I N T E R N AT I O N A L PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT 2016 - 2017
It is our pleasure to submit to the University of Kansas (KU) community the International Programs report for January 2016 through May 2017. As I begin my role as KU’s next Associate Vice Provost for International Programs, I would like to thank our outgoing Associate Vice Provost, Dr. Susan Gronbeck-Tedesco. While she began phased retirement in January, much of the content of this report focuses on accomplishments achieved under her able leadership. We are indebted to her for her vision, passion, and commitment to international education. KU has a long legacy of engagement with the world. In 1870, our first international student, Grace Scollar, came to KU from Canada. Since 1899, we have continuously enrolled international students on the Lawrence campus. Today, KU students not only hail from all 50 states, but from 110 countries. International students comprise over 9% of our student population and that number continues to grow. In 1946, upon the signing of the Fulbright Act, Virginia Joseph of KU received a scholarship to enable her to study political science abroad in Paris, France. Since that time, we have continued to lead the state, the nation, and the world in international higher education. At over 27%, KU is ranked 25th among public research universities in the U.S. for its undergraduate study abroad participation rate. In 1965, we established one of the nation’s six original intensive English programs with the opening of the Applied English Center (AEC). The AEC still provides one of the finest accredited intensive English educations in the world. In 2014, we broke new ground in creating the KU Academic Accelerator Program, with faculty from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the AEC creating innovative curricular synergies designed to enhance English language acquisition through academic content-infused English for Academic Purposes courses. This work served as the foundation for a new collaboration with the School of Pharmacy to linguistically prepare its international population for clinical rotations. With five area studies centers on campus, instruction offered in over 40 different languages, a new School of Languages Literatures and Cultures firmly established, and more than 100 active programs of international study and cooperative research, we stand poised to continue our leadership role in international higher education. At KU, we are committed to comprehensive institutional internationalization. We are a system of services, curricula, and people working each day to infuse global and international perspectives, awareness, and engagement throughout the fabric of the institution. Every student who studies abroad, every faculty member who teaches or conducts research abroad, every international student who attends the university, and every administrator who interacts with this diverse community is a part of this growing system of awareness, appreciation and celebration. If we remain intentional in our efforts, KU will continue to serve as a catalyst for responsible and inclusive global citizenship. On behalf of the entire International Programs team, I invite you to read this report. Even more, however, I urge you to engage us, to challenge us and to task us with the important work of helping you pursue your international vision for the university. Despite our many, many successes, we are just getting started. With your partnership we will continue to transform KU and the world.
Charles Bankart Associate Vice Provost for International Programs The University of Kansas
OUR MISSION The University of Kansas (KU) is a globally connected international research institution of the highest caliber, and we seek to empower and prepare our students, faculty and staff by continually expanding our networks and demonstrating leadership through our scholarly contributions and engagement. International Programs is central to KU’s global enterprise. Just as we build synergies across disciplines in the process of discovery, we must creatively connect those engaged in that discovery so that boundaries do not become barriers.
The mission of International Programs is to promote, integrate and support international and global initiatives throughout KU’s research, teaching and service endeavors. We aim to achieve our mission through: •
driving academic capacity and groundbreaking research by collaborating with faculty and academic departments to strengthen international ties;
•
accelerating global discoveries by facilitating international scholar employment and research at KU;
•
and educating future leaders by providing international academic, cultural and social opportunities to students.
The five units of International Programs support our mission and actively strive to embody and support the values of the University of Kansas through our work: The Applied English Center offers English language classes to students and scholars from all parts of the world. The Office of International Programs supports the internationalization efforts at KU through faculty grants, student programming and international scholar and employee services. International Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions serves to promote the presence of KU abroad, as well as to enhance international student enrollment and retention. International Student Services provides counseling on immigration issues for the international students at KU. International Student Services also provides a wide variety of cultural and cross-cultural programming for the international students and the general campus community. The Office of Study Abroad develops and maintains high-quality international education, research and internship programs for KU students and faculty.
In reviewing our achievements and our goals, we framed our work to reflect not what we have accomplished as individuals or independent units,
J AY H A W K
but instead what we have accomplished as active
VA L U E S
members of the KU community. We are a body of scholars, educators, and engaged minds devoted to learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor. As Jayhawks we....
UNITY
Strive for INNOVATION, using our education to find new and creative solutions to the problems facing our campus, our community, and the world.
Actively foster UNITY. A community based in tradition and continually growing through healthy relationships and effective communication.
INCLUSION
Value ENGAGEMENT, taking responsibility inside and outside of the classroom to be active members of the global community.
I N N O VAT I O N
Advocate for INCLUSION, respecting all Jayhawks as unique people with their own personal stories, while cultivating a safe community rooted in equity and justice.
ENGAGEMENT
CONTENTS UNITY
8-11
International Student Services: Supporting our International Community Nationalities of International Students 2016 International Students’ Fields of Study International Fulbright Awardees International Jayhawk Festival Staff Highlight: Shawn Wettlaufer
INNOVATION
12-15
Applied English Center: Developing New Initiatives AEC Short-Term Programs U.S. Student Fulbright Program National Semi-Finalists 2016 Faculty Travel Grants Showcasing the Jayhawk Experience through Social Media Staff Highlights: Kisha Cranston & John Dahlstrand
INCLUSION
16-19
International Recruitment & Undergraduate Admissions: Recruiting After Tragedy Including all Jayhawks in Study Abroad One Community in Unity International Coffee Hour Staff Highlight: Steve Byrn
ENGAGEMENT
20-25
Freeman Asia Grant Enables Students to Intern Abroad KU Study Abroad Participants by Major Setting New Goals for Global Awareness AEC Attracts Students Worldwide Preparing for a Global Career Staff Highlights: Alexis McKinley Jones & Summer Peixoto
APPENDIX International Programs by the Numbers What’s New & What’s Next 2017
26-29
UNITY
9 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
SUPPORTING OUR I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O M M U N I T Y International Student Services
The fall of 2016 was an uncertain time for students in the climate of a heated U.S. presidential election. In response, ISS Programming and First Year Experience Coordinator Tiffany Learned worked to compile a list of volunteer escorts for students as they were traveling between classes or to and from campus. The staggering response of over 700 students, faculty, staff, and community members who volunteered for the initiative showed our students just how much they mean to our campus and local communities. This outpouring of support coincided with the annual International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Education to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. In a culminating event for the week, we invited the whole campus and local community to a march called “Walk With Me.” On a blustery Friday afternoon, more than 200 people walked together down Jayhawk Boulevard to Wescoe beach, serving as a visible presence of solidarity with our international students. We had walkers from departments across campus and the
Lawrene community. Many were carrying signs in support of our international students and were walking alongside their international friends, students, and colleagues. Along with this event, ISS also worked with OIP to support students’ emotional well-being. ISS Associate Director Lynne Vanahill invited volunteers and supporters to host students affected by the immigration Executive Order for dinner. We had 51 hosts and 46 international students/employees participate. Every host and international student/employee who showed interest was matched and some participated more than once. In addition, our Student Resource Coordinator Steve Byrn launched a new program called “Coffee Talk” for students to meet campus or community members and enjoy coffee and conversation. We are thankful to the KU and Lawrence communities for their support and look forward to what these new alliances will mean for our students in the future.
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NATION A L I T I ES OF I NT E R NAT I O NAL ST U DENTS FA L L 2 0 1 6
International Student Services
968 143
248
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
1-5 6-10 11-20 21-49 50-100 100+
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ FIELDS OF STUDY
INTERNATIONAL FULBRIGHT AWARDEES Students from the following countries and fields of study joined KU as part of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
Home Country COLOMBIA
4 STUDENTS
ECONOMICS, CHEMISTRY, EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
RUSSIA
4 STUDENTS
ECONOMICS, GLOBAL STUDIES, FILM
3 STUDENTS
ECONOMICS, CHEMISTRY, EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
PERU
3 STUDENTS
GEOLOGY, ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
PHILIPPINES
3 STUDENTS
SPECIAL EDUCATION, MICROBIOLOGY, MUSIC
SOUTH AFRICA
*
AEC = APPLIED ENGLISH CENTER GRADUATE = NON-DEGREE SEEKING GRADUATE STUDENTS OURU = NON-DEGREE SEEKING
Major
11 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
S TA F F H I G H L I G H T Office of International Programs
SHAWN
WETTLAUFER
Shawn Wettlaufer guides J-1 scholars during every step of their time at KU. From submitting the documents that enable
I N T E R N A T I O N A L J AY H A W K F E S T I VA L All International Programs Units
The 2017 International Jayhawk Festival welcomed over 1,000 students, faculty, and staff in celebration of KU’s internationalization and global engagement. Taking place in early February, the International Jayhawk Festival highlighted the diversity of the KU student body, the importance of global citizenship, the value of international education, and the need for global awareness. More than 40 units and student organizations supported the festival, including all International Programs units, multiple academic departments, the five Area Studies centers, KU Student Housing, Student Union Activities, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and Haskell Indian Nations University. The event connected students with study abroad opportunities, provided resources on international coursework and foreign language classes, and showcased internationally-minded student organizations. In addition, professors and community members spoke at the “Global Issues Teach-In” on topics ranging from sustainability to supporting refugees. Haskell students performed traditional dances, Portuguese professor Dr. Tosta taught capoeira, the Latin American Student Organization shared a salsa lesson, and Slavic Language student Megan Luttrell sang in Russian. Generous contributions from 15 departments across campus made the festival possible. Attendees received free t-shirts and enjoyed foods from multiple cultures, a photo booth, and a student art showcase.
them to conduct research to helping new foreign scholars orient to a new community, the immigration advisor works with the short-term or research scholars at their host departments. Navigating the federal immigration process is no easy task. Wettlaufer supports departments through the process by checking the paperwork that departments submit through the iHawk database and submitting it to the Department of State for approval and vetting. Orientations are the best part of his work. Wettlaufer shares information about KU and Lawrence and gets to know the scholars. A new scholar from Israel was excited about seeing snow for the first time, which brightened up his day. Helping scholars make the most of their time at KU is critical for Wettlaufer. While trying to be flexible he also needs to make sure that visitors are following the rules so they can concentrate on their research and not have to worry about legal issues. Many scholars have questions about taking classes, volunteer opportunities, and campus and community activities beyond their research.
I N N O VA T I O N
13
DEVELOPING N E W I N I T I AT I V E S Applied English Center
The Applied English Center prides itself on developing innovative, customized programs to meet the needs of English language learners from around the world. In 2016, the AEC partnered with KU’s School of Pharmacy to ensure that international pharmacy students have the English communication skills to explain complicated and important information clearly to their future clients. During this program, students spend a month making their English sound more familiar to Americans in a community pharmacy. An essential part of a pharmacist’s education are clinical clerkships that send PharmD students to work in pharmacies and hospitals around the state of Kansas, acquiring practical experience with medical professionals, pharmacy practitioners, and patients. This profession uses highly specialized English; they must communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds about sensitive and technical information. To help students succeed, the School of Pharmacy asked the AEC to develop a highintensity class to address their needs. Marcellino Berardo, AEC language specialist, developed English for International Students in Pharmacy. Berardo worked with one student during the pilot program in February. As part of the course, Berardo “relies on his ignorance” about pharmaceuticals when he asks the student about a medication, its side effects, and purpose. With adjustments to phrasing, word stress, and rate of speech, the student gains a heightened awareness of pronunciation, tone, and body language. The student has made significant progress and recognizes that this will make her a better communicator. This program has been a learning experience for Berardo as well. He has become more aware of interactions with pharmacists, calling what they do a science and an art. “It’s not easy to look at a label and explain it in real time with simple, straight forward language. You need to practice,” he said.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
2011-2016 UNIQUE AEC S H O R T-T E R M P R O G R A M S 1 . FULBRIGHT PRE-ACADEMIC PROGRAM
6 week Summer English for Graduate Studies Pre-Academic Program for Fulbright Grantees.
2 . F U L B R I G H T LT E
Semester+ English Language Study for Fulbright Graduate Degree Grantees
3. HHH
8 week Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship Pre-Academic Program
4. VNTP
Language and Teacher Education program for Vietnamese English Teachers of Gifted Students
5 . P R OY E C TA 1 0 0 , 0 0 0
4 week ESL Program for Mexican University Undergraduate Students
6. IELSP
8 week Indonesia English Language Study Program for Undergraduates
7. B R A Z I L I A N T E A C H E R S P R O G R A M
6 week certificate program for Brazilian public high school teachers
8. BRAZIL SCIENCE MOBILITY PROGRAM ENGLISH LANGUAGE REFINEMENT
8 or 16 week Intensive English Study for BSMP Scholarship Students
9. HUBEI UNIVERSITY FOR THE N AT I O N A L I T I E S
4 week Instructional Strategies for Teaching Medicine through English
10. KANSAI UNIVERSITY
9 month English Language & Internship Program for Kansai Undergraduate Students
1 1 . K A N A G AWA U N I V E R S I T Y
4 week English Language Program for Kanagawa Undergraduate Students
12. MEIKAI UNIVERSITY
3 week English Language & Culture Program for Meikai Undergraduate Students
1 3 . U N I V E R S I T Y O F C O S TA R I C A
University of Costa Rica English Language & Professional Enrichment for UCR Professors
1 4 . K A U S T P R E PA R AT O R Y Y E A R SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Academic year preparatory program for King Abdullah University Gifted Scholars
15. NAEI
North American Education International Teachers English Language Program for Chinese Teachers of English
16. CCNU: CENTRAL CHINA NORMAL UNIVERSITY
8 week English for Academic Purposes for Future K-12 Educators in China
14
S TA F F H I G H L I G H T International Recruitment & Undergraduate Admissions
U.S. STUDENT FULBRIGHT P R O G R A M N AT I O N A L S E M I FINALISTS Office of International Programs
KISHA
CRANSTON
Eleven out of 28 KU applicants were selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Fulbright US Student Program for 2017-18. The Fulbright U.S. student program provides grants for students to research, study, or teach as part of a cultural exchange. Fulbright applicants develop research proposals as part of their comprehensive applications. After being selected by the US Fulbright National Screening Committees, the host countries review them for final selection. D E S T I N AT I O N
CZECH REPUBLIC DENMARK Kisha Cranston isn’t an expert in every academic discipline, but her years of experience evaluating international transfer credit have taught her that when she sees the word “thermodynamics,” it’s a physics course. Cranston’s role in the Office of International Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions sees her researching international universities for accreditation, searching for equivalences between KU courses and courses from universities abroad, and consulting with
DISCIPLINE
HISTORY, MODERN MEDICAL SCIENCES (KUMC)
FRANCE
ENGLISH TEACHING ASSISTANSHIP
GERMANY
ENGLISH TEACHING ASSISTANSHIP
GERMANY
ENGLISH TEACHING ASSISTANSHIP
GERMANY
ENGLISH TEACHING ASSISTANSHIP
NICARAGUA POLAND TAJIKISTAN TURKEY UNITED KINGDOM
GEOGRAPHY HISTORY, MODERN ENGLISH TEACHING ASSISTANSHIP ART AND ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY CHEMISTRY
academic departments on matters of international transfer credit. She takes a “hands on” approach with transfer students, too, personally e-mailing them when they apply and when they are
2 0 1 6 F A C U LT Y T R AV E L
admitted. When she is finished evaluating
GRANTS
their transcripts for transfer credit, she
Office of International Programs
sends them a report, and she meets with many of them in person at “You at KU” orientation. In fall of 2016, Cranston expanded her professional repertoire, travelling to Malaysia to visit with prospective transfer students and INTI University administrators. KU’s international transfer student population increased 40% in fall 2016, an accomplishment in which Cranston played a large part.
Assistant Librarian for Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies Betsaida Reyes used her travel grant from International Programs to present a paper at the Southwest Council of Latin American Studies conference. Assistant Professor of Marketing Jenny Olson used her award to present a paper at the Association for Consumer Research’s Annual Conference in Berlin. Reyes and Olson were two of the 15 faculty who received travel grants in 2016 for the first time. Thirty-five faculty from departments including religious studies, the Kansas Biological Survey and physics received funds for researching abroad and presenting a paper at an international conference.
15 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
SHOWCASING THE J AY H A W K E X P E R I E N C E THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
S TA F F H I G H L I G H T Academic Accelerator Program
A Ye a r i n t h e L i f e Office of International Programs “A Year in the Life” chronicles the first year of three KU international undergraduates. In monthly videos, Jamaican Ivan Henry talked about life as a student-athlete. Katsuhiro Nakahori, China, shared his experience in the Academic Accelerator Program and living with an American roommate. Paraguayan Anne Hienichen Yubi adapted to classes at the college level and to being immersed in English. The links were shared with prospective students and are available at: international.ku.edu/year-life-international-student.
Jayhawks Abroad Office of Study Abroad The Office of Study Abroad showcases the experience of studying abroad on Instagram, @KUStudyAbroad, by giving total control of the account to students abroad. Each week, more than 2,000 followers see what it is like to study in a different region of the world. Students on a variety of programs studying everywhere from Ghana to Greece post inspiring images and stories about studying abroad. The takeovers continously attract new students to study abroad. Follow along at @KUStudyAbroad and through the hashtag #jayhawksabroad.
Creating a Community International Student Services International Student Services engages with incoming students, current students, and alumni through Facebook. Through regular posts on their events, local and international news, community activities, and photos, ISS has created a dynamic communication tool to interact with international students. ISS creates a Facebook event for every activity they host, and then follows up with photos of the activity and attendees. The page creates a welcoming, friendly access point for international students, and provides useful information to help students get connected as Jayhawks. Find them on Facebook at International Student Services at KU (@ISSatKU) and using the hashtag #ISSatKU.
JOHN DA H L ST R A N D
John Dahlstrand, Director of Student Services for the KU Academic Accelerator Program (AAP), is bringing new energy to the international student experience at KU. The KU AAP couples academic coursework with related English instruction and a suite of student services designed to provide students a “soft landing” in the US and at KU. Upon completion of the program, students can continue their degree studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as sophomores. John leads a team of advisors who assist students from admission to KU through completion of the program. Weekly “wellness checks” are built into the program’s university experience course module. The advisors counsel students on everything from academics to personal wellbeing and daily life in Lawrence. He also coordinates the program’s signature student experiences with the Office of International Student Services, creating opportunities for students in the AAP to learn about local and US culture and to participate in community service. Activities include sporting events, Native American Pow Wows, and Lied Center programs. In 2017-18, John looks forward to working with International Programs on its summer staff workshop series. He believes his direct contact with students can give him new insights into the project.
16
INCLUSION
17 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
R E C R U I T I N G A F T E R T R AG E DY International Recruitment & Undergraduate Admissions
In the fall of 2016, heightened hostility toward foreign nationals made a US university degree less appealing abroad, with a majority of US universities reporting a decrease in international applications. Specifically, the internationally publicized, racially motivated murder of an Olathe man from India and the pending implementation of a state law permitting concealed handguns on university campuses complicated the story of KU as an inclusive, safe place. International Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions (IRUA) answered these challenges with targeted outreach to applicants and admitted students in India, including letters, phone calls, and e-mails. In partnership with KU’s executive leadership and the Office of International Programs, IRUA disseminated welcome messages from KU executive leadership via e-mail and social media that focused on pre-arrival concerns and academic and student life. The office was among the first participants in the national #YouAreWelcomeHere hashtag campaign. While they did not explicitly address the US’s sociopolitical problems, these responses
emphasized the international character of KU, its appreciation of the contributions international students make, and its spirit of inclusion. Despite many challenges, IRUA fared well with engagement this year, cultivating more and stronger relationships with students who expressed an interest in the university. Inquiries were invited to visit campus, to Skype with a recruiter, or to correspond with an international student ambassador. As a result, interactions— measured in clicks from e-mails to the website and replies to e-mails—in the inquiry communication campaign increased, whereas they had decreased the year before. Finally, IRUA and IP collaborated on a video series designed to bridge a February gap in communications to admitted students. Between e-mails promoting the videos and two social media campaigns IRUA already had in place for spring and summer, constant engagement with admitted students was achieved from the point of their admission to entering the ISS communication stream.
International Programs and IRUA worked with Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little and Provost Neeli Bendapudi to create a video that could be sent to prospective and current international students emphasizing KU’s welcoming, global environment and academic opportunities.
18
INCLUDING ALL JAYHAWKS IN STUDY ABROAD
ONE COMMUNITY IN UNITY
Office of Study Abroad
All International Programs Units
The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) actively supports all Jayhawks interested in studying abroad. OSA staff works closely with students to understand the challenges and barriers that may prevent them from studying abroad, and works with their colleagues to create access and develop best practices in supporting students from across KU.
18% OF STUDY ABROAD PARTICIPANTS ARE PELL GRANT ELIGIBLE
26
236
STUDENTS
NUMBER OF STUDENTS THAT RECEIVED THE BENJAMIN A. GILMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDY ABROAD
Received a scholarship to study abroad in 2016
All Office of Study Abroad staff are LGBTQIA+ SafeZone certified.
After incidents of harrassment following the 2016 election, students of marginalized identities across the KU campus organized “One Community in Unity,” a peaceful event on Wescoe Beach in midNovember. Sponsored by the KU Muslim Student Association, Spectrum KU, the KU International Student Association, the African Student Association, the Black Student Union, KU South Asian Student Associations, KU LAGO, and SURGE, the event brought people from across KU together to start the healing process. International Programs staff from all units joined them in solidarity and assisted with promotion and event coordination. Students, staff, and faculty passed out flowers to passersby, held signs promoting unity and the Jayhawk Values, and provided a space for the community to pledge to support and include everyone.
19 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
S TA F F H I G H L I G H T International Student Services
STEVE BYRN
Everyday, international students with personal, academic, or cultural adjustment problems come to see Steve Byrn, the International Student Services student
I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O F F E E H O U R
resource coordinator. Byrn has an open door policy. If he is free, everything else
International Student Services
stops when a student walks in. Byrn builds
International Coffee Hour serves as a hub of internationalization for our campus and community. International students present on their home country while guests enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and cookies sponsored by the KU Academic Accelerator Program and Coca-Cola. In the past year students have presented from ten different countries. These presentations are voluntary, but often fulfill a program requirement for the student presenting. While the presentations give our international students a platform from which to share their culture, the audience is comprised of students, staff, faculty, and community members. With an average attendance of 75, the program has maintained steady popularity from previous years. International Coffee Hour serves as a space to come together for education and fellowship around global awareness.
become more comfortable speaking to him
trust with students, taking time so they about sensitive topics. Byrn’s holistic approach to his job requires patience, knowledge of current events, reading body language, and intercultural skills. Students from a variety of backgrounds seek his help. Staying up to date on current events is important, as conflict in a student’s home country or stock market failures can impact a student’s wellbeing. Byrn considers himself to be a clearinghouse of information so he can direct students toward other offices if necessary. For example, a student recently visited Byrn with concerns about finances and family issues. Funding for the student’s education was not a family priority and the student’s parents did not support his chosen major. They talked through these obstacles and Byrn directed the student to scholarship resources. In the past, Byrn has also advised on issues of sexual harrassment, family issues, social concerns, and personal set-backs.
ENGAGEMENT
21 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
FREEMAN ASIA GRANT ENABLES STUDENTS TO INTERN ABROAD Office of Study Abroad
KU is dedicated to preparing its students for lives of learning and for the challenges educated citizens will encounter in an increasingly complex and diverse global community. To accomplish this mission, KU has actively promoted institutional engagement at all levels in the development of academically-aligned, international experiential learning opportunities for students, including international internships. During the past two years, the University of Kansas Office of Study Abroad has applied successfully for grant support from the Freeman Foundation East Asia Internship Initiative for the provision of scholarships to support students engaging in credit-bearing internships in East or Southeast Asia. Beginning with a pilot year grant of $100,000 in 2014-15 and expanding to a two year grant of $200,000 for 2015-17, the availability of scholarship support has proven highly influential in encouraging students to pursue internships in the region. In 2013-14, the KU Office of Study Abroad supported just four students on internships in East Asia. By the 2015-16 academic year, this number had grown to 42. Receiving the Freeman Foundation grant has had a significant, positive effect in advancing the Office of Study Abroad’s commitment
to improving access to study abroad for all students. The 2016 recipients of the Freeman Foundation East Asia Internship scholarship participated in programs across Asia, including China, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam. They represented 22 distinct academic majors and all academic levels. Thirty-six percent of recipients were Pell-grant eligible, which indicates high financial need, and 39 percent come from populations traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. Approximately 25 percent of these students had never traveled outside of the United States prior to departing for their internship programs, and 70 percent had never previously traveled to Asia. The impact of this experience was tremendous. Akira Cowden, Intern at the Kyunghwa Girls’ School in South Korea during the Summer 2016, says, “This internship has helped me learn how to adapt to a culturally different work environment, and it has made me able to cope with a constantly changing schedule with ease. I know that the skills I developed in this internship have shaped me into a person who can work with a diversity of other people both in and outside of the United States.”
The Freeman Foundation East Asia Internship Grants enable KU students to gain hands-on teaching experience and complete a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) practicum in Korea. Students from a variety of majors teach at Kyung Hwa Private Girls’ School in Gwangju, Korea.
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S TA F F H I G H L I G H T Office of Study Abroad
Office of Study Abroad
2016-2017
Through the curriculum integration initiative, the Office of Study Abroad has developed new programs and created graduation plans and a database of course equivalencies to facilitate access to global engagement for any field of study.
ALEXIS MCKINLEY JONES
Alexis McKinley Jones is actively engaged in the KU community as the Associate Director for Curriculum Integration in the Office of Study Abroad. In her role, she “maps study abroad to the major� by collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to identify appropriate study abroad opportunities for students from all disciplines. She successfully builds relationships across campus to encourage greater support for study abroad and global awareness. As part of her work, Jones supports international experiences for KU staff by organizing and leading advisor site visits abroad. In 2016, she guided KU advisors to partner institutions in the United Kingdom. Upon return, these staff members become advocates for international experiences and promote study abroad to students. Through her engagement with more than 40 different disciplines at KU, Jones has spearheaded the development of study abroad programs for pre-health, journalism, and biology students. She is currently working with the School of Engineering to identify and create additional opportunities for engineering majors.
KU STUDY ABROAD PARTICIPANTS BY MAJOR
23 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
GAP COMPLETION BY LEVEL 2016-2017
SETTING NEW GOALS FOR GLOBAL AWARENESS International Programs: Global Awareness Program
The 2016-17 academic year was one of change for the Global Awareness Program (GAP). Michelle Ward took over as the GAP coordinator in the fall. The GAP Advisory Board, made up of faculty, students, and staff from across the University, was formed. Advisory Board members challenged GAP to reach out to the 75 percent of students who do not study abroad at KU. This led to the creation of various paths for the cocurricular component. The new paths aim to provide a richer, more meaningful experience with on-campus cultural activities. In partnership with the Office of Study Abroad and the University Career Center, GAP offered two different professional development workshops this spring. The first workshop focused on marketing international experience and focused on resume development and interview strategies. The second workshop included networking tips and featured a panel of alumni. In the next year Michelle Ward will focus on the creation of a GAP Advising Tool to help students better navigate the academic component, increased outreach to under-represented majors, and greater collaboration across the academic units.
TOP MAJORS OF GAP STUDENTS 2016-2017
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S TA F F H I G H L I G H T Applied English Center
SUMMER
P E I XOTO
AEC Conversation Group’s trip to the Kansas City Zoo in October. In her positions as a lecturer and administrator, Summer Peixoto connects with students, staff, and faculty both inside the Applied English Centeer and in the wider university. Her days are often a whirlwind of activity. She teaches classes in the Intensive English Program, the Academic Accelerator Program, and Short Term Programs. Beyond teaching, Summer manages Learning English Online (LEO), the Applied English Center’s dedicated computer lab, along with the AEC’s second shared lab, Anshutz 321. In this role, she manages five student lab assistants, monitors the labs, and problem-solves technology issues with AEC instructors, which often involves desk-side coaching. Summer also heads up the LEO team, comprised of a small number of AEC faculty and the lab assistants. The team sets up workshops and other professional development activities involving the integration of technology and pedagogy for AEC faculty. They are regular presenters at national conferences. In collaboration with her colleagues, Summer is spearheading a plan to develop training modules for a technology certificate program for AEC instructors. Summer sits on the Student Services Planning Committee and makes sure that the AEC meets the technology requirements of the Commission on English Language Accreditation, and she serves as the Ed Tech Interest Section Chair for the regional TESOL affiliate.
AEC ATTRACTS STUDENTS WORLDWIDE Applied English Center The Applied English Center taught students from 43 countries in 2016. The top sending countries were China, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Japan. Overall, they had 289 students in Spring 2016, 63 in the summer term, and 263 in the fall for full-semester programs. The AEC also offered 16 specialized short-term programs.
PREPARING FOR A GLOBAL CAREER International Programs 2017 graduate and Global Awareness Certificate recipient Rebecca Rumptz is one of 24 students nationally to be accepted in the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program. A nontraditional student, Rumptz joined the Army straight out of high school, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fulfilling her GAP requirements better prepared Rumptz, a Global and International Studies major, for a global career. Rumptz began her internship in Washington, D.C., learning more about the U.S. government and interning in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. She will spend the remaining 10 weeks of her internship working in the Public Affairs office of the U.S. Embassy in Poland.
25 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNUAL REPORT
I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R O G R A M S BY THE NUMBERS 2016
16
9.24%
AEC
SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS
2,299 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
209
STUDENTS THAT PARTICIPATED IN AN INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP OR MEDICAL ROTATION IN 2015-2016
PERCENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS THAT COMPRISE KU (LAWRENCE CAMPUS) GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE TOTAL ENROLLMENT
76 OIP PROVIDED IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FOR 76 UNITS TO BRING INTERNATIONAL FACULTY & SCHOLARS TO KU
1470 STUDENTS THAT STUDIED ABROAD IN 2015-16
35 FACULTY MEMBERS RECEIVED A TRAVEL GRANT
5
KU STUDENTS & GRADUATES RECEIVED FULBRIGHT AWARDS FOR INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH
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M OV I N G F O R WA R D OFFICE OF I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R O G R A M S WHAT’S NEW:
WHAT’S NEXT:
More than 100 staff from offices across campus have attended the Building Intercultural Skills workshops, a series of three sessions to help staff gain skills to confidently and effectively communicate with international students, faculty and scholars. Part of the Human Resources Talent Management System, the
As cohorts complete the series, they will be asked to serve as resource people for their offices. With support from International Programs, the group will meet to talk about how they are working with their offices to help colleagues with intercultural communication and to learn new skills.
workshops led by International Programs staff create a framework for participants to examine attitudes, communication styles, and behavior.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L STUDENT SERVICES WHAT’S NEW:
WHAT’S NEXT:
International Family Connections created opportunities for international students and scholars with families to come together. Planned activities included touring the Spencer Museum of Art and participating in its Arts Cart event, learning about the animals and ecosystem of the Baker Wetlands and attending the International Family Orientation to hear from representatives from city offices about their services.
Strategically sharing information is the next step. The IP and ISS staff who coordinate the program are working to develop webpages to answer questions in one’s home language about critical needs. They hope to organize a group of scholars and students to answer incoming scholars’ questions about KU in various languages and coordinate a day-long orientation at the beginning of the fall semester.
OFFICE OF S T U DY A B R OA D WHAT’S NEW:
WHAT’S NEXT:
The University of Kansas educates a high number of undergraduate students planning careers in the Health Professions. To best meet the needs and interests of these students for cross-cultural and applied experiences, the Office of Study Abroad developed the Hospital Shadowing in Spain program in partnership with the
Given the strong student demand for the Hospital Shadowing in Spain program during its initial year, the OSA is exploring program expansion for future terms. In addition, through the Mapping Study Abroad to the Major initiative, the OSA is actively engaging key academic departments, faculty advocates, and advising staff to
Atlantis Project. This six-week summer program offers students the opportunity to gain extensive observation experience in a hospital setting, a broadened perspective on the medical vocation, and a comparative lens to examine healthcare delivery and the pros and cons of government-run healthcare systems.
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E C R U I T M E N T & U N D E R G R A D U AT E A D M I S S I O N S WHAT’S NEW:
WHAT’S NEXT:
FY17 saw IRUA differentiating its purpose and approach from other campus recruiting entities, identifying new markets, and developing new outreach efforts for them. The office targeted students with an interest in only an intensive English program through an email campaign, as 80% of such students in the Applied English Center go on to pursue a KU degree. IRUA also increased its outreach to prospective transfer students and high school seniors who are already in the United States. Finally, the office segmented its prospect pool according to SAT and TOEFL score ranges and developed special communications for each group.
FY18 will bring more innovation, inclusion, and engagement as IRUA welcomes its new director, Somer Chalfant. She will preside over resumed recruitment travel, the distribution of recruitment responsibilities across the IRUA staff, continued improvement to international student outreach, and increased collaboration with campus partners.
APPLIED ENGLISH CENTER WHAT’S NEW:
WHAT’S NEXT:
Over the last year, the Applied English Center (AEC) has been preparing for re-accreditation by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). The Applied English Center was one of the first intensive English programs to receive accreditation through this agency back in 2001. During its most recent review, the AEC received the coveted 10-year accreditation. However, as the current accreditation expires in 2018, the past year has been spent in preparation for the next cycle. In spring 2017, the AEC submitted a Self-Study Report detailing how it meets each of the 44 standards for which it is accountable. These standards are in areas including curriculum, student services, program development and review, and student achievement. Following a site visit, the Commission will decide on reaccreditation in December 2017.
Working with the School of Business, the AEC has developed three courses for prospective Business undergraduates. These courses- Writing Effectively in Business Courses, Communicating Effectively in Business Courses, and TOEFL iBT Preparation Course, are specifically targeted toward the skills and strategies students need to succeed in the School of Business, as well as to assist them in achieving the TOEFL score they’ll need for acceptance. The courses will be piloted this summer or fall. The AEC is also working with the School of Music to offer language classes for students in their program.
A C A D E M I C A C C E L E R AT O R PROGRAM WHAT’S NEW: The Academic Accelerator Program has restructured its UNIV 104 course to emphasize its objective of connecting students to their role in a global society. This course introduces the concepts of global citizenship in the complex world of the 21st century. It explores global citizenship as a way of framing the exploration of global issues and challenges, with the aim of helping learners develop the intercultural knowledge, skills, and values necessary to be active, engaged global citizens.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Academic Accelerator Program will receive a larger group of students in the fall semester because the Master’s Accelerator Program (MAP) has restructured its program with more clearly defined tracks that align with English proficiency skills. MAP has renamed its programs, and has added additional programs. Overtime, the AAP hopes to work with more departments to provide MAP for their disciplines.
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2016 International Programs Annual Report
Content compiled by the International Programs Communications Committee under the direction of Dr. Charles Bankart Design by Jake Carter & Melody Stratton Photos provided by KU Marketing Communications, students, staff, and faculty