Terra Nostra* SPRING 2013
*Latin for “Our World”
Published each semester by the International Education Center of Georgia College. Available online at gcsu.edu/international
New Connections with Taiwan and China Recognizing the need to expand Georgia College’s reach into East Asia, Dr. Dwight Call, assistant vice president for international education, invited the dozen Chinese faculty teaching at Georgia College to a meeting in the International Education Center last August to discuss ways to increase Chinese student recruitment from both the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan, as well as to develop partnerships for exchange of faculty and students. Many of GC’s best overseas partnerships have been built on relationships already established by faculty. Following the meeting, Dr. Jiaqin Yang, professor of management, invited a group of administrators from Xihua University (XHU) in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province in Southwest China, to visit Georgia College and discuss possibilities. In early December Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang, professor of psychology, corresponded with psychology colleagues and visited the Taipei Municipal University of
INDEX New Connections with Taiwan and China............................1 Dr. Dwight Call Retires after 16 years Leading International Education ...................1 Study on Exchange in Taiwan .........3 Returning to Japan..........................5 28th Annual International Dinner ....6 Global Citizenship Symposium........8 Guest Lecturer funded by the Halle Foundation.......................9 A Weekend as a Yemen Delegate..............................9 Alumni News .................................10 From Macon to Azbairjan..............11
Education (TMUE), where a memorandum of understanding was signed establishing an exchange relationship between GC and TMUE. Both XHU and TMUE offer many of the same programs as GC in the arts, humanities, sciences, business and education. TMUE has a history similar to Georgia College’s and in August will change its name to the University of Taipei. While in Taipei, Dr. Chiang also made contact with Shih Hsin University, which expressed an interest in expanding its international relationships. In April Interim Provost Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth and Dr. Call visited the three universities, Xihua University in Chengdu, China, and Taipei Municipal University of Education and Shih Hsin University in Taipei, Taiwan. In preparation, they solicited the assistance of faculty in translating a recruitment brochure into both traditional and simplified Chinese, the former for Taiwan and the latter for mainland China. The morning after Drs. Liao-Troth and Call made the long flight from Atlanta to Tokyo and onward to Taipei, they were
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President Weiguo Sun of Xihua University (left) in Chengdu, China, and Interim Provost Matthew Liao-Troth of Georgia College sign memorandum of understanding. welcomed at SHU and given a tour of thebeautiful campus by Jennifer Lin from the Office of Public Affairs. Vice President James Hsiung welcomed the Georgia College administrators, and Dr. Liao-Troth responded with appreciation. The administrators discussed additional possibilities beyond the exchange of faculty and students, and Drs. Liao-Troth
and Hsiung signed a memorandum of understanding that may be followed up by additional agreements. In the afternoon of that first morning, Drs. Liao-Troth and Call visited the EducationUSA center in Taipei, part of a global network of more than 400 advising centers worldwide that is supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural
See CONNECTIONS, p.2
Dr. Dwight Call retires after 16 years leading International Education - Libby Davis, Associate Director, International Education Center After 16 and a half years at the helm of International Education at Georgia College, Dr. Dwight Call, assistant vice president for International Education, is retiring this June. When he came to Georgia College in January 1997, the foundation of international education had been laid, but Dr. Call was the one who elevated it to a new level and oversaw tremendous growth in international programs and initiatives at Georgia College. When he first arrived, you could
count on one or two hands the number of students who studied abroad. Now, the numbers consistently top 200 each year, with 25 percent of all graduates having completed a study abroad experience. The number of partner universities worldwide has grown and flourished, and international services developed into an expanded and centralized International Education Center. Dwight brought to Georgia College long years of experience in community development, an expertise in working with inbound and outbound students and knowledge of the nuts and bolts of developing semester study abroad pro-
grams in Oceania and Africa. At Georgia College he worked tirelessly on internationalizing the curriculum, working with faculty on developing new faculty-led study programs abroad, and to ensure that Georgia’s Public Liberal Arts University has an international and intercultural emphasis that is recognized across the State of Georgia. Dwight’s collaborative approach with faculty and staff built widespread support for international education across campus. He spearheaded many joint initiatives, including securing grant money that led to internationalization of the curriculum in several departments and
See CALL, p.4
gcsu.edu/international
CONNECTIONS, from p.1
GEORGIA COLLEGE Steve Dorman President Tom Ormond Associate Provost
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER STAFF: Dwight Call Assistant Vice President for International Education
Interim Provost Matthw Liao-Troth (left) and Assistant Vice President for International Education Dr. Dwight Call (right) with Shih Hsin University of Taipei’s Vice President James C. Hsiung after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions.
Libby Davis Associate Director and International Student Adviser Scott Terry Study Abroad Adviser Liz Havey Study Abroad Adviser Jason Wynn International Admissions Counselor
Drs. Dwight Call (second from right) and Matthew LiaoTroth (right) met with Acting President Chun-Rong Liu (center) and other administrators at Taipei Municipal University of Education in Taiwan.
Mary Anderson Secretary Lucine Colignon and Sarah Prochaska Interns Sarah Crile and Jhadelys Reyes Student Workers
Location: The Bone House Phone: 478-445-4789 Fax: 478-445-2623 Campus Box 49
Georgia College, Georgia's designated Public Liberal Arts University, combines the educational experience expected at esteemed private liberal arts colleges with the affordability of public higher education. Its four colleges - arts and sciences, business, education and health sciences provide 6,600 undergraduate and graduate students with an exceptional learning environment that extends beyond the classroom, with hands-on involvement in faculty research, community service, residential learning communities, study abroad and myriad internships.
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Drs. Liao-Troth (left) and Call (center) met with Taipei Municipal University of Education’s first exchange students scheduled to come to Georgia for fall semester 2013: Cheng-Hsuan “Danny” Han and Chuan-Yueh “Sophia” Wang. Second from the left was an exchange student from COPLAC’s University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC).
Auditorium full of Xihua University students interested in studying on exchange at Georgia College.
Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. The ECA fosters mutual understanding between the United States. and other countries by promoting personal, professional and institutional ties between private citizens and organizations in the United States and abroad. Among other tasks, EducationUSA centers advise students interested in studying in the United States. Drs. Liao-Troth and Call were welcomed by Clarence Jingping Fu, center coordinator, had an opportunity to discuss Georgia College, and were able to help a couple of students interested in studying in the United States. The second full day in Taipei was spent by Drs. LiaoTroth and Call at TMUE, a short walk from the hotel where they were staying, accompanied by Counselor Hogan Tsai from the Division of International Exchange. Located in the central district of Taipei City, the campus is surrounded by many national government buildings in an extremely safe part of the city. The university is very near important arts and educational institutions such as National Central Library, the National Theater and the National Concert Hall, Nan-hi Learning Garden and several junior high and elementary schools. At TMUE fruitful discussions followed with various faculty and administrators, including Division Chief for International Exchange Dr. Jun-Yi Hsieh and Acting President Dr. Chun-Ron Liu, and interest in sharing double degrees surfaced. Following lunch Drs. Liao-Troth and Call had a tour of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and enjoyed seeing TMUE’s lovely campus. Finally they had an enjoyable time meeting with two students who have been accepted on exchange for fall semester at GC. From Taipei Drs. Liao-Troth and Call flew to Chengdu, changing planes in Macau, a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China that is heavily dependent on gambling and tourism and was administered by Portugal from the mid-16th century until 1999. Dr. Jiachuan ZHANG, who visited Georgia College in the fall as director of Xihua University’s Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, met the two at the airport in Chengdu and took them to the Yinhe Dynasty Hotel in the center of the city, where they were hosted by XHU. At XHU Drs. Liao-Troth and Call had a very full day and were quite impressed by the quality of the students. In the morning they gave a presentation in English to an auditorium filled with 150 students interested in studying on exchange in the United States. Many students revealed in their questions that they understand the differences in education offered at Chinese and U.S. institutions of higher education. Following the presentation they were joined by President Weiguo Sun, Vice President Jian Ping He and others for a formal signing of a memorandum of understanding between GC and XHU. Lunch was a sumptuous banquet that included many toasts to good health and the future relationship between the two schools. After lunch Director Luo Bo led Drs. Liao-Troth and Call on a tour of the large, beautiful and spacious campus, followed by a trip to the Chengdu Panda Base of Giant Panda Breeding that is dedicated to giant panda conservation and developing humane living areas for giant pandas, red pandas, and other Chinese endangered animals. As the week in Taiwan and China drew to a close, Drs. Liao-Troth and Call rode to the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on their last day together and reflected on the success of their ventures in Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China. The first visible proof of that success will be the welcoming of two exchange students from Taipei Municipal University of Education in Music Therapy and Psychology and the hosting of two faculty members from Xihua University in Computer Science and Finance, but they anticipate much more successful collaboration to come.
Study on Exchange in Taiwan - Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang, Professor of Psychology The world has become globally connected. Therefore, it is imperative for 21st-century learners to be acquainted with global issues and be educated about cultural influences on beliefs and practices in order to build cultural sensitivity. As the Chinese population has grown globally, learning more about the Chinese and Chinese culture is important in the 21st century. A primary goal of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents is that “all USG students attain an appropriate level of international knowledge and understanding that enables them to participate fully and successfully in a global society.” Dr. Dwight Call, assistant vice president for International Education, called a meeting in August 2012 to discuss international education opportunities for Georgia College students in China and Taiwan. Faculty members who had previous experience and connections with those countries volunteered to explore various study abroad opportunities. With extensive experience and background in Taiwanese culture and its educational system, Dr. J.F. Yao and I began researching and assessing the best educational opportunities for GC students. We examined the size of the university, university reputation, programs offered and the location of the university that will provide the best cultural experiences for our students. We found such a public university with emphasis on a liberal arts education and excellent teaching with similar growth and development to the Georgia College. The Taipei Municipal University of Education (TMUE) established in 1895 is located in metropolitan Taipei. “Located at the central district of Taipei City, the campus of Taipei Municipal University of Education … adjoins to those important arts and educational institutes such as the National Central Library, the National Theater and the National Concert Hall, Nan-hi Learning Garden and several junior high and elementary schools. In addition, the public recreation grounds, including the 228 Memorial Park, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the Taipei Botanical Garden, is within walk distance. Taking advantages of the abundance, diversity and vitality of an energetic city, the university presents unique aspects of metropolitan academic organization.”- quoted from the TMUE website. After a series of email exchanges, I was invited to give two speeches and visit TMUE in celebrating the university’s 117 years of history in a psychology lecture series.
During my trip, a memorandum of understanding was signed establishing an exchange program for students and faculty between our two universities. Taiwan is a country with five thousand years of rich history and culture that still uses the traditional Chinese calligraphy, yet embraces many modern advances. It is also an island with multiple cultural influences in its recent history as Dutch and then Japanese colony. Students and faculty can sample traditional Chinese cultural artifacts and a wide range of Chinese cuisines, along with modern technology, convenient transportation transit system in Taipei, and fast speed train system connecting the north and south of Taiwan. TMUE’s strong belief in cultural exchange as part of its excellent educational system has led the TMUE president to set aside funds to support exchange students with free lodging during the time of exchange. Additionally, a “buddy” system is in place to pair each exchange student with a native Taiwanese student to aid the cultural exploration and learning in and out of classrooms. With mutual understanding, both GC and TMUE agree to allow two students to exchange places each academic year. Students will have a range of classes to choose from, including introduction to Chinese language and culture from entry level to advanced level. Though Chinese language is not a prerequisite for studying abroad, it would be advantageous for students to have some basic Chinese. It would allow a wider range of classes to choose from. Because the Taiwanese university semester periods (September – January and the end of February to late June) are different from the United States, either the whole year exchange or spring semester exchange is recommended. In preparing future leaders who will contribute to society, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of international education for GC students. Learning a second language (or even a third) not only increases individuals’ opportunities to appreciate other cultures, it also enhances employability. Any company with business with other countries will readily hire employees who have multiple language and cultural experiences. As a person who is fluent in three languages, I continue to learn a fourth and a fifth language. Contact the International Education Center Study Abroad Advisers to learn how to apply for study abroad in Taiwan and to obtain scholarships for exciting study abroad learning. *In August TMUE will become the University of Taipei. Both the University of Taipei and Shih Hsin University will be excellent locations to study and learn Chinese.
Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang, professor of psychology (second from left), shakes hands with Acting President Chun-Rong Liu after his signing of a memorandum of understanding between Georgia College and Taipei Municipal University of Education.
Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang, professor of psychology (left), delivers memorandum of understanding from Taipei Municipal University of Education to Interim Provost Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth (center) and Dr. Dwight Call, assistant vice president for international education.
International Education Center staff receive memorandum of understanding with Taipei Municipal University of Education: (left to right) Study Abroad Adviser Liz Havey, Study Abroad Adviser Scott Terry, International Admissions Counselor Jason Wynn, Associate Director of International Education Libby Davis, Professor of Psychology Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang, Interim Provost Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth and Assistant Vice President for International Education Dr. Dwight Call
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CALL, from p.1 launched the International Degree Option. Sunita Manian, coordinator of Interdisciplinary Studies, describes his many contributions: “He has helped infuse global perspectives throughout the curriculum, so that global education doesn’t only take place on study abroad, but is also part of everything else we do at GC. Dwight was instrumental in the development of the Middle East Council of the USG, which has played an important role in encouraging the study of that very important part of the world.” Dwight was also an integral part of the annual Global Citizenship Symposium, a collaboration of the International Education Center and the American Democracy Project. “I have been honored to work closely with Dwight during the past nine years,” writes Gregg Kaufman, Director of the American Democracy Project. “Dwight’s steady leadership and generosity will undoubtedly be remembered by many. It has been my honor to have him as a colleague and friend.” Dwight brought a wealth of experience and passion to the position. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who is more knowledgeable about so many countries and cultures and so dedicated to the work he does. While he never boasts about it and will say he really isn’t that welltravelled, Dwight is extremely interculturally astute and can navigate any type of cross-cultural situation, having traveled to over eighty countries and having lived abroad in a variety of situations. He immediately made any new international student feel at home as he talked personally about his experience in the student’s home country, be it Sweden or Belize or Zimbabwe. Extending the welcome, Dwight opened his home up to international students every semester. He wanted to make sure that they felt comfortable and really wanted to get to know them personally. Even long after students had graduated, Dwight always kept in touch continuing to build our alumni network and often visiting alumni on his travels to various corners of the world. Not only was Dwight a leader for international education at Georgia College, but he was a well-respected and active leader around the state. He served in numerous leadership positions during his tenure, such as U. S. co-chair of The Consortium for Belize Educational Cooperation (COBEC), chair of the European Council, chair of the Georgia Consortium for International Studies, and chair of the University System of Georgia Committee on International Students and Scholars. He also organized and led USG faculty development seminars abroad in Czech, Russia, Japan, Denmark and Sweden, and Morocco and Spain. Dr. Neal McCrillis, director of the Center for International Education at Columbus State University and chair of the University System of Georgia Council on International Education, has worked with Dwight over the years through COBEC and faculty development seminars. “His work is often quiet and he never draws attention to himself,” Dr. McCrillis recalls. “I was struck early on by his ability to collaborate with others. He remains a great friend, colleague and passionate supporter of all international education endeavors whether sponsored by GC or others. I think the collaborative biology program in Belize that he helped organize with a Belizean junior college really represents the kind of study abroad program Dwight most admires.” Remembering the faculty seminar in Japan that Dwight led, McCrillis reiterates, “He was a great faculty seminar leader. I learned a lot from him about the structure of such activities and interpersonal dynamics. It takes a special person to plan and lead an international faculty development seminar and Dwight is about the best I’ve seen.” Ms. Margee Ragland, associate professor of art at Georgia Perimeter College and the newly elected European Council Chair, described Dwight as a mentor who will be greatly missed in the field: “Dwight is a citizen of the world. His peaceful, tolerant, and inquisitive nature has inspired him to travel all over the world making lifelong friends wherever he goes. I always look forward to learning about his newest travels and adventures. Dwight is an inspiration to everyone dedicated to international education. He will be greatly missed as an international education leader in Georgia, but his retirement will afford him the opportunity to explore the world at his leisure.” Indeed, Dwight Call will be greatly missed at Georgia College by all of his colleagues and students. We wish him well on his retirement and look forward to hearing about his next adventures. Despite the miserable winter weather in northern Ohio, Dwight plans to move to Kendal at Oberlin, a vibrant community in a small college town where he graduated from university. Dwight is at home in the world and plans to do more traveling in many directions, to write on intercultural experiences and to consult on international education issues.
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At the 28th annual International Dinner, Chike Rapu presents Dr. Dwight Call, assistant vice president for international education, with a gift in honor of his retirement
Dr. Dwight Call, assistant vice president for international education, at his retirement reception
Returning to Japan - Dr. Dwight Call, Assistant Vice President for International Education The last week in April I was able to visit two longtime exchange partners in Japan, Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto and J. F. Oberlin University in Machida. The visit gave me a chance to return to a country where I have lived on two separate occasions – in the late 1960s as a YMCA World Service Worker I taught English in the small city of Kofu and in the early 1990s I managed the semester-long study program for U.S. students for the Vermont-based School for International Training. Prior to touring Ritsumeikan’s international student dormitory and meeting colleagues, I arrived early enough in Kyoto to beat the crowd of students visiting Ryoanji Temple just across the road from Ritsumeikan. Kyoto was capital of Japan from 794 to 1869. I’d visited Ryoanji, the world’s most famous rock garden, many times and was glad for a few moments of early morning meditation. At Ritsumeikan University itself I was able to tour the beautiful and accommodating international student dormitory with Dr. Tsutomu Kanayama, director of the division of international affairs, and Sakiko Sawada, international relations coordinator. We then returned to the international office, where we had a long and fruitful discussion regarding the two schools’ exchange of students, which both sides value greatly. Kay Kim, inbound student coordinator, reported that Georgia College’s student at Ritsumeikan for the academic year is doing well. Ayako Otabe, outbound student coordinator, inquired “What do you do with our students?” What she wanted to know was what Georgia College does to impact Ritsumeikan’s exchange students in Milledgeville so that they return with much better English and much more confident. I explained Georgia College’s American Language and Culture class that many students take in their first semester, as well as the very active International Club, the small town and small classroom size, all of which facilitate the students’ adjustment to U.S. culture and their language learning. The following day I visited J. F. Oberlin University on the edge of Tokyo, where I heard about J. F. Oberlin’s extensive program sending groups of students abroad for English language learning and short-term internships. In fact, Akihiro Nezu, director of North American Operations, will be accompanying one group of students to Atlanta this summer, where J. F. Oberlin has already been working with Georgia Tech and Mercer University. Hopefully, Mr. Nezu will have time to visit Georgia College. Even though Georgia College canceled its Japanese language program several years ago – a program that had operated for nearly 15 years – many Georgia College students are still quite interested in Japanese contemporary arts forms and, therefore, Japanese language. Students are fascinated by manga (modern Japanese cartoons), anime (featuring handdrawn or computer animated television or film) and computer games. Manga and anime have a large audience in Japan and are popular in the United States and throughout the world. Our partnerships with Ritsumeikan and J. F. Oberlin still offer Georgia College students fantastic opportunities to study Japanese language, culture and contemporary art forms.
Ritsumeikan University international staff: front, left to right, Yoshiaki Sakai, office of international student services, Kay Kim, inbound student coordinator, Ayako Otabe, outbound student coordinator, Sakiko Sawada, international relations coordinator, and Dr. Tsutomu Kanayama, director of the division of international affairs.
Across the road from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto is the Ryoanji Temple, which contains the most famous rock garden in the world.
J. F. Oberlin University’s international program staff Yukiko Ebara with statue of Dr. Yasuzo Shimizu, the founder of the university. Dr. Shimizu was a graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio and impressed by Johann Friedrich Oberlin, an Alsatian pastor for whom Oberlin College was named.
All students at Ritsumeikan University’s International House have single rooms.
J. F. Oberlin University’s international program staff (left to right) Atsushi Nagaoka and Fumitake Nakamura.
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International 28th ANNUAL Dinner On March 2 collective taste buds had the opportunity to travel the world without leaving the Georgia College campus. This delight was made possible by the Georgia College International Club as students hosted their 28th Annual International Dinner. The students created an environment that allowed the sold out audience of over 200 people the chance to sample flavors of international culture for the eyes, nose and pallet. Where else can you go to sample cuisine from countries such as Spain, Syria, Belize and Sri Lanka all under one roof? Students prepared and served these dishes from around the world to help support the Global Scholars Fund, which provides scholarships to outstanding and financially needy international and study abroad students. Attendees worked their way through the buffet line, often with two plates in hand, to try dishes such as Bulgogi, Spring Rolls, Tabouli, and Conch Fritters just to name a few. As faculty, community members and peers indulged in their meals the students set forth to entertain them with a variety of cultural performances. Included in the entertainment of the night were Bollywood, swing and salsa dances, a Tae Kwon Do presentation, traditional vocal pieces and an international fashion show. Those attending were even offered a further glimpse into the minds of the international students through a video of brief interviews detailing their experiences here at Georgia College. As the night came to an end, the students thanked their faculty mentors. Many attendees purchased International Dinner Cookbooks to take home so they could try their hands at recreating their favorite dishes of the night. The dinner was a great way for students to share a part of their culture with the Georgia College community and created a memorable event for all those who attended. Be sure to plan ahead for next year’s International Dinner. It is a feast you won’t want to miss!
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Serving line at International Dinner: John Maimo (Camaroon) on the left and Joseph Ogendo (Kenya) second from left.
International Dinner from the balcony.
An Indian dance.
Masters of ceremony Ronrico Slack (Jamaica) on the left and Ellen Axentborg (Sweden).
International fashion show.
Serving line at International Dinner: Katsuaki Oishi (Japan) on the left.
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Global Citizenship Symposium - Gregg Kaufman, Instructor, College of Arts and Sciences and Coordinator of the American Democracy Project Alex Wirth, Harvard sophomore used his presentation and handout, Building a Campaign for Change, to help audience members, 300 strong, think seriously about issues of personal importance and how to strategically think about making a difference as citizens who have the advantage of four or more university years. Wirth illustrated his campaign for change by speaking about the Presidential Youth Council he and others developed as well as a social media effort based on a “Daily Show with John Stewart” segment that documented the U.S. Congress desire to stop funding UNESCO. Several students reflected on Wirth’s keynote in a writing assignment by writing, “Alex Wirth left me feeling motivated to make a difference. Most times, when you leave a presentation, you are a bit confused…. This was not the case with his keynote address. When I left, the only questions that I was asking myself were about where I wanted to devote my efforts? How do I want to campaign for change.” Another wrote, “When leaving the symposium, I felt as though I was part of something big and that if I get involved in something that I am passionate about, I can make a change.” John Saltmarsh, co-director of the New England Resource Center for Higher Education (NERCHE) at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and Timothy Eatman, assistant professor of Higher Education and director for Research of Imagining America at Syracuse University, conducted workshops for academic leaders – Pursuing the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification – and students – What does it mean to be a public scholar? John and Tim creatively shared their personal narratives relative to teaching democratic engagement and the time when their scholarship coalesced at the second evening keynote address, Journey to Politically Engaged Scholarship. Their stories of their respective learning, teaching and interaction with students made for an enlightening and
thought-provoking time. Barbara Levin, UNC Greensboro, an advocate for creatively utilizing technology in the K-12 classroom, delivered the final symposium keynote and subsequently served on a panel with representatives from area schools, Teach for America and the U.S. Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Center grant program. Another panel, comprised of a principal, three teachers and two ninth-grade grade students, shared their integrated lesson unit entitled Campaign 2012 where mathematics, language arts, technology and social studies helped students not only follow the national campaign but create avatars and a virtual campaign. The third day concluded with a two-hour session that attracted community members including county commissioners and school board members. Called Are We Making Academic Progress in Baldwin County? The first hour’s panel included representatives from K12, Georgia College and an afterschool program that engages 1,000 grade third through 12th youth. The second hour provided for breakout sessions that addressed health and fitness, workforce development, the literate American student, and race relations in the community and schools’ cultures. Interspersed throughout the three days were student performances, “Miss Electricity”, by Katharyn Walat and “Crisantemi”, Puccini, and the documentary film, “Race to Nowhere”. Gregg Kaufman, GC's ADP cordinator stated, “This year’s symposium was unprecedented for a number of reasons. Georgia College’s new president, Steve Dorman, attended events on all three days, the four college deans and many academic chairpersons, local elected leaders, and a former state senator joined the hundreds of students who explored literacy in its many forms and the symposium directly related to the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan goal of building a culture of engaged learning.” Since the coming year will bring to campus a new provost and a new head of the International Education Center, administrators will give careful consideration regarding the future of the Global Citizenship Symposium.
Alex Wirth, Harvard sophomore, helped audience members consider how to think strategically about making a difference as citizens.
Dr. Timothy Eatman (left), assistant professor of higher education and director for research of imagining america at Syracuse University, and Dr. John Saltmarsh, co-director of the New England Resource Center for Higher Education (NERCHE) at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
International Club Officers and the International Dinner
Planning for the Dinner (left to right): Nilantha Abeyrathne from Sri Lanka (Vice President), Rujeko Chinomona from Zimbabwe (Secretary), Libby Davis (Adviser), Scott Terry (Adviser), Nicole Moyo from Zimbabwe (Treasurer), Anshika Rimal from Nepal (President) and Adhyayan “Pushkin” Negandhi from India (Webmaster).
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Officers hold the Bobcat Award received from Campus Life by the International Club for “Multicultural Program of the Year,” left to right, Libby Davis, Rujeko Chinomona, Anshika Rimal, Nilantha Abeyrathne, Nicole Moyo and Scott Terry.
Guest Lecturers Funded by The Halle Foundation Dr. Christoph Ehland, professor of English, and Jeannette Boettcher, professor of Second Language Acquisition, both from the University of Paderborn in Germany, lectured on German stereotypes in American and British cultures. More than 30 students and colleagues from other departments attended. The lecture and an interview with Dr. Ehland were filmed and broadcast across campus. The visit and lecture were sponsored by the University of Paderborn, Kennesaw State University and The Halle Foundation. The mission of The Halle Foundation is to promote understanding, knowledge and friendship between the people of Germany, as seen in its European context, and those of the United States. To this end, the Foundation supports initiatives in the fields of culture, science, technology, commerce, language, scholarship, and international relations that take place under the auspices of Emory University, the Southern Center for International Studies, the Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center, or under the auspices of other not-for-profit institutions which the Trustees may select from time to time.
A Weekend as a Yemen Delegate - Nicole Moyo, Management major from Zimbabwe Having spent most of my life in Zimbabwe, my knowledge of the Arab world was limited to the information broadcast on TV networks such as BBC and the local Zimbabwean network. Despite the bleak perspective of the Arab world I had received, I was keen on knowing more than the tragic news broadcast on a daily basis. March 15 – 17 I had the opportunity to participate in the Model Arab League in Spartanburg, South Carolina, as a member of the Georgia College Model United Nations. Through participation in the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ Model Arab League (MAL) program students learn about the politics and history of the Arab world and the arts of diplomacy and public speaking. MAL helps prepare students to be knowledgeable, welltrained, and effective citizens as well as civic and public affairs leaders. The schools that participate are assigned an Arab country to represent in the eight councils of the Model Arab League. Georgia College had a 13-member delegation representing Yemen. Adanma Oduah, a sophomore biology major, and I were delegates in the Council of Social Affairs Ministers. The keynote speaker was a Syrian citizen, Nora Nassri, a doctoral candidate at the University of South Carolina. She gave a presentation on the Syrian civil war. The main message she put across was that the conflict in Syria cannot be generalized
as is done by the media, for it is a complex phenomenon that is rooted in the nation’s history and affected by several other current factors. The conference consisted of five council sessions in which the delegates debated intensively on the given agenda topics. Yemen was a co-sponsor of a resolution that addressed examining common public health issues affecting member states with special regard for population growth and the threat of trans-border infectious diseases. Yemen also co-sponsored a resolution that addressed the formulation of a comprehensive Arab League policy to address the reduction and removal of non-discriminate weapons ordnance, as well as developing strategies to assist affected member states and individual victims. The experience at the Model Arab League broadened my knowledge of Yemen and Arab affairs for we had to be in character as diplomats representing our assigned countries. We had to debate basing our arguments on our nation’s points of view and not our personal beliefs and backgrounds. A couple of times we had to stand our ground to make sure that the interests of Yemen, a small and economically challenged country, were not overlooked by larger and more economically developed countries. We also got to interact with many other college students who share our passion in diplomacy and international relations. I am looking forward to participating in more similar simulations such as the Model African Union and the Model United Nations.
Adanma Oduah, sophomore biology major, and Nicole Moyo, junior management major, were delegates in the Council of Social Affairs at the Model Arab League.
Group of students at the Model Arab League.
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News We look forward to hearing from former international and study abroad students and always welcome emails letting us know what you’re doing. We value and need your assistance in recruiting good students from around the world to study at Georgia College. Despite being separated by vast distances and time, alumni from all corners of the globe stay connected by the strong bonds they formed at Georgia College. Find out what your Georgia College international friends are doing by joining our Facebook group at GCSU International Education Alumni. All former international and study abroad students and members of the International Club and their friends are welcome! Ritesh Agarwal and his wife Shurity are expecting their first child in July. Siragis Salekin is married to Zakia Frahna and works at HSBC Bank in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Brandon Avery spoke at Georgia College in March. Brandon joined the Peace Corps after graduating with a degree in philosophy and a certificate in nonprofit management from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. He served for two years in Togo, establishing seven Community Development Committees, a citizen self-governing effort, affiliated with the German embassy, leading a survey team to evaluate the World Health Organization’s anti-malaria bed-net distribution campaign, and coordinating and facilitating gender equality training conferences in support of Togolese professional women. Avery served as a tutor for the Youth Enrichment Services program at Baldwin High School while at GC and spoke to BHS YES students. Amy Chastain, who is teaching Advanced English for Business Students at Shantou University English Language Center, has organized Skype discussions with students at Georgia College. Shantou University is located in the city of Shantou in Guangdong Province, China. Former international students Yuchuan Chen and Jowen Hsu met Drs. Matthew Liao-Troth, interim
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from our alumni around the world
provost, and Dwight Call for dinner when the latter were in Taipei recently. Both alumnae reported that they are happily employed in their majors, i.e., computer science and music therapy respectively, and eager to assist in recruiting new students to their alma mater. That first evening in Chengdu two alumni, Li Cheng and Rui Huang gave Drs. Matthew Liao-Troth, interim provost, and Dwight Call a tour of the old district of the city and enjoyed a traditional Chinese meal. Amazingly, they then stopped at Starbucks for coffee. Successful in business, both alumni remembered fondly their time in Georgia and offered that they will certainly encourage other prospective students to study at GC. French TV did a documentary on Jade de Lavareille, a former Theatre exchange student from France, who is working to become a model. Some of the documentary was done while she was at GC and some back in France. The program shows Jade in her Acting I class with Dr. Karen Berman, chair of the Theatre Department, and directing during her Dr. Amy Pinney’s Directing I class. When Dr. Dwight Call was in China recently, he caught up for the weekend with Maik Henneberg in the city of Changsha, where Maik manages finances for Bosch multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world’s largest supplier of automotive components. Kathryn Lea has been accepted as a Peace Corps Volunteer for El Salvador. Marielle Stair writes that she and her husband Jason now live in Athens, Ga., where she works for the Disability Resource Center at the University of Georgia and has begun training to become a transcriptionist for hearing impaired students. She was also recently sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in the Clarke-Oconee Juvenile Court in Athens and will start her master’s degree in social work through the University of Southern California this summer.
Ritesh Agarwal (left) and Siragis Salekin
Maik Henneberg poses in front of the new statue of Mao Zedong in the city of Changsha, China, where Maik manages finances for Bosch. The statue is on an island in the river, which Mao swam when he was a young man.
Dinner in Taipei: (left to right) Dr. Dwight Call, alumnae Jowen Hsu and Yuchuan Chen and Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth.
Dinner in Chengdu: (left to right) Alumnus Li Cheng, Dr. Matthew LiaoTroth, Dr. Dwight Call and alumnus Rui Huang.
From Macon to Azerbaijan: An alumnus joins the Peace Corps The International Education Center at Georgia College offers a world of opportunities for students interested in studying abroad. For some students capitalizing on just one opportunity to study abroad is simply not enough. Many students continue on to experience multiple destinations and locales while enrolled. With over 75 countries from which to choose organized study abroad programs, who can blame those who keep coming back for more – more culture, language, academic perspective and adventure. Lon David Gibson would categorize himself as one of those individuals who caught the travel bug and kept on exploring. “I consider myself to be one very blessed individual. I have been provided with opportunities to study abroad and visit countries such as Germany, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Great Britain, Belize and Belgium,” said Gibson. This Georgia native, raised in Macon, recently graduated with a master’s degree in public administration, but not before getting his fill of study abroad. Who would have thought that a quick conversation with a faculty member on campus sparked by a single study abroad flyer could have led to such incredible journeys? Gibson has participated on summer study abroad programs to Germany with the European Council and two Georgia College faculty-led programs, one to multiple destinations in Europe with Dr. Jerry Herbel, government and sociology and the other to Belize, with Dr. Kirk Armstrong, kinesiology. Gibson spoke of these experiences: “Seeing others in the world and how they make their lives work motivated me to see more, but the trip to Belize truly touched my heart. It showed me that I needed to mature as an adult, become more of a man and give back to the world because living in America is such a blessing.” Gibson continued to share his passion for travel by participating as one of Georgia College’s Bobcat Abroad Ambassadors, returned study abroad students who help to raise awareness of study abroad on campus. “I believe that studying abroad raised the expectations I had for myself, it changed my perspective on life completely,” said Gibson. These sentiments are echoed by other Georgia College students and in many cases lead to life-changing decisions. For Gibson studying abroad is not just a world of opportunities to participate in, but in fact, study abroad opens a world of
opportunities for those who take part. Gibson recently accepted an invitation to serve in Azerbaijan with the Peace Corp, the prestigious agency that provides trained volunteers for countries requesting assistance around the world. He will be teaching English to non-native speakers on his two-year assignment. “In April, I will be heading to a country I’ve just recently become comfortable with pronouncing, but I am ready and confident,” said Gibson. Gibson encourages those interested in following his Peace Corp journey to connect: FaceBook: @ Lon David Gibson Instagram: @ david_gibson Tumblr: @ http://www-lonblogspot.tumblr.com/
According to David Gibson, “There will be days when fishing is better than one’s most optimistic forecast, others when it is far worse. Either is a gain over just staying home.” That explains why David has joined the Peace Corps.
✁ PLEDGE FORM THE GLOBAL SCHOLARS FUND FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION Assisting outstanding and financially needy international and study abroad students at GC
❑ ENCLOSED IS MY CHECK in the amount of $ __________, payable to the GC Foundation to Global Scholars Fund. ❑ PLEASE CHARGE MY GIFT OF $ ___________ to my : ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard Card #: ________________________________________ Expiration Date: __________ Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Email: _______________________________________ Return Pledge Form to: International Education Center, Campus Box 049, Milledgeville, GA 31061 NOTE: GC employees may give through payroll deduction. Contact University Advancement to request a payroll deduction form and designate Fund #296. All gifts to the GC Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 11
International Education Center Campus Box 49 Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490 Phone 478-445-4789 Fax 478-445-2623
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