| NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS
Summer 2013 Faculty-led Programs Announced
 The Office of International Education is pleased to announce the Summer 2013 study abroad programs. Marquette faculty-led summer programs are an ideal opportunity for students to build on their global experiences. Applications will be accepted beginning January 1. Explore programs in Bolivia, China, Estonia and Finland, Jordan, Peru, Spain and South Africa. For more information, read the e-brochure, visit the OIE website or stop by OIE or the AMU info desk for a hard copy of the brochure.
In addition, the Spring Study Abroad Fair will be held on Friday, Feb. 1 from 10-2 p.m. on the second floor of AMU. The fair will highlight all summer study abroad options available to students. Students will have the opportunity to chat with advisors, program coordinators and study abroad alumni.
Top
South Africa Program Alumni Gather for a Day of Service
 Last Saturday, 14 South Africa study abroad alumni gathered together for a day of reflection and service. Program alumni from universities across the country including Fordham University, University of Miami, Loyola University Chicago and Fairfield University flew to Milwaukee for the event.
Father Daniel Hendrickson, associate vice president, recently returned from a visit to the South Africa program and led the event with a reflection. He challenged students to focus on the beauty that can be found within situations of poverty.
The students then spent the morning volunteering at the Pan-African Community Association. Having recently moved their headquarters, the organization needed help unpacking and organizing their clothing and supply closet. Christiana Attere, outreach/volunteer manager explains, “Keeping that room neat has been a headache for us here at PACA. The room has been very neatly arranged such that our clients who will go there to ‘shop’ will do so with joy and dignity.”
Gail Gilbert, associate director of the Office of International Education, worked with the students for the remainder of the afternoon on how to showcase their experiences in South Africa on their resumes and in job interviews. "The students really enjoyed the opportunity to spend time together as a group, talk about their experiences and reflect on how they can use what they learned back here in the U.S."
Top
Volunteer with International Student Orientation
 Want to keep the cheerful, giving holiday spirit going a bit longer?
The Office of International Education is looking for volunteers to assist with our Spring Orientation for new international students on January 4 and January 9 – 10. Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of activities including:
- Answering questions about academic and social life at MU as part of a student panel
- Helping students buy books, arrange cell phone plans, etc.
- Escort/drive students for shopping expeditions (to Target, Best Buy, etc.)
- Welcoming students at the first event
- Creating/participating in a skit (or skits) about life at Marquette and/or cultural differences
- lead a social outing on the evening of Saturday, January 5 (possible activities include a dinner outing, ice skating, etc.)
- Preparing orientation materials (January 4th)
Email michael.groen@mu.edu to sign up or to learn more. Please respond by Monday, December 17, if possible.
Top
Community Volunteer and Job Opportunities
 The Pan-African Community Association (PACA) invites students to join them as a volunteer tutor in their after school program for African immigrant and refugee children. The program is held Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and their volunteers help by providing one-on-one homework help and English tutoring. PACA is a diverse, multi-cultural environment with more than 10 African countries represented in their student population. Please join them and share your skills, experiences, and culture while learning the same from our students. For more information on volunteering visit their website here.
Additionally, English Language Partners of Wisconsin has an opening for the position of coordinator/lead teacher of the Children's Program for the 2013 Spring Semester, January 21 - May 2. This position requires a self-directed and flexible person to organize the program, the room, and the supplies, and to follow the children's program schedule. The position includes developing learning activities (including art, craft, and music) for the different age groups of children and assigning volunteers (when available) to work with small groups of children. For more information about this position please
email Lori Stankiewicz at Community.Language.Partners@gmail.com.
Top
China Charity and Language Club
 As China’s role in the international community continues to grow, so does the demand for understanding and embracing Chinese culture. One student in particular recognized this need and began China Charity and Language Club at Marquette this semester. “I really fell in love with the Chinese program at Marquette. The Chinese language is so important and realized I really wanted to create a club where students can learn the language, help out others, all while expanding the Chinese program at Marquette,” said Eric Elhert, freshman in the College of Business and founding President of China Charity and Language Club.
The club has officially partnered with Half the Sky, a non-profit organization that seeks to match Chinese orphans with families in the U.S.. China Charity and Language Club plans on fundraising for Half the Sky next semester through different activities that raise awareness about Chinese culture. In addition to their charity work, the club also hopes to expand the Chinese language program at Marquette. “We want to establish a strong organization that shows our enthusiasm for Chinese culture,” said sophomore in the College of Business and E-Board member Sam Meyer. “Then, hopefully one day we’ll have a Chinese major and minor at Marquette.”
So far, Marquette students have been very receptive to the new club. “Pretty much everyone in our Chinese classes signed up,” said sophomore in the College of Business and E-Board member Hendrik Van Der Zandt. “We also have a lot of interest from Chinese students who are studying here.” Dr. Jing Zhai, Chinese professor at Marquette and faculty advisor for the club has been impressed with the large amount of student interest the club has sparked. "I hope that this momentum continues and that students keep contributing to the club and help it to grow," Zhai said.
Top
U.S Citizens Value International Education
 A recent public opinion survey commissioned by NAFSA shows that U.S. citizens increasingly value international education's role in preparing students for the global marketplace. Nearly 80 percent of those polled agreed that "unless our colleges and universities do a better job of teaching our students about the world, our children and grandchildren will not be prepared to compete in the global economy."
Top
Fullbright Offers Shorter Programs
 The U.S. State Department's Fulbright Program has implemented alternatives to its traditional semester and year-long grants to accommodate new trends in academia. Through shorter fellowships, more scholars will be able to participate in international research without committing to long periods abroad, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Top
EVENTS
 From excursions to the Milwaukee Art Museum to holiday celebrations, The Office of International Education offers a wide variety of programming open to all Marquette students. Check our events calendar for an up-to-date schedule of events.
From Strangers to Solidarity
Wednesday, Dec. 5
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
AMU 227
Join us for a reflection dinner with Kanwardeep Singh Kaleka, member of the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gudwara. How does a community repair itself after a violent tragedy? What responsibility do we, as community members, have to assist? How do we support and affirm the rights of others to practice their faith and to celebrate the diversity of the US population? Enjoy a delicious traditional Indian dinner, learn about Sikhism and explore these questions as a community. This event is sponsored by MU Student Government, The Sikh Student Association, the Office of International Education and the Office for Intercultural Engagement.
Top
Holiday Party at OIE
Friday, December 7
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
OIE Program Center, Holthusen Hall, 4th floor
Celebrate the end of the semester at this fun and festive event! Decorate cookies, make a stocking, see if you can win the dreidel game and experience the many traditions of the holiday. This will also be the chance to celebrate graduating students. Santa visits at 5:30 p.m. (bring your camera and your wish list), so don’t come late! Friends and family members are all invited to attend.
Top
Take a study break with OIE
Monday, December 10
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
OIE Program Center, Holthusen Hall, 4th floor
Take a break from final exam preparation! Renew your energy and spirit with snacks, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at OIE. Bring your roommate, your friends and your study buddies – all are welcome!
Top
Tennis/Ping Pong every Sunday at OIE
Every Sunday (starting up again after winter break)
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
OIE Program Center, Holthusen Hall, 4th floor
Take a break from your studies and have some fun! OIE has paddles and ping pong balls, but you can bring your own paddle if you prefer. Bring your friends, classmates and roommate(s). Be competitive or play for fun! (December 2nd will be last open ping-pong time for the fall term.)
Top
Conversation Cafe
Every Sunday (starting up again after winter break)
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
OIE Program Center, Holthusen Hall, 4th floor
Practice your English conversation skills in a fun and supportive environment. A native English speaker will lead the group. Tea, coffee and snacks provided.
Top
Scholarships & Conferences
 Check out our scholarships and conferences webpage dedicated to keeping up-to-date listings of scholarships, fellowships and academic conference opportunities available to undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff. Click on the links below for details and the complete listing.
Academic and Conference Opportunities
- Conference in London for students
Fellowships and Scholarships
- Apply for USAID Democracy Fellows and Grants Program
- Call for Project Ideas: 2013 Dell Social Innovation Challenge
- DAAD Grants for Study aBroad Opportunities in Germany
Top |
