GSM
Issue 1
Letter from the editor... Finally, here it is. I have been waiting for a long time to publish this magazine. It has been over six months since I first mentioned the idea of founding a magazine for UM’s international community to Global Student Magazine’s (GSM) first staff member, Ho Yin Choi. We both have experience working for the Michigan Daily and hope to bring changes to this university. Ho and I easily realized the similarity of our goals and ideas and acted quickly to build up our team. However, the process of starting GSM was much slower than we had expected. As a brand new student media outlet, GSM faced almost all the problems new student organizations face. Our lack of familiarity among students made it hard for us to promote the magazine and find sponsors from either within or outside the university. Uncertainty about magazine contents prolonged our debates and meetings and with a staff comprised mostly of international students, we had to spend more time
editing our articles and refining our English. What surprised me most was that no one abandoned our original ideas or quit their positions. It is through the all hard work of the GSM staff that made this first issue possible. Therefore, I want to thank all the staff and supporters of this magazine. Without their time spent in meetings, marketing events, content creation, and editing, it would have been impossible for this magazine to be here in front of you. I especially want to thank Manish Parikh, the current president of Central Student Government. His support and suggestions provided us with confidence and the ability to make our goal into reality. Finally, all of us at GSM would like to thank you for reading this magazine. After all, the creation of GSM is for you and other readers like you. We hope you enjoy it and continue to support us with your future attention. Sincerely, Keran Shao, Editor-in-Chief
Our Staff Editor-In-Chief: Keran Shao Managing Editor: Arial West Secretary: Emily Ho Photo Editor: Kenev Ip Business Director: Sinyi Chen Marketing Director: Yang Zhang Copy Editors: Yang Zhang Ho Yin Choi Finance Director: Yanqin Cui Other Editorial Staff: Zoe Lai Benjamin Meyers Other Business Staff: Chi Man Ho Angie Zhou
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Table of Contents Why we are global Interview: Manish Parkih Change Is Underway: Student Body President Thinks Global Across the Globe: Never too far, late, or tough to lend a helping hand Lifestyles: two restaurants in A2
Bell Tower Photo credit: Kenev Ip
Why we are global
Keran Shao
Why We Are Global Written by: Keran Shao The World is flat. When Thomas L. Friedman, the three-time Pulitzer prize winner, mentioned the concept of an increasingly international world in which a global community is formed in his book, he focused almost entirely on the development of globalized commerce and capitalism. What he failed to pay attention to was the development of a globalized education, which may be even more exciting compared to international economy. About 150 years ago, the world map was divided by British missionaries into several sections, each with fundamentally different races and languages. Now students can easily traverse the once considered impassable cultural and linguistic borders to study abroad. Their experiences in other countries and cultures may become important factors of their future success. As one of the best universities in the world, the University of Michigan inevitably becomes involved in
the globalization process. Like many other famous American universities, U of M has set up several joint programs with foreign schools, which introduce hundreds of international students and scholars to the US every year. Scholarships are given annually by numerous departments for studying and interning abroad, and learning foreign languages. U of M even provides its official website in Spanish and Chinese, and holds a homepage on Sina Weibo. According to the International Institute of Education’s (IIE) Open Doors Survey and Global Michigan Website, U of M ranks 8th nationally for the size of its international student body and 16th in the total number of students studying abroad. More than 65 languages are taught here, and the University houses 17 centers and programs, which focus on world regions and global themes However, U of M is just one tiny string on the entire net of global educational resources. According to the calculation of IIE, the 2011-2012 school year is the 6th consecutive year in which the number of inter-
It is in this flat world that this magazine is founded. Our goal is to provide resources for international students, report on university multicultural institutes and organizations, and provide destinations for study and internships abroad; this magazine is designed to prepare you to be a global citizen.
GSM
national students has increased in the United States. This is also the year in which American universities admitted more international students than ever before, totaling 764,495. Not only do more international students choose to come to the US to study, more American students are studying abroad as well. Last year 273,996 American students received academic credit from studying abroad, the highest number to date. In fact, the 2008-2009 academic year is the only year in the past decade in which the number of American students studying abroad decreased. What we find behind all these numbers is a trend of globalization in education. With the world of commerce and politics becoming increasingly internationally, more students are finding that it is no longer sufficient to receive an education in a single culture. Why are we global? It is not because we live in the United States or attend a top tier university, but because we belong to the increasingly interconnected human community of the 21st century.
Change Is Underway: Student Body President Thinks Global Manish Parikh shares his life story and the impetus behind becoming the first student body leader of the UM Central Student Government as an international student. Ho Yin Choi
The president’s distinct qualities, those that can draw thousands to rally behind him, exuded from him as he stepped into the office. Casually dressed, he was busy greeting and catching up with his staff, and then quickly turned his attention to us, getting each of us a cup of water and fortune cookies with Central Student Government’s (CSG) logo on them. He smiled untiringly the whole span of our interview. “I think it was great.” Manish recalled his interview experience with GSM afterwards. Born in Connecticut and raised in Mumbai, Manish grew up in a blend of cultures and returned to America as an international student to further his studies at the University of Michi-
gan. However, it was not until President Barack Obama’s visit to UM in January 2012 that he had the idea of serving fellow Wolverines using ideas firmly ingrained in his heart to motivate change. The notion of returning CSG to students in particular spoke to his mind. This year is perhaps the greatest and most successful year in the 106 years of Student Government history at the University of Michigan. With a huge focus on high impact projects, CSG is once again truly a Student Government all about the students themselves. Let’s hear from Manish about how he is making this possible with a global perspective:
(GSM: Global Student Magazine; M: to be true. But let me tell you what I think: it is absolutely meaningless to Manish) have such a title unless I have made GSM: We heard that you are the first some changes in my position to international student body president make U of M more global and welin U of M’s nearly 200 years of histo- coming for students, scholars, and visitors around the world. And rery. Is it true? forms and changes are what I focus M: Yeah, someone told me that. I checked the name list of CGS presi- on in my position. dents myself, and find that it seems
GSM: Tell us more about your experience growing up. What stuck out to you back then? M: I was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in Mumbai. I did parts of my middle school in Boston and am very lucky that both my parents are doctors and traveled a lot on work. They always insisted on taking their kids along and this has enabled me to be understand and appreciate many different cultures and coun“Mom and Dad have GSM: What is it tries; it’s something always encouraged us like to take lead as I’m very thankful to to appreciate, love and an international student? Is your mom and dad for. status a benefit to Another thing which respect every religion you or does it lead stood out was mom of the world.” to obstacles? and dad have always M: I’m very proud encouraged us to to be a US citizen, an international appreciate, love and respect every student, and a Wolverine. As Stureligion of the world. In fact, our dent Body President I am a Wolverprayer room at home has virtually ine before any other affiliation and every God and religious book you will strive to serve every student on can think of. As a result, I’ve come campus equally no matter what their to learn about the best aspects of many religions, and I’m very proud country, or degree. I also must say Michiganders are some of the warmthat mom and dad brought us up est people I’ve encountered and I’ve this way!
always felt extremely welcome and at GSM: Reflecting on your past three home here at Michigan and in Ann years at the university, how was your Michigan experience affected by Arbor. your status? GSM: Do you find the current level M: I’m lucky to have met some of the finest people here at Michigan. of understanding between the inThe friends I’ve made, both Amerternational and local student populations satisfactory? What actions icans and international students, would you take to improve this rela- have been some of the most interesting and unique people I’ve ever met. tionship as a student leader? Local Michiganders are some of the M: We’re undertaking many steps at CSG this year to make Michigan warmest people across the country and I’ve also met some of the greatthe most welcoming campus for international students. We’re collab- est mentors and advisers. I wouldn’t dream of attending any other college orating and supporting the Michigan International Students Society and we’ve created an Ambassador’s Board of the Presidents of all international student organizations on campus. To advise us on how we can serve international students better, we’re working extremely closely with the International Center and it’s Director, John Greis-berger. But hey, there’s a lot more we could be doing. If you have any ideas please feel free to e-mail me directly at mrparikh@ umich.edu. I’d love to hear from you!
in America except my University of Michigan.
For fellow Wolverines: Manish thanks you for your support of GSM: How can international students be more involved and “in the his presidency and encourages you to tell CSG what was done well, or loop� on campus? not so well, and to think about what M: Well, you can join Central Stumore he and CSG should do. As for dent Government and help us on CSG itself, the president said that our mission to make it a greater he and his board now endeavor to time than ever to be a Michigan Wolverine. But my overarching ad- promote studying abroad to both international and local students, vice is to branch out, make friends from different nationalities, step out especially since he has seen people returning from overseas using their of your comfort zone, and have a great time... after all we’re in college newly gained knowledge and experiences to contribute either at school only once.
Take UM Abroad
A student from the Art and Design School is planning to study abroad during the winter semester in Mexico. While there she visits the local elementary schools and teaches the children about the importance of art and its ability to transcend any language barrier. She even brings some of the artwork she and her classmates have done under professors at U of M to hang up in the local elementary schools or host families’ homes in the surrounding area.
An LSA student is actively involved with the club soccer team. Knowing the University of Michigan's tradition for excellence in sports, he decides to bring the passion of an American college athlete with him on his trip abroad to Australia. He sets up a local soccer tournament at one of the middle schools in his area to bring the community together and passes out Michigan spirit wear to spread the wolverine spirit abroad. He then films the soccer tournament and makes a video, which he spreads on the Internet in Australia, to spread UM abroad.
A chemical engineering student from the College of Engineering is actively involved in WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) around campus. She firmly believes in the importance of strong females pursuing careers in science, technology, and medicine, and she wants to spread this message globally. During her term abroad in Beijing, she visits schools and holds workshops with young girls to get them excited about all the prospects a career in such fields holds.
A student from the Ross Business School is passionate about a social entrepreneurship organization that he started right here at Michigan. Knowing his organization will become that much more impactful if it can spread not only across states’ borders but also countries’, he decides to visit local high schools during his summer study abroad in London. He speaks about the importance of social entrepreneurship and working with the students helps to establish the first international chapter of his organization abroad.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
An international student from the School of Music is passionate about all of the opportunities he has been afforded by attending the University of Michigan. While spending his fall semester doing service projects in Brazil, he visits local high schools and speaks about how great it is to be a Michigan wolverine, encouraging them to apply and speaking of his own personal experience as an international student at the university.
Across the Globe: Never too far, late, or tough to lend a helping hand Emily Tran
It takes a village to raise a child, but in today’s society people are constantly rushing someplace. There is always a place to be, or something that needs to be done. The drive to make a difference can be hindered by the excuse of a lack of time or the distance. However, there is a growing percentage of young professionals and college students who are taking the time out of their busy schedules to make a difference in their community. Vietnam Student Association (VSA) is one of them. The Vietnamese Student Association is comprised of a group of individuals who share a common interest. We all want to understand
Photo Credit: Kenev Ip
pact the global community through charity efforts. Even though many second and third generation Vietnamese were not born in Vietnam, the issues that arise there still cause us concern and call out to us, urging us to reach out and make a difference. Cultural pride plays a very significant part in connecting Vietnamese Americans to Vietnam and the injustices that occur there. Vietnam has been plagued with a history of war and injustices, and in the past few decades, issues such as child sex trafficking have become increasingly visible. This topic has hit not only VSA, but many other Vietnamese host every year, from social events teens very hard, and as the issue beto community service, mass meetcomes more and more visible, stuings and fundraising activities, the dents have been rising up to come list goes on. We have been taught to give back to those in need and to together and address the issue. strive to make a difference in other’s One of the main efforts of VSA is to lives. We have committed ourselves contribute to the effort to stop Vietnam’s sex trafficking. Trafficking is to fundraising and raising awareness on different aspects of Vietnam. considered one of the largest sources VSA strives to become a bigger part of profits for organized crime, generating seven to ten billion dollars of the local community, to educate annually according to United Naand bring people together to celebrate Vietnamese culture, and to im- tions estimates. Sex trafficking was more about our culture, to come together to celebrate this. We hope to share our culture with our community through the countless events we
each other, learn dances and the arts of Vietnam, while at the same time utilizing this event to bring awareness for a new charity and using the profits to help fund it. DVN has over 500 attendees each year, and over the past 3 years the Vietnamese Student Association has raised over 10,000 dollars for different charities. DVN this year will be a great step forward for VSA, for much of our past experiences will benefit and allow us to make this show even better than shows past. This year Dem Viet Nam will take place on February 2, 2012, and all of us from VSA hope to see you there! Photo Credit: Kenev Ip
prominent in Cambodia and in recent years have expanded its reach to the likes of Vietnam. In a 20022003 survey on sex trafficking, there were 863 people trafficked in Cambodia, and of that 120 are under 18 years of age from Vietnam. In order to achieve its goal, VSA work with and supports many international and Vietnamese local charities to stop sex trafficking. A few example of some of the charities VSA has supported in the past and present are: Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, Mam Non, Catalyst Foundation, Viet Hope, Cheer for Vietnam, East meets West, and more. VSA fundraises in many ways for charities like this, from holding bake sales, hosting events with local businesses, participating in competitions and in events such as date auctions. We also proudly utilize one of our biggest events, Dem Viet Nam (DVN) as a fundraiser for the different charities we work with. VSA considers this event a win-win situation. On the one hand our Dem Viet Nam show brings the local community together to get to know
Global Student Magazine publishes at least one article every issue from an ethnic/cultural student organization of University of Michigan in describing its effort promoting a positive global ideal or building up a multicultural project. If your organization would like to contribute such an article, please contact the Global Student Magazine board members at globalstudentmagazine@gmail.com.
Photo Credit: Sushi Log
Lifestyles: two restaurants in A2 Once you enter No Thai!, you would be surprised about the small size of the restaurant. During dinnertime especially, you know you will not get a seat. That’s just about how popular No Thai! is. No Thai! is a fast Thai cuisine. Their menu is short, consisting of noodles, stirfry and fried rice, along with choices of sides. The main course comes in a scale of spiciness, consisting of No Spice (weak sauce), Medium?, Yoga Flame, and Dim Mak (or, Death Touch!). Crab wontons are a popular side for a meal of noodles, but you may want to split them with friends due to the large quantity of the main course. One thing that’s great about this restaurant is that it has delivery, if you’re willing to wait 30 minutes for your lunch/dinner. Located past S. Forest St. on S. University, No Thai! is quite a walk from central campus, so it is worth the wait.
Photo Credit: Yelp.com
with bean sprouts, lemon, sriracha sauce, and hoisin sauce. With a choice of seafood or beef pho, enjoy making your own sauce on the side (by mixing the two sauces) to dip Walk back to campus from No Thai! the meat in and put the bean sprouts and you’ll see a sign about “Chef and lemon directly in the savory Jan” and his awards. This is China soup. Gate, on the corner of Church and S. General Tso’s Chicken and University. Chef Jan created the recKung Pao Chicken are two of the ipes for their extensive menu, with more famous dishes they have, howthe specialty of Hunan, Szechuan, ever, some might find that these and Peking cuisine. One of their dishes are Americanized. most popular dishes is pho, a Viet- Yang Zhang namese specialty. The pho comes