cooper Lee Cullum Steve Dolman Tricia Everest Jalal Farzaneh Mohammad Farzaneh D. Cole Frates Dr. Sam Hamra Rashid Iqbal Ambassador James Jones Lou Kerr Harold Newman R. Marc Nuttle Roger Parkinson Susan Peterson W. DeVier Pierson H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt Professor Rodger Randle Erielle Reshef John Richels Kathleen Rooney Ambassador Francis Rooney Robert Ross Mary Angus Sherman Kathy Taylor Reggie Whitten

Student Spotlight: Darius Aruho UWC Scholar Making an Impact

D

arius Aruho is a chemical engineering major at the University of Oklahoma, planning to graduate in May 2017.

He is originally from Uganda and came to OU as a United World Colleges Scholar. The UWC Scholarship program is committed to developing students to act as “champions of peace,� making positive differences in the world during their time in college and after graduation.

What is your major and when do you graduate?

I am a Chemical Engineering junior and I hope to graduate in May 2017.

Where are you from originally?

I am from Uganda - east Africa.

You came to OU as a United World Colleges Scholar. Can you go into a bit more detail as to what that background means?

Being a UWC Scholar is the best thing that has ever happened in my two decades of life. The scholarship is a continuum of a two-year program that I started at UWC-USA, New Mexico, to represent Uganda at the most global, challenging and diverse high school ever. What happens in UWC does not stay in UWC; it even goes to countries one never thought existed.

How did you hear about OU and what was the deciding factor for you in choosing to study in Norman, Oklahoma?

I started a brass band in my district, Sheema, with funding from the 2015 Creativity in Motion Prize.

I heard about OU because it was on the list of participating institutions in the UWC advising brochures. Specifically, I had to tailor my preference to a big school in a small, peaceful town that has the best chemical engineering resources and training.

Did you have any major fears or reservations before coming to the United States?

My biggest fear was all the moral decadence portrayed in selected American movies as popularized in my home country.

I have not seen any of that here. My family used anecdotes from movie scenes as warnings during my farewell dinner.

Tell us about your experience at OU as an international student.

What has been one of your most rewarding moments while here?

I think I have made more genuine friends in my last two years at OU, and Norman, in general, than I have in my previous institutions. There is a powerful sense of community that cannot go unnoticed. It is even fonder when a fellow student realizes you are foreign – it is like they want to file for your adoption. The international community is so well-known to each other to the extent that, unless you ask one where they are from, it is as if we are from one big country outside the U.S. We share food, dances, stories, love, and of course, the incessant immigration annoyances.

Compass 10

What advice would you give to future international students attending OU? OU is a hub of surprises, comfort and warmth. It gets too hot in the summer though, but there is so much potential here and it is really up to a student. It does not matter where you come from you will find your niche and become really successful.

“I’ll never know where I fit in the world unless I explore.” –Kendall Burchard, Germany and Italy

What do you consider the greatest challenge you had to overcome through studying in the United States as an international student? What do you see as the greatest benefit of having done so?

Studying in the U.S. is undoubtedly the best experience ever.

However, in Uganda, I would join medical school, law school or pharmacy school right after high school – no room for fidgeting, because curriculum in lower school is ridiculously rigorous. In the U.S., one ultimately needs a bachelor’s degree in something to be part of these professions. I wish someone had mentioned that to me before I left Uganda. I am still battling with the sentiment that I may not get to be a physician because of the financial and admission nuances for internationals.

What do you find most interesting and enjoyable about the lifestyle here in the United States?

What are your plans and ambitions after graduation?

I plan to gain some industry experience or continue in academia to teach, join medical/pharmacy school, go home and proceed with my nonprofit work, and long-term, ultimately contest for presidency.

What is your favorite memory so far with all of your international travels?

I boarded a plane unaccompanied from Uganda to the United Arab Emirates to Los Angeles to Albuquerque when I was 16.

When I returned home for summer break a year later, I was told my mother cried a lot after the plane took off. At that moment, I started wondering how I had managed to pull off that journey smoothly alone. I am still in awe.

Any additional thoughts/comments?

I cherish all my friends I have made these four years in the United States. I look forward to the next many years of global reunions. Also, I hope someday I can meet President Boren in his office.

Everyone is so free here, judgment is very rare and the people have the power to effect changes they need. I just wish my American friends would take advantage of their being American – it is kind of a big deal from a foreign point of view.

Visiting my mother in Uganda with friends from Norman, Ron and Amy Williams.

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The beginning of 2016 marked the fifth anniversary for the College of International Studies (CIS), the youngest college on the University of Oklahoma’s campus. Established as a reflection of OU President David L. Boren and First Lady Molly Shi Boren’s vision of advancing accessible educational opportunities around the world for all students, CIS has experienced rapid growth in an impressively short time. From the recent and beautiful renovations to Hester Hall, home of the College of International Studies, to the addition of two new international study centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Puebla, Mexico, CIS continues to gain momentum.

2015 was a remarkable celebration of the University of Oklahoma’s 125th anniversary as Oklahoma’s flagship educational institution. To commemorate this milestone, the greatest fundraising campaign in OU’s history was launched to ensure that world-class educational opportunities are made accessible to students.

In collaboration with this campaign, the College of International Studies seeks to increase scholarships and internship possibilities for all students, both domestic and international. Additionally, support for endowing operations of the international Study Centers is a key focus in guaranteeing students access to study abroad experiences.

The LIVE ON, UNIVERSITY campaign continues through the end of the year. For further information about making an impact and providing a gift to OU’s College of International Studies, please contact Rowdy Gilbert.

Together, we can put OU on the map as the leader in international studies.

Rowdy Gilbert Development Associate College of International Studies rowdy@ou.edu Phone: +1 (405) 325-1913

A world of thanks to all CIS donors, alumni and friends for your support!

Make an impact today! Visit http://tinyurl.com/givetocis.

We want to hear from you! If you would like to connect or reconnect with CIS, please contact the Office of Alumni and Development by emailing cisalum@ou.edu.

Be sure to follow CIS on social media for all international updates at OU!

@oucis

@oucis

@oucis

OU College of International Studies

Rachele Clegg: Future Foreign Service Officer Planning for what she wants to do after graduation, OU senior Rachel Clegg has been studying abroad in Latin America.

R

achele Clegg is an international security studies major, with Spanish and Latin American Studies minors, in OU’s College of International Studies. She is set to graduate in May 2016.

Last summer, she had the opportunity to complete an internship in Bogotá, Colombia. She worked for a private nonprofit organization, the Smile Education Foundation, which was founded by local Oklahoma architect and OU alum, Edwin Amaya, who is originally from Colombia. The Smile Foundation is a 501(c)(3) focused on aiding Colombian children who live in poverty. The organization provides basic needs for education, including building libraries and schools, providing school supplies and donating food to the community.

“I love volunteering, and I know that, personally, I would not be able to accomplish the things I have so far without access to education,” Clegg said.

“The College of International Studies completely outdoes all expectations when

it comes to anything international. And Dr. Cruise, assistant dean and professor for the College of International Studies, has been the greatest mentor for my past three years at OU.” Prior to Bogotá, Clegg also studied abroad in Ecuador and completed another internship at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of International and Law Enforcement Affairs. She worked on the South America team in Western Hemisphere Programs. During her time there, she assisted with grant proposals, organized interagency meetings, helped write prison reform for Uruguay and reviewed a Rule of Law in Colombia.

When asked what her greatest fear of interning in Colombia was, she said struggling with her Spanish. “It is much faster in Colombia compared to Ecuador, and I had to learn to adjust to the pace,” she said. “But, I can say my Spanish has improved immensely.”

So, was Clegg always interested in Latin America? Not necessarily.

She always loved the Spanish language, but was really introduced to Colombia

by Dr. Cruise during a class. After that, she met with OU’s then-Diplomat-inResidence, Jean Preston, for some editing help on a paper comparing narcotrafficking situations in Colombia and Venezuela. Every year, the U.S. Department of State assigns various schools with Senior Foreign Service Officers to serve as Diplomatsin-Residence. They help recruit students for internships and job opportunities representing the United States across the world. With the help of Dr. Cruise and Preston, Clegg decided that South America was where she wanted to go, and one day she would like to make a career of helping slow the drug trade, in addition to eliminating corruption and bribery in the area.

Now having completed her internship, she reflects back on Colombia and believes it will add to her set of skills and broaden the number of opportunities with which she could be presented after graduation.

Photo provided by Rachele Clegg.

One more thing she will also remember – the hospitality of the Colombians.

In addition to the time spent working, she also experienced plenty of fun. She learned how to dance in a little club packed with Colombians when she made a trip to Cali, the home of Salsa dancing. She went puenting - a form of bungee jumping that uses a rope instead of a chord, visited the beach, stayed in a hostel owned by a family from Cali and learned how to cook some Colombian recipes.

She also received a major life lesson one evening when the electricity went out. “The family who owned the hostel really taught me that the only thing that matters in this world is being surrounded by people you enjoy,” she said. “After eating dinner at the family’s restaurant, a friend and I sat on the porch talking with the wife, Saundra, about Ecuador, Colombia, and anything

For students who are debating the idea of studying abroad, Clegg advises that although it is fun to go abroad, there is a lot of work that goes into making it possible. Things have to be taken care of at home first. She also suggests doing a lot of networking wherever possible. She adds that “international internships are great, get you out of your comfort zone and teach you how to adapt to a different environment, all of which can prove to be vital after graduation.”

And speaking of graduation, what is on the horizon for Clegg post-college? “I hope to work for the government,” she said. “I would ideally like to be working with intelligence, but I will be taking the Foreign Service Officer Test in October to join the U.S. State Department as an FSO.”

Photo provided by Rachele Clegg.

The Foreign Service and the University of Oklahoma U.S. Department of State Diplomats-in-Residence are career Foreign Service Officers. They provide guidance to those interested in Foreign and Civil Service careers and internships.

Rob Andrew is the DIR for the Central Region of the United States, which includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Andrew’s home base is at OU in Norman and will serve in this role until summer 2017.

500

Over the course of the last decade:

students associated with the University of Oklahoma applied for the Department of State Student Internship Program.

142

“I went to learn Arabic in its native environment, experience a history few English speakers know about, and eat every conceivable combination of rice and meat. ” -Daniel Meschter, Oman, Jordan

“I occasionally catch myself wandering around when I travel, looking for a street sign or landmark of sorts,” she said. “I guess I looked pretty lost in Colombia because someone would wander my way, ask what I was looking for, and point me in the right direction and occasionally walk me wherever I needed to go.”

else we could think of. Soon enough, everyone in the hostel was on the porch sharing stories and laughing.

Technology is cool, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world.”

OU students were selected as primary or alternate candidates.

Compass 14

The Power of Saying Hello

K

ishan Anapu graduated in 1995 with a master’s of science in mathematics. He is the chairman and president of Doyen Business Solutions Ltd., a manufacturer of smart and intelligent kiosks, ATM machines and facial recognition products. In addition, he is CEO of Insights of Data, a company that performs data analytics and builds visualization dashboards. Learn more about his time as a student at OU and how his experiences helped lead him to his current successes.

What brought you to Norman, Oklahoma?

I started doing a lot of research on U.S. universities. I chose Oklahoma as one of the schools I should attend for its low cost of living and OU being the best school in Oklahoma. When I first wanted to come to the U.S., there were a lot of apprehensions, and the biggest was crime in the U.S. I did get admission to six schools, but I chose OU after finding out that the OU campus is relatively crime free and safe. Besides, Norman is a nice small town and I found out that, in spite of the cultural differences, Norman accepts you and you can get assimilated very easily into the U.S. culture without much difficulty. Also, the cost of living is quite affordable for an international student like me. Hence, I chose OU as my first choice.

Do you have a favorite story or memory during your time at OU?

Day one was my fondest memory. While walking down the road in Norman to go to the International Student Center to report my arrival, I was greeted by everyone (all unknown) saying, ‘Hi, How are you doing?’ I was wondering how these people knew me! This is something I had never experienced before, so I just smiled, not knowing how to react. Later at the International Center, they told me it is the culture in the United States to greet people with a smile. So, I thought of testing it for myself to see if it worked. I came out of the International Student Center and was a

“International exposure has really taught me a lot in life. It is not just the education. It is the overall development of the individual that is important, and that is what the U.S. has taught me. The biggest lesson learned was how we respect others. Respect views and ideas of others. Leadership qualities are imbibed in you at each and every stage of your life. Conversations are always two-way. I’m sure I would have been a different person if I had not come to the United States.”

Photo provided by Kishan Anapu.

little hesitant to greet someone. Somehow I pulled all my strength and said, ‘Hi, How are you doing?’ to a girl who just parked her car in the parking lot. She responded, saying, ‘Pretty good.’ Wow, it worked for me! A girl greeting me with a smile cannot forget that day.

What fears or reservations did you have before arriving in the U.S.?

I was very excited when I boarded the flight in India. Adrenaline kicked in during the entire duration of the flight. But fear started when I was about to land in the U.S. What if it was too dark when I reached Oklahoma? What should I do?

How do I reach the university and where do I live? Who will help me? I do not know who to talk to, where to go or how to handle the unexpected (even though I was not sure what the unexpected was).

Luckily, someone from Bangladesh was waiting for their friends at the airport and they picked me up. They made my stay at OU quite comfortable by introducing me to the Indian Student Association’s president.

What were your plans following graduation and did they end up looking similar to what you envisioned for yourself?

I got my master’s of science in mathematics from OU in 1995. Just before graduation, I was thinking of getting any job somewhere in the U.S. But by the time I graduated from OU, the job offers poured on me, and at some point, I had three offers in hand. This exceeded my expectations. However, I chose to do another masters in computer science and then go for a job. I got my second master’s from Midwestern State University in Texas, and then I was immediately asked to work for Comp USA in Dallas. I also got an offer from Burlington Santa Fe in Fort Worth, Texas. Shortly after, I moved on to Dell in Austin, Texas, where I worked for close to three years before I left for India. My education has helped me start a new company in India. Today I look back 25 years to recollect all the memories of the U.S., including OU and Texas.

What is it that you now do in Hyderabad, and how long have you been in your profession?

I am the chairman and president of Doyen Business Solutions Ltd. We manufacture smart and intelligent kiosks, ATM Machines, facial recognition biometric tablets, digital signage using facial recognition and more. We also do a lot of work in IoT (Internet of Things). I am

also the CEO of Insights of Data, where we do a lot of data analytics and build visualization dashboards. Please feel free to visit my company at www.doyenbiz.com or www.insightsofdata.com.

What is the story/inspiration behind your company and how it came to be?

When I left the United States, I wanted to start a company and provide some jobs to my fellow Indians. I started my company in 2000 under the name Spandana Infotech Ltd. Spandana is my daughter’s name.

There is a huge difference in the working cultures between India and the U.S. At one stage I reached the point of bankruptcy, then I took up a job as general manager for Wipro Technologies and later vice president for Satyam Computers. But I never lost hope of continuing with my own business. This time, I thought I should bring out something unique from the company that touches the lives of the citizens, rather than doing some kind of run-of-the-mill services.

At Doyen, formerly named Spandana Infotech Ltd., we developed unique algorithms for face recognition coupled with finger biometrics as secondary authentication, and also built ATMs that we have piloted in some banks in India.

We built kiosks that people use for all their bill payments, to book tickets and other purposes. We are the only company that has automated the attendance system using face recognition. Today, the company is doing very well and we are expanding our services globally. A lot of investors have come to fund the company.

Now after four years in my second stint of entrepreneurship, there is no turning back.

What are some fun pieces of information we should know about you?

I am a big fan of Old Hindi and Telugu songs, and I love listening to them quite often. After being in Norman for a while, I started liking country songs by Garth Brooks, my favorite being The Thunder Rolls. I started a cricket club at OU, and we used to play cricket during the weekends.

Americans also used to join us to play. Last but not the least, I started falling in love with American football. I attended most of the games that the Sooners played. Every time I visit the U.S., I browse channels to watch American football. If there is a chance, I also try not to miss the NBA during the season.

For anyone who has not yet visited Hyderabad, what is it that you most enjoy about the city as a local? What is that “must-see” attraction you recommend to any first-time visitor?

Hyderabad is considered the ‘City of Pearls.’ It has a very old history. The famous Charminar mosque and the old city, Golconda Fort, and Salarjung Museum are a must see. Last but not least, Hyderabad is famous for food. People across the globe who visit Hyderabad do not leave without tasting Hyderabadi Biriyani, a rice dish. In fact, people across India who visit Hyderabad make sure they try the traditional Hyderabadi Biriyani before they leave Hyderabad.

There are so many incredible Indian dishes. Have a favorite? Is there a local dish for which Hyderabad is famous?

I love chicken and fish. No matter how full your stomach, there is always a place for chicken and fish. I remember there is an Indian restaurant by the name Misal of India Bistro, it was the only Indian restaurant in Norman at that time.

What do you consider the greatest lesson learned from studying in the United States as an international student? In your opinion, what was the greatest benefit of having done so?

International exposure has really taught me a lot in life. It is not just the education.

It is the overall development of the individual that is important, and that is what the U.S. has taught me. The biggest lesson learned was how we respect others. Respect views and ideas of others.

Leadership qualities are imbibed in you at each and every stage of your life.

Conversations are always two way. I’m sure I would have been a different person if I had not come to the United States.

Any additional thoughts/comments?

I talk about OU and my life in Norman with my family so often that my daughter is excited and now wants to be part of OU by doing her undergraduate there. If everything goes well, she will be attending OU in the fall of 2016. For students who are thinking of attending OU, don’t think twice. OU is the best place for education.

Norman receives you very warmly and you will never have a feeling that you are in a foreign land.

Compass 16

THE VIRTUES OF STUDY ABROAD Alexis Walker [Understanding] “I chose to study abroad because I think one of the most important parts of learning a language is living in the culture that uses the language. In order to do this with Arabic, I chose Jordan as my ideal study abroad location.”

Photo provided by Alexis Walker.

T

he Virtues of Study Abroad is an annual publication from the College of International Studies that is designed to showcase the merit of Study Abroad programs - especially how they contribute to the personal growth of students.

The student works included in Virtues are intended to highlight the various personal characteristics that emerge and are strengthened by an international educational experience. Participants are inspired to share what they valued most about their opportunity to study abroad and many focus on the following traits: courage, perseverance,

17 Compass

empathy, enthusiasm, perspective, understanding, openmindedness, engagement, curiosity and respect.

The Virtues of Study Abroad not only discusses the potentially life-changing personal and educational benefits of Study Abroad programs, but also how the University of Oklahoma’s focus on international education makes these experiences possible.

Alexis Walker is an Arabic and Middle East studies junior.

Her featured Virtues essay was written about her study abroad experience in Amman, Jordan.

I

was given the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Amman, Jordan, last summer. It was my first trip out of the country, if you do not count a cruise to the Caribbean I took when I was around 10 (I have found most people do not). I was nervous and feeling a bit out of my element, considering that I am not exactly what anyone would refer to as adventurous.

It is not that I do not enjoy adventure per se, but it is more that I am the kind of person who waits for the little walk sign guy to light up before I even think of crossing the street. I have been studying Arabic and Middle Eastern studies for the past three years.

Luckily, studying these subjects has ended up providing me with the key I needed to unlock my adventurous side and allow me to immensely enjoy my time in Jordan. This key happened to be one of understanding: understanding the culture and understanding the language when studying abroad.

As one might expect, the culture in Jordan is vastly different than the culture in the United States.

Understanding these differences was essential in every interaction that I had in Jordan. When I was in Wadi Rum, a giant red desert in southern Jordan, I committed one of my first cultural faux paus. We were told since the area we were in was more touristy, we were allowed to wear shorts.

Now, after wearing long pants and skirts in 100-degree heat for a couple of weeks, I was fairly ready to take advantage of this opportunity. After changing into shorts, I noticed that, while appropriate in the United States, the shorts I had brought might not fit in culturally in Jordan. I made my way to one of our guides and asked her if my shorts would be alright.

She said when they said shorts, they had meant knee length, and that mine where too short. I completely understood where she was coming from so I immediately went back to my tent and changed into a pair of pants.

After I came back, the guide thanked me for being conscious of the culture.

Understanding that even casual dress expectations were different culturally saved me from offending our hosts in the Bedouin camp.

Being in Jordan is something I will never forget and I hope to go back someday soon.

Language was also an essential element when it came to understanding. Consciously, I knew that I would need to use my Arabic while living in Jordan, but unconsciously I felt like I might have been expecting people to communicate telepathically.

Photo provided by Alexis Walker.

“My decision for studying abroad was made of my desires to gain global perspective, cultural understanding, increased self-confidence and pounds from delicious Italian cuisine.” –Jordan Larsen, Italy

Obviously, that did not happen and I was thrown into situations where my understanding of the Arabic language became necessary. One of my favorite memories came from a situation where a misunderstanding became an understanding of the beauty of people. I was sitting in the back of a taxi and my friend was up front with the taxi driver. The driver was trying to say something to both of us. I was at a slightly higher level of Arabic than my friend, but grammatically, I was stuck. I believed the driver was trying to say that Muslims, Christians and Jews were always fighting and would never get along. However, when I asked him if that is what he was saying, he emphatically shook his head no. The next thing we knew, he had called a friend who spoke both Arabic and English. After talking on the phone with the friend, we realized he was saying that no matter if you are Christian, Muslim or a Jew you are still the same, people who, despite the fighting, believe in something bigger than themselves. Just having that extra bit of understanding changed a taxi ride into something profound and beautiful.

Being in Jordan is something I will never forget, and I hope to go back someday soon. Understanding the culture and the language made me really appreciate the opportunity that I had been given by the University of Oklahoma.

The Middle East is an area that is widely misunderstood and stereotyped, but going there with an eye towards understanding allowed me to fully experience its beauty and uniqueness first hand.

Photo provided by Alexis Walker.

Visit our website at www.ou.edu/international to read The Virtues of Study Abroad.

19 Compass

Economics Alum Grateful for Sooner Family

K

hing Cheng came to the University of Oklahoma from Singapore, earning his degree in economics in 1996. Returning home after college, his focus is in the biomedical field. He credits his time at OU with helping him better understand culture and also instilling a love for Sooner sports.

What was your fondest memory as an international student at OU? Getting together with all my friends and meeting new people from different countries.

How do you and your friends from college stay in contact?

During our time in college, there was no social media. Only during the last three years and with the assistance from Rowdy Gilbert, development associate for the College of International Studies, my friends from around the world and I are meeting at least once a year. Today, we have almost 100 people strong in a chat group. It is always great to catch up with old friends and meeting new.

How did you hear about OU, and what was the deciding factor for you in choosing Norman, Oklahoma?

It was Benedict Wang, a friend and student at OU, who told me how cool the university was and that I would love to be there. The different races, the friendly people and the strong OU foundation attracted me to join the Sooner family.

What were your plans after graduating college?

I came back to help my dad in his business. Four years later I joined a multinational company and was their regional director for Asia-Pacific. I am still loving the life I am going through now, learning and seeing the world.

What is it that you now do in Singapore, and how long have you been in your profession?

Photo provided by Khing Cheng.

The main core business is biomedical.

I design and build lab facilities, or hubs, that are used to store biomedical or lifescience products. I also audit them to ensure they comply to Good Distribution Practices and Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. I have been doing this for the past 10 years.

Prior to that, I picked up mechanical, electrical, civil and structural work. I built a few buildings, and I did all the monitoring and evaluation work as well.

What was your biggest takeaway from being an international student at OU?

My greatest benefit of studying in the United States is that it helped me to understand the culture. It helps in my career development.

For anyone who has not yet visited Singapore, what is it that you most enjoy about the city as a local? What is that “must-see� attraction you recommend to any first-time visitor?

Marina Bay Sands (a hotel), Sentosa, an island resort in Singapore. I guess we have a strong multi-racial population living in Harmony. That is probably the best attraction.

Compass 20

M

eet Wes Ernst, a recent 2015 OU graduate who double majored in International Studies and Arabic. He is now living and studying in Meknes, Morocco, for a year. He will soon be completing an internship at the Agency for Social Development, a branch of the national government that distributes grant money for a wide variety of development projects throughout the Mekenes-Talifalet region.

“I am originally from Papillion, Nebraska. I always knew that I wanted to study International Relations and a language of some sort. I was drawn to languages that fewer people in the United States or the Western world would know, which eventually lead me to Arabic. I had studied German in high school and loved it, but I wanted to learn another language. When I decided on going to OU, I discovered the Arabic Flagship program and was drawn to the beauty and difficulty of Arabic. I think, over time, it became a challenge to myself to prove that I was capable of learning this language.

For the summer term, I had three different classes: Modern Standard Arabic, Egyptian Colloquial and Moroccan Darija. We had classes four hours every day with an additional four hours a week of language partner meetings, all with the goal of increasing our writing, reading, listening and oral abilities in both colloquial and formal settings. The classes went very well.

At least for the fall semester, I will be interning at the Agency for Social Development, which is a branch of the national government that distributes money through grants for a wide variety of development projects throughout our region (Meknes-Talifalet). I do not yet know what I will be doing exactly, but I hope that I will be able to work with the staff to filter through grant proposals, and work directly with Moroccans who have applied for and received grants in order to complete their projects.

The goal of the internship is to develop the ability to interact with a wide range of people in Morocco, and to develop professional modes of oral and written communication. I hope to obtain a wide range of information in the social development field and to develop relationships with my employers. I do not have any definite plans for after the capstone, though I would like to work for a year or two, potentially in the social development field, before going

Jorge Ballesteros

back to some form of graduate school.

The way I see it, a year is a short period of time in the grand scheme of things, and this is a wonderful opportunity for me to immerseorge myself in a different Ballesteros is an alumnus of OU’s Industrial Engineering program. culture and way of life. Itfrom is hard not Originally Peru, he currently lives in Peru and works alongside his seeing friends brothers and family, but it is also at his family’s retail petroleum business. When he began his a great chancestudies to meet at and OU, develop he was concerned about being far from his family. However, even more friendships both after settling in,with it was his friends and travels that made his time in Oklahoma Americans and Moroccans. most memorable.

Alumnus Reflects on Fond Memories of OU

J

I was told over year and over againgraduate that What did you from OU, and what was your major?

Meknes is a sleepy little town and there is absolutely do.

Whennothing people to ask meWhile whenit Iisgraduated from the University of Oklahoma, I start not the most exciting city‘funny in Morocco, my answer with, story.’ While I was finishing my last semester of Industrial there always seems to be something to Engineering, I took a course called Numerical Methods, in which I did not do do, evenvery if that is just going to a café well. It was spring 1994 when I attended my graduation ceremony. I was and chatting, feelingwhich great,I am and100 thenpercent after a few days, I found out that I did not pass Numerical all right with doing.

It istowonderful that priorities I took that course again and got a Methods.

Due work and other the city is relatively close together as I finally got my diploma. So when did I graduate? favorable grade in 2004, when taking a In taxi or walking is a feasible 1994, but I got my diploma in 2004. option to anywhere in the city. I really enjoy living in the old city of Meknes, as I live in a traditional-style riad (a traditional Moroccan house or a palace that has an interior garden or courtyard) close to school, the king’s palace and a variety of shops, cafes, etc. I love going to one of the rooftop cafés in the square at sunset or nighttime and watching the bustle of the city below me. I think doing that or visiting the old palace and underground prison would be the ‘must-see’ activities in Meknes.”

Tell us about your friendships you made at OU. My fondest memory was my friends. That is what made my stay at OU. I met people from all over the world, with different beliefs and customs. I even enjoyed myself by kidding with many of them. Some of my jokes were not politically correct, but they were funny at the time and, after all, we were friends. I had friends from the U.S., Spain, Italy, Japan, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Egypt, Greece, Thailand, Singapore, France, Mexico, Eritrea, Panama, Venezuela, El Salvador, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia.

Speaking of Colombia, my wife is Colombian, and I met her at OU. She was a psychology major and I always joke that she was doing her senior project on me.

Did you have the opportunity to do some traveling around the rest of the United States while in Oklahoma? If so, what was a favorite place visited?

While in Oklahoma, I traveled to many places and learned a lot about the North American culture. Most of my trips were by car.

I love to drive in the United States. I even visited Mexico and Canada. The trips I enjoyed the most were my skiing trips to Taos, New Mexico, and Vail, Colorado. Other trips I took were

west to Los Angeles, California, and east to Panama Beach, Florida. With the exception of a visit to Canada, all my travels were by car, stopping in many cities on the way to my destination and back.

Although my trips were great, one of my favorite activities in Oklahoma was visiting the Wichita Mountains to rock climb, camp and mountain bike.

Do you still keep in contact with the friends you made from all around the world?

I keep in touch with many of the friends I met in Oklahoma.

Thank you, Facebook! Some have even visited. Just last year I met with a friend who I have not seen in 20 years. She was working here in Lima.

What were your plans following graduation and did they end up looking similar to what you envisioned for yourself?

This is another of those answers that I begin with, ‘Funny Story.’ I was actually planning to work at a very famous

Photos provided by Jorge Ballesteros.

consulting firm, Arthur Andersen. During my last semester in college, I interviewed with Arthur Andersen, Southwestern Bell and Baroid Drilling Fluids. My first choice was Andersen and the others were in the order as listed above. The first one that called me, however, was Baroid. I waited two weeks to accept the proposal, expecting a call from the other companies, which did not come before I took Baroid’s offer. When Andersen and Southwestern Bell called, I already had accepted Baroid’s offer, and my word is all I have. Although I always envisioned myself as running my own business, which I do, I am still not sure what I am going to do when I grow up.

What is it that you now do in Lima, and how long have you been in your profession?

“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” –Sa’adi

While I was working in Venezuela for Baroid Drilling Fluids, I visited Peru and was offered a job in my family’s company. I took the job in 1996 and currently run the business along with my brothers. We are involved in the retail petroleum industry. We have a company that markets fuels in the city of Lima with four sites.

We also have a company called Surtidores, which markets retail petroleum equipment, such as gas pumps, valves and meters, among other equipment. Surtidores is the market leader in this industry in Peru and sells product mainly from the U.S., but also from Canada, Spain, Brazil, China, Turkey and Argentina. In addition, we have a fuel transport company that works in the city of Lima. We are a very small economic group and we love to help people.

When you are not working, what can you be found doing?

When I am not working, I spend my time with my family. We like to go work out, run or play some sports. I enjoy watching my kids play the sports they like. We also like to travel around the country and the world. If I am not with my family or working, I would be doing my favorite interest: body boarding. I try to do it every day.

I began doing it about six years ago, and it has made a positive change in my life.

For anyone who has not yet visited Lima, what is it that you most enjoy about the city as a local? What is that “must-see” attraction you recommend to any firsttime visitor?

What I enjoy most of my city is the beach - go figure. It is a great sensation of just being there. There are also really nice restaurants on the beach, which I enjoy visiting with good friends. A must-see attraction is the pyramid of San Isidro, Huallamarca. It is an old preInca temple. It is very important to visit the old center of Lima.

FROM OKLAHOMA TO MOROCCO

M

eet Wes Ernst, a recent 2015 OU graduate who double majored in international studies and Arabic. He lived and studied in Meknes, Morocco, for the past year. He soon will be completing an internship at the Agency for Social Development, a branch of the national government that distributes grant money for a wide variety of development projects throughout the Mekenes-Talifalet region.

“I am originally from Papillion, Nebraska. I always knew that I wanted to study international relations and a language of some sort. I was drawn to languages that fewer people in the United States or the Western world would know, which eventually led me to Arabic. I had studied German in high school and loved it, but I wanted to learn another language. When I decided on going to OU, I discovered the Arabic Flagship program and was drawn to the beauty and difficulty of Arabic. I think, over time, it became a challenge to myself to prove that I was capable of learning this language.

For the summer 2015 term, I had three different classes: Modern Standard Arabic, Egyptian Colloquial and Moroccan Darija. We had classes four hours every day with an additional four hours a week of language partner meetings, all with the goal of increasing our writing, reading, listening and oral abilities in both colloquial and formal settings. The classes went very well.

For the fall semester, I interned at the Agency for Social Development, which is a branch of the national government that distributes money through grants for a wide variety of development projects throughout our region (Meknes-Talifalet).

The goal of the internship was to develop the ability to interact with a wide range of people in Morocco, and to develop professional modes of oral and written communication. I hope to obtain a wide range of information in the social development field and to develop relationships with my employers. I do not have any definite plans for after the capstone, though I would like to work for a year or two, potentially in the social development field, before going back to some form of graduate school.

The way I see it, a year is a short period of time in the grand scheme of things, and this was a wonderful opportunity for me to immerse myself in a different culture and way of life. It was hard not seeing friends and family, but it was also a great chance to meet and develop even more friendships with both Americans and Moroccans.

I was told over and over again that Meknes is a sleepy little town and there is absolutely nothing to do. While it is not the most exciting city in Morocco, there always seemed to be something to do, even if that was just going to a café and chatting, which I am 100 percent alright with doing. It is wonderful that the city is relatively close together, as taking a taxi or walking is a feasible option to anywhere in the city. I really enjoyed the old city of Meknes, as I lived in a traditionalstyle riad (a traditional Moroccan house or a palace that has an interior garden or courtyard) close to school, the king’s palace and a variety of shops, cafes, etc. I loved going to one of the rooftop cafés in the square at sunset or nighttime and watching the bustle of the city below me. I think doing that or visiting the old palace and underground prison would be the ‘must-see’ activities in Meknes.”

Photo provided by Wes Ernst.

Compass 24

New Home of the New Home of New Home of the the College College of of International International Studies Studies

College of International Studies

David DavidL.L.Boren BorenLounge Lounge David L. Boren Lounge

Oneof of the the One One of the fastest-growing fastest-growing fastest-growing programs in the programs the programs in the university, university, the the university, the College of College College Studies of International International Studies International Studies has hasa a newly newly has a newly renovated renovatedhome home in renovated home in Hester Hall. in HesterHall.

Hall.

Hester

Millie C. Audas Lounge

Ann and Marc Nuttle Global Gateway

Mary and Don Sherman Lounge

Edward J. Perkins Boardroom

Farzaneh Family Reception Suite

Marjorie Buchner Dolman Courtyard

facebook.com/oucis

Twitter: @oucis

Instagram: oucis

After nearly a decade of operations, the University of Oklahoma’s flagship study abroad program, OU in Arezzo, has had a long-time dream become reality. The Santa Chiara Monastery Residential Learning Center now serves as a home-away-from-home for OU students studying abroad in the heart of Tuscany.

The beautiful structure, with origins dating back to the 11th century, is able to accommodate 48 students in single, double and triple occupancy rooms per semester.

Other amenities feature three classrooms (complete with incredible, restored frescoes from the 17th and 18th centuries) as well as an upper and lower library. The monastery also is equipped with its own dining facility and kitchen. Within the property grounds, there is a beautiful Tuscan garden for students and visitors to enjoy some time al fresco.

A

serves as a collaborative work space for individual and group study when otherwise not in use for special events and receptions.

Additional architectural highlights include an enclosed interior courtyard, a repurposed chapel and an 11thcentury Etruscan well (both of which are original to the site), a loggia providing stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, and a Great Hall that

To find out more information on naming opportunities and available space within the Santa Chiara Monastery, or how your support can directly benefit students participating in OU’s flagship program, please contact Rowdy Gilbert at rowdy@ou.edu.

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The acquisition and renovation of the Santa Chiara Monastery has been a project several years in the making, and CIS is particularly grateful to all the donors, faculty and staff who contributed their time and support to seeing this project through to fruition. As a result, OU in Arezzo has become one of the university’s most appealing summer, semester and year-long study abroad opportunities accessible to students in any area of academics. It is a true success story in international education, and the College of International Studies looks forward to witnessing the boundless opportunities made available to future generations of OU students as a result.

Located in exciting Rio de Janeiro, best known for its beaches, carnivals, football, music and tropical forests.

• • • •

• •

Breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer Statue.

Host of the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

Classes are taught in English or Portuguese.

University of Oklahoma students will be able to take a course and interact wtih Brazilian students at OU’s partner university in Rio de Janeiro is Fundação Getulio Vargas CPDOC. OU tuition waivers and financial aid usually apply to OU enrollment.

Scholarships are available.

Located in an affluent and picturesque city in the heart of Mexico.

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Service learning and internship opportunities.

OU in Puebla apartments are conveniently located within walking distance to OU’s partner university, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, as well as many restaurants and stores.

Classes are taught in English or Spanish.

OU tuition waivers and financial aid usually apply to OU enrollment.

Scholarships are available.

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Department of International and Area Studies Faculty Highlights Led by Chair Mitchell Smith, the multidisciplinary Department of International and Area Studies faculty are an accomplished and talented group. They are exceptional professors and prolific researchers focusing on regions around the world, including Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, and topics as significant as international security, human rights, energy and the environment, among many others. In the classroom, with students abroad, in publications as well as through community symposiums and appearances and contributions in multiple media, IAS faculty share their expertise and encourage critical thinking among populations near and far. Below are just a few IAS faculty highlights for the past two years.

IAS Professors, of which there are

20

, published (authored or edited)

15

no fewer than books in the past two years. Additionally, faculty contributed

15 20

peer reviewed articles and over book chapters.

Our professors continue to teach engaging and informative courses on a variety of topics culminating toward majors in International Studies, International Security Studies or one of five regionals (Latin America,

Middle East, Europe, Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe).

Faculty received a number of prestigious research grants and awards throughout the past few years. These included internal funding opportunities as well as external awards such as a Fulbright (Alan McPherson) a visiting professorship in Qatar (Samer Shehata) and a Social Science

Research Council Fellowship (Erika Robb Larkins).

Last year, Joshua Landis was honored with the OU Regents’

Superior Professional and University Service

and Public Outreach award. He also was

selected as one of four The department sponsors and co-sponsors dozens of events on campus with the goal of encouraging enlightened discussion among students, faculty and members of the community. Many of these are held in conjunction with the college’s eight institutes and centers, which are often led by IAS faculty.

A few highlights include symposiums titled After the Persianate: Cultural

OU Honors College Faculty Teaching Fellows.

Heritage and National Transformation in Modern Iran and India and Lessons From Europe, as well as the banquet honoring the recipient of the Newman Prize for Chinese Literature.

Our faculty hold national positions of note. These include Mitchell Smith who served on the Executive Committee for the European Union Studies Association; Mohammad Al-Masri, who was elected as chair of the Language Flagship Programs; and Mark

Raymond, who recently was named as a Fellow of the Center for Democracy and Technology.

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IAS professors often provide their insights and expertise in traditional and non-traditional media. Joshua Landis continues his well-read Syria-Comment blog. He and Samer Shehata also have made a number of national and international media appearances. Additionally, CIS Dean Suzette Grillot hosts an award-winning, weekly international issues radio show on OU’s NPR affiliate, KGOU. World Views welcomes OU guests and faculty for interviews and includes a round-table discussion of current events with regular contributors Joshua Landis and Rebecca Cruise.

A number of IAS faculty have led students groups abroad in recent years to Europe (Rebecca Cruise and Suzette Grillot), Brazil (Noah Theriault and Erika Robb Larkins), China (Peter Gries and Bo Kong) and Turkey (Joshua Landis). This summer, Cruise, Grillot, Kong, Landis and Robb Larkins will once again travel abroad with students. Additionally, Mitchell Smith and Jessica Pearson-Patel will travel with students through Germany, France and Belgium, and Emily Rook-Koepsel will teach for our Journey to Italy experience.

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Before you go...

Turkey Through the Lens of Alexis Taitel 2015 International Studies B.A./M.A. Program Graduate

Finike, Turkey