International Student Spring 2018 Activities

January

International Student Orientation

Students received a lot of helpful information. They also participated in some activities in order to make friends and get to know each other!

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Carnival for Success

Students were able to learn different skills that would help them on campus as well as learn about different campus services while participating in fun activities!

Carnival

February

Snow Tubing

International Students celebrated the winter weather by taking a trip to go snow tubing! Afterwards they were able to warm up with some hot chocolate and treats!

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March

Sky Zone

International Students enjoyed a fun night of jumping and trampolines at Sky Zone!

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Washington D.C.

International Students were able to learn about America by visiting the capitol, Washington D.C.! They enjoyed seeing several famous landmarks such as The White House, The Capitol Building, as well as some of the famous memorials like Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. The Cherry Blossom trees were also in bloom during their trip!

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April

Celebration of International Education

Global Education held an event celebrating international education with Millersville study abroad alumni, international students, and supporters of international education. There was a past study abroad participant and a graduating international student who spoke as well as a ceremony that horned several students involved in international education!

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Advocacy Day

On March 19th and 20th, Millersville students traveled to the capitol to participate in NAFSA’s Advocacy Day. This was the first year that Millersville participated in the event, sending one of our study abroad students, one of our international students, and a staff member from Global Education.

NAFSA: Association for International Educators is an organization for those involved with international education that has over 10,000 members worldwide. As an organization, they “believe that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community.”

NAFSA’s Advocacy Day gives students and faculty involved in international education a chance to speak out for polices that matter within international education. Different schools around the country send representatives that then meet with their state’s elected officials in the House of Representatives and the Senate. These meetings give them an opportunity to talk about the important issues within international education and change they want to see.AD 3

Millersville University was one of few schools that brought students along to this event, providing great exposure to both our peer institutions and other institutions nationwide. Assistant Director of Global Education Olivia Cordero, who attended this event with the students, believes that this was a vital part of going to Advocacy Day. “The power is in the voice of the students” said Cordero. She thought that students should be the focal point in these meetings.

The Millersville students that attended this event were study abroad student Kiara Garcia and international student Gentil Kalisa. Kiara had previously studied abroad for a semester in Chile and Gentil is from Rwanda. Both students thought that this opportunity was an important one for them as students to experience.

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“Having studied abroad last semester in Chile, this opportunity allowed me as one of the few student representatives to spread the value of study abroad and positively influence staffers of Pennsylvanian Congressmen and Representative” said Garcia. “I would highly recommend extending this opportunity to more Millersville students as these public matters can directly impact study abroad policies in the future.”

“As an international student, going to Capitol Hill and talking to lawmakers about how the policies they put in place affects me was an amazing experience. I was happy to learn that most of them had experienced what if feels like to be an International student or a scholar in a foreign country” said Kalisa. “We were able to talk about how International students and scholars not only contributes to the U.S economy or diversity, but also secure the U.S position as a world leader in science and technology. We also advocated for a more welcoming United States to both PA senators and to our district representative Lloyd Smucker. ”

After this experience, Global Education hopes to continue participating in this event with other students in the future. It is important to advocate for international education and its policies that make sure this opportunity is available to all students.AD 4

Fall 2017 Photo Contest Winners!

Thank you to everyone who submitted their awesome photos this semester! We have carefully reviewed all of the submission and have our finalists. Congratulations to the following winners and honorable mentions!

Marauders Abroad

Platform 9 3/4

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Submitted by: Tara Kurtnecz

London, United Kingdom

Marauders in Action

Learning Chinese Calligraphy

Calligraphy

Submitted by: Lauren Oler

Nanchang, China

MU Spirit

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Mayan Ruins

Submitted by: Grace Smoot

Xunantunich, Belize

People and Culture

Mind Over Matter

Mind Matter

Submitted by: Kenneth Arias

Santa Maria, Peru

Landscapes and Landmarks

Inca Kingdom

Inca Kingdom

Submitted by: Kenneth Arias

Machu Picchu, Peru

Honorable Mention

Inca Trail Trek

Marauders in Action: Inca Trail Trek

Submitted by: Kevin Arias
Santa Teresa, Peru

Market

People & Culture: San Ignacio Market

Submitted by: Grace Smoot
San Ignacio, Belize

 

Pavilion

Landscapes and Landmarks: Tengwang Pavilion

Submitted by: Lauren Oler
Shanghai , China

 

International Student Fall 2017 Activities

September 

International Student Orientation

Students had the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, and administration on campus to discuss future career options and network.

Employment

Dinner with Millersville’s President

International students were invited to have dinner with Dr. John M. Anderson and other administration, faculty and staff.

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Barnstormers Baseball Game

International students hit this one out of the ballpark when they attended a game for the Lancaster Barnstormers, the local baseball team.

Jaiqi

New York Day Trip

Director Patriece Campbell and Program Coordinator Daniel McCleary  lead a group of international students on a full-day excursion to the big apple.

NYC

October

Pumpkin Carving

International students were invited to take part in an American, October tradition! The fruits of their labor decorated the porch of Global Education for a week.

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Homecoming Porch Party

International students lined George street to take part in this spirited event full of friends and fun!

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Hershey Park

Students had a sweet experience visiting Pennsylvania’s own Hershey Park!

Hershey

November

Ropes Course

Students got to try out the Ropes Course before it got too cold!

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International Education Week

A great celebration of all things international! Check out our detailed article to learn more information.

MultiCulturalShowcase

December

Bowling

Global Marauder’s partnered with the international students for this smashing success; an event that’s right up everyone’s alley!

Bowling

End of Semester Send-Off

Global Education held an end of semester ceremony to celebrate the students that matriculated out of the English Language Institute, and to celebrate our exchange students returning home.

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To see more international student activities, check out our Fall 2017 slideshow!

MU Guided Programs

Students interested in studying abroad at Millersville can choose between three broad types of global opportunities: Traditional, Professional, and Guided. MU Guided are short-term programs coordinated by MU professors and Global Education, usually offered during break sessions. While some programs are associated with a course, there are also non-credit options available. In the past, MU Guided has included international conference, sporting events, research opportunities, service learning, musical performance, and other cultural experiences.

Past Programs

Honduras – Service Learning

In May 2017, the Millersville University School of Social Work and the Departments of Biology and Nursing are hosted a summer break service learning trip to Pespire, Honduras.  Participants visited rural communities to assist in medical clinics, learned basic some basic nursing skills, and toured the local hospitals and beaches.

“I was honored to participate in a GO Guided program that took me to Honduras. There were four faculty members and about 10 student participants.  We partnered with an organization called CARE, Central American Relief Effort, headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Our Mission was primarily to provide basic healthcare to remote villages in southern Honduras. Many of our students had never been out of the country before and to be immersed in a rural area in southern Honduras was certainly a unique experience. Some students were cautious in their reaction to a very different culture, a culture steeped in poverty. Other students immediately embraced the children with whom we were interacting. I would say that, by the end of our time there, all of our students considered it to be a life-transforming experience.

I would highly recommend this type of experience for anyone in our community. We often get complacent about conditions around the world because we live so comfortably in the one in which we exist.”

Dr. John Anderson, Millersville University President

 Honduras

England – Sports Tour

The Millersville University Men’s Soccer Team participated in a 10 day team trip to England in August 2017. They stayed in the traditional city of York in northern England, played games against teams from Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley FC, and participated in practice sessions with a guest coach.

Soccer

Sweden – School Experience

This trip is for students interested in learning about schooling in Stockholm, Sweden. One full week will be spent at Internationella Engleska Skolan Nacka, and two days in a school for students with special needs. Students’ lodging will be staying with host families to immerse themselves in the culture and will be able to use weekends, and most nights, to explore this gorgeous city and local attractions.

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South Africa – Service Learning

Operating since 2013, this reoccurring program presents an opportunity for cultural immersion, service learning, and development of skills that fosters both personal and professional growth in January 2018. Participants will explore historical, social, and political factors that have shaped South Africa with the goals of enhancing knowledge relating to social justice and human rights, fostering global citizenship, and expanding world views. Attendees will also participate in service learning at various NGOs whose mission is to advance social justice and human rights.

Dominican Republic- Music Abroad

January 2018 will represent the 4th annual abroad experience to the Dominican Republic with Dr. Barry Atticks! This program is geared toward students enrolled in Music at Millersville, however, it was open to ALL students who want to experience this amazing country and its culture, as well as learning about Caribbean Music. Participants will learn about traditional Caribbean music styles from locals and gain international teaching experience, all in a city known for its beautiful, long stretches of beaches and clear waters.

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Costa Rica – Sustainability

Dr. Len Litowitz will lead this reoccurring, environmentally focused abroad experience in Costa Rica this January 2018! Costa Rica is often ranked as one of the top three sustainable countries in the world because of its dedication to the rain forests and water systems. As much as 30% of the entire country is in some form of preservation area, in order to protect more than 10,000 species of plants and 800+ species of butterflies that are native to Costa Rica. Students interested in participating in this experience should be prepared for moderate hiking, outdoor activities, fast-paced travel, and a fun-filled abroad experience!

London – Sports

Drs. Daniel Keefer and Ying Wushanley will lead an International Sport Facility Trip to London this Summer 2018. Participants will visit sport facilities unlike those they could visit in the United States, including stadiums and museums related to cricket, soccer, rugby, tennis, and the Olympics. The trip will introduce students to global sport-related issues and industries and provide firsthand experience in international sporting events and organizations while exploring the most frequently chosen host city in modern Olympic history!

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Upcoming Programs (applications still open)

Europe – Music and Culture

Join Dr. Barry Atticks and the Music Department during summer 2018 for the Music and Culture tour of Europe!  Participants will explore the rich musical history of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Liechenstein, and Iceland. This program is geared toward students enrolled in Music at Millersville, however, it is open to ALL students who want to experience these amazing countries!

London – Theatre Tour

Join Professor Tony Elliot on a unique three credit travel course, exploring theatre as it developed in the exciting city of London, England this summer 2018! Most class gatherings will be on-site, focusing on first-hand experience (as opposed to lecture) all while leaving students ample time to explore the city. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the rich history of the London threatre tradition!

Puerto Rico – Disaster Relief

Join Drs. Karen Rice and Duane Hagelgnas on a disaster recovery experience to Puerto Rico this Summer 2018. This 7-day global service-learning program will focus on hurricane relief and interact with themes of land rights, environmental justice, Puerto Rico-US relationships, social change, democratic citizenship, leadership, and international development. This program will most likely actively involve re-building mangrove forests that were destroyed by the recent Hurricane Maria. In addition, there may be other clean up or rebuilding activities related to communities near the forests. Participants will spend the week based in and around San Juan meeting with local community and professional leaders; serve 30+ hours for local organizations on the front line of community development; and explore the country and culture through field trips and community events.

Belize – Mathematics and Culture

Join Drs. Ximena Catepillán and Alex Redcay on an exploration of ancient Maya mathematics and modern communities of Belize and Northern Guatemala this Summer 2018! The focus of this service learning trip is to offer students cultural immersion, learning through service, and development of knowledge and skills related to diversity and cultural competence that fosters both professional and personal growth in past participants.  Specifically, the service learning trip will address the social work core competencies of ethical and professional behavior, engage diversity and difference, engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities and to use self-reflection to evaluation their knowledge, skills and abilities to do so. This program especially geared toward non-math and science students that need a G2 mathematics course to fulfill their general education requirements but is open to all Millersville undergraduate & graduate students, faculty, and staff. Students minoring in African-American Studies and Latino Studies are strongly encouraged to apply.

Iceland – Sustainability

Join Dr. Len Litowitz on an environmentally focused abroad experience this Summer 2018 to Iceland, the only country to generate all of its electrical power through alternative means! Participants will visit geothermal power plants, take a boat ride to a glacier that forms large icebergs as it recedes due to the climatic effects, hike pristine gorges, go on a whale watch north of the Arctic Circle, soak in geothermal pools, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this sparsely populated and largely unspoiled natural paradise.

Toronto – International Film Festival

Students will participate in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for five days in September 2017. This experience includes 12-15 film showings (depending on the offered schedule) and 2 special screening events. Participating students have the option of completing Modern Cinema, an independent study course offered for 1 credit.

For more information on MU Guided Programs, check out our webpage!

ELI Launch

Millersville is pleased to announce the launch of the English Language Institute (ELI)! This program is geared towards international students and focuses on language development for college-readiness. ELI provides six levels of intensive English instruction in classes that are taught by experienced instructors trained in English as a Second Language instruction and holding a master’s degree or higher including new Global Education employees, Mrs. Marika Mando-Fedorcova and Mrs. Janet Purcell.

ELI_1

To accommodate this new program, ELI has expanded to Adams House just across the street from Global Education’s own Cumberland House. This new facility houses ELI coordinator offices, instructional spaces, and a computer lab making it the perfect location for students can develop their skills.

The intensive, non-credit English courses act as a bridge for students to meet admissions requirements for Millersville University. Students may earn credit through concurrent enrollment during levels 5 and 6. If a long-term English program does not fit the needs or schedule of students, the ELI also offers variety of short-term programs ranging from 2- 8 weeks.

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The ELI is not exclusively in-classroom learning. It also offers students cultural events, activities, community outreach, and trips to attractions, such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore and historic Lancaster.

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To learn more information about this program, check out our webpage!

International Student Home Countries

Millersville is host to more than 60 international students from over 20 different countries around the world! International students help grow to our campus and community by sharing their unique experiences and contributing to globalization. The above map illustrates the diversity of our international students by highlighting their home countries from the highest concentration to the lowest.

The chart below lists the countries by name and also provides a visual of the percentage of students from each country.

MU Country Chart