Building Bridges: April UTC CGE newsletter

BUILDING B R I DG E S

APR. 2019 NEWSLETTER

Pakistan to the U.S. p. 1 Uganda: the Pearl of Africa p. 3 Cover: New Delhi, New Perspective p. 6

Khushnood and U.S. student, Austin, trying to hoola-hoop.

Waterfall on Lookout Mountain

WELCO MI NG AND W E LCO M E Written by Alyson McGowan

Khushnood came to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga after being selected by The U.S. Department of States Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan. Back home in Pakistan, Khushnood is majoring in English Literature at the National University of Modern Languages of Peshawar. While there, his studies focus mainly on British literature and language; however, while at UTC his classes have concentrated more on American literature and history.

“I like it a lot. America is a newer country, 1

so there’s a lot less to study as far as history and literature compared to back home where we focus more on the United Kingdom.”

Along with his studies, Khushnood is also a member of the International Student Organization on campus and is volunteering in his free time with American Red Cross, “After all the rain and the flooding we are trying to prepare and provide resources for flood relief.”

When he is not studying or volunteering, Khushnood enjoys exploring the city.

Building Bridges • APR. 2019 Edition

Khushnood Major: English Literature Home country: Pakistan Semester in the U.S.: Spring 2019

“Anyone who comes here will have a great experience.”

He has experienced all the touristic sites Chattanooga has to offer like Ruby Falls and Rock City and really appreciates all the nature spots of the city. Khushnood has made many friends this semester, including the Pakistani community in Chattanooga.

“They really are amazing and very involved, if we need anything they are always willing to help,” he commented.

“There is so much to do and so much to see; UTC is so good, and they provide so many amazing opportunities.

The professors are great, and the people are welcoming. Anyone who comes here will have a great experience,” said Khushnood. “I want to take what I’ve learned from here and apply it back in my home country.”

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G LO B A L S P OT L I G H T: U G A N DA Written by Elizabeth Plunk

On Tuesday, April 9th, 45 people filled Fletcher 114 to watch an hour-long presentation on Uganda by UTC students Maxwell Omwenga, Grace Nansamba, and Evelyn Namugwanya.

Evelyn kicked off the presentation about the nation known as the pearl of Africa.

She explained the symbolism of Uganda’s flag colors: Black represents the people, yellow represents the constant sun, and red signifies the brotherhood shared between all Ugandans. At the flag’s center stands a crane, symbolizing loyalty.

Next, Grace talked about Uganda’s many tourist attractions, which include luxurious hotels and breathtaking natural beauty.

Uganda is “gifted by nature,” Grace said, because the equator and Nile River pass through it. Uganda is home to the Big Five animals: the lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. The silverback gorilla can also be found there.

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Grace also described education in Uganda. Typically, children complete seven years of primary school and six years of secondary school, followed by university study or vocational school.

Uganda boasts 47 universities.

Maxwell concluded the presentation with videos of traditional dances. He also gave examples of how Uganda is ”going green” to address environmental issues.

Afterwards, the presenters and Ugandan faculty members engaged in a Q&A with audience members.

Building Bridges • APR. 2019 Edition

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Isaac Fournier Major: B.S. Biology, Preprofessional Concentration Semester Abroad: Fall 2018 Study Abroad Program: SIT Public Health, Gender, and Community Action - New Delhi, India

“Do it. It’s a great experience and a great way to travel while you’re an undergrad.”

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Building Bridges • APR. 2019 Edition

NEW PE R S PE C T IV E IN NE W DE LH I Photos by Isaac Fournier Written by Jamie Booth

Isaac Fournier was always drawn to India’s vibrant colors and rich culture.

A biology preprofessional major, he also wanted to learn firsthand about global healthcare systems. These interests collided in the fall of 2018, when Isaac studied abroad in New Delhi, India through the School for International Training (SIT).

Isaac enrolled in SIT’s Public Health, Gender, and Community Action program to study health topics in New Delhi. “Most of the study was about the health system there, how hospitals work, how people get health care, and a lot of discussion about health care rights,”he says.

In India, Isaac interned with the organization Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, also known as Jaipur Foot, which produces prosthetic limbs for amputees throughout India and beyond.

He shadowed employees, worked with patients, and helped build prosthetics.

“The internship was priceless,” he says.

“To get medical experience in another country is great, as it is. It definitely should help me stand out.”

Isaac didn’t experience much culture shock during his four months overseas.

“You’re expecting it to be different,” he says, so he was prepared for an adjustment period. However, when Isaac returned to Tennessee, reverse culture shock hit hard. “Coming back to the United States was crazy,” he says.

“Everything is so huge and clean and high-speed here. There were a few days there that were definitely really weird.”

Isaac’s adventures didn’t end with his semester in India. After graduating from UTC, he plans to complete medical school and become an army surgeon. “I feel like I have connections all over the world,” he says, and his experiences in New Delhi will help him achieve his goals.

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CONTACT US Center for Global Education The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 648 Oak Street, Hooper Hall 203 Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403, USA

utc.edu/global goglobal@utc.edu (423) 425-4735 UTCglobal

OUR TEAM:

Takeo Suzuki Executive Director of the Center for Global Education

Laura Livermore Study Abroad Director

Anna Savary ESL Director and Assistant Director of the Center for Global Education

Jamie Booth Study Abroad Coordinator

Patricia Lin-Steadman Senior Coordinator of International Student and Scholar Services

Sarah Anne Perry Credential Evaluator and Immigration Specialist

Eunice Davis International Undergraduate Student Advisor

Amy Devan Graphic Design and Marketing Coordinator

Lora Cook International Graduate Student Advisor

Joyce Blevins Administrative Specialist

UTC is a comprehensive, community-engaged campus of the University of Tennessee System. UTC is an EEO/AA/Titles VI & IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution.

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