MOSAIC Summer 2019

Dr. Jim Harf from Maryville University visited campus this past month to prepare for the Summer 2019 MOSAIC Study Abroad program. Millersville University has been partnering with Maryville University for several years to send students on summer study abroad programs to various locations throughout Europe. This semester, we signed an agreement with Maryville University to formalize our relationship.

One of the unique things about this program is that faculty from Maryville, Millersville and others teach on the program, as well as local faculty in each host location. Students can earn 6 credits and spend 3-4 weeks abroad with a cohort of students from Millersville and Maryville.

Locations for summer 2019 include: Dublin, Florence, Lugano and Oxford. A wide variety of courses are offered and can be viewed on the websites linked below.

If you are interested in checking out the program below are some resources:

Maryville University’s MOSAIC Website

Millersville University’s MOSAIC Website (MU students apply through here)

If Millersville students are interested in hearing more information or applying, please stop by the Office of International Programs and Services, in Cumberland House or contact our office for next steps: International@Millersville.edu 717-871-7506

Madison Kacmar – Global Interest

I got interested in international initiatives when I changed my major to International Studies. Through one of my classes, I got to visit the United Nations and it sparked my interest in working globally after college. I then became a member of the Global Ambassador program, which let me take part in many diverse activities.

These pictures are from the international student New York trip that I got to help lead. I learned that no matter what language someone speaks or culture they’re a part of, people tend to go through the same things and can always share a common interest. It has been so fun to get to know so many international students and see different perspectives.

I think everyone should get involved with the Office of International Programs & Services because it gives you a broad outlook on today’s society, and let’s you have a better understanding of the world. I’d also encourage students to become a Global Ambassador because it opens the door to a variety of opportunities you might otherwise miss.

Study Abroad Portal Changes

On October 29th, integration was completed for all faculty and staff on the Study Abroad Portal. This changed the login process for all faculty and staff who need to access the Portal via: https://millersville-ogep.terradotta.com/

For students, the Portal is where to go to review program information, request study abroad advising, or apply to a study abroad program. For faculty and staff, this is where to complete study abroad recommendations. For others, it is where to turn in paperwork and review student applications for MU Guided Programs.

Previously,  faculty and staff needed to create an account and login with an email and password of your choosing. Now, all users may use the general “LOGIN” button to log in with your MU username and password.

If you can’t remember your Millersville password, or need to reset it, you can go to the MU login page: https://www.millersville.edu/logins/ and click on this icon below:

If you notice any issues logging in over the next several weeks, please notify our office. As always in technical transitions, there will be a few issues that arise. We hope that this transition will allow easier access to the system and less confusion.

  • International@Millersville.edu
  • 717-871-7506

New York City Trip

New York Trip

On Saturday, October 20th the Office of International Programs and Services took its annual trip to New York City. Over 30 international students and members of the campus community ventured out to explore the city on this beautiful autumn day.

International Programs Student Staff

The Office of International Programs and Services would like to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by our student staff. The office regularly works with interns, student workers, and graduate assistants to help provided services to Millersville’s international student population, the study abroad student population, and faculty and staff who work with our office.

Our student staff represent a variety of majors including International Studies, Psychology, Spanish, Business Administration, Speech Communication and more and many have studied abroad all over the world!

If you are interested in working or interning for our office for a future semester, check out our Get Involved webpage!

Homecoming Porch Party & Millersville Community Parade

Homecoming 2018

Uploaded by MU – International Programs & Services on 2018-10-13.

This year Millersville University international students marched in the Millersville Community Parade. The students held flags representing the current international and diverse student body.

The Office of International Programs & Services also held its third annual Homecoming Porch Party at Cumberland House. Study abroad alumni are invited every year to meet the current international students as they get to experience a piece of Americana and community history. 

International Tea Time – October

International Tea Time

This month the International Tea Time was dedicated to painting pumpkins! This even is a time to gather with professors, staff, friends and students to share great, international food and learn more about culture.

The event happens once a month during the semester. If you missed this one, the next will be held in

November 15 from 4:00-5:00PM.

 

 

International Tea Time: Pumpkin Painting

Uploaded by MU – International Programs & Services on 2018-10-23.

 

Amber Yaw – Japan

I studied abroad in 2009-2010 at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Japan. I wanted to travel to a country that was very different from my own and push myself to be more independent. I quickly had to learn Japan’s culture and social rules. I was so far out of my comfort zone but I definitely came back more independent than when I went.

I was lucky to have had the opportunity to travel to Hiroshima to hear an Atomic Bomb survivor speak. It was such an intense experience and one of my fondest memories. I also got to see Okinawa, Fukuoka, and went to South Korea for spring break.

I currently live and work in South Korea. I’ve been teaching ESL for almost 3 years, 2 of which with the most amazing high school students on the planet. My first year in Korea I lived in Daegu, a fairly large city in southern Korea. I enjoyed the city but working with elementary students was not my thing. So I decided to move up to high school students after a year. I found a high school in a small rural city called Hongseong, and I’ve been here for about a year and a half.

I teach first and second year high school students, the equivalent of sophomores and juniors in the US. My students are hilarious but ask some very deep questions about all sorts of topics. I remember having a discussion about dog meat and how Americans think about Korea’s history of its consumption. I’ve learned a lot about the education system here and how much it differs from the States’ system. My students are at school from 8:30 am until 9:00 pm or later. I’ve learned how to adult in a different language which is sometimes frustrating but all the more rewarding after. I think that my time abroad during college really helped with my ability to navigate my life here.

Studying abroad will change your life. I know how cliché that sounds but studying abroad broadens your understanding not only of the world and how you fit in it, but of yourself and what you are capable of as well.

Do research. Go to the Office of International Programs and Services and ask questions. Go early and go often. Everyone is so kind and helpful. Look into different programs, both MU and not, to find the one that will best fit your needs. Prepare financially and emotionally. Finally, just go. You won’t regret it.

 

Upcoming MU Guided Programs

MU Guided programs encompasses three types of programs: courses, trips, and service learning/cultural experiences. These programs can happen throughout the year. Check out some of the amazing international opportunities for students this year with our MU Guided programs. Check them out below!

A MU Guided program to the Toronto International Film Festival went recently. The trip was organized by Dr. Jill Craven.

Fall 2018

  • Women’s Basketball Competition – Canada with Women’s Basketball Team Coaches
  • Oral History Association Conference – Canada with Marilyn Parrish

Dr. Jason Petula and his students playing Kubb, a game of Viking origin, as a bonding experience for students attending the winter 2019 trip to Sweden. 

Winter 2019

Spring 2019

  • Sport in Puerto Rico – with Dr. Daniel Keefer

Summer 2019


If you are a student interested in participating in any of the programs, please contact the faculty leader for that program and view information on our website here.

If you are a faculty member interested in taking a group of students abroad, please contact the Office of International Programs and Services to get started! International@Millersville.edu

Flags of the World Reception

The Flags of the World Project was made possible by Mr. Mike Warfel ‘84, Chairman of the Council of Trustees. On September 18th, guests were invited to the recognition ceremony. Invited guests to the reception included administrators, members of the cabinet, select staff, student speakers, donors to the Office of International Programs and Services, and friends and family of Mr. Warfel.

Dr. Patriece Campbell, Director of International Programs gave opening remarks and introduced the two student guest speakers, Kiara Garcia ’19 and Gentil Kalisa ’17, current Millersville students. Ms. Garcia participated in a study abroad program to Chile and is actively involved in international programming on campus. Mr. Kalisa is an international student from Rwanda and spoke on his welcoming perception of Millersville.

Dr. Daniel Wubah, University President and Mr. Mike Warfel also gave remarks. Mr. Warfel was then presented with a plaque which reads:

 In appreciation to

Mr. Michael Warfel ‘84

for his generosity and commitment to

Millersville University’s

           Flags of the World Project

Enriching our students’ educational and cultural experiences

Dedicated September 18, 2018

 

Read Millersville’s official press brief here.