Building Bridges: November 2018 Newsletter

BUILDING B R I DG E S

NOV. 2018 NEWSLETTER

Visiters from Armenia and Georgia pg. 1 Half there, Half here pg. 3 Lasting Bonds with IBP pg. 5

U TC W E LC O M E S V I S I TI N G SC H OLA R S ARMENIA AND GEORGIA

UTC welcomed two Carnegie UASP Research Management Fellows in October – Dr. Asya Harutyunyan from Armenia and Dr. Maia Mestvirishvili from Georgia. Dr. Harutyunyan and Dr. Mestvirishvili spent four weeks at UTC to observe different aspects of the university. “We want to learn how to achieve better results and explore the things we are interested in. Our main reason for being here is to observe the strategies and programs we think might be successful at our home universities,” said Dr. Mestvirishvili.

They also used the opportunity to give a presentation on their respective countries and cultures as part of the Global Spotlight program.

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It didn’t take long for the two guests to find what they were looking for and to feel at home at UTC. “I think we’ve gained a piece of knowledge from each meeting. I love how people here see a link between academia and society,” said Dr. Mestvirishvili. Dr. Harutyunyan added an observation about their hosts, “People are very nice here. They take care and want you to enjoy the city as much as possible. They love Chattanooga. It means they will do everything for this city to be even better than it is now, to be one of the best cities.”

Written by Matthew Bryant

Building Bridges • Nov. Edition

Dr. Maia Mestvirishvili

Dr. Asya Harutyunyan

“I think we’ve gained a piece of knowledge from each meeting.

I love how people here see a link between academia and society,”

“People are very nice here.

They will do everything for this city to be even better than it is now, to be one of the best cities.”

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HALF THERE, HALF HERE

“I came to UTC because I felt it was a high-level university with high rankings and because of the partnership between my university in Mexico and UTC.” Carlos, who is in the process of completing two master’s degrees, also chose UTC for the learning opportunities outside of the classroom. “Studying abroad is a life experience, absolutely. You have to take risks. You have to focus.”

“UTC is a great university with friendly and open people all around.”

As he looks back on his time at UTC, Carlos reflects on the hard work he has put forth. “For about the first two weeks, as an international student, you have to adapt to the system and campus.

Everything is totally new. I had an initial doubt that I was not understanding everything.” With the help of his professors and his work ethic, however, Carlos is now just a few months away from graduating with his MBA.

Written by Matthew Bryant

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Carlos Rodriguez Major: Master of Business Administration Hobbies: Working at the Rollins College of Business, exploring the outdoors around Chattanooga.

Home Town: Veracruz, Mexico

Building Bridges • Nov. Edition

WORKING FOR CHANGE

Rhiannon was drawn to Jordan because of her three main interests - sports and exercise, psychology, and law.

She interned at a non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on women’s advocacy and empowerment through sports. Rhiannon wanted to explore the use of athletics as a means of bridging the gap between communities in the Jordanian city of Amman. Many of the women she met while working at the NGO asked her to teach them about fitness. She purchased exercise equipment for the organization and taught them how to exercise. “Many of the women had never worked out before. They were excited to be able to work out and change their bodies.”

To anyone who is thinking about studying abroad, Rhiannon says, “Just do it. There are so many programs and UTC can help you.

Riannon Ong-Halleron Major: Psychology Minor: Communications Semester Abroad: Summer 2018 Hobbies: Fitness, Model United Nations, Mock Trial Home Town: Memphis, Tennessee

“This is the time in your life where you have the time, so go!”

Written by Matthew Bryant

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SMOOTH TRANSITIONS INTERNATIONAL BUDDY PROGRAM

The Center for Global Education has started a new program this year called the International Buddy Program. The purpose of this program is to facilitate a smooth transition for international students once they arrive at the University. A domestic student from UTC is paired with an international student, and they begin communicating with one another before the semester even begins. Throughout the semester, the buddies meet with one another in their free time and through events sponsored by the Center for Global Education.

This semester, the CGE office has planned a hiking trip so that the international students can experience the beautiful outdoor scenes surrounding campus. So far, there has also been a pumpkin carving event as well as a haunted maze and Halloween party for the international and domestic students to experience fall at UTC to the fullest extent.

Written by Sydney Fitzgerald

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Building Bridges • Nov. Edition

WAYS TO GET I NVOLVE D PROGRAMS:

International Buddy Program

Go Global Living Community

• Pair up with a UTC domestic student who can guide you through your transition to American culture and academics.

• Attend events and activities with your buddy and other IBP participants.

• Live with U.S. students and other international students.

• Attend trips and events with the Go Global Community.

• Learn about new cultures.

• Develope your foreign language skills.

For a full description and more details about the program, visit utc.edu/international, click on “Get Involved” in the sidebar, and then click “International Buddy Program.”

International Orientation Leaders International Orientation Leaders help welcome new international students to the UTC campus as well as to the Chattanooga community.

IOLs help the Center for Global Education carry out all the events and sessions planned during the New International Student Orientation.

For a full description and more details about the program, visit utc.edu/ international, click on “Get Involved” in the sidebar, and then click “Go Global Living Community.”

Visit our website and stay up-to-date on all of our event and program information!

utc.edu/international

For more information and to apply, visit our website at utc.edu/ international.

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CONTACT US Center for Global Education The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 648 Oak Street, Hooper Hall 203 Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403, USA

utc.edu/global goglobal@utc.edu (423) 425-4735 UTCglobal

OUR TEAM: Laura Livermore Study Abroad Director

Takeo Suzuki Executive Director of the Center for Global Education

Jamie Booth Study Abroad Coordinator

Anna Savary ESL Director and Assistant Director of the Center for Global Education

Sarah Anne Perry Credential Evaluator & Immigration Specialist

Patricia Lin-Steadman Senior Coordinator of International Student and Scholar Services

Amy Devan Graphic Design and Marketing Coordinator

Eunice Davis International Undergraduate Student Advisor

Joyce Blevins Administrative Specialist

Lora Cook International Graduate Student Advisor

Matthew Bryant Contributing Author and Newsletter Editor

UTC is a comprehensive, community-engaged campus of the University of Tennessee System. UTC is an EEO/AA/Titles VI & IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution.

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