Category Archives: Announcement

Announcement, Events, International students, Opportunities, Reflection, Student experience

Announcement: International Education Week November 18-22, 2019

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Join the Office of International Affairs for International Education Week from November 18th to 22nd!

“International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education promotes programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.” (www.iew.state.gov )

This week will feature events celebrating international education and student experiences. Join us for our planned events:

International Karaoke

When: Monday, November 18th – 7:00 to 8:30 pm

Where: Carriage House

Join the Modern Language department for International Karaoke! Sing in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish!

International Jeopardy

When: Wednesday, November 20th – 7:00 to 8:00 pm

Where: Carriage House

Bring a group of friends to play Jeopardy! The subject is international trivia and the winning team will win prizes. There will be free food!

International Symposium

When: Thursday, November 21st – 3:00 to 5:00 pm

Where: Carriage House

This mini-symposium will celebrate International Education week, as well as the benefits of international education and exchange. This year’s theme is “International Education: Legacy and Promise.” The symposium will feature presentations and posters by students relating to this year’s theme.

International Tea: Morocco

When: Friday, November 22nd – 11:30 to 1:00 pm

Where: Carriage House

Celebrate this year’s Global Focus country at International Tea: Morocco! Bring tea from your home country and share cultures with another person. Show others your own culture and tell stories about experiences you have had abroad. This will be a great way to learn from others and experience something new.

All events are found on MyChatham. For more information regarding IEW and OIA events, please contact InternationalAffairs@chatham.edu

Announcement

i-Engaged for a Competitive Edge

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As you plan for your semester, academic year, and time at Chatham University, we encourage you to be more iEngaged (i.e., Engaged in more International activities) to expand your global thinking and skills and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Why?

  • There’s an “edge effect,” which boosts creativity and innovation, when differences come into contact – Listen to this NPR’s Hidden Brain podcast to find out more.
  • Nine out of 10 employers say they rely on employees with language skills other than English. Read this full report by ACTFL.
  • International engagement like this increases your chance of being selected for prestigious scholarships, such as Fulbright student grants. 

So will you …?

  • study abroad (many scholarships from Chatham and outside organizations are available)
  • participate in events with international students
  • learn a foreign language at Chatham or while study abroad  and even add a minor in French, German, or Spanish
  • participate in the Conversation Partner Program – Apply here by September 6
  • participate in Global Focus activities
  • consider adding the International Studies Certificate
  • and ask your professor, advisor, and the Office of International Affairs (internationalaffairs@chatham.edu) to learn about these opportunities
Announcement, Events

150 years of International Education at Chatham

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Graduating seniors dream over the globe, February 2, 1950, Archival images provided by the Chatham University Archives & Special Collections.

 

In celebration of Chatham’s 150th anniversary, the Office of International Affairs, with the kind guidance of the JKM Library Archives, has been putting together a display to showcase some of the ways that Chatham, its students and faculty have been international through the years.

Look for our display in the Flat Panel of the JKM Library vestibule starting in late September!

Announcement

Language Minors at Chatham University

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By Martina Wells, Coordinator of Modern Languages Program Program

International dinner

The Modern Languages Program at Chatham attracts an increasing number of students each year. This current academic year, 218 students (an average of about 109 per semester) are enrolled in one of the six foreign languages taught at Chatham: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. All of these languages are taught at the introductory and intermediate levels. Each course focuses on basic language acquisition in the first year and on deepening linguistic and cultural knowledge in the second year. While some students study a language just to satisfy a personal interest, many others make their language study count toward general education requirements or one of the International Certificates requirements. They often use the language knowledge gained to enhance the experience of studying abroad and being able to immerse in the local culture.

International Karaoke

Now, students can take their language study even further.  Just this term, Chatham has introduced a language minor in French, German, and Spanish, allowing students to reach proficiency in another language and culture at a level beyond the purview of the Certificates. Twenty (20) credits are needed to fulfill the minor requirements. This includes eight (8) credits at the intermediate level I and II at Chatham. Twelve (12) credits (4 courses) will be completed through coursework taken during a Study Abroad or at one of our PCHE partner institutions and consist of advanced language courses and courses on culture and/or literature.

International Dessert Night

Without a doubt, the Language Minors along with the International Certificates are a great way to boost the internationalization of students and develop the skills needed to successfully live and work in an increasingly interdependent global environment.

If you want to learn more about language study at Chatham, the International Certificates or the Language Minors, please contact Dr. Martina Wells, Coordinator of Modern Languages at: mwells@chatham.edu.

Announcement, Immigration, International students

Updates to OIA immigration check-in

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Starting in Fall 2019, OIA will require all international students, new and returning, to complete an online check-in. The online check-in form takes about 5-minutes to complete, and asks for information about your immigration documents, address and contact information, and program of study. This is to keep OIA informed about your Program and to streamline SEVIS reporting.

New students are still required to attend the mandatory new international student orientation, but the online form will allow them to supply information in advance of the orientation.

Your I-20 is a ‘living document’- meaning that it must be kept up-to-date, and any changes must be entered into your SEVIS record.  As an example, students are required to report changes of address and contact information to OIA within 10-days. This is required by regulation. By submitting the online form at the start of each semester, this will act as a reminder of the regulations and what you need to do to maintain student status.

OIA sends monthly reminders on how to maintain status, and information on upcoming activities and workshops.

If you have questions on how to maintain status, or are looking for general information on F-1 regulations, please visit the Study in the States website located here: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/

The office of international affairs is open Monday through Friday from 9am- 5pm. Please make an appointment by emailing InternationalAffairs@cahtham.edu or calling 412.365.1388.

Announcement, Deadlines, Opportunities, Scholarships

Fulbright US Student Competition 2020-2021

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Fulbright US Student Competition for 2020-2021

 

The 2020-2021 Fulbright US Student Competition is open.

Grants are offered for rising seniors and recent graduates to teach English abroad, pursue independent research or study in a graduate degree program. Advice and support is available for applicants; see the below timeline for applicants and contact Fulbright Program Advisers kchipman@chatham.edu or cmusick@chatham.edu. Chatham’s on campus deadline is September 10, 2019 and the national deadline to submit an application is October 8, 2019, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information, visit https://us.fulbrightonline.org/

Fulbright US Student Program – Timeline and Checklist for 2020-2021 competition

April 1, 2019:

Online application opens.  View awards by clicking on specific countries at http://us.fulbrightonline.org/countries/regions

  • Register as applicant in Slate platform; register as a Chatham University applicant
  • Check out application and requirements

April-May 2019:

  • Thoroughly read Fulbright website
  • Review differences between ETA (English Teaching Assistant) grants and Research/Study grants
  • Research your country and Fulbright commission (either grant). Carefully consider the profile of countries. Keep up with current events in the country.
  • Research your topic if you are applying for a Research grant; discuss your research topic with your academic advisor and department for ideas and input.
  • Begin networking and start looking for affiliations (names and universities) if you are applying for a Research grant. Make initial outreach to university abroad.  If you are unsure about how to approach universities, request assistance from your academic advisor, department and/or Fulbright Program Advisors (FPAs)
  • Work on your language proficiency (register for summer classes and/or self-study)
  • Look for opportunities to strengthen your candidacy. Become a language partner for the English Language Program.
  • Be in touch with FPAs to schedule advising appointments.

Summer 2019

  • Update your CV/resume
  • Start drafting statements for application
  • Fill out your personal details on the application
  • Start looking for language reference writers; continue language study
  • Think about your recommenders and reach out to them.
  • Follow up contact with the university abroad as necessary, secure affiliation letter
  • Request university/college transcripts (unofficial is okay) from all schools attended in US and abroad
  • Share first drafts of your essays with FPAs by July 16 (or earlier)

 August 15, 2019, Deadline to share revised draft statements with FPAs /Fellowship committee for feedback before campus deadline

September 10, 2019, Campus Deadline.  You must submit final drafts of your statements at this time and list your recommenders, language, etc.

September 17-21, 2019 On campus interviews with Fellowship committee. (exact days/times TBD). Campus committee evaluation completed.  (FPAs upload form to Slate platform).

Applicants will be able to make additional revisions to application post-interview.

October 8, 2019, 5 pm EST.  Online application system closes at 5:00 P.M. EST.

Late January 2020. Semi-finalists announced.

March-June 2020. Fulbright finalists announced by country.

Announcement, Events, International students, Reflection

Look back: OIA Activities from Fall 2018

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The Fall semester was full of events and activities for Chatham student. The Office of International Affairs organized activities to bring students together across cultures and nationalities, and to introduce different aspects of American Culture. Following are some highlights from this past term:

September :

Global Mixer Kick-off

The first event of the semester, the Global Mixer welcomes students to Chatham, and welcomes back returning students. Students, from a variety of countries and cultures are encouraged to mix and mingle as they learn from each other.

 

East Liberty Presbyterian Church Tour and Tower Climb:

The tour of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church was not for the faint of heart. After receiving a brief overview of the Gothic Architecture and seeing the nave of the beautiful church, the group of almost 20 students started our journey climbing the steps to the tower. After passing through main staircases and a series of winding pathways in the walls of the church, there were several final small spiral staircases to climb. The final leg of the climb was ascending a small ladder onto the highest balcony that only about 4 students could share at a time. We had a 360* view of the city of Pittsburgh and a great breeze hitting our faces to cap off the satisfaction of our journey. After planting our feet firmly back on the ground, students headed to Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream for a sweet

 

Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC) 40th Annual Three Rivers Pow Wow. 

Students from the United States, Japan, China, and South Korea attended the Pow Wow and engaged with Native Peoples from all over the US. The Pow Wow, held each September, is open to the public.

October:

Simmons Farm- Fall Activities Field Trip

Simmons Farm was a day of sunshine, pumpkins, apples, and fall flowers. The group of 16 headed out to Simmons Farm on one of the warmest days of Fall and enjoyed the activities it had to offer. After a quick hayride, students split into two groups and found their way through the corn maze. Students then chose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and enjoyed some of the cider provided to the group from the Farm. There were fields of beautiful flowers and delicious festival food to snack on. The farm even included a petting zoo with some lazy goats and hungry chickens!

 

Kennywood: Phantom Fright Nights! 

As part of the fall semester long weekend, OIA took students to  Kennywood. Kennywood, a local amusement park in operation since 1898, has thrilled generations of visitors. Located a few miles from Pittsburgh, it has roller coasters, a midway, arcade games, and classic American fare. In October, the park is transformed into one big haunted house for Phantom Fright Nights. Open late (6pm-midnight) and full of spooky costumes and decor, it’s a screaming good time.  Students from Brazil, Austria, Japan, South Korea, the US, and France, were able to enjoy a classic American amusement park, and Haunted attraction on a foggy spooky night!

 

December:

End of Term party!

Students celebrated the end of the semester, and for many the end of their studies at Chatham University, during OIA’s  End of Term party.

 

 

Announcement, Deadlines, Education Abroad, Opportunities

Study in Japan, Summer 2019: Japanese Language Immersion Course (JLIC) at Doshisha Women’s College

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The summer program at Doshisha Women’s College (DWCLA) in Japan offers female undergraduate students who have at least half a year Japanese study experience:

  • Japanese language courses in two levels
  • Japanese cultural experiences, field trips, club visits, and other interactive programs with DWCLA students

Course Dates:

  • Term A: May 20th to June 14th, 2019
  • Term B: June 24 to July 19th, 2019

Features of the JLIC include:

  • small class sizes
  • entry level students are welcome
  • field trips in Kyoto
  • intercultural communication sessions with DWCLA students
  • two accommodation options – off-campus dorms or homestay

How to apply and Application forms:

http://www.dwc.doshisha.ac.jp/english/international_exchange/

Applications due by February 28, 2019.  For more information, contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu.

 

Announcement, Deadlines, Education Abroad, Opportunities

Apply for a Fulbright Summer Institute in the UK

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London, England

Are you a first year or sophomore student looking for a funded summer study abroad experience in the UK?  Consider applying for this Fulbright opportunity.  Application deadline is 2/6/2019.

There are several UK Summer Institutes available every year. Each Institute is hosted by a different university, and each focus on a specific historical or cultural context, or a subject or topic. You do not need to be familiar with these to apply and are encouraged to explore your interests.

The best applications are from well-rounded students who can demonstrate:

  • Strong academic ability
  • Ambassadorial skills
  • Intercultural sensitivity
  • Genuine desire to learn more about the UK and to share aspects of American culture
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Community involvement
  • Leadership potential
  • Plans to further the Fulbright mission and give back to the US upon returning
Giant’s Causeway, outside Belfast

Applying

Applications for 2019 Institutes are open now through 6 February at 5pm EST.

  1. Read the FAQs and terms and conditions
  2. Read our Privacy Policy for applicants
  3. Apply online and upload a transcript to the application form as a PDF (official transcripts are preferred)
  4. Select two (2) references and place their e-mail addresses into the application. They should receive a notification message that will lead them to their own online portal to submit a reference letter.

The application form must be completed, with transcript attached, and submitted before the deadline. Your references should also submit your letters before the deadline or your application will be incomplete.  An application will not be considered completed if any of these items are missing or submitted late.

Bristol, England

Interviews

Finalists will be invited to interview in late March. Summer Institute interviews are by video conference call and can only be rescheduled under extreme circumstances.

 For more information or other study abroad opportunities, contact the Office of International Affairs, internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or visit us, Falk Hall, lower level.

Chatham University

Office of International Affairs, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, internationalaffairs@chatham.edu, www.chatham.edu/academics/international