Building Bridges: January 2019 Newsletter

BUILDING B R I DG E S

JAN. 2019 NEWSLETTER

Cover: Get to Know Pakistan p. 2 Welcoming New International Students p. 5 Abroad in Brazil p. 8

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Building Bridges • JAN. 2019 Edition

G LO B A L S P OT L I G H T: PA K I S TA N Written by Matthew Bryant and Laura Livermore

This semester, UTC is hosting three Pakistani students (Fizzah, Khushnood, and Rimsha) through the U.S. Department of State’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan. On Tuesday, January 15th, these students presented at Global Spotlight: Pakistan, sharing cultural insights about the country known as “the land of the pure.”

Among other facts, attendees learned that Pakistan is the world’s third-largest English-speaking country, with more than three hundred other dialects spoken as well, along with the country’s official language of Urdu. The presenters also talked about Pakistan’s national

sport: hockey. This is not the ice hockey that might come to mind for most North Americans, but field hockey played on grass. Another piece of trivia: Pakistan boasts the world’s highest paved highway, with an elevation of 15,466 feet.

The presenters displayed traditional clothing from their home country, and audience members received henna tattoos. Participants took a quiz at the presentation’s conclusion, and those who answered the most questions correctly received authentic Pakistani coins as a prize.

The next Global Spotlight, featuring Sudan, will occur February 19th at 5 p.m. in the UC Tennessee Room.

Did you know Pakistan’s national sport is hockey?

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Ketan Patel Major: Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Year: Senior Hometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Hobbies: Ping Pong, Cricket

CHEM I C AL ENGI NE E RI N G A N D CAM PUS CO N N E C T IO N S Written by Matthew Bryant

Several factors brought Ketan from India to UTC, but the primary attraction for him was the University’s chemical engineering program. He saw it as the best in his field, largely because of the low-cost, high-quality labs and the hands-on learning and research opportunities. Now, Ketan is researching nanoparticles and their impact on plant life. Some of his research has already been published.

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Ketan has embraced all UTC has to offer outside the classroom as well. “I play ping pong in the University Center at least twice a week,” he says. “I also enjoy relaxing around campus and hiking around the Chattanooga area.” He takes part in local cricket tournaments too.

To anyone considering coming to study at UTC, Ketan says, “It’s a great school with a great environment. The international

Building Bridges • JAN. 2019 Edition

Photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash

department is much more active than at some other schools. They know what they are doing here. There are a lot of activities provided where you can connect with other students. From connecting with other students to job fairs and research opportunities, it’s a great school.”

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From connecting with other students to job fairs and research opportunities, it’s a great school.

”

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B OW L I N G PINS AND NEW FRIENDS Written by Elizabeth Plunk

On Sunday, January 6th, international students met up with their domestic buddies at Spare Time Entertainment for an afternoon of bowling and hanging out. It was the weekend between New International Student Orientation and the beginning of spring classes, so many students had just arrived on campus and were still settling into their new surroundings. Still, spirits were high at this semester kick-off event.

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Some students broke into teams upon arriving, while others socialized and watched the competition. New acquaintances warmed up to each other quickly during the few hours of bowling, and everyone had a positive, relaxed attitude about the coming year.

Bowling with new friends was a great end to orientation week and a strong start to the new semester.

Building Bridges • JAN. 2019 Edition

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Justin Friar Major: Bachelor of Exercise Science Study Abroad Location: Brazil Semester Abroad: Summer 2018 Hobbies: Brazilian jiu jitsu and learning new languages

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Building Bridges • JAN. 2019 Edition

A B R OA D IN BRAZIL Photos by Justin Friar Written by Matthew Bryant

Born and raised in Chattanooga, Justin felt the call to experience something different last summer, when he decided to study abroad in Brazil.

He was already somewhat familiar with the culture, as he does Brazilian jiu jitsu and had befriended a Brazilian family through the martial art. Still, he dove in completely during his stay by exploring the language, culture, and sights of Brazil. “I learned a lot of Portuguese,” he says. “I took classes and learned capoeira, a mixture of martial arts and dance.”

Justin lists the country’s natural landscapes among the most memorable aspects of his trip. “Florianópolis was beautiful,” he recalls. “There are 54 different beaches there, and the views were incredible. I also really liked Sugarloaf Mountain, another place that had amazing views.”

To anyone considering studying abroad, Justin recommends staying organized in the time leading up to the trip. In addition, he advises anyone who is a visitor in a new place to “be open to new things and other cultures.”

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WAYS TO GET I NVOLVE D EVENTS spring 2019

International Tea Time

Global Spotlight

Thursday, Feb. 7 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Hunter Hall 306

Sudan Tuesday, Feb. 19 5-6 p.m.

UC Tennessee Room

Monday, Feb. 18 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Metro Building 109 Thursday, Mar. 7 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Holt Hall 306 Monday, Mar. 18 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Joseph F. Decosimo Success Center (Fletcher 2nd Floor) Thursday, Apr. 4 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Hunter Hall 306

Uganda Tuesday, Apr. 9 5-6 p.m.

Fletcher 114

Study Abroad Info Sessions In the study abroad info sessions, we will guide you through the beginning of the study abroad process by discussing how you can start researching and planning your study abroad experience. Join the Office of Study Abroad for any of the scheduled study abroad info sessions to learn about your worldwide study abroad program options.

Monday, Apr. 15 3:15-4:15 p.m.

EMCS 4th floor

Follow us on social media and stay up-to-date on all of our event annoucements and reminders!

@UTCglobal 9

Iran Tuesday, Mar. 19 5-6 p.m.

UC Tennessee Room

Sign up for Study Abroad 101 at

utc.edu/studyabroad

Building Bridges • JAN. 2019 Edition

PROGRAMS:

International Buddy Program

Go Global Living Community

• Pair up with a UTC domestic student who can guide you through your transition to American culture and academics.

• Attend events and activities with your buddy and other IBP participants.

• Live with U.S. students and other international students.

• Attend trips and events with the Go Global Community.

• Learn about new cultures.

• Develope your foreign language skills.

For a full description and more details about the program, visit utc.edu/international, click “Get Involved” in the sidebar, and then click “International Buddy Program.”

International Orientation Leaders International Orientation Leaders help welcome new international students to the UTC campus as well as to the Chattanooga community. IOLs help the Center for Global Education carry out all the events and sessions planned during the New International Student Orientation.

For a full description and more details about the program, visit utc.edu/ international, click “Get Involved” in the sidebar, and then click “Go Global Living Community.”

Visit our website and stay up-to-date on all of our event and program information!

utc.edu/international

For more information and to apply, visit our website at utc.edu/international.

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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: Laura Livermore Study Abroad Director

Takeo Suzuki Executive Director of the Center for Global Education

Jamie Booth Study Abroad Coordinator

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

Sarah Anne Perry Credential Evaluator & Immigration Specialist

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

Amy Devan Graphic Design and Marketing Coordinator

Eunice Davis International Undergraduate Student Advisor

Joyce Blevins Administrative Specialist

Lora Cook International Graduate Student Advisor

Matthew Bryant Contributing Author and Newsletter Editor

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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