July/August 2015 by SPAN magazine

Study in the U.S.

JULY/AUGUST 2015 Rs. 20

Gain Global Skills

Building Smart Cities Strategic Approach to Foreign Policy From STEM to STEAM

Familiarize yourself with some commonly used

Talking the

talk

By MARK TRAINER

tudent life has a language all its own. If you’re planning to attend an American university, learning the slang might help you adjust faster. “Like newcomers to any group, college students want to show that they belong,” says Deborah Healey, who teaches linguistics at the University of Oregon. “They pick up on shared slang and other expressions that allow them to feel like part of the group. Also, many college students discover new ideas and phrases in their studies, which breeds more linguistic creativity.” You’ll hear these phrases used on many U.S. campuses.

U.S. universities.

er t h g i All-n

s: t mean What i rd class. ha A very t average o p ll e in A grad the total of a a is s (GPA) erical grade d e m u id the n eceives div s se tr studen mber of cour ok. u o t n t e n by th the stude that s r it e d b e r m or c one nu nt ’s So, it ’s ents a stude ce. s n e a r p m re perfor overall versation: “I In con take that should ing know I s, but it ’s go r.” s le cla GPA kil to be a

https://goo.gl/3Aezz7

What it means: A session of studying for a test or writing a research paper that lasts until the sun rises. In conversation: “There was so much reading I hadn’t done. I had to pull an allnighter to study for the exam.” What it means: To go to a small party before a bigger party. In conversation: “Our dorm’s hall party is at nine, but we’re going to pregame at Julie’s at seven.”

e m a g e r P

Under baske water t weav ing What it m ea

GPA killer

Education Articles

ns: An insulting name for an elective c la count tow ss that doesn’t a requireme rd a graduation nt or for a that is pa class rtic In conver ularly easy. sati to challen on: “ You need ge more, ins yourself tead of sig ning up for un derwater basket w eaving again.”

Ace

means: What it e best th To get ssible. This o e d gra p mes from o c m r h an te in whic tennis, serve an . ace is a t can’t return n e n ll o A p “ op n: ersatio In conv ying I d that stu off. I Mark Trainer is a writer id a p did t a h with the U.S. State t aced ” ! Department’s Bureau of exam International Information Programs.

means: What it viser or nt ad Reside istant. RA’s a t ass residen e students in y h ll t a e u ar ry—us dormito en—who lassm upperc orm rules and d er enforce help the oth . re e who h t ts living studen ation: “If you ers In conv room key, you r . u o y t the RA los talk to ow to o g ld u h sho ll you She’ll te a new one.” t ge

Photographs © Thinkstock

college

phrases of

July/August 2015

V O LU M E LV I N U M B E R 4

Expanding Horizons By Steve Fox

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Strategic Approach to Foreign Policy By Steve Fox

Building the Cities of the Future By Michael Gallant



Early Career Transitions By Wesley Teter and Don Martin

Why Study in the U.S.? By Paromita Pain



From STEM to STEAM By Michael Gallant

20 Arts

Smart Cities

Editor in Chief David Mees Printed and published by Walter T. Douglas on behalf of the Government of the United States of America and printed at Thomson Press India Ltd., 18/35 Delhi Mathura Road, Faridabad, Haryana 121007 and published at the Public Affairs Section, American Embassy, American Center, 24 K.G. Marg, New Delhi 110001. Opinions expressed in this 44-page magazine do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Government.  Articles with a star may be reprinted with permission. Those without a star are copyrighted and may not be reprinted. Contact SPAN at 011-23472135 or editorspan@state.gov



Financing Education By Aastha Virk Singh



Off the Beaten Track By Carrie Loewenthal Massey



Going Greek By Jason Chiang

Admissions

Courtesy University of Pennsylvania



Research Before You Apply By Don Martin



Be Penn-wise By Carrie Loewenthal Massey

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Small Towns, Big Exhibits By Anne Walls

36 Travel

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MARLAYNA DEMOND

DANIEL D’AURIA/Courtesy Flickr

Skill Development

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http://span.state.gov

Reviewing Editor Branden L. Young

Editor Deepanjali Kakati Associate Editor Suparna Mukherji Hindi Editor Giriraj Agarwal Urdu Editor Syed Sulaiman Akhtar Copy Editor Shah Md. Tahsin Usmani Editorial Assistant Yugesh Mathur Research Services Bureau of International Information Programs, The American Library

Art Director Hemant Bhatnagar Deputy Art Directors Qasim Raza, Shah Faisal Khan Production/Circulation Manager Alok Kaushik Printing Assistant Manish Gandhi Web Manager Chetna Khera

Front cover: Prakhya Bhatnagar graduated this summer from the University of Minnesota with a major in Microbiology and minor in Public Health. She is a Dean’s List Scholar and was awarded the Academic Gold All-Star and Multicultural Excellence Award for her accomplishments and academic performance through her undergraduate years. Photographs by Prashasti Bhatnagar, sjenner13/iStock/Thinkstock. Collage by Hemant Bhatnagar.

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U.S. universities help Indian students become globally competent individuals.

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Expanding Horizons

By STEVE FOX

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

much of this training will take place within India, U.S. universities are playing a significant role in providing multicultural learning to Indian students. “A globally competent individual is skilled at communicating with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and is personally adept at moving between different environments in pursuit of

Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Thinkstock

s India’s importance in the world economy grows, the need for “globally competent individuals,” who possess the education and skills necessary to perform successfully on the international stage, is increasing as well. Recognizing this, the Government of India has put forward an ambitious program intended to train about 500 million young people by 2022. While

To share articles go to http://span.state.gov JULY/AUGUST 2015 5

JANETANDPHIL/Courtesy Flickr DANIEL SCHWEN /Courtesy Wikipedia

Courtesy University of Southern California

personal and professional objectives,” explains Tony Tambascia, executive director of the Office of International Services at the University of Southern California (USC), where international students make up almost one-quarter of the student body. Globally competent individuals will be vital as India continues to transition from an economy in which agriculture has played a major role to one where other economic sectors, such as manufacturing and services, are more significant. Also, India has the world’s largest youth population and will reap enormous benefits from the “demographic

dividend” that is expected to make it the world’s youngest country by 2020, when the average Indian will be 29 years old. With more than 25 percent of the world’s workforce by 2025, the country will need training from many sources to harness its full potential. The knowledge acquired at USC can enable graduates who return to India to have a significant impact in terms of developing the skills of their home country’s workforce, says Tambascia, noting that the university enrolled 1,706 graduate and 155 undergraduate students from India in the fall of 2014. “A number of USC programs address

University of Southern California www.usc.edu/

Office of International Services, USC http://sait.usc.edu/ois/

University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign http://illinois.edu/

Office of the Provost, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign U.S.-India Higher Education and Skills Development Cooperation http://goo.gl/80g7Ko

important social and structural issues that impact many nations around the world, including India,” he says. “Programs in areas such as urban education, public policy, social work, business and entrepreneurship, and many others prepare students, both undergraduate and graduate, to contribute in their careers to such key areas as education and training, infrastructure development, organizational effectiveness and workforce development.” Educating students to examine problems from multiple cultural perspectives is also the focus at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. “Our mission is to make sure the

MICHAEL CONROY © AP-W WWP

www.provost.illinois.edu/

University of Illinois has students who are going to have a global impact, while also providing them with practical knowledge to take back home,” says Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, vice provost for International Affairs and Global Strategies at the university. “Many of the challenges nations face today are very complex and we need to be able to engage them in a global perspective. For example, if we are looking at the issue of food security, we not only have agricultural experts who can engage that problem directly, we are also able to bring in perspectives from other developing regions such as Africa, as well as from Europe,

Above: Kenny Long, a graduate researcher studying engineering and medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, works with a handheld biosensor based on an iPhone. Above left and below: The University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, where Indian students comprise the third largest group of international students. Far left: Tony Tambascia, executive director of the Office of International Services at the University of Southern California.

BOBAK HA’ERI/Courtesy Wikipedia

HIMAJIN /Great Degree/Courtesy Flickr

Below and right: The University of Southern California, which enrolled 1,706 graduate and 155 undergraduate students from India in the fall of 2014.

where we would identify the lessons learned by developed countries.” Indian students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who currently number more than 1,100 and comprise the third largest group from abroad, gain much more than classroom learning, Mabokela points out. “Many of our faculty members have conducted research in India, have the privilege of partnerships with Indian universities, love the country and have

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widespread contacts there,” she says. “Students not only engage with professionals in their fields of study, they also are learning from people who have a deep understanding of what the real problems and issues are on the ground. All this provides students with a very strong foundation when they go back home.” Tambascia agrees that the connections international students make during their time in the United States can be very important later on.

“Students leave the university after their studies with a solid foundation of knowledge in their specific chosen field of study, but also with personal connections to a network of fellow students and colleagues who can end up forming a cadre of potential partners in future professional endeavors,” he says. “Students who maintain those connections over time, often report the ability to positively leverage their USC education throughout their careers.” Recognizing that a four-year education may not be possible for all international students, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is flexible in its offerings. “We are intent on expanding opportunities for students from India and other developing countries to come here for shorter, more specialized training programs,” says Mabokela. “In addition, we understand that the skills needed in India vary. For example, although much of India is developing and, therefore, shares many of the problems of other developing nations, there are also sectors of the Indian economy that are highly developed, such as technology.” As globalization continues to shrink the world, the knowledge and relationships Indian students gain at U.S. universities are bound to prove beneficial, to India and to its youth. Steve Fox is a freelance writer, former newspaper publisher and reporter based in Ventura, California.

Building the

Cities of the Future

efks/iStock/Thinkstock

Indian students can study the development of revolutionary smart cities at top universities in the United States.

To share articles go to http://span.state.gov JULY/AUGUST 2015 9

SMART CITIES

gyn9038/iStock/Thinkstock

By MICHAEL GALLANT

“ ”

A smart city is the result of actively thinking about the

future of how we live, and not just the built environment.

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thinking about the future of how we live, and not just the built environment,” says Colin Tetreault, a smart city and policy expert at Arizona State University’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability. “Smart cities are also built from a technical and social perspective, keeping in mind the goals of justice and equity for everyone, and the natural environment, having access to beautiful outdoor spaces and resources.” A truly smart city is a mix of these components and more, Tetreault continues. “Having a strong economy and society, and a great environment that brings a wonderful orientation to any future city, is key,” he says. Courtesy Colin Tetreault

LUCY LI

rom New York to New Delhi, cities around the world have evolved over centuries, developing their own fascinating neighborhoods, powerful industries, intricate transit systems and vibrant cultures. However, even major cities face daunting challenges when it comes to running smoothly. Providing electricity, distributing clean water and disposing waste in a safe and healthy way are just a few of the puzzles that every city, regardless of its size or reputation, must solve. That’s why a new way of thinking about cities is fast emerging, backed by cutting-edge technologies. “A smart city is the result of actively

DUSTIN HAMPTON

What is a Smart City? The Smart Cities Council, based in Redmond, Washington, defines a smart city as “one that has digital technology embedded across all city functions.” According to the New York City-based Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, “A smart city brings together technology, government and society to enable the following characteristics: a smart economy, smart mobility, a smart environment, smart people, smart living and smart governance.”

Above left: Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a program on smart cities. Above: Decisionmakers gather at Arizona State University’s Decision Theater to visualize the future of cities through a variety of simulated scenarios. Below far left: Smart city and policy expert Colin Tetreault teaches at Arizona State University’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability. Below: Measurement of qualities of the built environment through objective/subjective analysis.

Allen Sayegh and Stefano Andreani/Harvard Graduate School of Design

Tetreault teaches his students, whom he affectionately refers to as “change agents,” about smart cities via an innovative, workshopstyle course called Smart City and Technology Innovation Challenge. The students learn from Tetreault and other guest experts, and collaborate to create smart city-themed projects. They ultimately compete for seed funding to help turn their ideas into reality. Other U.S. universities also offer programs on smart cities. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) hosts a program called City Science, which teaches students to use data analyses, urban experiments, sensor technologies and more to understand both the structures urfinguss/iStock/Thinkstock

Urban planners, scientists and other pioneers in the field of smart cities use complex data analyses and advanced computer modeling for their work, whether it’s designing a targeted bike share program to help cut down traffic jams and pollution or predicting and refining a city’s response to natural disasters. While such cutting-edge technologies are vital to smart city efforts, Tetreault sees them as key components to a more holistic approach. “The act of designing a smart city transcends data and gets to the fundamental fiber and core of a city’s people and culture,” he says. “How do we cultivate them, and how do we have an eye toward a future state?”

JULY/AUGUST 2015

Allen Sayegh and Stefano Andreani/Harvard Graduate School of Design

SCHWEDE66/Courtesy Wikipedia

Above: Responsive urban intervention proposal in Guangzhou, China, through an interactive light and water system. Right: Bike share programs can be strategically placed in smart cities to help relieve congestion and pollution.

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Colin Tetreault https://goo.gl/e6cQzR

Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State University https://sustainability.asu.edu

City Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology http://cities.media.mit.edu

Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Ximagination/iStock/Thinkstock

www.uab.edu/smartcities

Smart Cities Symposium, Harvard University http://goo.gl/L4IMI9

within cities and the people who call these cities home. The Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham covers topics ranging from environment-friendly building construction to public health and social psychology, giving students the tools they need to help create sustainable and healthy urban centers. Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design organized a symposium on smart cities in 2012. Smart cities are not just an academic pursuit, but a pressing issue around the world. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a plan to invest $1.2 billion in creating 100 smart cities in India by 2022. “Cities in the past were built on riverbanks,” said Prime Minister Modi. “They are now built along highways. But, in future, they will be built based on availability of optical fiber networks and next-generation infrastructure.” The need for smart cities goes even further. MIT’s City Science literature describes a current trend of “extreme urbanization,” with

300 million rural people in China alone expected to migrate to cities over the next decade and a half. “This will require building an infrastructure equivalent to the one housing the entire population of the United States in a matter of a few decades,” the literature continues, stating that cities will account for nearly 90 percent of the world’s population growth in the years to come. Programs like Tetreault’s exist to meet these very needs, educating students from India, the United States and other countries around the world about the global imperative of developing better strategies for creating cities. “Our goal is to find change agents, inspire them with the opportunity to make a difference, and show them that they can do well and do good at the same time,” he says. “It’s important to have a steady pipeline of young people who will learn how to change the world for the better.” Michael Gallant is the founder and chief executive officer of Gallant Music. He lives in New York City.

“

Cities in the past were built on riverbanks. They are now built along highways. But, in future, they will be built based on availability of

optical fiber networks and next-generation infrastructure.

”

JULY/AUGUST 2015

Why Study

in the

U.S.?

By PAROMITA PAIN

Students and parents share their opinion on

he United States has long been a popular study destination for Indians. “A U.S. degree is recognized all over the world, and students are taught to think for themselves, unlike in India where everything is exam and grade oriented,” says Shobha Kulshrestha, whose daughter Kritika graduated this May from The University of Texas at Austin with a master’s degree in journalism. Dinesh Sapru, whose son Aakash is an MBA student at Iowa State University (ISU), seconds this view. “I believe that the United States is a land of opportunities,” he says. “I also wanted my son to gain a broad international exposure which, combined with a business degree, will hopefully open up interesting job prospects for him.” Selecting the academic institution is one of the most important aspects of studying abroad. Aditya Vashistha, a Ph.D. student of computer science at the University of Washington, says, “I was pursuing research at an industrial research institution before starting graduate school in the U.S. This gave me opportunities to attend international conferences and workshops, where I was able to interact with leading professors and graduate students pursuing research in the same area. I shortlisted institutions on the basis of recommendations from colleagues and my interactions with professors and the graduate student community actively engaged in my research domain.” Increased professional opportunities is considered an important advantage of pursuing higher studies in the United States. Sangita Mukherjee, whose daughter Sananda recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in architecture, says, “When my daughter wanted to go abroad for higher education, I was a bit worried since she would be very far away from home. But I knew

that this experience would open up a whole world of opportunities that she might otherwise not have had access to.” Sananda and her mother selected the University of Southern California because it has a great faculty. “The kind of research the professors were involved in coincided with my academic goals and would, ultimately, lead me into the industry with a smooth transition,” says Sananda. Study costs, however, are an important consideration too. Aakash Sapru says, “My choice of the institute was based primarily on the scope of core management courses offered by them. Through my Skype interviews with officials from the university, I got to know about the plethora of professional development opportunities I could leverage at ISU. But, being offered a scholarship and the position of a graduate assistant also influenced my decision to select ISU.” There are other important factors besides an institution’s reputation or ranking. “I knew that The University of Texas at Austin had a great reputation as a public university,” says Kritika Kulshrestha. “But it was still a difficult choice to make. I used LinkedIn to find alumni and connected with them to find out more about the department. I also spoke to graduate students in journalism at each of the [shortlisted] universities, and that helped greatly.” Choosing to study so far away from home is never an easy decision. “Health care is very expensive despite the student health insurance plan. And I was concerned about her safety,” says Shobha Kulshrestha. Dinesh Sapru adds, “Being a parent, it is only natural to be concerned about the health and security of the child, even though we are convinced that in a country as advanced as the U.S., there are options for taking care of such issues.” Paromita Pain is a journalist based in Austin, Texas.

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14 JULY/AUGUST 2015

TODD WARNOCK/Photodisc/Thinkstock

the United States as an ideal study destination.

Student and The University Exchange of Texas at Visitor Program Austin www.ice.gov/sevis

www.utexas.edu

Iowa State University

www.iastate.edu

University of Washington

www.washington.edu

University of Southern California www.usc.edu

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Strategic Studies programs are vital for grooming the next generation of policymakers and analysts.

Strategic Approach to

Foreign STRATEGIC STUDIES

Policy By STEVE FOX

In the 21st century, India will be the most important story told in the field of international relations.

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ith India’s growing role on the international stage, the importance of academic programs on strategic studies for the country’s future leaders and policymakers is also increasing. Indian students who want to pursue these programs can explore a number of U.S. universities, including the highly respected Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, near Boston, Massachusetts. “In the 21st century, India will be the most important story told in the field of international relations,” says Admiral James G. Stavridis, dean of The Fletcher School and former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). “We spend a lot of time focusing on China, on Europe, on the U.S., on emerging nations. We don’t talk enough about India which, within a decade, is going to be the world’s most populous nation. India has a real democracy, a dynamic new leader, an enviable geopolitical location. In short, all the ingredients to lift off in the 21st century and play a critically important role.”

”

The Fletcher School, where more than 50 languages are spoken among a student body of about 600, has more international students from India than any other country, followed by China, Japan and Germany, notes Admiral Stavridis. In 2014, the school also hosted members of the Indian Foreign Service for an intensive one-week leadership program in advanced diplomacy, covering topics like negotiation, digital diplomacy, emerging economic and security structures, law of the sea, organizational behavior, global energy trends, the art of persuasion and global governance. Although students at The Fletcher School study how the United States develops and implements its foreign policies, Admiral Stavridis emphasizes the school’s international and multidisciplinary approach. “We are not U.S.-centric,” he says. “Our strategic and securities studies program takes a 360 degree view of what security is in the 21st century, which means we also cover economics, finance, business, political science and a ALONSO NICHOLS/Tufts University

“

KAVEH SARDARI

Right and far right: Students explore the relationship between politics and military power at Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. Center right: Students of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, take an international and multidisciplinary approach to understand what security is in the 21st century. Below: Admiral James Stavridis delivers a talk on leadership to a group of Indian Foreign Service officers during an Executive Education program at The Fletcher School.

Courtesy Callaway Photo KAVEH SARDARI

security,” says Admiral Stavridis. “Number three would be water security. And, we also have a pretty robust program in piracy. Those are four areas that are growing in the security studies area.” “Counterterrorism is an increasing concern in all countries, and the demand for courses in that area has grown substantially,” says Payne. “This summer, we are adding another course in that field, taught by folks who have considerable professional experience in addition to academic expertise.” Faculty members at strategic studies programs include those with related academic backgrounds and those with on-the-ground experience, he adds. Competition for admission to security studies programs is stiff and the programs are expensive. For instance, tuition fees at Georgetown University’s Security Studies program are more than $67,000 for graduate students, and the cost estimate for the Master of International Public Policy program at Johns Hopkins exceeds $70,000. However, students can go into a number of different fields after graduating. “About onethird of our students go into the private sector, including business, banking and corporate risk,” says Admiral Stavridis. “About one-third go into government service. They go back to their home nations and enter the diplomatic corps, the military or government services. And, about one-third go to work at international organizations such as the United Nations, Doctors Without Borders, the Red Cross and other charitable groups.”

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University http://fletcher.tufts.edu/

Admiral James Stavridis

http://sites.tufts.edu/ fletcherdean/

Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University www.sais-jhu.edu/

Security Studies Program, Georgetown University

https://css.georgetown.edu/ssp

Department of Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University http://dss.missouristate.edu/

Steve Fox is a freelance writer, former newspaper publisher and reporter based in Ventura, California. JULY/AUGUST 2015

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fairly healthy component of smart power.” Smart power is a combination of hard (military) power and soft (diplomacy and development) power, which can help produce effective foreign policy. Other U.S. universities too offer strategic studies programs. At Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, students explore the relationship between politics and the many kinds of military power. Georgetown University’s Security Studies Program has concentrations on intelligence, international security, military operations, technology and security, terrorism and sub-state violence, unconventional weapons and non-proliferation, and U.S. national security policy. Missouri State University’s Department of Defense and Strategic Studies, located in Washington, D.C., is headed by Keith B. Payne, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Forces Policy. “Our international students have the benefit of learning both the general theories and principles of international relations and security, and they also become much more familiar with how the U.S. approaches these issues,” says Payne. “They become quite a valuable asset to their home countries. Many countries, especially India, are seeing the need for more expertise in international relations and for a cadre of experts in that arena.” Students can pursue masters or doctoral degrees, with the universities adapting their curriculums in response to the ongoing geopolitical, economic and military developments. “Counterterrorism and cyber [security] have grown a lot in importance, and we are hiring someone who has a huge reputation in cyber

Early

Career

Transitions By WESLEY TETER and DON MARTIN

Planning a successful gap year or internship.

Opportunities

Exchange Visitor Program

he Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa) provides a wide range of opportunities for international candidates who want to travel and gain experience in the United States. Secondary School Student Program: Secondary school students travel to the United States to study at an accredited public or private high school and live with an American host family or at an accredited boarding school. Benefits include sponsored extracurricular activities as well as the chance to live with a host family or at a U.S. boarding school. Summer Work Travel Program: College and university students pursuing full-time studies at accredited academic institutions outside the United States come to the country to share their culture and ideas through temporary work and travel opportunities. Benefits include an opportunity to live and work in the United States during Source: J1visa.state.gov

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summer vacations and exposure to the people and way of life in the country. Intern Program: Internships are designed to allow foreign college and university students and recent graduates to visit the United States to gain exposure to its culture and to receive hands-on experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen field. Benefits include effectively bridging the gap between formal education and practical work experience. Au Pair Program: Through the Au Pair program, participants and host families take part in a mutually rewarding, intercultural opportunity. Participants can continue their education while experiencing everyday life with an American family, and hosts receive reliable and responsible childcare from them. Benefits include up to $500 toward the cost of required academic coursework, room and board, and compensation for childcare work.

MINERVA STUDIO/iStock/Thinkstock

Through the

Reflect Transitions occur for a wide range of reasons in our early careers, but the implications are often the same. There will be periods of uncertainty. This should not be considered abnormal or reflective of weakness. Taking time to reflect on where you are in the transition process can help reduce fear, stress and the likelihood of taking wrong decisions. Self-reflection is a key strategy to understand past and present changes in order to make informed decisions. Take time to explore your ideas, identify available resources and discuss them with friends and mentors.

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Plan Whatever your situation, there is no shortage of opportunities where you can contribute. Before making a commitment, consider your long-term goals and how this time can be used to take you further in that direction. For example, gap year students considering graduate school in the United States may think that an internship with a prestigious company is the golden ticket to admission, as it would strengthen their

professional experience and résumé. However, this is an oversimplification and a common misconception among international students. Professional experience is not about big-name institutions; it is about the quality of your contribution. Launching your own small business and failing can be more rewarding and meaningful than an internship experience. It is important to plan and consider the full range of options before making assumptions. Focus on the quality of your learning and professional experience, not on name recognition alone. Along these lines, the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program offers a range of opportunities for intercultural learning and professional development (see sidebar). Act During periods of transition, your first plan may not work. A key approach to successful transitions is to be patient, yet persistent. There are many students who took a gap year because they were not accepted to a U.S. university, but spent the time retraining and improving themselves through massive open online courses (MOOCs), community service and even international exchange experience. One last point—relax. Not every year of your life needs an action plan. The points above are not about “strategic planning,” they are about being intentional about your future success by focusing on the present. Whether you are short on finances or planning an exciting paid internship in the United States, there are multiple fulfilling paths to reach your goals. Wesley Teter is a former regional coordinator of EducationUSA in India and Central Asia, supported by the U.S. Department of State. Don Martin is a former admissions dean at Columbia, University of Chicago and Northwestern, and author of “Road Map for Graduate Study.”

Exchange Visitor Program J1visa.state.gov

EducationUSA http://educationusa.state.gov/

To share articles go to http://span.state.gov JULY/AUGUST 2015 19

EDUCATION

aking time off, whether before starting college or for personal and financial reasons, can be a difficult decision to make. Most students grapple with questions like how to effectively prepare for this “gap year” and transition, how U.S. universities and potential employers would see these gaps in their résumé and how to effectively leverage this time to make bold decisions about their future direction. Transitions are periods of change, but more importantly, they can unlock your most creative self. At key turning points in your education and careers— and there will be many—it is important to be aware of the process of change in order to tap its potential for deep personal growth. Three key approaches can help you plan a successful gap year: reflect, plan and act.

From

STEM to STEAM

By MICHAEL GALLANT

Breaking educational boundaries by fusing science, arts and humanities.

MARLAYNA DEMOND

Manil Suri (left) and Michele Osherow play intellectually dueling professors in “The Mathematics of Being Human.”

ithin the United States, politicians and educators alike are pushing for greater public education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics—a grouping commonly referred to by the acronym STEM. According to Manil Suri, though, there’s one letter missing from this acronym. Suri, a novelist who was born in Mumbai and is currently professor of mathematics at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), believes that arts can play a key role in helping to teach these subjects, transforming STEM into STEAM. “STEM subjects are considered difficult to learn and there’s been a push to make them accessible not just to young students, but also to adults in order to raise the scientific knowledge of the general American population,” says Suri. “There have also been studies that show that having a workforce educated in mathematics and science is going to be increasingly important as our society changes. That’s true everywhere; not just in the U.S.” “The question is,” he continues, “how do you help people learn these very technical, challenging topics?” For Suri, the answer lies in an organic fusion of the sciences, arts and humanities. In other words, finding ways to teach the seemingly disparate topics at the same time. He has put this strategy into practice by co-writing a play, called “The Mathematics of Being Human,” with UMBC’s English professor Michele Osherow.

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“The play is set in an American university, where the two main characters are mathematics and English professors who are forced by their administrators to jointly teach a seminar on literature and mathematics,” he describes. “The other two characters are a girl, who is very good at mathematics but has not pursued it, and a boy, who is the classic underperforming class joker. And while the professors are fighting and unhappy at having to teach together, the students are actually trying to get something out of the experience.” The play is loosely inspired by Suri’s and Osherow’s experience of teaching a joint class to humanities scholars. “In that class, we looked at plays that had mathematical topics and how mathematics can be used to do research in the humanities,” says Suri. “There are various notable intersections between the two areas and the play just grew out of our experience. And while it is very fictionalized,” he continues with a laugh, “we did see that people have very different approaches to these two areas and can be protective of their own turf. In a funny and interesting sort of way, we wanted the play to examine those tensions and how they affect students, and also convey some of the mathematical ideas that we addressed in the class.” The professors’ efforts have achieved success and recognition, with performances of the play at UMBC, the National Museum of Mathematics in New York City, the Joint Mathematical Meetings Conference in Texas and more. In early 2016, Suri plans to bring the play to Mumbai and New Delhi, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy. This will include a performance at the Tata Institute of Social

Courtesy Manil Suri

ARTS To share articles go to http://span.state.gov JULY/AUGUST 2015 21

MARLAYNA DEMOND

22 JULY/AUGUST 2015

Manil Suri manilsuri.com

Michele Osherow http://goo.gl/Y8ETaS

“The Mathematics of Being Human” http://goo.gl/aKnKOC

Michael Gallant is the founder and chief executive officer of Gallant Music. He lives in New York City.

Chaz Atkinson (from far left), Manil Suri, Michele Osherow and Savannah Chamberlain in a 2014 performance of “The Mathematics of Being Human”at University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

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Sciences in Mumbai, as part of its Ibteda festival. “The reactions have been very positive, both from mathematicians and non-mathematicians,” says Suri. “One of the nicest things I heard was that a non-mathematician saw the play and wanted to go home and immediately look up the word ‘fractal,’ since that’s one of the concepts that we discuss in the play. We want to provoke curiosity. So, it’s wonderful that our audience members then want to go home and learn.” Most importantly, he adds, it’s the characters’ overall attitudes toward their respective disciplines that audiences have found most thought-provoking. “They start thinking about their own attitudes toward science, mathematics, the arts and the humanities,” he says. “That’s what our entire purpose is.” Suri hopes that his efforts will help STEAM become as much of a buzzword as STEM currently is and that further efforts to combine subjects like mathematics and writing will be made at the national and international levels. “I can see a STEAM approach to teaching helping my mathematics students phrase their ideas well and write good arguments. It can also work the other way, where mathematics skills help people in the humanities think and analyze in different ways,” he says. “There’s a definite symbiosis and, in a few years, I think we’re going to be hearing much more about STEAM.”

What do you need to know? Financial aid for international students in the United States is available, but is limited. So, start your planning as early as possible to assess how much financial support you require. Meet with an EducationUSA Adviser to discuss the possibilities and refer to the Financial Aid Tables available at EducationUSA centers. U.S. educational institutions consider a candidate’s complete profile to identify students for funding. You can maximize your chances of receiving financial aid if you: • Demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. • Achieve high scores on standardized tests. • Have leadership qualities. • Demonstrate commitment to extracurricular activities. • Show commitment and motivation to work in the intended field of study. • Have effective letters of recommendation and personal statements. • Have prior research or teaching experience. This is more important for graduate applicants.

FINANCIAL AID

Where can you find the funding? Financial aid for undergraduate students is mainly available at private institutions. Start by evaluating how much funding you and your family are able to provide for your education. There are different sources of funding for graduate students. You may be offered a fellowship or teaching assistantship, or research assistantship. Usually, funding is renewed every year if you maintain specified academic standards. Make sure you understand the responsibilities involved and the level of funding before accepting a grant award. The number and amount of grant awards

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How to apply? Undergraduate students can apply for financial aid by filling out specific forms like the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE or International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). For graduate students, the process is integrated into the admissions application. Once you submit your application, you may contact the faculty whose research groups you would like to join. Graduate students should note that the procedure for granting fellowships and assistantships is generally very competitive, based on academic merit, research background and teaching abilities. Teaching assistantships are awarded by the study departments, while research assistantships are awarded by professors involved in the research. The key to getting university funding is starting your research early and being flexible in shortlisting the universities at which you will be competing for funding opportunities. With the right amount of planning and research, U.S. higher education can be within your reach. Aastha Virk Singh is an EducationUSA adviser at the United States-India Educational Foundation.

ZIMMYTWS/iStock/Thinkstock

varies among universities and departments by subject area and, often, depends on the availability of grants for research in the department. As a general rule, Ph.D. students and research-focused master’s degree students get priority for funding. Other kinds of scholarships like athletic and women’s scholarships are also available, mainly for undergraduate applicants. In addition, you can apply to external sources of funding. A list is available at EducationUSA@USIEF. Some of these are: • J.N. Tata Endowment (http://goo.gl/jZCiqo) • Sir Ratan Tata Trust (www.srtt.org) • Aga Khan Foundation (http://goo.gl/4saITt) • KC Mahindra Education Trust (http://goo.gl/MJ2UOf) • ITC (www.itc.nl/Fellowships) • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation (http://goo.gl/rIRxWQ) • Rotary Foundation (http://goo.gl/SvlP1o) • P.E.O. International (www.peointernational.org)

By AASTHA VIRK SINGH

Grants and scholarships for international students in the United States.

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he United States has become the education hub for the whole world. More often than not, the main question that prospective students ask is, “How do I study in the United States?” rather than “Why study in the United States?” The good news is that there are many ways students can lower the study costs—even up to a full free ride in rare instances—if they start exploring the options early and know where to look.

Education

Financing

United States-India Educational Foundation

www.usief.org.in/Study-iinthe-U US/Scholarships.aspx

EducationUSA

http://educationusa.state. gov//find-ffinancial-aaid

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE

http://css.collegeboard.org

International Student Financial Aid Application

https://goo.g l/JAIymm

Beaten Track

A look at some unconventional majors at U.S. universities.

PENN STATE/Courtesy Flickr

Off the

By CARRIE LOEWENTHAL MASSEY

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, aspiring landscape designer or environmentalist, the turfgrass science major at Penn State University might be ideal for you. Students take an integrated program of study, which includes basic and applied sciences, business management courses and an internship. They learn to create and maintain

To share articles go to http://span.state.gov JULY/AUGUST 2015 25

MAJORS

is ohn Am

Above: Penn State University’s turfgrass science student Eddie Harbaugh interned with the Philadelphia Eagles football team from May 2013 to January 2014. Right: Keith Karnok (center), professor of crops and soil science at University of Georgia, talks to Anna Yeager (left) and Trey Cutts during a trip to Sanford Stadium for the turfgrass management class.

Turfgrass science

hoto/J UGA P

any Indian students come to the United States to study engineering, computer science and other popular topics. But the country also offers opportunities to study courses that are off the beaten track. From auctioneering and poultry science to nautical archaeology and ethnomusicology, there’s something for everyone. Here are four unique specialities that you can choose from.

MARLEE SCOTT/Courtesy University of New Hampshire

Right: Bethany Helsel, an associate degree student in letters, arts and sciences at Penn State Altoona, greets patrons of the student puppetry show at the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts.

Schriefer, program assistant for the major. The university offers ecogastronomy as a dual major, which means that students declare a primary major within the university and then attach ecogastronomy to it.

Puppetry Above: University of New Hampshire’s ecogastronomy students visit a wine cellar in Dijon, France.

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For theater lovers, aspiring early childhood and elementary educators and those who just recreational spaces and develop quality love make-believe, there’s the Bachelor of landscapes that are environmentally sound. Fine Arts in puppetry and creative dramatics at Students also come to understand the science West Virginia University. Classwork includes behind sod growth and the impact of turfgrass- puppet construction and manipulation, the related land use decisions. history of puppetry, performance techniques Graduates can work for stadiums and and drama as a learning and development tool professional sports teams. They also have for children. Students can tour with the opportunities in golf course management, lawn university’s Puppet Mobile and enjoy other curating and maintenance, turfgrass research, performance opportunities. teaching and more. According to the university, graduates have landed jobs with companies like Disney and EcoGastronomy Nashville Sesame Street Live Touring, At the University of New Hampshire, children’s museums, and regional and national students have the opportunity to explore the theater companies. University of Connecticut, too, offers full lifecycle of food. The ecogastronomy dual bachelor’s and master’s degrees in puppet arts. major involves the study of sustainable agriculture, clean and fair food production, hospitality management and healthy eating. Social media Students also travel to other countries to Social media has now become a mainstream experience world food practices. means of communication. In keeping with this “Without a doubt, the international trend, Newberry College in South Carolina has experience is most beloved by the students. made it a mainstream academic course. They compare their own domestic experiences “I developed the major because there was a with the food culture, sustainably-focused need,” says Tania Sosiak, associate professor agriculture, and policies and issues impacting of graphic design and social media at the food system of other countries and Newberry College. “During my classes that they…connect with chefs, producers and encompass branding, social media was a farmers around the world,” says Colleen constant common thread that was recurring in

PENN STATE/Courtesy Flickr

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From auctioneering and poultry science to nautical archaeology and ethnomusicology, there’s something

Dual Major in EcoGastronomy, University of New Hampshire www.unh.edu/ ecogastronomy

LARRY CAMERON/Courtesy Newberry College

for everyone.

Turfgrass Science Major, Penn State University

http://plantscience.psu.edu/ majors/turfgrass

Puppetry and Creative Dramatics, West Virginia University http://goo.gl/nzQCW8

the curriculum.” Sosiak designed the social media major to be interdisciplinary. Students learn many skills that relate to social media, including marketing, design and execution of media, psychology, analytics, e-commerce, search engine optimization and web content development. The college also offers a minor in social media. Sosiak and Patrick Gagliano, chair of Newberry’s Department of Arts and Communication, have built upon the early success of the social media major to create a digital marketing major, which will be launched in fall 2015.

Above: The interdisciplinary approach of Newberry College’s social media program helps students learn skills like analytics and web content development.

“With the interdisciplinary approach, our digital marketing degree offers the creative student an opportunity to achieve a business degree while simultaneously developing and applying artistic skills,” says Gagliano. “This combines artistic passions with real opportunities for employment in the business field after graduation.” Carrie Loewenthal Massey is a New York Citybased freelance writer.

Puppet Arts, University of Connecticut

http://drama.uconn.edu/ programs/puppet-arts

Social Media, Newberry College http://goo.gl/9JZNLJ

JULY/AUGUST 2015

Courtesy MIT Panhellenic Association

Going

Greek

Fraternities and sororities are often seen as vital to a strong postgraduate career,

personal growth and lifelong friendships.

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By JASON CHIANG

fter leaving the comfort of home and embarking on the exciting collegiate experience, new students must confront several important decisions—what classes to take, what major to study, where to live…and whether to join a fraternity or sorority. Fraternities and sororities—the Greek system—have been a longstanding tradition at U.S. universities, and continues to function as one of the most powerful institutions in American culture. Greek life has been a part of the U.S. collegiate culture for centuries, dating back to the late 1700’s, when a small group of students at the College of William and Mary in Virginia held secret meetings to debate controversial issues. Today, the Greek system has grown to over nine million active members and alumni, with over 120 nationally recognized fraternities and

sororities that span nearly 800 North American campuses. Each fraternity and sorority offers its own distinctive culture and set of principles and traditions that can connect students with a newfound sense of community and belonging. The recruitment process into the Greek system is known as “rush,” where fraternities and sororities welcome students to “pledge” or join each semester as classes begin. Greek houses hold several social events, inviting prospective pledges to meet other active members and to experience the chapter’s unique lifestyle. At the end of rush, the Greek houses offer membership invitations, called “bids,” to welcome new students who are considered a good fit to join. Joining the Greek community is known to enrich personal growth, while connecting students to a larger social

a terrible portrayal of fraternities, and it definitely made me apprehensive.” The referenced 2014 comedy “Neighbors,” like “National Lampoon’s Animal House” (1978) and “Old School” (2003) before it, stereotype fraternities and sororities by showing massive parties, excessive hazing and violent bullying as recurring themes dominating the Greek experience. Whether through such movies or real-life scandals like the March 2015 racism incident involving a fraternity at the University of Oklahoma, the Greek system is often disproportionately cast in a negative light. When Nadhamuni arrived at MIT, however, he found that perception does

ever happened.” In Nadhamuni’s case, “going Greek” opened new doors to a world that he would have never been exposed to otherwise. He hopes to pass down this lesson to other new students who may be unsure about being a part of the Greek system. “I would encourage students to consider the prospect of joining a fraternity or a sorority with an open mind; there is truly so much to be gained from Greek life. It is amazing to learn from people who have already done what I’m about to do.” Jason Chiang is a freelance writer based in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.

UPS BETA/Courtesy Flickr

PATRICK GIBLIN/Courtesy Flickr

group with common interests, goals and values. It can also offer new students the opportunity to become more involved in academics, leadership and community service. The Greek system is consistently the largest network of volunteers in the United States, with fraternity and sorority members contributing over 10 million hours of volunteer work every year toward philanthropic causes. Greeks also boast of higher graduation rates and grade point averages (GPAs), and hold more student leadership positions throughout American universities than non-Greeks. Despite its many noted advantages, there are some negative ideas and

stereotypes that continue to haunt the Greek system. Nischal Nadhamuni, a freshman student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from Bengaluru, admits that he was initially skeptical of Greek life because of the undesirable depiction of fraternities. “I had no intention of joining the Greek system,” Nadhamuni explains. “Movies like ‘Neighbors’ had always shown such

not always mirror reality. After meeting several members of Phi Beta Epsilon during rush week, Nadhamuni decided to pledge the fraternity. “I was very surprised by the high emphasis on leadership and interpersonal skills; many of the fraternity events were actually team-building exercises,” he recalls. “I was expecting to be put in some position of discomfort, but no such thing

Office of Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups, MIT http://studentlife.mit.edu/fsilg

Frat Facts http://goo.gl/3B9Fow www.uwgreek.com/frat/home.html

To share articles go to http://span.state.gov JULY/AUGUST 2015 29

GREEK LIFE

PENN STATE/Courtesy Flickr

Above: The annual lip sync contest at University of the Pacific in California, where fraternities, sororities and student organizations compete with each other. Far left: MIT Panhellenic Association members during Campus Preview Weekend 2013. Above left: University of Puget Sound fraternity members at the annual AIDS Walk in 2010. Left: Airmen sort donations of clothing, toys and soccer balls for children near Balad, Iraq. The Pennsylvania State University chapter of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity sponsored the donation drive.

VLADGRIN/iStock/Thinkstock

Research

Before You Apply By DON MARTIN

APPLICATION RESEARCH

Digital Vision/Photodisc/Thinkstock

n my over 30 years of working with international graduate students, I’ve noticed one mistake they make that far exceeds any other. It can be summed up in these seven words: Not doing adequate research before they apply. Countless international students rely on rankings or word of mouth as the sole factor to determine where they will apply for graduate study. While these can be a source of information, neither one should serve as the determining factor of where students apply. It is critical, and relatively easy, to conduct detailed research before selecting an academic institution. Ideally, you should spend 6 to 12 months on your research. If you plan to start your program of study in the fall, you should start your search two years ahead. Why two years? Typically, graduate schools start accepting applications just under a year before the intended start date. In order for you to have time to thoroughly evaluate all the information you will receive, you will need at least a year before applying to gather that information, review it, decide where you will apply and prepare your application materials. To start, conduct an initial web-based search on the graduate programs offered in your field of study. Do a number of searches, so that you find as many institutions as possible that match your search criteria. The next step is to make an alphabetical list of all your options, regardless of what you have heard about them. Write them all down or put them in a spreadsheet. Be very careful about accepting word of mouth or what you think you know as final at this point in the search process. Do not eliminate any of the

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How to avoid the biggest mistake prospective international graduate students make.

institutions. You should get as much information as possible, so you can decide which options are most suitable. Assess not only the content of the material provided on the websites, but also the way in which it is presented. Is information easy to find? Is the tone friendly and inviting? Are there easy and quick ways to request more information? If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, such as course descriptions and financial aid for international students, or if there is conflicting information, you may write to the admissions office. This will also provide you an opportunity to find out just how responsive admissions offices are to you. The timing and tone of a response can be very telling, and may shed light on the general level of customer service of the institutions. Give each institution a grade on their website and on the level of responsiveness. Here is a suggested grading system:

Website

Responsiveness

A = easy to navigate, informative, captivating

A = had a response within 7 business days

B = well-done, good information, friendly

B = had a response within 12 business days

C = fairly easy to navigate, not as helpful or friendly

C = had a response within 17 business days

D = difficult to navigate, D = had a response not very informative within 22 business days F = no help at all

F = took four weeks or longer for a response

FF = no website, or close to nothing

FF = no response

Taking the time to do detailed research will help you find many relevant options, learn more about them and complete your applications. Your list of schools will have your top choices, selected based on substantive research and not on someone else’s opinion. Don Martin is a former admissions dean at Columbia, University of Chicago, and Northwestern, and author of “Road Map for Graduate Study.”

Be Penn-wise By CARRIE LOEWENTHAL MASSEY

ADMISSIONS

SCOTT SPITZER /Courtesy University of Pennsylvania

All you need to know for applying to the University of Pennsylvania.

JULY/AUGUST 2015

he University of Pennsylvania (Penn) opened its doors to students in 1751, under the leadership of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. It has remained a hallowed institution ever since and, as a member of the Ivy League, one of the most prestigious universities of higher education in the world. Integral to Penn’s community are its international students, who come from more than 100 countries around the globe. Every year, the university admits 300 to 350 international students, with Indian applicants often being the second largest group. Here are excerpts from an interview with the university’s Dean of Admissions Eric J. Furda and Senior Associate Director of Admissions John T. McLaughlin. What does Penn look for in an international student’s application? As with all of our candidates, we expect a high level of achievement in whatever curriculum is available to the

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SCOTT SPITZER/Courtesy University of Pennsylvania

“

The opportunities at Penn are infinite and we wish to understand how they’ll take advantage of the limitless possibilities.

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”

University of Pennsylvania www.upenn.edu

Penn Global https://global.upenn.edu/

Applying to U.S. Universities, Coursera www.coursera.org/learn/ study-in-usa

The Krishna P. Singh Center for Nanotechnology houses several multi-user experimental laboratories critical to advanced research and development in nanotechnology. This vantage point also showcases American artist Tony Smith’s “We Lost” sculpture.

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student. We understand there are many curriculums available around the world and within nations. We do not discriminate in favor or against one curriculum or another. However, we do expect the student to be engaged in a challenging program and excel. We see how the student has taken advantage of the opportunities available in secondary school. The opportunities at Penn are infinite and we wish to understand how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take advantage of the limitless possibilities. We gain insight on this through the application components, including recommendations, extracurricular reports and essays. How can prospective students make their applications stand out? The vast majority of our applicant pool has the academic talent and ability to succeed and thrive at Penn. Often, the qualitative elements of the applications serve to distinguish individuals from the 34 JULY/AUGUST 2015

wider pool. We urge students to think carefully about how they respond to our application questions, especially when describing their interest and fit with the university. Applicants have more control over the essay than any other part of the process. A little extra time and effort can go far in helping to make the case for the connection with Penn. What is the timeline for international student applications? The application timeline varies based on whether the student applies via the Early Decision Plan or the Regular Decision Plan. Early Decision (ED) is designed for students whose first choice is Penn. It is a binding program and we expect students admitted under ED to enroll at the university. If Penn is the top choice, then we encourage students to consider the ED route. The ED application deadline is

November 1. Results are made available in mid-December. If Penn is one of the many options to consider, then we recommend the Regular Decision (RD) route. The RD application deadline is January 5. RD is non-binding and the more conventional route. Results are made available in late March or early April. What are the financial aid options for Indian students planning to attend Penn? We do not offer merit or athletic scholarships; all of our financial aid is based on need. Penn is need-blind for citizens and permanent residents of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For citizens of other nations, including India, we are need-aware in our evaluation process. In other words, the admissions process for these aid applicants may be more competitive, but we continue to augment our financial aid

Photographs by SCOTT SPITZER /Courtesy University of Pennsylvania

resources for international applicants. Furthermore, we have a commitment to funding every admitted student, regardless of nationality, with an allgrant package that mitigates the need for any loans. We do this to provide all admitted students, including Indian citizens, with the opportunity to graduate from Penn debt-free. What message would you like to give to prospective students? We have developed a free online course through Coursera that details the process of applying to U.S. universities as an international student. It’s a great resource and reference for students. Prospective students should also explore the Penn Global website. Penn Global details some of the logistical considerations around studying at Penn as an international student. It can assist with details on visa applications, opening bank accounts, etc.

Beyond Penn, international students can benefit from the information provided by the U.S. Department of State at EducationUSA. Indian students, in particular, might check out the U.S.India Educational Foundation. These organizations can provide guidance and support on application deadlines, logistics and other details. Admissions is a matching process. When we evaluate candidates, we consider them as individuals and in terms of how they’ll contribute to the composition of the class. Our entering class consists of 2,420 unique stories. But collectively, it’s much greater and more powerful. We seek students who can take full advantage of what we offer, and we aim to understand how Penn can help them meet their goals in ways that no other university can.

Top: The university’s Quadrangle has several College Houses, which are hubs of intellectual, social and recreational activities. Left top: Every year, the university admits 300 to 350 international students, with Indian applicants often being the second largest group. Above left: Greek literature class with Peter Struck. Above far left: Hey Day celebration at the university, which represents the official passage of the junior class to senior status and is marked by thousands of marching students parading around campus sporting fake straw hats, red T-shirts and canes. Above: A student at the university.

Carrie Loewenthal Massey is a New York City-based freelance writer. JULY/AUGUST 2015

Small Towns, Big Exhibits By ANNE WALLS

Shelburne Museum

http://shelburnemuseum.org 36 JULY/AUGUST 2015

Exploring America’s hidden treasure of museums.

Shelburne Museum Shelburne, Vermont

ermont’s Lake Champlain Valley isn’t just an area of incredible beauty, but also an area of rich culture. And nowhere is this more evident than at the Shelburne Museum. Here, the historical works aren’t just in the buildings, but are the buildings themselves. The Shelburne Museum is a shrine to American history, with over 150,000 works of art. Twenty-five of the museum’s 35 buildings are historic and were relocated to the museum grounds to house a dazzling array of Impressionist paintings, folk art, quilts and textiles, decorative arts, furniture, American paintings and 17th- to 20th-century artifacts. It has been called “a haven for the handmade objects of another era.” A general store, a meeting house, a log cabin and a 220-foot restored steamboat, named Ticonderoga, dot the museum grounds. The Shelburne Museum was founded in 1947 by Electra Havemeyer Webb, a pioneering collector of American folk art. One

PATRICK BREEN /Courtesy Flickr

A 1940 Indian Scout displayed at the Shelburne Museum’s “Full Throttle” exhibit.

TRAVEL

The Met. The Smithsonian. The Getty. Everyone knows these national treasures; the museums themselves as well as the works of art within. But what about the smaller museums located off the beaten path? Museums with less foot traffic and popularity often make up for it in the experience and the freedom that being a smaller establishment affords them. Besides the fact that skipping the overcrowded museums saves you valuable time, there’s also something charming about a more exclusive collection. The artworks are often more curated, with an overarching theme and feel.

To share articles go to http://span.state.gov JULY/AUGUST 2015 37

ALEXANDER RABB /Courtesy Flickr

STRAIN /Courtesy Flickr ÉAMONN O'BRIEN-S FRED MURPHY /Courtesy Flickr

ROB FRIESEL/Courtesy Flickr

of the off-beat items this eclectic museum boasts of is an entire collection of circus posters, figures and costumes. According to the museum’s website, this expansive collection “offers an integral contribution to the themes of American and European design, domestic life and material culture.” The Shelburne Museum doesn’t feature only Americana. The personal collection of Webb’s art-loving parents has also made its way into the museum. So, there are French Impressionist paintings mixed into the halls of quilts, toys, dollhouses and carriages. Recently, local Vermont businesses such as the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company have started sponsoring outdoor concerts at the museum.

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Above: The Colchester Reef Light, a lighthouse which was once on Lake Champlain, was moved to the Shelburne Museum in 1956. Above left: A rail bike displayed at the museum.

Left: Visitors at the “Time Machines: Rockets, Robots, and Steampunk” exhibit. Below: The 220-foot steamboat, Ticonderoga, displayed at the museum. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Bainbridge Island, Washington

Below: An art piece displayed at the museum. Below right: Feferman Gallery entrance, Gayle Bard Retrospective.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art www.biartmuseum.org

hile the Shelburne Museum highlights America’s past, the Bainbridge Island Museum focuses on the future of art in the United States. Founded in 2009, it showcases artists and collections from the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas and the broader Puget Sound regions. The museum’s collection reflects the geography of the area. It displays 12 to 16 exhibits every year, featuring paintings, printmaking, book art, photography, sculpture, metal, wood, ceramic, glass and fiber art, jewelry and furniture. Recent exhibitions include “The Art of Furniture,” which showcased works by local photographer Raymond Gendreau; a group show called “Cut & Bent,” featuring tin and other cut metal pieces; and an exhibition on miniature books.

Film buffs also go to the museum for its “SmARTfilm Series” of movie screenings. The museum believes that screening art-centric movies such as “Amélie” and “Tim’s Vermeer” stimulates conversation through the merger of visual art, film and narrative. After each screening, audience members are invited to participate in moderated discussions, which serve to anchor the film in the art and craft of the region and the time. In addition, it is the first art museum in the state of Washington to apply for LEED Gold status. It utilizes solar and geothermal energy, recycled materials like denim insulation provided through a grant from Levi Strauss, sustainable and rapidly renewable building materials, water-efficient bathroom fixtures and lighting efficiency measures like sun louvers and compact fluorescent lamps.

JOE WOLF/Courtesy Flickr

KARYA SCHANILED

Above and above right: The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art displays 12 to 16 exhibits every year.

ART GRICE

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

JULY/AUGUST 2015

Rahr-West I Art Museum Manitowoc, Wisconsin

n a small lakeside town called Manitowoc, sits a stately Victorian mansion built in the Queen Anne style. The 13-bedroom house is large and elegant and was constructed between 1891 and 1893 for a railroad and mining entrepreneur, who eventually became the mayor of this Wisconsin town. In 1910, Reinhardt Rahr, president of Rahr Malting Company, purchased the mansion and the Rahr family lived there till 1941. The mansion was then donated to the city with the hope that it would one day become a great museum. This wish came true in 1975, when John and Ruth West turned it into a museum. The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The museum is home to priceless works of art and is the center of the local art scene. A modern exhibition wing has been added, which features two large galleries. It hosts about 10 exhibitions

TYLE_R /Courtesy Flickr

V'RON /Courtesy Flickr

Below: Outdoor art at the Rahr-West Art Museum. Below right: Visitors admire the “NEW Art 2011” exhibit at the museum.

Rahr-West Art Museum

Right: The Rahr-West Art Museum is home to priceless works of art and is the center of the local art scene. Right center: The National Museum of Wildlife Art is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Far right: Bart Walter’s “Wapiti Trail” sculpture at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

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ALTIORAPETO /Courtesy Wikipedia

www.rahrwestartmuseum.org

every year. The Rahr-West Art Museum is dedicated to promoting the development of young artists in the area. It features exhibits by elementary schoolchildren as well as those on modern art, photography and even about “The Art of Tablesetting.” Every holiday season, the museum comes alive with the Christmas spirit as visitors are transported back in time and given a glimpse of the mansion’s Victorian holiday heritage. But, perhaps, the most famous event the museum hosts is an annual festival called “Sputnikfest,” to celebrate the time in 1962 when a 9.1 kg piece of the 7 ton Sputnik 4 crashed on North Eighth Street, east of the museum. The impact location is marked with a ring. A cast was made from the original piece before the Soviets claimed it, and the cast was displayed at the museum. Talk about an art collection that’s out of this world!

DANIEL D'AURIA/Courtesy Flickr

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

current building was constructed in 1994. Every year, over 80,000 people visit the museum, which represents the culmination of a lifetime of study and collection of wildlife art by its founders, Joffa and Bill Kerr. Over a period of 30 years, the Kerrs have developed a collection of wildlife art unsurpassed in the United States. The museum boasts of over 51,000 square feet of gallery space, including a 23 feet tall, hand-carved totem pole that greets patrons as they enter the main hall. Its permanent collection of over 5,000 cataloged items includes paintings, sculpture and works on paper by over 100 distinguished artists, ranging from early Native American tribes through contemporary masters.

DAIHUNG/Courtesy Flickr

Above: The National Museum of Wildlife Art blends into the natural terrain. Below: The museum has over 5,000 cataloged items, including a 23 feet tall totem pole.

ou might miss this museum if you don’t look closely enough as you drive by the mighty Grand Teton mountains. That’s because the National Museum of Wildlife Art, much like the paintings of the camouflaged animals inside, has been designed to merge into its surroundings—the rocky hills of Jackson, Wyoming. The museum was constructed of rough-hewn stone, which blends seamlessly into the natural terrain. The building was inspired by the ruins of Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and sits on a cliff overlooking the National Elk Refuge. At the National Museum of Wildlife Art, you can observe wildlife both in the museum and in their natural habitat outside. Founded in 1984, its original building was a much smaller exhibit space. The

LINDADEE2006/Courtesy Flickr

National Museum of Wildlife Art

National Museum of Wildlife Art www.wildlifeart.org/

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Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Bentonville, Arkansas

Photographs by TIMOTHY HURSLEY/Courtesy Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas

Left: The entrance to the Crystal Bridges museum, with “Yield,” a stainless steel sculpture by Roxy Paine. Right: A view of the museum. Far right: The TwentiethCentury Art Gallery at the museum. Above far right: Crystal Bridges’ Museum Store, designed by architect Marlon Blackwell.

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estled in Arkansas’ picturesque Ozark Mountains, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a creative oasis set on 120 acres of native Ozark forest. The museum takes its name from Crystal Spring, a natural spring on the museum’s wooded site that feeds into its ponds, and the unique bridge construction incorporated into the building design. The museum represents all eras of American heritage and boasts of works by Roy Lichtenstein, James Turrell and Georgia O’Keeffe, as well as iconic paintings such as Norman Rockwell’s “Rosie the Riveter” and Andy Warhol’s “Dolly Parton.” With its sophisticated architecture,

lecture and concert venues, meeting places, walking trails and educational spaces, the museum hopes to turn this part of the United States into a premier venue for art in the country. The museum opened in 2012 and has been designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. The chairwoman of the board and the driving force behind the museum’s success is Alice Walton, leader of The Walton Family Foundation—the same family behind the retail chain Walmart. Admission to the museum is free, courtesy of the big-box store. Anne Walls is a writer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

http://crystalbridges.org

Courtesy Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas

The Downtown Bentonville entrance to the Art Trail with Nancy Schön’s bronze sculpture, “Tortoise and Hare.”

Registered under RNI-6586/60