Category Archives: Student experience

Education Abroad, Student experience

Meet the Study Abroad Ambassadors 2020-2021: Walker

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Meet our Study Abroad Ambassadors for 2020-2021. These students are study abroad returnees who are available to answer questions and share their experience with interested students!

Walker Orner

Major: Media Arts with concentrations in Filmmaking and Graphic Design.

Program: France

“I think that studying another language abroad is a one of a kind opportunity.  I had traveled before my semester in France but putting the time and energy into learning while being immersed in another language and culture is a whole different type of experience. Learning French from the basics is one of the hardest and fulfilling things I have ever done. Language learning through immersion is unmatched. In just 4 months I was amazed to be carrying conversations with ease. The feeling of being confident in another language was something I had never experienced before and I owe that completely to the decision of to study abroad.

I was the only student to remain abroad during the pandemic ( I received special permission from Dr Finegold) but upon returning in June I experienced a significant amount of culture shock. My eating schedule, food preference as well as being used to speaking French 24/7 all made for a strange few weeks getting back. ”

Students can contact Walker by email at walker.orner@chatham.edu

Student experience

Virtual Resources

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Check out some virtual resources to stay entertained and engaged during social distancing!

Virginia Aquarium

Enjoy a virtual tour or observe some animals at the Virginia Aquarium!

https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/visit/Pages/Community-Resources.aspx

 

Live Concerts

Attend virtual live concerts for many artists and genres!

How to find concerts on Spotify on desktop or mobile - Business ...

https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown?utm_campaign=npr&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=nprnews&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR1XWHvssaW66eJeiuyj1vBuTiK5owyPFcUmquxUnBV_4g_rsGUKJYan2EY&fbclid=IwAR2Kx1w-q5CR07kSvBfXZm7CXBQsqA_tABuV9ZOs3544CX-wz4G3ILse0C0

 

Free Ivy League Courses

Have you always wanted to learn about coding or Greek mythology? Check out these online courses from Ivy League schools for free!

Here are 450 Ivy League courses you can take online right now for free

https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/ivy-league-free-online-courses-a0d7ae675869/

 

Meditation

Feeling stressed? Download Headspace for some free meditation exercises!

Subscribe to Headspace

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/headspace-meditation-sleep/id493145008

Student experience

Cook with OIA: Beefy Italian Ramen Skillet Meal

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by Julissa Soto, OIA Student Assistant

Here is how to make this delicious Beefy Italian Ramen Skillet meal. These are all super easy things to find in your cabinets or easily bought at the store.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 can diced tomatoes

1 cup of water

2 packages beef-flavor ramen noodles

Green bell paper (frozen or fresh)

Cheese (optional)

Directions

In a large skillet, cook beef until completely browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir tomatoes, water, and seasoning packet contents from the ramen noodles.

Break ramen noodle block into halves and add with the green bell pepper. Cook until noodles soften, about 5 minutes

– Remove from heat. If adding cheese, sprinkle cheese over beef mixture and place over skillet; let the mixture sit until cheese melts, 2 to 3 minutes.

This recipe serves about 5 people. Enjoy your meal!

– Recipe found at https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/239029/beefy-italian-ramen-skillet/?internalSource=recipe%20hub&referringId=17566&referringContentType=Recipe%20Hub&clickId=cardslot%2065

 

VIDEO – Click here recipe video beefy italian skillet meal

Bon appetit! Did you try it? Let us know internationalaffairs@chatham.edu

 

Events, International students, Opportunities, Student experience

Virtual Resources for Students

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Self – Isolation? Bored at home? We totally understand about having difficulties in hanging out and just staying at home due to the critical situation that we all are facing, but we understand that too that we all are doing this for our health. Please, try to stay healthy.

In order help you while being stuck at home; we have a lot of resources for you where you can make yourself a little busy and have some fun.

  • Museums – virtual tours, fun activities on museums’ websites

This article shares 12 famous museums who are offering virtual tours of their museums. https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

The Canadian Museum of History shares a really interesting art piece on their website that you can play with.  https://www.historymuseum.ca/morningstar/explore/

Online, you can zoom in on the mural and spin it to see the four quadrants in high detail. A click of the plus sign in the corner causes a series of links to pop up over the mural itself, with photos and videos attached that explain the significance of each part of the artwork.

  • Virtual Concerts – We know due to the Coronavirus crisis, many of you had to cancel plans of attending live concerts. Here are some recommendations of watching some virtual live streams and recorded concerts.

Updated information and details about virtual concerts dates and times  https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9335531/coronavirus-quarantine-music-events-online-streams

John Legend, Coldplay, Keith Urban and a lot of other musicians are still performing. Watch their virtual concerts. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2020/03/17/coronavirus-john-legend-coldplay-play-virtual-concerts-instagram/5066024002/

Los Angeles Times shares 7 ways to experience live music! https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-03-13/coronavirus-streaming-concerts-online-self-quarantined

More livestreamed concerts. https://www.vulture.com/2020/03/all-musicians-streaming-live-concerts.html

 

  • Wellness Sites – Don’t worry! We have got you covered with wellness activities too. Now you can even livestream exercise classes, warm-ups, yoga and meditation videos too while you are at home.

Check out ideas from 15 wellness youtubers. They’ll give you live tutorials, and recorded videos of exercises and warm-ups. https://theblissfulmind.com/wellness-youtube-channels/

This resource shares wellness and health related videos plus live streams plenty of healthy tips. https://www.zubialive.com/

  • Entertainment – there are so many websites offering free movies and shows.

YouTube – check out on YouTube, they have free movies and shows (search for “free with ads”).

There are many YouTubers worth checking out – try Zack King! If you have not heard this name,  his brief introduction would be as a video creator and magician. Go and check it out his YouTube page. You’ll love his videos. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq8DICunczvLuJJq414110A

Podcasts – listen to podcasts to get your mind off things – many good suggestions here https://www.vulture.com/2020/03/best-comedy-podcasts-coronavirus-quarantine-recommendations.html

Take this time to learn some art and crafts! https://craftsbyamanda.com/category/craft-tutorials/adult-crafts/

For live painting shows, see https://www.twitch.tv/directory/game/Art

  • Love cooking or just want to learn to make tasty food? Here are some famous cooking shows. Learn some tips and try new delicious recipes

Laura in the Kitchen – https://www.youtube.com/user/LauraVitalesKitchen

Jamie Oliver – https://www.youtube.com/jamieoliver

Binging with Babish – https://www.youtube.com/user/bgfilms

Tasty – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFp8uSYCjXOMnkUyb3CQ3Q

Check out this link for more recipes; https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/group/gallery/37-recipes-from-masterchefs-best-chefs-ever/sn6ldpbr?page=3

  • And, finally, check out this list of more resource recommendations while you stay at home during Covid-19 (Adapted from Got It Vietnam )
  1. Free Harvard online courses – bit.ly/gotit_2
  2. IELTS materials and practice from British Council – bit.ly/gotit_3
  3. Some free online practice materials from Road to IELTS from British Council:      http://www.roadtoielts.com/
  4. Download free books from Bill Gates’s website – bit.ly/gotit_5
  5. See famous pieces of arts through Google Arts & Cultures – bit.ly/gotit_7
  6. Livestream from the Metropolitan Opera (New York) – bit.ly/gotit_10 
  7. Try audiobooks on Audible (Amazon) – bit.ly/gotit_11
  8. Watch movies in the IMDb Top 250 – bit.ly/gotit_13
  9. Learn to code with Freecodecamp – bit.ly/gotit_14
  10. 500 free courses from Ivy League universities – bit.ly/gotit_15

Stay tuned for more ideas!

What are you doing to stay healthy and busy yourself?  Send us your ideas and contact the Office of International Affairs, internationalaffairs@chatham.edu  with any questions!

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

International students, Student Essays, Student experience

Picturesque School With Endless Green Grass

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By Linh Nguyen

ELP Student & International Student Ambassador

Summer 2019

Neighborhood Tour with Friends

“I never thought that when I was 20 I could set foot in America – the dream country of so many people. But on a beautiful day, Chatham gave me that opportunity when they sent a congratulatory letter to inform me that that I received an International Student Ambassador Scholarship offered by Chatham English Language Program.

Enjoying the View of Pittsburgh

Time in America was truly a wonderful experience. The programs here are very creative and interesting: we presented, played games and explored the world outside the classroom. In addition, every Friday we have interesting field trips, which allowed us to explore nature and visit famous places in Pittsburgh. The teachers accompanied and guided us enthusiastically. The teachers here are the best and the most dedicated. They patiently taught us from the smallest things with all their hearts.

Friends here are really diverse and interesting. I had the opportunity to talk and make friends from many countries around the world. We ate together, played together and talked happily. Another thing that impressed me was the nature here. Chatham is a quaint and picturesque school with endless green grass. The air is fresh and clean. The people are very friendly. Chatham is a great option when you study abroad. I had a precious and unforgettable time here. If you intend to study abroad, I highly recommend Chatham.

International students, Student Essays, Student experience

Amazing Experience: Best Summer Ever!

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Amazing Experience: Best Summer Ever!

By TuongVy Le, International Student Ambassador, ELP Scholarship Recipient

Field Trip to Three Rivers Art Festival – Vy is the last one on the right

I never once thought I would be able to study abroad or study in the US, but Chatham University offered me an International Student Ambassador Scholarship from from the English Language Program. It was the best experience ever for me. Before attending the program, I was a very shy speaker, but everything changed thanks to the program at Chatham, and my English-speaking skill has improved ever since.

Joining an Education Class with American Students – Vy is the one in blue

Studying in my hometown does not include going on field trips, so the program was such an eye-opening experience for me. History was never my favorite subject, but the U.S Culture class was so interesting, and that’s what I love the most about this program. It was the best summer I’ve ever had; I’ve grown a lot from this experience. I am so grateful for the friends I’ve made during the time at Chatham.

Receiving a Certificate from the Program Director

Even though it was the first time studying in a different country, I never felt lonely or helpless at Chatham. Everyone there is super friendly, you can always get the help you need anytime. I only studied in Chatham for approximately three months, but Chatham felt like my second home. Chatham University offers the best environment for you to study and grow as a person, you will never regret going to Chatham!

Scholarships, Student Essays, Student experience

BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS, ENTHUSIASTIC TEACHERS, AND AMAZING FRIENDS AT CHATHAM

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BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS, ENTHUSIASTIC TEACHERS, AND AMAZING FRIENDS AT CHATHAM UNIVERSITY

Ngoc Pham, International Student Ambassador, 2019 ELP Scholarship Recipient

In the past, I never thought that I could go to the US for an overseas education, but Chatham University gave me a great chance through the English Language Program International Student Ambassador Scholarship. During the 10 weeks at Chatham University, I learned a lot of things. Through the English Language Program at Chatham, you are cannot only improve your English language skill, but also explore US culture and form new relationships with other international students. I have changed a lot, from a person who is always shy to speak English to a confident communicator, from a family-dependent to independent person, and from a passive to now a more lively person. All of these changes occurred during my three months in the U.S. To me, Chatham is not only the university to study, but also the place to discover myself and the environment to grow.

At Chatham University, you will be able to receive full support from enthusiastic teachers, experience well-designed learning programs, and  interact with amazing friends, and study in a place where you always feel comfortable like a second family.

Chatham University is one of the best choices for your education, you will never feel regret when making that choice!

Tôi chưa bao giờ nghĩ mình sẽ có cơ hội được học tập tại Mỹ dù là trong một chương trình ngắn hạn. Đại học Chatham đã cho tôi một cơ hội đáng quý và thật may mắn hơn cả là tôi đã nhận được học bổng Đại sứ Sinh viên Quốc tế từ chương trình Ngôn ngữ tiếng Anh tại đây. Trong suốt gần 3 tháng ở Mỹ nói chung và đại học Chatham nói riêng, tôi đã có cho mình rất nhiều những trải nghiệm đáng giá và đã học được rất nhiều điều. Thông qua chương trình Ngôn ngữ Anh tại đại học Chatham, tôi không chỉ cải thiện được các kỹ năng tiếng Anh của mình mà còn được tìm hiểu thêm về văn hoá Mỹ, gặp gỡ các bạn sinh viên quốc tế đến từ nhiều quốc gia khác nhau để có cái nhìn toàn diện hơn về thế giới bên ngoài. Đại học Chatham đã giúp cho tôi có điều kiện để tự khám phá bản thân, thay đổi chính mình. Những giảng viên tâm huyết, những người bạn quốc tế tài năng, những bài giảng thực tế, môi trường học chủ động, khuôn viên trường cổ kính và còn vô vàn những điều thú vị khác bạn sẽ có thể khám phá tại Chatham.

Đại học Chatham là một sự lựa chọn mà tôi không hề cảm thấy hối hận và tôi tin bạn cũng sẽ cảm thấy như vậy!