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ISSUE FOUR
WINTER 2010
international center
Message from the editor Welcome back to the International Center Magazine! When you restore to life a project that already has a considerable history and pedigree, it is sometimes difficult to know where to start. However, the messages to their readers of world-famous editors like Robert Bruce Thurber and Delbert Baker provided inspiring examples of how to proceed: "The man with a message is the man we want to hear. The magazine with a message is the magazine we want to read.…" "In this issue of MESSAGE we set forth the challenge to go the extra mile, do better, be better. Whatever it is-- physically, mentally, spiritually--extend yourself. Challenge the routine, the status quo. . . . Our goal is to stimulate your thinking and challenge you." Back in the ‘dark ages’, before the arrival of the Internet and cell phones, chatting over the back fence with your neighbors was the coolest way to get news. Think of this magazine as your virtual back fence: a place to share news and views with neighbors and friends from all over the world. We have revived this publication to fill a news void, to give a voice to our international students, and to show everyone that EMU is a genuinely international and multicultural community. Our mission is to build even better relationships and stronger bonds with EMU International students. We’ll profile people making a positive difference, keep you informed about important issues, and cover exciting events beforehand so you can attend with family and friends. Our community resource sections and columns meanwhile will offer you a wealth of useful tips and information. This particular issue will be devoted to showing you, our readers, how the international face of Eastern Mediterranean University has changed and developed in the short time since the new administration for International Affairs stepped into office, not least with the introduction of a brand new scholarship scheme purely for international students, and the opening up of some exciting opportunities through our student exchange system. We hope you find this issue of the International Center Magazine interesting and informative. Derya Sabriler
Publisher: On behalf of Eastern Mediterranean University Rector
Prof. Dr. Abdullah Öztoprak Editor-in-Chief:
Derya Sabriler Editorial Assistance:
Prof. Dr. Majid Hashemipour John Eldridge Ahmed Kasim Layout and Design:
Hüseyin Pekün Address: Eastern Mediterranean University Tel: +90 392 630 2444 international.center@emu.edu.tr http://ic.emu.edu.tr Print: EMU Printing-house
BRAND NEW SCHOLARSHIP SYSTEM FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS As of the Spring Semester of 2010, Eastern Mediterranean University is providing generous merit-based scholarships to new international applicants to our university at both undergraduate and masters level. The scholarship awards provide reductions from the standard tuition fee of 25%, 50% and 100% according to students’ performance at their high school or previous university. International students who would like to apply to study at EMU and take advantage of this unique new scholarship system should visit the main EMU website for further information. For inquiries, contact: scholarship@emu.edu.tr
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International Night One of the most important and enjoyable events on the EMU calendar is International Night. This is a night when international students gather together to enjoy an evening featuring a kaleidoscopic program of international entertainment, a wide range of cultural displays and a lavish spread of ethnic foods from all over the world.. This year the event was held on 6th of November 2009, and for the first time took place in the entrancing medieval surroundings of the old Venetian palace in the beautiful city of Famagusta. This atmosphere made for an even more memorable celebration than ever before. The performances peaked at midnight with all the various EMU international societies adding their own splash of colour to a night of cultural celebration. Students and residents of Famagusta alike are now eagerly looking forward to the next event, and more such collaborations between Eastern Mediterranean University and the Famagusta Municipality.
EMU CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION For Christians, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Above all though, it is a celebration of peace, love, friendship and togetherness, and it is in this spirit that students and staff at EMU come to together to celebrate.
On 22nd of December 2009, the newly formed EMU International Choir performed a memorable and spectacular Christmas concert comprising carols sung by both group members and individual soloists. The young men and women singing the
carols came from many different countries and cultures, and the audience came away highly impressed by the quality of the performance. On the 23rd of December 2009, the Jenkins' family hosted a wonderful Christmas night, with friends, students and academic staff gathering together to enjoy tasty barbecued chicken, make new friends and sing Christmas carols. Finally, on the 25th of December 2009, on Christmas Day itself, the International Center organized a Christmas party with traditional roast turkey for all the international students at EMU. This was another lively event with a full-scale talent show, offering yet another opportunity for EMU students to showcase their many abilities and gifts. The event was much enjoyed by all the students and by all guests, including the Rector and his team, and many members of the EMU academic staff.
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from CULTURE to CULTURE International Society Traditional Nights are another sign of the importance EMU places on hospitality to its international student population. With the support of the International Center, all the diverse communities that make up the multicultural fabric of EMU are invited to celebrate days and events that are of special importance where they come from. In recent months, we have seen: 23 November, 2009 The Azerbaijan society celebrate the 18th Anniversary of the Independence of Azerbaijan in the EMU Activity Center. 26 November, 2009 A typically vibrant and fun-packed Nigerian night, with the Nigerian students out en masse to celebrate the 49th anniversary of their country’s independence. 4 December, 2009 The Iranian students’ society organise the celebration of Kadir Eid. This event, which took place in the Blue Hall, was kindly sponsored by the Iranian Embassy. 13 December, 2009 The Palestinian students’ society introduce a wide variety of Palestinian music, dance and drama that entertained the Rector and Vice Rectors, and students and academic staff, not only from EMU but other universities in the region as well.
Visit of International Channels to EMU Kazak Television A TV channel from Kazakhstan recently came to EMU to film a game show called “Intellectual Olympics”. They also filmed the university and some parts of Famagusta. EMU was the only university in North Cyprus they contacted and we were very proud to host them at our university.
Italian State Television After enjoying a visit from the Deputy Head of the Italian Mission, EMU then had the privilege of a visit from one of Italy’s top TV channels – RAI. On the island to shoot a series of documentaries, both Famagusta and EMU were included in their busy schedule. RAI interviewed lecturers and students and filmed both the campus and our last graduation ceremony.
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Exchange Programs You’ve decided that it’s time to spread your wings and see and experience life in another country. You’ve also decided that the best way for you to do this is to join a student exchange Program… Many students walk into an exchange Program with only some basic background information and documentation to hand and are unsure and anxious as to what will happen when they find themselves immersed in a new cul-
Exchange
ture. By the time they return however, most will tell you that being an exchange student will teach you more about the world than you’ll ever learn from a book, and that the experience can even have a defining effect on your future life and career. In this issue, we share with you some of the experiences of exchange students coming to Eastern Mediterranean University:
Student Adventures
DAVID LIBON Leaving everything you know, the place and the life with which you are comfortable, and traveling to a new place thousands of miles from home is never easy. But then, no one embarks upon the most enriching adventure of their life because it’s easy. You go because you want to experience something new and different, something that will open your eyes a bit and teach you about the world outside your comfort zone while teaching you something about yourself. This is what studying at Eastern Mediterranean University in North Cyprus has done for me. CHRIS HOULE Eastern Mediterranean University is a great location for study abroad. Its location allows you to travel to many different places in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The weather is extremely nice allowing you to do many activities for your whole stay. This allows you to see the many sites on the island as well as abroad. The diversity of the campus is also another great attribute because you can meet people from all over the world and hear about their stories. This was the best part of this experience, just being able to meet new people and opening your mind to new ideas. Now I have friends from all over the world and I can visit them to continue my life journey and travels.
DANICE SPENCE At EMU I met some great people who are now close friends and learned so much about different cultures and other people’s experiences in their lives. The most important thing that I gained from coming here was a better me. I was able to travel and experience so many things I would not have been able to at home, and am so glad I did so.
Exchange Students Seminar
The current quota at Eastern Mediterranean University for exchange students has now increased to over sixty, and we are continually negotiating to increase this number further. With opportunities for exchange programs now available in such countries as the USA, China, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan and the Ukraine, the importance of seminars to detail these exciting opportunities is obvious. At our last seminar, EMU was honored by the presence of the American Consul himself, who emphasized the value of such schemes, as well as providing information about our exchange partners in the USA. The exchange students currently studying at EMU also spoke about their experiences at EMU and in North Cyprus. The deadline for the applications to be an exchange student in the coming semester is 26th February 2010. Further details are available through the International Website at: http://ic.emu.edu.tr
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EMU RESEARCH PROJECTS AND AWARDS European Union Funding What exactly is the project? It is called “Democratic Audit for Cyprus”. We are going to use an internationally utilized methodology called IDEA (Institute of Democracy and Election Assistance). IDEA will be used to measure the quality of democracy in Northern and Southern Cyprus. How will it operate? We will measure the transparency of the democracies; whether there is any discrimination against groups or violation of human rights. We will look at the political culture and see if democracy is valued and respected. What kind of research will this be? It will be strictly academic research.
Who will be involved in the project? EMU and a partner institute in the South named JUDEX will be carrying out the research. Since the project is measuring the democracy of the two sides in Cyprus, there needed to be a partner from South Cyprus in the research. The leading institution in the research is EMU though. How long will the project last? 2 years. What will the outcomes of the project be? • To report on and evaluate the functioning of democracy both North and South • To recommend policies • To recommend solutions to problems identified
Ahmet SOZEN has become the first academic not only from Eastern Mediterranean University but also from North Cyprus to receive European Union funding. We interviewed him to find out more about his project:
UNESCO Recognition HAKAN ÖNİZ has spearheaded the pioneering work of EMU’s Underwater Archaeology Centre and, as he reports below, recognition for the work of the centre has come at the highest possible level: The second session of the Meeting of States Party to the Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage took place at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris on December 1-3, 2009. Eastern Mediterranean University attended the meeting as an observer and an NGO. The total number of NGO’s was 16 and EMU was the only institution that participated at the university level. Meanwhile, Eastern Mediterranean University Underwater Imaging and Research Center found wrecks dating from the Roman period along the coastline between Antalya and Kemer during the underwater research activities they initiated in the area. The EMU team worked for 25 days along the shores of Kemer and Finike in Antalya and located two archaeologically significant shipwrecks and a multitude of historical artefacts. Prior permission was obtained from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey and
the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Monuments and Museums. The work, closely coordinated with Antalya museum, is supported by the Center for Underwater Archaeology of Cyprus International University (CIU) and the Department of Archaeology of Seljuk University.
300,000 Euro Contract with the European Commision BURAK ALİ ÇİÇEK has been at the forefront of another underwater initiative. EMU-URIC (The Underwater Research and Imaging Center) has recently signed a 300,000 Euro contract with the European Commission focusing on sustainable fisheries. The project has three central objectives: First, to increase fish productivity through the deployment of artificial reefs; second, to develop sound marketing of the catch; and third to evolve a collaborative system for the protection of the marine environment more generally, including such rare species as the monk seal and the marine turtle. The project will be implemented on the Iskele coast in collaboration with the Iskele Boğaz Fisherman’s Solidarity and Development Association and the Iskele Municipality.
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6th INTERNATIONAL EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM FESTIVAL 18 , 19, 20 March, 2010 http://www.emu.edu.tr/underwater/ festivals/5th/Programs.html
5th International Underwater Research Symposium 18-20 March, 2010 http://www.emu.edu.tr/underwater
INTERNATIONAL PROJECT COMPETITION ON UNDERWATER RESEARCH 18-20 March, 2010 http://www.emu.edu.tr/underwater/project.html
Trends and Approaches in Civil Engineering Education (TRACE2010) 25-26 June, 2010
Pilgrims UK Teacher Training SEZGI YALIN has become a teacher trainer on Pilgrims Teacher Training summer courses. Pilgrims offers top quality English language and teacher training in the United Kingdom. It is respected throughout the world for setting the highest standards of quality, professionalism and innovation. Pilgrims trainers are internationally respected and renowned for introducing innovative and effective ways of teaching to language classrooms around the world. Pilgrims is accredited by the British Council and is a member of ARELS.
British Council Eltons Awards NİLGÜN HANCIOĞLU AND JOHN ELDRIDGE meanwhile have reached the finals of the ‘ELTONS’ for the second year in a row. The ELTONS, or English Language Teaching Innovation Awards are the most prestigious event in the English Language Teaching calendar worldwide. After last year’s success in being shortlisted for the international award for their research into data-driven approaches to English language learning, Nilgün and John, along with their colleague Steve Neufeld, formerly of EMU, have now made it to the final stages of the 2010 international award category with an application that includes the website for EMU’s own ENGL 501 advanced thesis writing course. As a result they have again been invited to the ceremonial presentation in London to be held in March, and which last year was presided over by Lord Neil Kinnock, formerly leader of the UK Labour party, and UK European Commissioner.
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EMU OUT AND ABOUT One of the best methods to promote the university and recruit international students is by going to different countries around the world, attending educational fairs, presenting EMU at high schools, visiting Higher Ministries of Education to inform them about the latest developments at EMU and even opening up Alumni Centers. In the last three months, EMU has been working closely with the countries it recruits students from and carried out detailed research to enable us to develop our international character even further, by improving what we do at our university and finding out more about what international students are looking for from us. The photos give a flavor of some of the meetings and presentations the International Affairs team has organized in recent months: WHERE WE HAVE BEEN Successful visits in the Fall Semester have been organized to Jordan, Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Iran, Nigeria, and for the very first time, to Cameroon. COMING UP China, India, Albania, Dubai, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Oman are amongst the destinations lined up for the coming semester.
INTERNATIONAL CENTER http://ic.emu.edu.tr Everything changes, and in time the old must always give way to the new. Our International Center has now moved to a more accessible and convenient location just opposite the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Stop by and see what the International Center is up to, and what it is doing for EMU. You’ll be sure of a warm welcome from our friendly and knowledgeable assistants.
ORIENTATION PROGRAM A successful orientation Program was held for freshman students at the beginning of the semester to familiarize them with Eastern Mediterranean University. Not only were students given a full campus tour but also the chance to visit some of the most famous places and sites around Cyprus.
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SOCIETY ELECTIONS Eastern Mediterranean University has the highest number of international students on the island and it is very important to remain in continuous contact with them. Therefore, at the beginning of each academic year, every nationality elects a society president and vice president to represent them at meetings at the International Center. The presidents and the vice presidents are also responsible for organizing the traditional nights supported by the International Center, and informing the IC about inquiries, problems, and proposals from their respective societies.
RECENT ACCREDITATIONS Accreditations are also highly important to a university. EMU has many accreditations from international organisations, and can be justly proud of the recognition it receives from all around the world. Take some time to browse through the full list at: http://ic.emu.edu.tr/ More recently, or at least since our last issue, EMU has secured its position as the only university in Cyprus to be fully and officially recognised by the Nigeria Higher Ministry of Education. It has also just become an official centre for the administration of exams from the world-famous City and Guilds Centre in the UK. The work goes on‌.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
And now we come to the most important day of the year, the day on which academic staff, students and their families and friends come together to celebrate the achievements and success of our graduates. Quite rightly, it is a day of happiness, joy and pride, tinged perhaps by some regrets and sadness for the life that will now be left behind. Behind the award of the degrees and diplomas however are many untold stories of dedication, commitment and brilliance, as well
as personal sacrifices, challenges overcome, and much more. At this particular graduation ceremony, we are proud to say that EMU reaches another landmark, as the number of graduates from our university passes 30,000. Seeing as we ourselves have just celebrated our 30th birthday as EMU, this makes for a happy coincidence and for an occasion that should be memorable for everyone.
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ONWARDS TO NEW CHALLENGES
After the graduation celebrations have concluded, a new life beckons. Some students choose to pursue their studies further, either at EMU or elsewhere, whilst others begin their professional careers. Whatever their choice, EMU has done its best to prepare them for the challenges that await. A university should provide far more than a quality degree program. After all, this is an environment in which young people mature and acquire the sense of responsibility, problemsolving skills and all-around awareness that will help them not only a build a better future for themselves, but
for the societies of which they are members. Let’s take a concrete example of this. Recently,
the Nigerian Students’ Society held a fascinating series of debates about issues in their own coun-
try. One thing led to another, and the result is the manifesto that you can see below:
NIGERIAN STUDENTS MANIFESTO ON “WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR NIGERIA?” Firstly, as students of this great and enviable institution renowned for its development of talents amongst its international students, Nigerian graduates at EMU have accumulated knowledge and experience capable of transforming both public and private sectors in Nigeria, especially in the areas of Economy, Informational Technology, Architecture, Engineering and Tourism. We can improve the public and human resources of the Nation through making our own contribution to national development in line with the educational values that EMU is delivering to us. Secondly, interaction with other international students and full exploitation of the sociocultural facilities here will help motivate Nigerian students and develop and transform the ideas which will be later imported to our Nation and help position it for the global challenges ahead. Thirdly, with high participation of Nigerian Students in decision making, everyone will become aware of the importance of an egalitarian society, promote the essence of freedom, help democracy thrive, and ensure that our impact on our Nation will be positive and successful. Also, with their high academic standards, EMU Students will contribute resoundingly to human re-
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source development, technological advancement and socially uplift the Nation in all aspects. Through the implementation of all our pivotal and far-reaching Programs, from manifesto night onwards, our Nation will be positively served through the interventions of capable graduates from this noble university of ours. TAIWO ALPHONSO OYESANMI PRESIDENT NIGERIA STUDENT ASSOCIATION We wish all our graduates well, whatever their future plans may be. Wherever you go however, and whatever route you take through life, it’s always good – even if not always easy – to keep in touch with old friends and to find out what’s happening at your old university. With so many graduates, there’s also so much to be shared, and we’re always happy to see or hear from you. So, please do regularly check into the International Centre website at: http://ic.emu.edu.tr/ to see what’s happening and post a message to us to let us know what you’re doing or to just post a happy memory of your time at EMU.
GOING… AND COMING… Whilst we wish all our graduates the very best for their future, let’s not also forget that a new semester is just around the corner, and that we will be welcoming many students to the EMU family, some of whom
have already arrived in northern Cyprus and are already going through their initial period of adaptation to life in the EMU family. So here are some words from both those leaving us and those joining us…
I always knew looking back on the tears would make me laugh but I never knew looking back on the laughs would make me cry…. It’s been a really wonderful and rich experience here in Cyprus. To all my Friends, Lecturers, Classmates and Acquaintances it has sure been a privilege being with you. Things are changing now, we’re going apart. It’s not goodbye but a change in heart and path. The road we’ve traveled was just a start, I’m sure we’ll meet again. You will all be missed, I love you all and God Bless you. Olawale Lawal I am graduating from the International Relations Department. I am so glad to have attended such a good university as EMU, where I have made so many international friends, and even if Cyprus is far from my country,I've never felt far apart from my home while I have been at EMU. Samat Apenov This is what my family wrote to me when they heard I was graduating from Eastern Mediterranean University: Dear Marjan, we are very proud of you of on this special day. To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. We believe in you and your abilities. Congratulations again on your graduation from this fine university, and we wish you the best throughout your life. Marjan Ansari Shourijeh
My short stay in Cyprus and EMU has far exceeded my expectations, especially because I was a bit sceptical about being here in the first place. It’s such a peaceful and beautiful place filled with life and energy, not to mention the warm hospitality of the people. So far, the students at EMU have been very friendly and helpful. Officials here are so accessible; their reception has been quite warm and this has helped to calm my nerves. At the moment, I am trying to convince some of my friends to come here as it is a student-friendly environment instead of the usual places Nigerians love going to. Dooshima Sen
I first learnt of the university through my husband, who watched a program about EMU on television in Nigeria. We then decided to give it a try and I must confess that ever since I started communicating with the school I have had no regrets. They have been quite helpful from day one when my daughter got her admission. Coming from Nigeria, I got the feel of a well organized system. I have met with so many nice and warm officials from the Vice Rector, International Centre to her departmental head. I loved my meeting with the departmental head. After our lengthy discussion with her I came out convinced that we made a good choice concerning her education. Dooshima’s mother (Mrs. L.Sen)
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The 3rd International ELT Conference
CONFERENCE ON MEDITERRANEAN WORLDS: ‘MYTH OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND THE MEDITERRANEAN OF MYTHS’
3-6 June 2010 15-17 September 2010 http://www.icce2010.org/
5-7 May 2010 http://elt2010.emu.edu.tr/
http://web2009.emu.edu.tr/emunews/ announce/aralik2009/duyuru-02-eng.htm