Gasser – Egypt

My hometown is located in Alexandria, Egypt.

In 2010, I came to the US as an 8th grader and have been here ever since. I have resided in Harrisburg, PA all these years and when it came time for college, I chose to attend Millersville University because it is accredited in my majors (Marketing and International Business) and it also offered the minor that I was looking for (Computer Science). Millersville is also only 45 minutes away from my home in Harrisburg, which made it convenient to move back and forth without having to spend so many hours on the road. Millersville is also very affordable when compared to other universities, yet it offers the same challenging courses as those universities for a much cheaper price tag. Finally, Millersville has a great culture that promotes positive interactions with the local community and raises awareness about international events, diseases, social causes, and so much more, which made me even more excited to attend Millersville.

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In Millersville, I have attended the Barnstormers baseball game at the beginning of the Fall 2017 semester with other international students and it was a great opportunity to meet new people. The highlight of my time here in Millersville so far is definitely the Multicultural Showcase. In the showcase, I was manning the stand for Egypt, where I educated other people on my country, its famous foods, culture, language, and other information that makes Egypt such a unique country. It was a wonderful experience showing people the rich history of my country and having them engaged in the conversation and clearing any misconception that they had about it. I also learned about different cultures there such as Jamaica, Australia, and France among others. The highlight of the showcase, however, were the dancers and musicians that were on the stage during that time. It was delightful seeing different cultures through their music and dancing and I really had a great time in the showcase.

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I came to the US to achieve personal, academic, and professional goals. My personal goals were that I wanted to experience a different country that I have admired ever since I was a child and become more open minded as I, someone from a different country, interact with people here in the US and understand their customs and traditions. My academic goals are that I want to excel in school, obtain my degree with honors, and learn valuable information that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. My professional goals are to work for a global Fortune 500 company in a corporate culture to contribute my international skills and provide a new perspective into the organization. I am working towards these goals everyday by enhancing and diversifying my skill set to make myself a more appealing job candidate and set myself apart from the competition.

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One cultural thing that I learned in the US is how many national holidays are celebrated here! It’s great to see so many occasions where people get together, celebrate, and enjoy their time together with friends and family.

My one thing that I would to share with the campus community is, although I was tempted to, I did not ride camels to school every day. I also did not live in pyramids, but I plan on building my future house in the shape of a pyramid.

In all seriousness, there is a misconception in the US that Egypt is not a safe country, when in fact it is. It is very safe to travel there, enjoy the sights, and experience the rich history and culture through tourism, which operates year round!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

Celine – France

  • Celine
  • Studied abroad as a Sophomore in Spring 2017, and still currently abroad!
  • Studied at: American Business School Paris in Paris,France
  • When on campus, Celine works at the University Store

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I chose to study abroad at ABS Paris because I am a French minor and I love fashion and art. Paris is a fashion capital and has some of the best art museums in the world. In addition, the city is beautiful and there is always something fun to do, whether it was sitting at the Eiffel Tower, boating down the Seine river or even going out on the town at night!

My goals for study abroad were to learn more about fashion and international business, learn French, and get out of my comfort zone to make new friends and live on my own. I did accomplish all my goals and more!

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I have gone to Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Germany. My favorite was Germany because I went to Spring Fest for the weekend!

Millersville students should study abroad because it is a chance to meet new people, immerse yourself in a different culture, and have fun traveling while you do it! Sometimes you will even learn a new language, and learn things about yourself that you wouldn’t have if you never left your comfort zone.

Be open minded, and always be aware of different cultures and traditions. Not every place has the same customs you do, so you have to be ready to experience differences. In addition, try as many new things as you can! Whether it be food, activities, or even classes you would not get to take if you were not abroad.

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Remember that even though you are having fun and traveling, you are also there for educational and/or professional purposes! I was able to adequately give effort to both and I ended up having fun in many different countries, while also gaining a professional opportunity! One good thing to know about ABS is they let study abroad students have the option to team up with the permanent students to participate in a company case project with various big name companies! I was able to work with Swarovski Paris for two months at their home office, and was able to add it to my resume afterwards and get priority for internships. I would highly recommend participating in this if you plan to attend ABS.

Kenny – Chile

  • Kenny
  • Studied abroad as a Junior
  • Studied at: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) in Valparaiso, Chile
  • On campus, Kenny is a peer tutor for learning services, part of the SHARP team with admissions, a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, and involved in intramural sports!

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I chose this PUCV not only because it fit my preferences academically, but because Chile is such a distinct place and its very authentic culture and diverse terrain drew me right in.

I had a few goals for my trip down to Chile, including:

  • Pass all of my classes
  • Meet a person from each continent/Make a few lifelong friends
  • Break out of my introverted bubble
  • Visit Machu Picchu in Peru
  • Network with native Chileans for possible job opportunities

I think its safe to say that I reached these goals and so much more!

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While in South America I had the pleasure of exploring Northern Chile, the metropolitan area of Santiago, Machu Picchu in Peru, famous vineyards, all 3 of Pablo Neruda’s homes, LOTS of trekking/hiking, visiting the Andes, learning how to surf, participating in a small soccer league, and so much more.

I think that with our highly capable Global Education office and all the opportunities and exchange programs they offer, there is not one good reason I can think of to NOT study abroad. It’s important to recognize that although we live in a highly connected world, we sometimes forget that there are other ways to live life and other perspectives. Studying abroad is a way to introduce yourself to the world and really branch out and broaden your horizons. It can also provide you with very important interpersonal and networking skills that will aid you personally and professionally. Overall, I think that MU students should consider studying in another country because it allows you to leave your comfort zone and really get to know yourself and the world in which we live first-hand.

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If there is one crucial piece of advice I’d give, it’d be to diligently complete your application process, buy your tickets, etc. with plenty of time to spare (if possible) because once you’re a few weeks out from departing, all you’re going to be thinking about is that first day you step foot in your destination of choice. With that being said, the application process is 100% worth it once you are all set to go.

Try things you never imagined trying, force yourself out of your comfort zone and put down your phone! One thing I’d like to stress is that you need to live the experience. Although pictures are nice, I feel that for many of my fellow exchange students abroad their experience was about being connected instead of really living it.

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Hannah – Japan

My name is Hannah, and I am a double major in Psychology and Philosophy. I studied abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. I was interested in studying abroad to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling to Japan and experiencing aspects of the culture, such as Shintoism and traditional tea ceremonies. I also chose Japan largely because I am currently working on two theses regarding canine breed-specific behavior and cognition, and some of the best research I have encountered has come from universities in Japan.

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One of the fun things I have done so far is visit the Todai-ji Temple in the city of Nara. The Todai-ji Temple, built in 752, is the largest wooden structure in the world, and houses one of the largest Buddhas in Japan. We were able to donate a tile for temple reconstruction, wherein we wrote our names in Katakana. One of the most fun things was getting to feed and cuddle with all the deer that roam around Nara Park, and whose spirits are believed to protect the city at night.

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Meet Katarzyna: New Faculty Coordinator

What university did you attend?

I attended the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland for my undergraduate education and my magister degree. Then, I got an M.A. from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Ph.D.  from Illinois State University.

Do you have any study abroad or international experiences? Can you elaborate?

I was born and raised in Poland.  I originally came to the United States as an international student in 1997 to get my M.A., then I came back in 2001 to pursue my Ph.D., and eventually I decided to live and work here.  I have visited over 20 countries throughout my life. When I was a child my parents took me travelling all over Europe every summer, so I really caught that wanderlust bug from them.  Recently, I haven’t been able to travel much because my children are still too young, and I have to admit I’m getting a little restless.

Can you speak another language besides English? Is there one that you would love to learn?

Polish is my native language. I also know some French, though I used to speak it much better, and I wish I had time to brush up on it. When I was a student in Poland, I had some basic education in Russian, Latin and modern Hebrew. I would love to study many more languages, but my top choice would be Spanish. Whenever I see a Spanish text I’m surprised at how much of it I can understand without any prior knowledge, so I have an impression that it would be easy for me to learn.

What attracted you to working at Global Education?

When I studied at Illinois State University, I was part of a vibrant international community of students from all over the world. This was a very impactful part of my education, and I feel that I learned as much from interactions with my international friends as I did from my academic courses.  That’s why I welcomed the opportunity to join Global Education and help further its goals of internationalizing the campus. I would love to expand MU’s international community and give all MU students a similarly enriching experience as the one I had at Illinois State.  My other motivation for joining Global Education was simply to give back. I am well familiar with the challenges of being an international student in the US, and I thought I would be in a good position to advise MU’s international students.

What are your goals for Global Education?

Even though our office is more engaged than ever with the university community, I would still like us to develop a stronger connection with MU students and faculty, and to encourage them to recognize internationalization as a valuable component of academic experience. I would also very much like us to engage with the Lancaster community; I think we should take advantage of the creative and educational potential of the diverse groups of residents in our area.

What has been your most rewarding project that you’ve worked on for Global Education?

I love the monthly Tea Time with Global Education, a social hour that I launched with the help of Global Education staff. Because so much of our social interaction happens online these days, I really cherish the opportunity to personally connect with MU students, faculty and staff who are interested in international issues. I have a real sense of community during these monthly  gatherings – people coming together to spend time with each other, share stories about their cultures as well as delicious international snack and beverages. Another most rewarding part of my job is the day-to-day help I provide to MU’s international and study-abroad students. It’s great to be able to fix the little problems that make student lives difficult: whether it’s issues with the transfer of credit, adaptation to different education systems, or helping students feel comfortable in a new culture.

If you could travel somewhere new, where would you go and why?

I would really like to go to Cuba. I love Cuban music and literature; authors like Reinaldo Arenas, Cristina Garcia or Jesus Diaz have already painted a pretty vivid picture of the country in my head and I would like to see it for myself. I also hope that one day I can travel to Haiti. In my academic work, as a professor of English, I focus on African diaspora literatures and cultural translation, and through my research I’ve discovered some fascinating connections between Haitian history and the history of my native country, Poland. I would like to conduct on-site research about this topic at some point.

What is an interesting fact about yourself that most people don’t know?

During my student days I used to support myself translating books from English into Polish. I am the author of one of the Polish translations of Anne of Green Gables. Another popular book I translated is Koji Suzuki’s The Ring, which was the basis of the well-known horror film. This was a second-hand translation because the original book is written in Japanese. I do not fully support this kind of publishing practice, but at that time I was a poor graduate student and the task was not only profitable but also enthralling.

What advice do you have for students thinking about studying in another country?

Do some research about the country you plan to study in.  Read books, watch films, talk to people who come from there. This will enable you to get the most out of your time in the foreign country and will also help you avoid some awkward situations. But you should also be willing to accept surprises. No matter how much you research another culture, you will get to know it well only by living in it, which is one of the great benefits of study abroad experience.

Kasia

Marie – Germany

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Marie
Class standing while abroad: Junior
Other activities on campus: Kappa Delta Pi – International Honor Society in Education, Student Pennsylvania State Educators Association, Council for Exceptional Children
Country where you studied abroad: Marburg, Germany

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