Building Bridges: February 2019 Newsletter

BUILDING B R I DG E S

FEB. 2019 NEWSLETTER

Embracing Global Understanding p. 1 Cover: Sudanese Spotlight p. 6 Life-Changing Thailand p. 8

G LO B A L ZO N E Written by Patricia Lin-Steadman and Sarah Anne Perry

Starting college in a new country can be overwhelming, as can returning home after living overseas. The new Global Zone initiative promotes cultural awareness, advocacy, and targeted support for international and study abroad students facing these challenges.

The first Global Zone training occurred on February 13th, with 15 participants representing 13 departments. The seminar addressed common struggles of international and study abroad students.

For example, international students may need help adapting to new writing conventions and in-class expectations.

And while most professors expect international students to experience

Attendees posted their answers to the question “How can I be a helpful ally?”

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culture shock, it is also common for study abroad alumni returning to the U.S. Attendees completed activities related to cultural identity and differences, then discussed strategies for supporting students through cultural adjustment resources and advocacy. “I really enjoyed learning more about the Center [for Global Education], our international students, and resources to learn more and help that population,” one participant says. After the training, participants pledged to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for students of all cultural backgrounds.

The next Global Zone training will occur Monday, April 8, 2019 at 9 a.m.

Building Bridges • FEB. 2019 Edition

Attendees tested their pre-training knowledge about geography and international cultures.

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Ngan Nguyen Program: English as a Second Language Level: 5 Home Country: Vietnam

L EAR NI NG ENGL I S H TO AC HI E V E HER G OAL Written by Matthew Bryant

Born in Vietnam, Ngan has lived in the U.S. for several years. She first lived in Chicago but joined family in Chattanooga two years ago. Ngan dreams of becoming a dental hygienist, but most U.S. dental schools require the TOEFL. Needing to improve her English, Ngan enrolled at UTC after seeing how highly former students recommend the ESL Institute.

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The ESL program is preparing me for the TOEFL.

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In class, Ngan receives personalized instruction to improve her language and testtaking skills. “I really feel like the ESL program is preparing me for the TOEFL. It goes further than just the basic skills,” she says.

“I took English classes at another college, and they did not go past the basics of grammar, writing, reading, and speaking.”

Building Bridges • FEB. 2019 Edition

The UTC Power C atop Lookout Mountain

The UTC Library Roth Grand Reading Room

Outside the classroom, Ngan enjoys exploring Chattanooga and hanging out with friends. She likes the city’s climate and atmosphere. “Chattanooga isn’t too cold in the winter, and it isn’t too busy,” she says. “I like hiking and seeing all of the trees.” The vibe here is different from in Chicago, she says. “I felt rushed [there], and the weather was too cold for me. I feel like life is calmer in Chattanooga.”

Ngan is one step closer to passing the TOEFL, continuing her education, and achieving her dreams. She recommends the ESL Institute to students interested in preparing for the TOEFL or learning English for other reasons. “I can recommend UTC because I like it a lot,” she says. “I feel more confident after taking the ESL program and feel that it improved my ESL skill a lot.”

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Building Bridges • FEB. 2019 Edition

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

From the heart of Africa to the heart of the Southeast, Ahmed Elmahi came to Chattanooga inspired to teach others about his homeland.

Ahmed, an international student from Sudan, proudly presented at Global Spotlight on Tuesday, February 19th.

Ahmed taught 73 attendees about the geography, lifestyle, and history of Sudan.

This ancient country dates all the way back to the Kingdom of Kush.

Hannah Karrar, a construction management student, is also from Sudan. She discussed other aspects of Sudanese culture.

The country is ethnically diverse, she said, with some Sudanese identifying as Arab and others as African. Sudan draws tourists from around the world to attractions such as Dindir National Park and the coral reefs of Port Sudan. Hannah shared photos from a Sudanese wedding celebration, which typically lasts several days.

Following these presentations, members of Chattanooga’s Sudanese community sang and danced for the audience. The program wrapped up with a huge selection of flavorful Sudanese food.

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Elena Nourabadi Major: Marketing Study Abroad Semester: Fall 2018 Study Abroad Location: Bangkok, Thailand

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“No matter where you go, or what you do, you will have one of the most important and memorable experiences of your life.”

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Building Bridges • FEB. 2019 Edition

LIFE-CHANGING THAILAND Photos by Elena Nourabadi Written by Jamie Booth

Studying abroad is always full of surprises, and Elena Nourabadi’s fall 2018 semester in Bangkok, Thailand was no exception. A marketing major, Elena took business courses at Mahidol University that counted toward her UTC degree. She also expanded her academic horizons by studying Thai language, culture, and film. Although Elena expected to benefit most from her business courses, the film studies class became one of the most important aspects of her semester. She enjoyed it so much that she now plans to attend film school after graduating from UTC.

Elena encourages all students to study abroad, describing her semester in Thailand as life-changing. “I learned so many valuable life lessons I never would’ve imagined learning anywhere else,” she says. “It’s an experience that will remain valuable until I die.”

Not only did Elena fall in love with film and Thai culture, but she also got to experience a true Thai cultural icon: the motorbike. Her most memorable experience was driving a motorbike up and down a mountain on the border of Laos and Thailand. “The whole journey really set in stone that I was independent, in Thailand, able to explore and learn what my heart desires,” she says. “I’ve never felt more free.”

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WAYS TO GET I NVOLVE D EVENTS Spring 2019

International Tea Time

Study Abroad Info Sessions

Thursday, March 7 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Holt Hall 306

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, March 18 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Joseph F. Decosimo Success Center (Fletcher Hall 2nd floor) Thursday, April 4 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Hunter Hall 306 Monday, April 15 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

EMCS 4th floor

Global Spotlight Iran Tuesday, March 19 5 to 6 p.m.

UC Tennessee Room Uganda Tuesday, April 9 5 to 6 p.m.

Fletcher Hall 114

All sessions are in the University Center Ocoee Room unless otherwise specified.

March 101 sessions: Wed. March 6 2 to 3 p.m.

Mon. March 18 10 to 11 a.m.

Thurs. March 21 2 to 3 p.m.

Wed. March 27 2 to 3 p.m.

(UC Fortwood) March 102 sessions: Tues. March 5 2 to 3 p.m.

Fri. March 8 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Fri. March 22 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Wed. March 27 2 to 3 p.m.

Sign up for Study Abroad 101 at

utc.edu/studyabroad

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

@UTCglobal 9

Building Bridges • FEB. 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.

• Develop 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 UTC campus and 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:

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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