Fall 2016 Vol. 11 no. 4
Office of International Programs | UNC Charlotte
Welcome from Assistant Provost for International Programs Dear Colleagues, Education Week 2016 series of events to be held November 14-18. Each year, we along with many colleges and universities around the world, celebrate and recognize our institution’s commitment to and engagement in international education programming. Over the course of the IEW, we invite you to participate in a host of activities, events and workshops designed to promote cultural awareness as well as to highlight the many opportunities our campus community, has to celebrate our Forty Niner global citizenry and to learn about how to become engaged in study/conduct research programs abroad.
included in IEW 2016. We are delighted to partner with various constituents and are proud of our campus community’s commitment to fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and intercultural understanding. Best wishes, Joël Assistant Provost for International Programs
Black and Abroad: A Student’s Perspective November 15 2:00pm - 3:00pm Student Union 340B
“Without a Fight” with Rye Barcott, Co-Founder of Carolina for Kibera November 16 6:00pm - 8:00pm Belk 201
West and Islam? Rethinking Orientalism and Occidentalism November 17 7:30pm – 9:00pm Cone Center, McKnight Hall
Fulbright Faculty & Student Workshop November 18 9:30am – 12pm Cone 210 RSVP: oip.uncc.edu/IEW
ON GOING EVENTS LL A EK E W
Operation Refugee Child Display and Fundraiser Mon & Tue, 8:30am - 4:00pm - Outside of Prospector Wed & Thur, 8:30am - 4:00pm - Outside of Student Union
Stop by this educational display created by Dr. Sarah Minslow’s War and Genocide in Children’s Literature class to learn about the refugee crisis in Syria, the challenges faced by refugees, and a variety of ways individuals can help through existing non-profits and international volunteer opportunities. Students are invited to play educational games, send a postcard of hope and peace to refugee children, enjoy bake sale items, and make a donation to Operation Refugee Child, a non-profit that distributes necessary supplies to children in refugee camps. Contact: Dr. Sarah Minslow Email: sminslow@uncc.edu
Where In The World Trivia
Student Union 1st Floor Rotunda Mon - Fri, 12:00pm - 2:00pm Stop by tables in the Student Union to test your global knowledge for a chance to win prizes! Encourage students to be engaged around internationally-relevant topics at interactive tables in the Student Union each day of International Education Week. Information will be available on how students can win prizes including 50% off of the Education Abroad Administration Fee for a UNC Charlotte approved study abroad experience! Contact: Office of International Programs Email: International@uncc.edu
• Cultural cuisine options available each day at Bistro 49 • International cuisine provided at Sovi on Mon, Wed, & Fri
N O . 14 M V O N
Short Term Study Abroad Program Development Workshop CHHS 207 11:00am - 12:30pm
The Office of Education Abroad will hold an informational workshop on Monday, November 14 for UNC Charlotte faculty members interested in learning how to develop short-term study abroad programs. Consistent with national trends, UNC Charlotte has seen significant growth in recent years in the number of students participating in faculty-led short-term programs abroad. These for-credit international programs play an important role in diversifying populations that study abroad and offering additional opportunities to incorporate an international experience into the academic careers of both students and faculty at UNC Charlotte. Faculty who are interested in learning how to develop, implement, and lead a short-term program abroad are invited to join the Office of Education Abroad for this workshop on short-term program development. To confirm your attendance, or for more information, please contact Rachel Moreau, Assistant Coordinator of Short Term Programs in the Office of Education Abroad. Contact: Rachel Moreau Email: rmoreau1@uncc.edu.
Film Screening: “Land and Freedom” Colvard South 3120 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Join the Department of Global, International & Area Studies and Customer49 Student Group for a screening and brief discussion of Land and Freedom, an award-winning film about the Spanish Revolution and Civil War of 1936-1939. Directed by the celebrated British film-maker Ken Loach, Land and Freedom tells the story of an unemployed worker and member of the Communist Party of Great Britain who decides to fight in Spain for the Republican side, an anti-fascist coalition of leftists and internationalists. The film won the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize and the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival. Land and Freedom bears considerable resemblance to George Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia in its support for the anti-fascists, its sympathy for the revolutionaries (anarchists and leftwing socialists), its humanism and nuance, and its critique of the Moscow-directed Communists, who ultimately undermined the Republican cause. Contact: John Cox, Customer49 Email: John Cox, jcox73@uncc.edu, unccustomer49@gmail.com
‘Real World’ Job Hints from International Students to International Students Atkins 146 - University Career Center 6:00pm – 7:30pm The University Career Center and the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) will be hosting 5 international student alumni returning to campus for a panel discussion open to current international students. They will be sharing their experiences in finding full-time opportunities for Optional Practical Training (OPT) since recently graduating from UNC Charlotte. These panelists represent a variety of disciplines including, Engineering, CCI and Business. All current international students (undergrad through PhD) are welcome to attend. This event will also include a brief workshop by the Career Center & ISSO on what to expect with OPT prior to the panel discussion! Space is limited so RSVP in Hire-A-Niner is expected (click “Events” - “Career Events” - “International Student Alumni Panel” - “RSVP”). Contact: International Student and Scholar Office Email: intlsso@uncc.edu
E 5 TU . 1 V O N
“Islam 101” with Dr. Rohany Nayan Student Union 266 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Over the years, Islamophobia has been documented on a large scale, especially during the years after 9/11 in U.S. and European societies and schools. Islam is often depicted as extreme in the news despite its rich, varied, dynamic set of traditions practiced peacefully by millions around the world. Dr. Rohany Nayan’s presentation aims to introduce Islam to the audience by covering a summary of basic beliefs, teachings and contemporary religious practices. A list of basic Islamic terms that are widely used by Muslims in general will be shared along with some tips for educators who teach Muslim students. Contact: Office of International Programs Email: international@uncc.edu
Black and Abroad: A Student’s Perspective Student Union 340B 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Black students face unique experiences while traveling and studying abroad. This hour-long workshop will detail available resources and scholarships, give students the opportunity to ask questions, and share stories specific to being Black and Abroad. The session will consist of a 15 minute presentation on UNC Charlotte Student, Joneka Percentie’s personal experience after receiving the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship and studying in Seoul, South Korea. It will then be followed by a 45 minute panel and discussion with study abroad peer advisors and Black students who have studied abroad. These students will share personal experiences, tips, and advice they would have liked to receive before embarking on a trip to their respective locations. The session will conclude with information about how students can get involved with International Education Week , the Office of International Programs, Office of Education Abroad, and the Multicultural Resource Center. Workshop attendees will receive a list of upcoming events from various offices and a copy of the presentation in a newsletter compiled with questions and answers from various attendees and quotes from students. Contact: Joneka Percentie Email: jpercent@uncc.edu
International Scholar Reception *Invitation only event 4:00pm - 5:30pm
and ABROAD Learn about scholarships, oncampus resources, and the unique challenges and joys of studying abroad as a Black student.
Tuesday, November 15th 2PM-3PM STUN 340B RSVP: jpercent@uncc.edu Cosponsored by the Office of International Programs as part of International Education Week.
The International Student and Scholar Office will be welcoming International Scholars and Faculty to this invitation-only reception in recognition of their contributions to internationalization at UNC Charlotte. Contact: International Students and Scholars Office Email: intlsso@uncc.edu
ED 6 W V. 1 O N
Romance Around the World CHHS 128 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ever wondered how romance is similar or different around the world? Come and join in this engaging discussion about what dating, love, and marriage looks like in a variety of cultures. International Student and Scholar Office staff and a panel of UNC Charlotte international students will lead this fun and informative session. Contact: Denise Medeiros Email: dvmedei@uncc.edu
Afro-Brazilian Dance Performance
Belk Plaza (Rain Location: Student Union Rotunda) 2:20pm - 3:00pm As a part of International Education Week, students studying in the Department of Dance will present Afro-Brazilian dances influenced by the Angola, Yoruba, and Akan cultures of West Africa. Come watch, dance, and join in the celebration! Contact: Tamara Williams Email: twill260@uncc.edu
Study Abroad Alumni Panel CHHS 128 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Come by this informal study abroad alumni panel to learn more about study abroad from the experts! Attendees will have the chance to ask these UNC Charlotte students questions about their study abroad experiences and learn more about how they can start the study abroad process. Study Abroad alumni will share photos and stories from their time abroad. Light snacks will be provided. Contact: Office of Education Abroad Email: edabroad@uncc.edu
Keynote Event: Film Screening & Discussion of “Without a Fight” with Rye Barcott Belk Gym 201 6:00pm - 8:00pm
A film screening and discussion of the documentary Without a Fight with the Co-Founder of Carolina for Kibera, Rye Barcott, will be the keynote event of UNC Charlotte’s International Education Week. The event will take place at 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 16, Belk 201 (Kinesiology lecture hall). Without a Fight is a feature length documentary film that features the work of Carolina for Kibera and explores how soccer can facilitate social change in Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums. Footage of violent clashes fueled by polarizing national presidential elections is intertwined with profiles of youth from different religious and ethnic backgrounds as they navigate daily life and prepare for the final championship soccer game of the season. The film provides a glimpse—often a very positive one—into an Africa few have seen. It attempts to break stereotypes associated with people who live in extreme poverty while depicting sports as a tool for social change, a tool that could be used to prevent violence among at-risk youth. Kibera is the same area of Kenya featured in the 2016 UNC Charlotte Common Reading and this presentation will be an opportunity for the UNC Charlotte community to build upon their knowledge of this region. Contact: Office of International Programs Email: international@uncc.edu
R 7 U 1 TH V. O N
PBD Annual Meeting and Induction * invitation only event 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars has as its main purpose the recognition of the international education experience, related academic scholarship and achievement. It also serves as a means for encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and networking among faculty and students involved in international endeavors. UNC Charlotte’s Mu Chapter inducts qualified students, faculty and staff at its annual member meeting in November and recognizes with honorary membership an individual or organization who has contributed to the internationalization of the Charlotte community. See http://isso.uncc.edu/pbd/index.htm for more information and membership opportunities. Contact: Office of International Programs Email: international@uncc.edu
International Coffee Hour
Faculty/Staff Dining Room of Prospector 4:00pm - 6:00pm Meet people from around the world, share ideas, and relax with coffee and refreshments! This event is sponsored by the International Student and Scholar Office in the Office of International Programs and is open to all International and US students, faculty and staff. Bring a friend or meet one there! Contact: International Student and Scholar Office Email: intlsso@uncc.edu
The West and Islam? Rethinking Orientalism and Occidentalism Cone Center, McKnight Hall 7:30pm - 9:00pm
While it has been common for modern ideologues to argue that “the West” is essentially opposed to Islam, the notion of a timeless “Muslim world” utterly detached from Europe and America does not have a historical basis. Yet there is a long legacy of distorted representations of Eastern countries as the foreign “other”, associated with Orientalist scholarship. Conversely, exaggerated stereotypes of Europe and America can be considered as Occidentalism. This presentation explores the ways that critiques of East and West have been intertwined with one another, particularly when the issue is framed as a conflict between religion (Islam) and secularism. The conceptual and ethical shortcomings of these oppositions demonstrate the need for holistic concepts that go beyond restrictive identities. This presentation will be hosted by the Iranian Student Organization and will feature specialist in Islamic Studies, Dr. Carl Ernst. Contact: Dr. Taghi Mostafavi Email: taghi@uncc.edu
I 8 FR . 1 V O N
Fulbright Faculty and Student Workshop Cone 210 9:30am - 12:15pm
Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright Program provides funding for students, scholars, teachers, and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Fulbright Program Officer Alisha Scott will be presenting during International Education Week to share insights on opportunities for faculty and students to apply for this prestigious program on Friday, November 18, at 9:30am in Cone 210. Workshop attendees will also hear from faculty and student Fulbright alumni. Breakout sessions are provided specific to faculty and student applicants. The program includes a continental breakfast for attendees. Registration is available online until Wednesday, November 16. Contact: Office of International Programs Email: international@uncc.edu
Office of Global Education and Engagement Joe Hoff, Director Kate Poisson, Assistant Director Elizabeth Moore, Graduate Assistant Office of Education Abroad edabroad@uncc.edu Brad Sekulich, Director Beth Lorenz, Assistant Director Vacant, Assistant Director of Short Term Programs Rachel Moreau, Assistant Coordinator for Short Term Programs Jess Taylor, Education Abroad Advisor- Exchange/Affiliate Programs Rayna McGinley, Administrative Coordinator International Student and Scholar Office intlsso@uncc.edu Tarek Elshayeb, Director Denise Medeiros, Associate Director Chau Tran, SEVIS Coordinator Madelyn Baer, International Scholar Advisor Blair Bocook, International Student Advisor Jason Swift, International Scholar Advisor Kadija Alkusaimi, Administrative Assistant Office of Intercultural and Educational Experiences ioprograms@uncc.edu Sheryl Meyer, Director Jessica Siracusa, Program Director Rachel Ladenheim, Coordinator for Student and Program Success David Landrum, Program Coordinator Andrea Cole, Graduate Assistant English Language Training Institute elti@uncc.edu Sheryl Meyer, Director Diane Hancock, Office Manager Jessica Vang, Student Services Coordinator Megan Hennings, Administrative Assistant ELTI Core Instructors: Meriam Brown Debra Daise Carol Floyd Jeanne Huber Sarah Siddique Stephanie Stewart Seth Stroud Stephanie Wallace
ELTI Adjunct Instructors: Sara Bowers Jacqueline Cervantes Robert Currie Constance Fessler Elizabeth Gardner Dalia Horton Richard Knight Rohany Nayan Angela Marie Reid
UNC Charlotte - International Programs
oip.uncc.edu
Live. Learn. Be Global.
Administration international@uncc.edu JoĂŤl Gallegos, Assistant Provost for International Programs Joye Palmer, Executive Assistant to Assistant Provost Christina Sanchez, Associate Director of International Programs Vacant, OIP Program Assistant Ben Farnham, Information Technology Manager Roslyn Lewis, Communications Coordinator Sandra Anderson, Business Manager Kathy Lloyd, Business Services Coordinator Joanne Zhang, Business Services Coordinator Cathy Thompson, Business Services Administrative Assistant Kiana Hunter, Business Services Administrative Assistant