UNIVERSITY PRESS
The Newspaper of Lamar University
Vol. 95, No. 7 October 18, 2018
Fair to help students take flight Study Abroad orientation set for Wednesday Morgan Collier UP contributor
Lamar University offers a wide variety of study abroad trips each year. Students can learn more about these trips at the Study Abroad Fair, Oct. 24, at the Dining Hall Lawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The trips offer hands-on
experience in each field of study. Opportunities range from a study of art in Italy to exploring the geography of Iceland, Ashli Gonzales, senior administrative associate for the office of study abroad, said. “(Study abroad) is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity and it’s something that is going to help you in the long run,” she said. “You’re also going to get a chance to be around different cultures and experiences. It is an chance to see that there is something bigger than yourself, something bigger
than Beaumont.” Tables dedicated to each program will be set up for students to speak with the faculty members attending the trip. Students can also receive information about financial aid, have a step-by-step walk through of the program’s policies and procedures, and ask questions about study abroad. “Essentially, it’s a mini orientation,” Gonzales said. “It’s going to go (from) beginning to the end of the trips, and you will be able to browse the taSee ABROAD, page 2
UP file photo
LU students visit the pyramid at the Louvre during a 2017 summer abroad trip.
Around the Globe Shim aims to expand LU travel programs Sierra Kondos UP staff writer
With a dream to be a history professor in Korea, Kyungsik Irene Shim, the new director of international engagement and study abroad, combined her strong work ethic and love for travel to pursue educational innovation. “While I was writing my dissertation in 1986, I was asked to join the task force of international education at Michigan State University,” she said. “In my earlier career, I worked mostly on training programs funded by the U.S. Department of State. I worked, traveled and created these programs for government officials and professionals in Africa, Eastern Europe and South America. “When you think of international education, I think I have done every aspect of it, from developing dual degree programs in university partnerships, internship and study abroad programs, to institutional partnerships for student
UP photos by Noah Dawlearn
Kyungsik Irene Shim aims to increase student study abroad opportunities.
and faculty exchange programs.” Shim said she hopes to strengthen the Lamar University study abroad program through more individualized contact with students interested in the program. “I think that Lamar University, in the past six years, has grown dramatically in the field of international education,” she said. “It doesn’t happen overnight, but I think that Lamar has successfully got through the first stage of international awareness or internationalization. For a smaller university, it has done a great job.” The issue for students is how they think about study abroad, Shim said — it is meant to have an academic
focus and not just an opportunity for travel and fun. “The perception of study abroad, for students, is traveling instead of an educational investment,” she said. “This skill and professional attitude from interacting with people from different cultures will become a part of you, and gives the student a valuable tool for success in the workplace.” Shim’s said her goal as director is to shift students’ focus on the importance of internationalization. “Internationalization comes on three different levels,” Shim said. “International students expose Lamar University students to a new language, culture and perspective. By See SHIM, page 2
KVLU to host pledge drive Rachel Hellums UP contributor
KVLU, Lamar University’s public radio station, will host its fall fundraiser, Oct. 23 through Nov. 2. “The fundraiser goes towards station operations,” station manager Byron Balentine, said. “We have overall a near $600,000 budget, which comes from a mixture of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Lamar, underwriters and individual memberships.”
People interested in becoming members can call the station and volunteers will take down information and process membership by credit card, check, or cash. There is even the option of direct deduction from one’s checking account. “We try to make it as easy as possible for people to be members,” Balentine said. “Thank you” gifts will be available at different membership levels, and there will be a prize drawing for members at the conclusion of the
fundraiser. “Somebody who becomes a member or enters the contest will be in the running to win an Apple Watch,” Balentine said. “We try to find stuff that would be interesting to our listeners and it gives us something more to talk about than just, ‘Send us money.’ We want to keep it entertaining as well as do the business we need to do in order to stay running.” Students are welcome to volunteer See KVLU, page 2
Dishman talk to explore art, spiritual yoga Eleanor Skelton UP contributor
There is an interconnection between the physics of the universe, and physical and spiritual practice of yoga — art. The latest in the Art History Lecture Series is set for 6 p.m., Wednesday, in the Dishman Art Museum, will explore the relationship that exists in Indian philosophy. UP photo by Rachel Hellums
KVLU’s Joe Elwell, left, records an interview in the radio station’s studios, Monday.
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