news from the office of international education

 

President's immigration executive order

A message of support and solidarity from the Office of International Education.

On Friday, January 27, President Trump signed an executive order that indefinitely barred Syrian refugees from entering the U.S., temporarily stopped all refugee admissions for 120 days, and temporarily stopped citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia from entering the U.S for 90 days. A federal judge has since blocked the ruling and a federal appeals court is deciding its future.

 

Marquette leaders issued a statement reinforcing the university’s commitment to serving all students and its history as an immigrant-serving institution. The statement, signed by President Michael R. Lovell, Provost Daniel J. Myers, Vice President for Mission and Ministry Rev. Tom Krettek, S.J. and Marquette Student Government President Adam Kouhel, reads “Our doors will always be open to everyone, and we will do everything in our power for that to remain the case.”

 

As the central hub for international students and internationalization at Marquette, the Office of International Education supports all international students and stands in solidarity with those impacted. OIE believes the measures outlined in the executive order do not represent our values as articulated in a statement by the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the U.S.

 

Last week, the Office of International Education and the Graduate School met with students from the affected countries to offer support and listen to concerns. When staff asked students how they could best support them, one student responded, “Please tell them we’re not what they say we are.”

 

Marquette’s message of support is shared by numerous other Jesuit colleges and universities, and interfaith organizations. For more information, including statements of support, see the information below
• Ignatian Solidarity Network: a collection of statements from peer     Jesuit institutions
• An interfaith statement from the Jesuit Refugee Committee and Italian Islamic Religious Community
• Fr. James Martin, S.J., editor of America the Jesuit Review, posted a video calling for action and prayers
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators
• Middle East Studies Association (MESA)

 

In addition to OIE, several campus resources are available to students:
• Center for Intercultural Engagement
• Counseling Center (Read their statement regarding the executive order)
• Undocumented student resources

 

Join us for International Day on Friday, February 17

International Day will be held on Friday, February 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the AMU.

This year's theme will be "Solidarity Through Celebration" to show our support to all Marquette international students, especially those impacted by the recent executive order. All students are welcome to host a table representing their home country and culture, or a country where they studied abroad. Students are encouraged to provide traditional food, games or music at their table. OIE will accept requests to cover food preparation costs up to $50 (receipt required). 

 

To host a table, email Susan Whipple: susan.whipple@marquette.edu

Archbishop Desmond Tutu gives last service at St. George Cathedral

The world-renown Archbishop Desmond Tutu held his last service at the St. George Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa at the age of 85.

Tutu is recognized for his role as an anti-apartheid activist and champion for nonviolence. He was general secretary of the South Africa’s Council of Churches, and became a leading spokesperson for the rights of black South Africans, drawing national and international attention to the iniquities of apartheid. Among his awards are the Nobel Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 

The South Africa Service Learning Program at Marquette has strong ties with the values put forward by Archbishop Tutu. The program was created in 2005 by Dr. Judith Mayotte, a board member of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation. Students have participated in service learning at this foundation, which uses the vision and values of Desmond Tutu to promote peace, reflection and theological learning throughout the South African experience. Additionally, Archbishop Tutu served as a Chancellor for the University of the Western Cape (UWC), which Marquette’s program is affiliated with.

 

Although not an official component of the program, groups from Marquette’s semester in Cape Town have made a point to meet Archbishop Tutu by attending a mass and joining him for a brief conversation at the St. George Cathedral.

 

Marquette junior Lexie Athis attended Archbishop Tutu’s final service while she was studying abroad in Cape Town on the service-learning program.

 

“His message was about how the world could be exponentially better if we were less greedy; that wealth could be spread more evenly,” said Athis. “One thing I remember that he said was, ‘We have enough to fulfill everyone’s needs but not everyone’s greeds.”

 

Meeting Archbishop Tutu is a poignant part of the semester for each group.

 

"The Archbishop played an important role in the liberation struggle and continues to be the voice of reason in a democratic South Africa," said Melikaya Ntshingwa, residential director of the South Africa Service Learning Program. "As one of the liberation icons, being in his presence hopefully ignites citizenship allowing these young people to better understand the importance of playing a part in their own communities, contributing to the liberation of those who are disadvantaged."

 

For students, the encounter is a highlight of their study abroad experience.

 

“The entire semester in Cape Town we learn about the leaders in the struggle to end apartheid, and the history of that time is a strong part of the city,” said Athis. “Being able to meet Archbishop Tutu in person was a very important factor of the semester for me. It made everything we were learning about tangible.”

 

Although he announced his official retirement over five years ago, Archbishop Tutu’s last mass is another important moment in South African history. He continues to be an active supporter of all kinds of human rights worldwide, and recently released a book with the Dalai Lama about joy.

 

Read more about the life and accomplishments of Desmond Tutu.

 

Student Profile: Eva Schons Rodrigues

Eva Schons Rodrigues, from Porto Alegre, Brazil, is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Name: Eva Schons Rodrigues
Year in School: Junior
Hometown: Porto Alegre, Brazil
Major: Triple major in History, International Affairs, Women’s &
Gender Studies

Can you describe your hometown?
I absolutely love my hometown. It is a vibrant city: very urban, but we have several beautiful parks, a river flowing through the city, and historical monuments that make it very unique. We value family, and it is common for families to get together on Sundays to watch soccer and eat churrasco together.

Why did you choose Marquette?
Marquette had all of the characteristics I was looking for. I liked Marquette’s Jesuit roots and I was excited to get involved on campus. However, I also wanted to live in a place where I could experience snow and heavy winters, because that is such a different reality than what I was accustomed to.

How has your adjustment to Milwaukee been? What has helped?
I think I’ve adjusted to Milwaukee pretty well. Some international students worry about the weather in Milwaukee, but since it was one of my primary reasons for coming to Marquette, I have enjoyed it a lot. Everyone on campus is very helpful, and Marquette offers many resources to students who are struggling.

How would you describe your time at Marquette?
I’ve loved every moment that I spent here at Marquette. I have had so many opportunities to become involved on campus, and through these experiences I met so many genuine people. There is always something to do on campus, and everyone here is open and willing to make new friends. Continue Reading.

Fulbright Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship

Apply by March 14, 2017!

Applications are now open for the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship Program. This six to 12 month opportunity allows doctoral candidates to engage in full-time dissertation research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies. This program is meant to create a deeper understanding of U.S. citizens and people of other countries.

Interested students should visit our website, or contact Dr. Pamela J. Maimer.

 

Chinese Lantern Festival Dinner Party Wednesday, February 15

You're invited to a traditional chinese party!

The Chinese Culture and Charity Club and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association will host a Chinese Lantern Festival Dinner Party. The event will feature authentic Chinese food and drinks as well as riddles, prizes, traditional stories and a station to decorate your own Chinese lantern.

All are welcome. RSVP to luca.bonvicini@marquette.edu by February 12.