MU International

Go Beyond the Columns! Find out how at the 11th annual MU Study Abroad Fair

2008-07-31T08:34:00.004-05:00

The MU Study Abroad Team is proud to announce the 11th annual MU Study Abroad Fair to be held on Tuesday, September 9 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm in Stotler Lounge! The Fair is the Study Abroad Team's most comprehensive informational event of the year. All students, faculty, and staff interested in learning more about MU's study abroad opportunities should plan to attend. The Fair will include representatives from a variety of MU colleges and departments, study abroad returnees, and representatives from many of MU's Partner Programs.

Studying Abroad in November: Remember to Vote Absentee

2008-07-30T14:48:00.001-05:00

On November 4, 2008, citizens of the United States of America will cast votes for one third of the Senate, all members of the House of Representatives and a new President. If you are a U.S. citizen who will be studying abroad in November, do not forget to request an absentee ballot for the 2008 election. For more details, we recommend the following web resources: https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/ and: http://www.fvap.gov/

In the news: Studying abroad offers lifetime lessons

2008-07-30T11:01:00.001-05:00

Imagine yourself getting off a subway in Rome. Shortly after exiting the station, you come face-to-face with the Colosseum. With only a four-lane street between you and this 1,900-year-old amphitheater, it's as if you could reach out and touch it. You stop just to take it in, and you stand there, breathless.
Read the full story in the Missourian (7/28/08)

In the news: Weak dollar drives up cost of studying abroad

2008-07-28T15:10:00.000-05:00

"For years, rising numbers of U.S. college students have been packing their bags and flying overseas, typically to Europe, for a semester or year abroad and a wealth of irreplaceable memories. Lately, though, these students have been stung by a nasty adversary that they and their parents didn't have to worry about till recently: the sinking U.S. dollar."
Read the full story in USA Today (7/17/08)

Presentation on higher education in Africa - August 1

2008-07-28T11:20:00.000-05:00

The International Center invites you to join us on Friday, August 1 at 3:00 pm in room 116 of the Black Culture Center for a presentation by Dr. Soriba Sylla entitled Higher Education in Africa. Dr. Sylla is Deputy Minister of Education for the Republic of Guinea. For the past ten years, he has been the lead director and project developer for initiatives in higher education in Guinea. more information

MU student meets US ambassador while studying in Australia

2008-07-21T13:34:00.000-05:00

MU sophomore Danette Stumpe was one of four international students selected to meet United States Ambassador to Australia, Robert McCallum, during his visit to the University of Wollongong in May. Danette spent the Spring 2008 semester studying in Wollongong, Australia through MU Partner Program, AustraLearn. This photo was taken of Ambassador McCallum, his wife Mimi, and the student representatives, including study abroad and international exchange students from the US. The University of Wollongong posted a story including all the details of the Ambassador's visit. Danette, a sophomore and Early Childhood Education major, has now returned to the U.S. When reflecting on her overall experience studying abroad, she remarked, "I had an amazing time, and I didn't want to leave!"

Congratulations to JASSO scholarship winner, Centoria Melton

2008-07-21T13:19:00.000-05:00

MU sophomore Centoria Melton is the recipient of the prestigious JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) scholarship. Centoria will receive a one-time allowance of ¥150,000 for airfare and a ¥80,000 monthly stipend, which combined is currently valued at approximately $7,400 US dollars. Centoria will be studying in Nishinomiya, Japan for the 2008-2009 academic year on an MU exchange program with Kwansei Gakuin University.

Congratulations to MU's Gilman International Scholarship winners for Fall 2008

2008-07-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

MU sophomores Alysha Baratta and Steven Shaw are the recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships for study abroad in Fall 2008. Alysha will recieve $3,500 and will be studying in Valparaiso, Chile on MU Partner Program, Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA), Butler University. Stephen, who studied in Cuernavaca, Mexico this summer, will use his $3,000 Gilman award to return to Mexico and study in Mexico City on an MU exchange program with Universidad Iberoamericana. The Gilman International Scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.

Where in the World is Risk Management?

2008-07-17T17:27:00.000-05:00

In June, JoAnne Flowers, Assistant Director for Risk & Insurance Management (RIM) was invited by the MU Study Abroad office to participate in a site visit with one of the University's partner programs in Argentina! It's common for Study Abroad Coordinators to go on these preliminary trips, but it's a brave new world for RIM.
Read the full story in In Focus (7/16/08)

"Friendships that Change the World" American LIFE

2008-07-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Interested in connecting with and welcoming new International students and scholars to the Columbia community? The International Center is looking for volunteers for the American LIFE program, a flexible friendship program linking Mid-Missouri residents and families with MU's International community. Volunteers are matched with an incoming international student and meet with them several times a semester, introducing them to American culture while also learning about the student's culture. For more information, check out the American LIFE website or call the International Center at (573) 882-6007.

Cultural ambassadors - From the U.S. to China, Mizzou students go global

2008-07-14T09:10:00.000-05:00

When Suqin "Jackie" Lin was earning her undergraduate degree at Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts in southern China, foreign travel seemed like a foreign idea. But then a professor from California visiting the school saw Lin's work and urged her to study abroad - specifically with Lampo Leong, an accomplished artist from her region and chair of the Art Department at the University of Missouri. So six months ago, Lin left her home country for the first time and became a graduate student at Mizzou.
Read more about MU's international programs on Mizzou Wire (7/11/08)

MU journalism students blog from China

2008-07-12T09:33:00.000-05:00

Students from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism are having the experience of a lifetime. Sixty of the school's top undergraduate and graduate students have arrived in Beijing, China, where this summer they will serve as Olympic News Service volunteers during the 29th Summer Olympiad. Over the next eight weeks, read about their experiences in a special section of Mizzou Wire's Live Wire blog.

State Department Launches "Students Abroad" website

2008-07-10T13:53:00.000-05:00

The U.S. State Department has launched Students Abroad, a Web site designed to offer college-age Americans a one-stop reference for international travel. Resources target students, their parents, education abroad professionals, and universities. The site provides Country Specific Information, tips for safe travel, and other important information about traveling and living overseas. Students may download flyers called go! guides as well as a Tips to Go Wallet Card.

Important Vaccines for Summer 2008 International Travel

2008-07-10T13:48:00.000-05:00

Summer is here, and many people will be packing to travel. No matter where you travel abroad this summer, please don't let your vacation be spoiled by getting the measles, flu, hepatitis, or any other infection that could have been prevented by using routine or travel-related vaccines.
Read more from the CDC

MU Flagship Scholar a recent study abroad participant

2008-06-30T09:07:00.000-05:00

Dena Eddleman, the first Flagship Scholar from Clark County, plans to go to culinary school after she graduates. "I've always liked cooking," she says. She just returned from a two-week Mizzou study-abroad program in Florence, Italy, where she studied Mediterranean cuisine.
Read more about Dena on Mizzou Wire (6/26/08)

Excellent English Teaching Opportunity in South Korea - Deadline June 13

2008-06-09T10:09:00.000-05:00

Jeonnam Province, located in southwest South Korea, is looking for 20 motivated English speaking teachers. Selected instructors will sign one-year contracts and will teach English at the English-Speaking Center in Jeonnam, and will also rotate to middle schools. Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and be a native English speaker. Compensation package includes competitive monthly salary, round trip air fare, a furnished studio apartment, and a paid 2-week vacation. Individuals interested in being part in this exciting project should review the Asian Affairs website. Deadline for applications is FRIDAY, JUNE 13 - Earlier applications preferred.

Presentation on the geospatial and temporal dimensions of Kenya - June 11

2008-06-05T13:23:00.000-05:00

Please join us on June 11 at 1:00 pm in room 133 Mumford Hall, for a presentation by visiting scholar, Dr. Gilbert Nduru, entitled Kenya: Geospatial and Temporal Dimensions. Dr. Nduru is Chair of the Department of Geography at Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya. His presentation will provide an overview of several important topics including: rural migrations and the changing population geographies of Kenya, human settlements and livelihood systems, and the application of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems to issues such as climate change, disease mapping and environmental impact assessment. more information

Out of comfort zone - Student Fulbright recipient appreciates diverse cultures

2008-06-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

A family trip to Europe piqued photojournalist Robin Hoecker's interest in world travel when she was 5 years old. Now an adult, she still has a desire to explore the world around her, and she applies it to international education. She has photographically documented trips to Europe, Senegal, China and Iraq, just to name a few. Hoecker, with the help of a Fulbright Beginning Professional Journalism Award, is currently in Germany working to spread cultural diversity.
Read the full story in Mizzou Magazine (Summer 2008)

Bound for Beijing - Student journalists to cover the Olympics

2008-06-04T10:35:00.000-05:00

As the 29th Summer Olympiad approaches, a handful of students from the School of Journalism are making travel plans for Beijing, where they'll cover the games Aug. 6-24. MU is one of 13 universities recruiting and training student interns for the Olympic News Service.
Read the full story in Mizzou Magazine (Summer 2008)

International Center adopts summer office hours

2008-05-23T16:07:00.000-05:00

From Monday, May 19 through Friday, August 8, 2008 the International Center will be open from 7:30 am - 12:00 noon and 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Freshman reading program to focus on humanitarian work in Pakistan, Afghanistan

2008-05-20T08:53:00.000-05:00

In the fifth year since the inception of Mizzou Reads, participants will read Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson. Mizzou Reads is a campus-wide program designed to unite all incoming students before arriving on campus through a powerful and inspirational piece of literature. In this novel, Mortenson partners with journalist David Oliver Relin to recount how his attempt to conquer the world's second largest mountain, Pakistan's K2, was transformed into an individual effort to change the system of education throughout isolated communities in Central Asia.
Read the full press release (05/15/2008)

China earthquake relief - update

2008-05-19T14:08:00.000-05:00

After two days of accepting donations on campus and additional fundraising over the weekend at the Hong Kong Market, Sam's and Walmart, the MU Friendship Association of Chinese Students and Scholars (FACSS) reports that it has collected over $8,400 to support earthquake relief efforts china. These donations will be transferred to China via the Chinese Consulate in Chicago, which is sending donations through the Red Cross Society of China. For those who missed the opportunity to give at one of their local events, FACSS encourages additional donations be made directly through MercyCorps or the One Foundation (see also CNN's listing of relief agencies working in both China and Myanmar).

FACSS collecting donations for China earthquake relief - May 15 & 16

2008-05-14T15:57:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16 members of the MU Friendship Association of Chinese Students and Scholars will have a table set up in front of Memorial Union from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm to collect donations for earthquake relief efforts. They will also have handouts and posters with information about this recent disaster in China.

Protected Areas and the Status of Conservation in Vietnam - May 19

2008-05-14T09:12:00.000-05:00

The MU Department of Geography and Asian Affairs Center invite you to join them on May 19 at 10:30 am in room 106 Stewart Hall for a presentation by Vietnamese scientist Ha Quy Quynh, Institute of Ecological and Biological Resources Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology. Over the past ten years, Ha Quy Quynh has been working with biodiversity conservation, landscape ecology and conservation planning in Vietnam and is now conducting his doctoral research on sustainable use and management of four national parks in northeast Vietnam: Ba Be, Tam Dao, Xuan Son and Hoang Lien. He is visiting MU following his completion of a two month training course on GIS and Remote Sensing at the American Museum of Natural History's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation. Sponsored by the Department of Geography and the Asian Affairs Center.
More information

New UNESCO Portal on Higher Education Institutions

2008-05-12T11:17:00.000-05:00

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) offers a new portal for information on higher education institutions in 13 countries around the world. The portal provides information on the status and quality of higher education in these countries, and connects users to further information. The list of countries will be expanded in the next stage of the project.

The portal can be found at www.unesco.org/education/portal/hed-institutions.