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Monthly Archives: October 2020
International Education Week 2020
Join Chatham University and the US Department of State/US Department of Education as we celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide! The theme of the week at Chatham University is International Education: Study Abroad in Challenging Times. 2020 has been a challenging year for international education. Students share their experiences through essays, presentations, and recordings. Please visit this blog post for those contents. Join us for live events listed below.
ESSAYS, VIDEOS, AND OTHER CONTENTS
Blog Post: Popular Music from Around the World
Miku Nishii’s Video: Seeing the Opportunity in Every Difficulty
Lerlina Mondoally’s Video: Lessons from Studying Abroad During COVID-19
Personal Reflection: Restricted and Expanded: Life During Covid-19
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, November 9
Study Abroad Q&A
4-5 PM, US Eastern Time
During the Study Abroad Q&A, OIA shared study abroad options for future terms, including the summer 2021 Chatham field experiences in Costa Rica, Cyprus and Taiwan, scholarships, and health and safety information for travel in the time of the pandemic.
Wednesday, November 11
International Student Employment Information Session
12-1PM, US Eastern Time
On Wednesday November 11th, OIA offered a session on “International student employment information session.”
This session covered eligible employment opportunities for those studying on F or J visas. Topics included on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). F and J visa holders have specific visa requirements regarding employment, and must follow these regulations to maintain status.
International Student and Scholar Services offers information session on international student employment monthly and students should attend at least one session before applying for CPT or OPT.
Thursday, November 12
International Symposium
3-5PM, US Eastern Time
Watch the full symposium recording.
On Thursday November 12, 2020, the Office of International Affairs hosted a virtual symposium on international education, with the theme of “Study Abroad in Challenging Times”.
The symposium allowed students to reflect on their experiences studying abroad in 2020: from the perspective of American students who went overseas and international students who studied in the United States.
The symposium began with a recorded message from keynote speaker Dr. Todd James Allen, an associate professor in the faculty of Foreign Language Studies at Kansai University. Dr. Allen spoke about education abroad from a Japanese perspective in the current context of COVID-19. You can watch the keynote speech below:
Keynote speech by Dr. Todd Allen
Dr. Todd James Allen’s bio: Dr. Todd James Allen completed his PhD at the University of Queensland, researching Japanese listening behaviour. Currently, he is an Associate Professor at Kansai University, where he coordinates and teaches a number of English-language skills courses, intercultural communication and undergraduate and postgraduate academic writing. Todd’s research interests include Japanese-English (folk) pragmatics, academic skills development (e.g., presentation and writing), and is currently investigating the effects of study abroad on intercultural communication development. Todd is also editor-in-chief of Academe, Director of the Academic Writing Studies Society, and is a committee member for JALT Pragmatics special interest group
Student presenters reflected on their experiences abroad during 2020:
Hanna Thiele, 22’ presented on “Viajar en España”. Hanna is majoring in Political Science and studied abroad in Madrid, Spain during spring 2020.
Hiroki Nakai, a vising student from Kansai University, is currently studying in the United States. Hiroki’s major is Foreign Language Studies, and he presented on “An eccentric 10-month new challenge.”
Walker Orner, 21’, presented on “Studying Abroad During a Pandemic: Making the Most of Any Situation.” Walker is majoring in Media Arts, with a concentration in Filmmaking, and studied abroad in Angers, France during spring 2020.
Miku Nishii, a visiting student from Kansai University, is currently studying virtually from Japan. Miku’s major is Foreign Language Studies, and she presented on “How I saw the opportunity in this difficult time.”
Attendees were able to reflect on the presentations and discuss positive impacts of study abroad, as well as consider what programs will look like in the future.
Attendees voted on their favorite presentations, choosing Hiroki Nakai’s “An eccentric 10-month new challenge” and Walker Orner’s “Studying abroad during a Pandemic: Making the Most of Any situation” as their favorite.
Thank you to all presenters for sharing their experiences, to Dr. Todd Allen, and to the attendees of the International Education Week symposium!
A video recording of the symposium will be uploaded to the OIA blog shortly.
Friday, November 13
Let’s Talk with Dr. Linh Phung
9-10am, US Eastern Time
Participants in three countries joined Dr. Linh Phung and students at Chatham University for a Story Circles session. They shared stories in response to the following two prompts in small groups and then discussed themes that emerged in their stories in a whole group discussion.
Prompts:
1. Please tell us your name and three words or phrases that describe your background and why those words/phrases are important to you. (TALK FOR 2 MINUTES)
2. What is one of the most positive interactions you have had with a person(s) who is different from you, and what made this such a positive experience? (TALK FOR 2-3 MINUTES)
Let’s Talk Friday, Nov 13
Friday, November 13
Global Focus Event – Global Focus: Cyprus and Music
11AM-12:30PM, US Eastern Time
Attendees learned about Cyprus and Music from presenter Dr. Kenneth Smith, Associate Professor, University of Nicosia – Department of Music and Dance. Dr. Smith used the structure of a Cypriot wedding to discuss Music Variety, Music Life and Different Music Genres. In discussing a typical Cypriot wedding, we learned about presentational and participatory music in the wedding preparation and during the ceremony. Dr. Smith also discussed the types of music heard during a Cypriot wedding, including traditional Greek and Cypriot songs when the bride and groom get ready at their homes, Byzantine chanting at the ceremony, as well as jazz and popular Cypriot, Greek and world music during different stages of the reception. The presentation gave attendees an overview of many Cypriot cultural traditions, some exposure to musical instruments typical in the region, and how music plays a big part in Cypriot culture and life.
Flyer: iew2020
Virtual Study Abroad Fair – How to Participate!
Thanks to the many students who have already signed up for this year’s Virtual Study Abroad Fair! For others who have not yet registered, here’s an easy guide:
How to Register
- Go to the Registration Page on LunaFairs.
- Create your account and select your study abroad preferences. Our program matching tool will help you refine your search and find the best program for you.
- Explore the site. “Favorite” programs for easy access to return to during the live sessions, and check out our University Booths for more information on Chatham’s Education Abroad programs and scholarship opportunities.
As a reminder, remaining fair open times are this week, Oct. 19-22 (11-4 pm) and Nov. 16-19 (11-4 pm), but you can register and review provider and Chatham options anytime until November 20, 2020.
Happy exploring! Questions about the fair or study abroad in general? Please contact the Office of International Affairs, internationalaffairs@chatham.edu.
Q&A on Summer 2021 Field Experiences
Does my Financial Aid apply to the summer programs?
Financial aid may apply, contact financialaid@chatham.edu for details on your aid toward a summer program and/or applying for additional loans.
If you are a Pell grant recipient, Pell funding may apply for 6+ credit programs (Cyprus & Taiwan)
What outside scholarships can I apply for?
Pell grant recipients can apply for Gilman scholarship funding (deadline will be in early March 2021), see https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) funds students with demonstrated financial need; encourages students underrepresented in study abroad (app opens in November for 2021-22 programs) https://fundforeducationabroad.org/apply/
For the Taiwan program, Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The application opens in early 2021 https://www.iie.org/Programs/Freeman-ASIA/
What experiential learning scholarships can I apply for through Chatham?
Students may apply for Chatham experiential learning scholarships which offer summer funding (application deadline is 2/28/21). These awards are competitive as funding is limited.
There are two general awards toward summer study: Glenda Rich DeBroff ‘60 Scholarship and Sally Mercke Heym ‘63 Scholarship; there are two awards toward environmental field work (Loren Maazel -Rachel Carson and Theo Colburn-Rachel Carson awards).
For more information and experiential learning scholarship application, please see https://chatham.edu/academics/international-programs/scholarships-and-vouchers.html
Where can I learn more about course content?
Please contact the faculty leaders:
Costa Rica: Dr. Cunningham, h.Cunningham@chatham.edu; Dr. Bell, mbell@chatham.edu
Cyprus: Dr. Carrillo, acarrillo@chatham.edu; Dr. Rossbach, drossbach@chatham.edu
Taiwan: Dr. Kingsbury, kkingsbury@chatham.edu; Dr. Tippen, ctippen@chatham.edu
For Cyprus & Taiwan, see https://chatham.abroadoffice.net/ course descriptions for links to non-Chatham coursework
How do I apply?
Please use the links at https://chatham.edu/academics/international-programs/field-experiences.html or see https://chatham.abroadoffice.net/
You must create an abroadoffice user account and complete all required sections of the application.
The application deadline is 12/2/2020.
Is there any risk in applying for a field experience?
No. Chatham will announce if summer study abroad is permitted in January 2021. Participating students would not be asked for a deposit or any other commitment until after that announcement.
When will students be notified of acceptance to a field experience?
If a field experience receives enough applications to meet its minimum enrollment number prior to the 12/2/20 deadline, applications will be reviewed and accepted students will be conditionally accepted. Otherwise, students can expect to hear about the status of their application in mid-December.
All summer 2021 Chatham field experiences are conditionally approved at this time. A decision on summer 2021 study abroad will be announced in January 2021.
I am graduating in spring. Can I participate?
Chatham field experiences are academic programs. Participants must be current undergraduate students taking the courses for credit. If you are graduating in spring, you may only participate if you need credits or need this specific course to fulfill your graduation requirements. Contact your academic advisor with questions about fulfillment of graduation requirements.
What’s included in the program fee?
Specific inclusions vary by program. Please read the “What is Included” section of Chatham.abroadoffice.net for each field experience for information.
Generally included: RT airfare to/from Pittsburgh; housing; travel insurance; in-country transportation; activities and excursions that are part of program; some meals (varies)
Not included: personal expenses, passports, Chatham tuition + fees (Costa Rica)
When would I need to have a valid passport?
For Taiwan, by December 15 for visa processing.
For Costa Rica and Cyprus, TBD, but plan on having your valid passport/ applying no later than January announcement.
Passports are good for 10 years. Apply/renew now!
Where do I apply for a passport?
First time applicants must apply in person. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/where-to-apply.html
In Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Dept. of Court Records, 414 Grant Street, 412-350-6071, does not require appointments. Open 8:30-4:30 M,T,R,F; 8:30-7:30 W.
To renew your passport, you may be able to apply by mail.
See https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/
What do I need to apply for a passport?
- Form DS-11 (complete online)
2. Citizenship evidence (US birth certificate or expired/unexpired passport)
3. Photocopy of citizenship evidence
4. ID (driver’s license or US passport)
5. Photo (must meet photo requirements)
6. Fees
See specifics of document requirements https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/
How much is a U.S. passport?
Passport book is $110
Execution fee is $35
Expedite fee is $60 (if you need a passport in 4-6 weeks)
See https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/
What will happen when programs are approved?
When the university approves programs (January 2021), accepted students will be contacted and asked to make a $500 deposit and sign a Participation Agreement including Informed Consent regarding COVID-19.
Program leaders will announce pre-departure meetings and required pre-departure training for each field experience.
How do students get the $1200 voucher?
Students do not need to file any additional paperwork for the $1200 one-time study abroad voucher. If you qualify (have 30 or more credits, 15 at Chatham) by start of program, voucher will be added to your aid for the term in which you study abroad, reducing the amount students pay by $1200.
Where can I learn more about the International Studies Certificates and the $1,800 International Studies Certificate voucher awarded to students who are in the process of completing their International Certificate?
International Studies Certificates are completed through the International Studies department. Please see certificate requirements at https://my.chatham.edu/tools/_departments/advising/checklists/list.cfm?CatalogID=15&CatID=4. The coordinators for the certificates are Dr. Sene, Africa, Dr. Kingsbury, Asia, Dr. Rossbach, Europe and Middle East, and Dr. Martin, Latin America.
How do students demonstrate eligibility for the International Studies Certificate funding ($1800)?
Complete and have certificate advisor sign off on the Verification form. Please return scan or photo of completed form to internationalaffairs@chatham.edu.
When would I pay for a summer field experience?
For programs that are moving forward, students would make a $500 deposit in January. As field experiences are summer programs, the balance of program fee + tuition would be billed by Student Accounts in March/April, due in May. Students may sign up for a summer payment plan through Student Accounts.
What if a program is interrupted/cancelled?
While Chatham would make every effort to refund any fees that have not been allocated, there are hard costs to programs that may not be recoverable. Enrollment is not without risk (participating students agree to share this risk in the Participation Agreement with Informed Consent regarding COVID-19).
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance is a supplemental insurance policy that covers you while you are abroad. Travel insurance is through iNext, https://www.inext.com/. Travel insurance for the program dates is included as part of your program fee:
iNext Comprehensive Basic Plan, $250,000 Medical / $500,000 Accident
Travel Delay (12 hours) (up to $250/Day) ………………………………. $2,500
Baggage and Personal Effects……………………………………………………. $2,000
Baggage Delay (24 hours) ………………………………………………………………. $200
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (24 hour)……………………. $20,000
Accident Medical Expense ……………………………………………………… $500,000
Sickness Medical Expense ……………………………………………………… $250,000
Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical Repatriation and Return of Remains ………………………………………………………………………………….. $1,000,000
Coverage includes a 24-hour emergency assistance line.
If participant contracts COVID during covered period (study abroad) it is considered a covered illness.
Does travel insurance cover trip cancellation?
No, it does not. Individual participants can consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance, also known as a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) or Interrupt For Any Reason (IFAR) Policy. Policies will have varying coverage (typically up to a percentage of total cost of program).
The following sites are offered as information only (not endorsed)
https://www.culturalinsurance.com/
Please also see previous post http://blogs.chatham.edu/oia/2020/09/25/chatham-summer-2021-field-experiences/ for important field experience information.
Do you have a question that is not addressed here? Please reach out to internationalaffairs@chatham.edu.
Thank you!