Application deadlines for Spring 2010 Study Abroad programs through Study Abroad Italy (SAI), the Center for Cross-Cultural Study (CC-CS), and the Consortium Institute of Management and Business Analysis (CIMBA) are soon!
Study Abroad Italy
Application Deadline: November 1
Where: Florence University of the Arts; Florence, Italy
CIMBA
Application Deadline: Still accepting applications until November 1.
Where: Paderno del Grappa, Italy (near Venice)
Center for Cross-Cultural Studies
Application Deadline: Still accepting applications until November 1.
Where: Alicante and Seville, Spain; Cordoba, Argentina
To schedule an appointment or for more information, please stop by the Study Abroad Office in SM 136 or contact Phil Hull, Director of Study Abroad, at phull@smumn.edu or x1447.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
London 2009
Our London Group is off to a great start. The students arrived on Saturday Sept 5th. Most flew from Minneapolis and a couple came from Chicago. Gary Diomandes, program director, met them at the flats on Auriol Road. They settled into their rooms and then took them grocery shopping and on a walking tour of the neighborhood. Andy Wiegman looks on below.
Mondays the students have Theatre in London and Page to Stage. On Tuesdays they all go out to Rose Bruford College in Sidcup for a Global Issues class in the morning and an Acting the British Approach class in the afternoon. This is one of our chances to meet British students. Also on Tuesday afternoons some of the students will return to London for their International Management class. Wednesday morning is Contemporary British Writers. Thursday morning is Art in London and in the afternoon it is British Politics. Friday is set aside for day trips.
Gary Diomandes, Krista Hingtgen, and Sam Vaselaar heading home after a day of rehearsal.
Here is the group outside King's College
See more of what our London Group is doing by visiting the SMU London Blog at http://smumn-london.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Boren Awards - Applications Available
The Institute of International Education is pleased to announce the opening of the 2010-11 academic year competition for NSEP David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships. Boren Awards provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to become more proficient in the cultures and languages of world regions critical to the future security of our nation, such as in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Boren Scholarships, for undergraduate students, provide up to $20,000 for an academic year's study abroad.
Deadline: February 10, 2010
Boren Fellowships, for graduate students, provide up to $30,000 for language study and international research.
Deadline: January 28, 2010
Applications and detailed information on the Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are now available on www.borenawards.org/. If you have any questions or comments please contact the IIE Boren Scholarships and Fellowships staff at boren@iie.org or 1-800-618-NSEP.
Sarah Grace Gleisner
Program Manager, Outreach and Communication
Boren Scholarships and Fellowships
Institute of International Education1
400 K Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20005-2403
Phone: 202-326-7733
Fax: 202-326-7672
sgleisner@iie.org
Boren Scholarships, for undergraduate students, provide up to $20,000 for an academic year's study abroad.
Deadline: February 10, 2010
Boren Fellowships, for graduate students, provide up to $30,000 for language study and international research.
Deadline: January 28, 2010
Applications and detailed information on the Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are now available on www.borenawards.org/. If you have any questions or comments please contact the IIE Boren Scholarships and Fellowships staff at boren@iie.org or 1-800-618-NSEP.
Sarah Grace Gleisner
Program Manager, Outreach and Communication
Boren Scholarships and Fellowships
Institute of International Education1
400 K Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20005-2403
Phone: 202-326-7733
Fax: 202-326-7672
sgleisner@iie.org
Thursday, September 3, 2009
TOP 5: Things NOT To Do After Returning From Abroad
You’ve been abroad and now you're home. You’re more worldly, more cultured, and excited to share your experiences with your friends and family. You feel like a changed person, but the problem is, everyone else is exactly the same. And not only that, they expect you to be the same, too.
So how do you relate to them without coming across as braggy or snobby? Here are some suggestions from a kid who hasn't been abroad yet, but who knows what it's like to hear never-ending tales about Brazilian carnivals, Italian wine, and Australian rugby matches.This brings us to our first piece of advice:
#5 Don’t go on and on and on and on.
Your friends and family are interested in your abroad experience, but that doesn't mean you have to start every sentence with, “When I was abroad... ” followed by an hour-long narrative. People only want to spend so much time hearing stories and looking at pictures. Remember, no matter how fascinating an experience was for you at the time, not all experiences make for interesting stories.
#4 Don’t pretend to be from your host country.
Yes, spending a semester in another country does help you get to know that country. Yes, you adopted new practices and tried new things. Still, let's not lose perspective: You’re not actually from your host country. So while we encourage you to find ways to integrate your new knowledge into your life at home, remember that you can't bring it all back with you.
#3 Don’t act "holier-than-thou."
One of the most exciting things about living abroad is being exposed to different tastes, perspectives, and practices. Sometimes this means reevaluating your own, whether that results in a newfound appreciation for quality coffee or newfound horror over the quantity of plastic bags that your compatriots use at the grocery store. Still, nobody wants to be lectured to, or hear you bash their tastes.
#2 Don’t flaunt it.
It's important to remember that it's not possible for everyone to go abroad. There are factors that hold many people back, like financial restraints, academic requirements, or family matters. You've been afforded a great opportunity that isn't necessarily available to everyone, even though it should be.
#1 Don’t hate on the United States.
Yes, it can be hard to settle back into your old American life. Maybe it seems boring and unexotic, or maybe new things suddenly bother you—the pace of life, the individualistic mentality, the mass consumption. But the fact is, there are many things that are wonderful about the United States, and they should not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Instead: Walk through a new neighborhood, find a new restaurant, meet a new person. Go on a road trip with your friends, or take a cheap flight to somewhere you've never been. Sometimes we forget about how many cultural enclaves exist right here in our own country: Take time to explore them. Bring that eagerness to learn and explore home with you. And if you don't always like what you find, use your newly expanded perspective to figure out how to make things better.
Article retrieved September 3, written by Colin May, Glimpse staff, supported by National Georgraphic Society
So how do you relate to them without coming across as braggy or snobby? Here are some suggestions from a kid who hasn't been abroad yet, but who knows what it's like to hear never-ending tales about Brazilian carnivals, Italian wine, and Australian rugby matches.This brings us to our first piece of advice:
#5 Don’t go on and on and on and on.
Your friends and family are interested in your abroad experience, but that doesn't mean you have to start every sentence with, “When I was abroad... ” followed by an hour-long narrative. People only want to spend so much time hearing stories and looking at pictures. Remember, no matter how fascinating an experience was for you at the time, not all experiences make for interesting stories.
#4 Don’t pretend to be from your host country.
Yes, spending a semester in another country does help you get to know that country. Yes, you adopted new practices and tried new things. Still, let's not lose perspective: You’re not actually from your host country. So while we encourage you to find ways to integrate your new knowledge into your life at home, remember that you can't bring it all back with you.
#3 Don’t act "holier-than-thou."
One of the most exciting things about living abroad is being exposed to different tastes, perspectives, and practices. Sometimes this means reevaluating your own, whether that results in a newfound appreciation for quality coffee or newfound horror over the quantity of plastic bags that your compatriots use at the grocery store. Still, nobody wants to be lectured to, or hear you bash their tastes.
#2 Don’t flaunt it.
It's important to remember that it's not possible for everyone to go abroad. There are factors that hold many people back, like financial restraints, academic requirements, or family matters. You've been afforded a great opportunity that isn't necessarily available to everyone, even though it should be.
#1 Don’t hate on the United States.
Yes, it can be hard to settle back into your old American life. Maybe it seems boring and unexotic, or maybe new things suddenly bother you—the pace of life, the individualistic mentality, the mass consumption. But the fact is, there are many things that are wonderful about the United States, and they should not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Instead: Walk through a new neighborhood, find a new restaurant, meet a new person. Go on a road trip with your friends, or take a cheap flight to somewhere you've never been. Sometimes we forget about how many cultural enclaves exist right here in our own country: Take time to explore them. Bring that eagerness to learn and explore home with you. And if you don't always like what you find, use your newly expanded perspective to figure out how to make things better.
Article retrieved September 3, written by Colin May, Glimpse staff, supported by National Georgraphic Society
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Why study abroad?
Academic credit - The most obvious reason why students study abroad is to earn academic credit. You should consider the type of credit you will earn on your study abroad program. Will you earn credit towards your major or elective credit only? Will you receive grades or pass/fail credit only? You may study abroad to earn upper division credits in your major field or you may be overseas to earn some of your core or general education hours your freshman year.
Language acquisition - The world market place is shrinking rapidly, many companies require second languages. Foreign languages are not only valuable in the work force they are valuable in the real world.
Practical experience - Study abroad coupled with an international internship is an incredible way to gain some real world experience. Additionally you may find that only an international program can offer the real expertise you desire in your education. Australia is a great place to find a marine biology program, the engineering labs in Sweden may exceed your facilities at your home institution, and peace studies in Geneva would offer an insight that couldn't be matched in Nebraska.
Resume building - International experience is ranked high among many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Study abroad shows that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded, and diverse.
Experience of a lifetime - In a couple years you will forget the name of your literature professor or the name of your dorm, but you'll never forget the friends you made or the incredible experiences you shared.
Article retrieved July 22, 2009 from www.studyabroaddirectory.com/study-articles.cfm
Language acquisition - The world market place is shrinking rapidly, many companies require second languages. Foreign languages are not only valuable in the work force they are valuable in the real world.
Practical experience - Study abroad coupled with an international internship is an incredible way to gain some real world experience. Additionally you may find that only an international program can offer the real expertise you desire in your education. Australia is a great place to find a marine biology program, the engineering labs in Sweden may exceed your facilities at your home institution, and peace studies in Geneva would offer an insight that couldn't be matched in Nebraska.
Resume building - International experience is ranked high among many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Study abroad shows that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded, and diverse.
Experience of a lifetime - In a couple years you will forget the name of your literature professor or the name of your dorm, but you'll never forget the friends you made or the incredible experiences you shared.
Article retrieved July 22, 2009 from www.studyabroaddirectory.com/study-articles.cfm
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A few tips to help navigate airport security - By the editors at Conde Nast Traveler
When should I plan to get to the airport? Two hours before your flight, if not earlier. Check with your airline before heading to the airport to find out if your flight is delayed. You should also check the wait times at security checkpoints, which the TSA lists here. Remember: The more time you have, the less frantic you'll feel.
What's the best way to get through the security checkpoint? Wear slip-on shoes so that you're not trying to juggle your carry-on bags while tying your laces. Avoid wearing jewelry and accessories made of metal (belt buckles, etc.). The more objects you have to take off at security, the more hassle and the longer the delay.
Keep yourself organized: Place your ticket and passport in one spot, and designate a pocket in your carry-on or coat for keys, cell phone, and other metal objects. Similarly, keep all your electronic items—laptop, camera, iPod, cell phone—in one bag, so that security doesn't need to dig into various bags to inspect these items. Above all, be patient and polite. This is a stressful time for everyone, including security personnel and airline employees. If you follow the rules and keep your temper in check, the whole process will be a lot less unpleasant.
Do you have any tips on packing? Inside both carry-on and checked luggage, keep your clothing and personal items organized in clear plastic bags. That way, if your luggage is searched, it's easier for security personnel to inspect and repack it neatly. (This goes for both carry-on and checked baggage, either of which may be inspected by hand.) Don't pack your bags too tight, either: Security will do a better job repacking them if there's extra space and less clutter.
What do I need to know about the ban on liquids, aerosols, and gels? They are still in effect although the list of banned items may change frequently, so check the Transportation Security Administration (http://www.tsa.gov/) before your trip for the latest list. And remember that security personnel can ban other items at their discretion.
What's the best way to get through the security checkpoint? Wear slip-on shoes so that you're not trying to juggle your carry-on bags while tying your laces. Avoid wearing jewelry and accessories made of metal (belt buckles, etc.). The more objects you have to take off at security, the more hassle and the longer the delay.
Keep yourself organized: Place your ticket and passport in one spot, and designate a pocket in your carry-on or coat for keys, cell phone, and other metal objects. Similarly, keep all your electronic items—laptop, camera, iPod, cell phone—in one bag, so that security doesn't need to dig into various bags to inspect these items. Above all, be patient and polite. This is a stressful time for everyone, including security personnel and airline employees. If you follow the rules and keep your temper in check, the whole process will be a lot less unpleasant.
Do you have any tips on packing? Inside both carry-on and checked luggage, keep your clothing and personal items organized in clear plastic bags. That way, if your luggage is searched, it's easier for security personnel to inspect and repack it neatly. (This goes for both carry-on and checked baggage, either of which may be inspected by hand.) Don't pack your bags too tight, either: Security will do a better job repacking them if there's extra space and less clutter.
What do I need to know about the ban on liquids, aerosols, and gels? They are still in effect although the list of banned items may change frequently, so check the Transportation Security Administration (http://www.tsa.gov/) before your trip for the latest list. And remember that security personnel can ban other items at their discretion.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Plan to Study Abroad in Florence, Italy
Florence University of the Arts (Spring Semester Only)
Saint Mary’s University students may study abroad in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy, during their Sophomore, Junior or Senior year. Through an affiliation with Study Abroad Italy, students study at Florence University of the Arts during the spring semester. This 16-week program, open to all majors, has an innovative curriculum that focuses on collaborative and experiential learning, as it integrates a student’s social, intercultural and professional development. Students do not need to be proficient in Italian to participate.
Program fees include some daytrips to places of local interest, and some longer faculty-escorted, academic excursions are available at an additional cost.
Check out their website http://www.studyabroaditaly.com/
The Spring Semester 2010 program dates are January 26 - May 17.
The deadline to apply is November 1, 2009.
Saint Mary’s University students may study abroad in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy, during their Sophomore, Junior or Senior year. Through an affiliation with Study Abroad Italy, students study at Florence University of the Arts during the spring semester. This 16-week program, open to all majors, has an innovative curriculum that focuses on collaborative and experiential learning, as it integrates a student’s social, intercultural and professional development. Students do not need to be proficient in Italian to participate.
Program fees include some daytrips to places of local interest, and some longer faculty-escorted, academic excursions are available at an additional cost.
Check out their website http://www.studyabroaditaly.com/
The Spring Semester 2010 program dates are January 26 - May 17.
The deadline to apply is November 1, 2009.
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