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My Vietnam Trip: A Professional and Personal Reflection

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Vietnam ranks number 6 in sending students to the U.S. after China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Canada (IIE Open Doors).

Places of Origin among International Students to the U.S.

Although I had been to Vietnam to promote Chatham as an add-on to my family visits or conference attendance, this trip (Feb 28 – March 9) was my first time going back mainly to recruit students and meet with potential partners. During the trip, I visited 11 high schools, participated in two Study in the USA fairs, gave over 5 presentations, and met many students, parents, colleagues, and agents. On the first day, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many attendees at my presentation on the Secrets to Studying English at the U.S. embassy.

Presentation at EducationUSA, US Embassy in Hanoi

I later gave the same presentation to students from Foreign Trade University (FTU) after an invitation from Ms. Hanh Mai, an English lecturer at FTU. I was pleased to see students’ continued hunger for knowledge and the admiration for the U.S. as a country of “freedom and democracy” (students’ words). Sadly, students and advisors have reported greater difficulty in getting U.S. student visas, especially visas to study English.

Presentation at FTU

Apart from presenting to students, I presented the text-based and task-based approaches to English language materials development to instructors at the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), Vietnam National University (VNU), my alma mater. I argued for more teacher-developed materials, instead of global English Language Teaching (ELT) course books, that address local topics and issues which are more personally relevant and potentially more engaging to learners. Global ELT course books are developed for a wide audience, and the topics may be too sanitized, bland, and distant for students to relate to.

Presentation at ULIS-VNU

Among the presentations, the most memorable one was on careers in Data Analytics and Management Information Systems, in Vietnamese, to over 350 students from FPT High School. Although Vietnamese is my first language, my professional life has been in English, so presenting this information in Vietnamese was not an easy task. The students were highly energetic, boisterous at times, and mostly adorable. After the presentation, I had a nice conversation with Ms. Hien Phung, Head of the Counseling Office at FPT High School, about working together to create programs benefiting students from both institutions. She shared with me FPT’s low-cost summer study tours for international students, which I shared with my Pittsburgh contacts. She was also interested in short-term summer camps at Chatham for her students. Short-term programs are gaining popularity in Vietnam, but are often time-consuming to develop and run, so it has not been decided whether Chatham is going to pursue these opportunities.

Presentation to FPT High School Students

Another outcome from the trip is the potential to collaborate with Vietnam National University – International School (VNU-IS) on initiatives that encourage student mobility and exchange of ideas and expertise between the two institutions. The two universities are currently in talks to sign a general MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) before starting specific programs, including a 3+1 program, which allows seniors from VNU-IS to transfer to Chatham and study for one year in order to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from Chatham.

Meeting with VNU-IS

Overall, my trip, albeit exhausting, was productive and enjoyable. For part of my trip, I traveled with a group of over 25 very interesting recruiters. Over wine and cocktails, we had somewhat heated conversations about politics, guns, and even religion. I also got to see my family and friends.

A Lunch Gathering with Friends and Colleagues

Every time I go back to Vietnam, I see many changes (e.g., infrastructure, commodities, and services) and also unchanged facets of life and culture (e.g., family structure and relationships, expectations for men and women, and how children are raised). With each realization, my respect for differences and local and situated knowledge increases. So does my awareness of the need for social progress and action for change everywhere.

Uncategorized

International Ambassador Scholarships for Vietnamese Students

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Hoc Bong Tieng Anh cho Sinh Vien Viet Nam

International End-of-Term Celebration, Spring 2017

Chương trình Tiếng Anh tại Trường Đại Học Chatham sẽ cấp SÁU học bổng bán phần cho học viên Việt Nam vào học kì mùa hè 2018. Với học bổng này, học phí chỉ còn $2817 cho 12 tuần học Tiếng Anh (240 tiếng học trong lớp và nhiều hoạt động ngoại khóa).  Ngoài học bổng cho học viên Tiếng Anh, trường cấp học bổng từ $3000 đến $16,000 đến toàn phần cho sinh viên học đại học. Sinh viên đã nộp đơn xin học có thể được nhận thêm $1000 đến $3000 một năm nếu tham gia phỏng vấn. Tiến sỹ Linh Phùng, giám đốc chương trình Tiếng Anh của trường sẽ về Việt Nam công tác vào ngày 28/3 đến ngày 8/3. Học viên quan tâm có thể hẹn phỏng vấn bằng cách email lphung@chatham.edu.

International Student Ambassador Scholarships

English Language Program

Chatham University

The English Language Program at Chatham University is excited to announce SIX International Student Ambassador Scholarships for Vietnamese students to study English in summer 2018. The scholarships will be given to both conditionally admitted students and students who want to study English at Chatham.

Chatham University is a private university in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, with over 2,200 students and over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. In an effort to recognize academic excellence, we award generous scholarships to deserving incoming full-time students. Scholarships for qualified undergraduate international students range from $6,000 to $16,000 to full tuition annually. Qualified students who participate in Scholarship Interview Days may receive up to an additional $3,000 annually. Dr. Linh Phung, Director of English Language and Pathways Programs at Chatham, will be in Vietnam between February 28 and March 8. Applicants to an undergraduate degree program at Chatham may participate in an interview with her during that time.

Students, who do not yet meet the English language proficiency requirements (TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5), may apply for conditional admission. Conditionally admitted students will study in the English Language Program. After they successfully complete the Advanced level in the English Language Program, they will start their degree program without having to take the TOEFL or IELTS test.

English Language Program and Scholarship Information:

Program dates: May 18 – August 7

Pr

ogram of study: 18-20 hours of English instruction a week for 12 weeks

Number of scholarships: 6

Amount of scholarship: $2,575 (50% of tuition for a semester)

Duration of scholarship: One summer term

 

Requirements:

Three scholarships will be given to High Intermediate students (TOEFL 60, IELTS 5.5, Duolingo 65). Three scholarships will be given to Advanced students (TOEFL 72, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 75). Scholarship recipients are expected to serve as international ambassadors for Chatham University by assisting with recruitment efforts and participating in cultural activities. Applicants will need to submit:

  1. An online application
  2. A copy of the passport
  3. A financial document
  4. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
  5. Transcripts of all previous degrees
  6. A proposal of activities to promote Chatham University and the English Language Program to their connections in Vietnam

 

Note 1: Students will be responsible for $2,575 in tuition and $242 in fees as well as their living

expenses.

Note 2: Students who want conditional admission to a degree program at Chatham University

must submit a separate application by contacting the Admission Office

(ChathamAdmissions@chatham.edu). If you need to apply for a visa, the deadline for Fall 2018 undergraduate and graduate admission is July 1.

 

Application Process:

  • Apply to the ELP by going to chatham.edu/elp and click on “How to Apply”
  • Application deadline to the English Language Program: March 15

 

Contact:

Office of International Affairs

Chatham University

1 Woodland Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15232

USA

Phone: (1)412-365-1388

Email: internationalaffairs@chatham.edu

Website: www.chatham.edu/elp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChathamOIA/

Student Essays, Student experience

The Best Environment for Learning and Growth

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By Issareeyaporn (Wi) Praisuwanna, Chatham Undergradaute Student, International Student Ambassador

Email: Issareeyaporn.Prais@Chatham.edu

I’m Wi. I am a transfer international student from Olympic College in Washington State. All of my credits were able to transfer to the business program at Chatham University. I love Chatham University and Pittsburgh❤❤❤. The reason is that Chatham University provides me with a suitable program, small classes, friendly professors, nice friends with great diversity, but not too many international students, the best location, and the best environment for learning and growth.

– สวัสดีทุกคน

เราชื่อ วิ นะ เราเป็นเป็นนักเรียนต่างชาติมาจากประเทศไทยจ้า เราโอนหน่วยกิจมาจากวิทยาลัยแห่งหนึ่งในรัฐวอชิงตันนะ หน่วยกิจทั้งหมดของเราสามารถโอนมาใช้ในคณะบริหารของมหาลัย Chatham ได้ เราอยากบอกทุกคนว่า เราชอบมหาลัย Chatham และ เมือง Pittsburgh มากกกกกกกกกก เพราะนักศึกษาต่อห้องน้อย มีโปรแกรมที่เราอยากเรียน เจอเพื่อนจากหลายเชื้อชาติ แต่ก็ไม่ได้มีนักเรียนต่างชาติเยอะจนเกินไป มหาลัยตั้งอยู่ในที่ๆไม่วุ่นวาย แต่ก็ไม่ห่างจากที่ซื้อของมากจนเกินไป นอกจากนี้มหาลัยก็มีบรรยากาศที่ดี

Education Abroad, Events, International students

International Education Week 2017 at Chatham University

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Thank you to everyone who took part in the events held this week to celebrate International Education week, #IEW2017. We at the Office of International Affairs (OIA) hope that our events provided the Chatham community with opportunities for international and multicultural engagement, and inspired you to explore the benefits of cultural exchange in your own life.

We have posted images from several of these events below, including the Global Focus “Sounds of Indonesia” Music Festival, International Karaoke Night, International Engagement Photo Contest, International Trivia Night, International Tea Party, Chatham Harvest Dinner and Documenting Your Study Abroad Experience: Panel Discussion.

We hope you enjoyed IEW2017 and that you join OIA for future events!

Chatham Harvest Dinner
International Tea Party
Sounds of Indonesia Music Festival
International Karaoke Night
IEW Photo Contest
Documenting your Study Abroad Experience: Panel Discussion

International Education Week (IEW), November 13-17, 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 is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. See https://iew.state.gov/ for more information.

Reflection, Uncategorized

Celebrating Diversity During International Education Week

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What does diversity mean to you?

We asked Chatham University students, faculty, and staff this question, together with questions about where they are from or have been to and what languages they speak. The majority of the students who answered the questions are international students taking language courses offered by the English Language Program and Modern Languages Program, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. The answers showcase the diversity of places, languages, and cultures that makes Chatham University a great place that it is. Enjoy the word clouds and different takes on diversity below!

Places mentioned

 

Antarctica was mentioned because it was the only continent Professor Galford and Dean Motley haven’t been to.

Languages spoken

If you’d like to share your thoughts, please send an email to Linh Phung, Director of English Language and Pathway Programs and Member of the Diversity and Inclusion Council: lphung@chatham.edu.

Name Major/Position Places Languages What diversity means
Abdelaziz Bagabas Geomatics Saudi Arabia, Egypt, England, and Indonesia Arabic, English “Diversity means respect and learn culture disparately around the world.”
Abduleh Al Ghanmi ELP Saudi Arabia, US Arabic, English “It means to me learning something new from different people or culture. It means to me how I can improve myself.”
Abdullah Almatairi Electricity Technician Riyadh, US Arabic, English “I have one language which is the language Arabic. I visit the USA because I study language English.”
Ahmir Allen Creative Writing/Film Pittsburgh English, Spanish, Japanese “Diversity is about open-mindedness and inclusivity. In a diverse environment people can feel accepted without a fear that someone will view them as “less than” or understanding of their basic human rights.”
Alex Ferrer Policy Studies, Graphic Design Las Vegas English, Spanish, German “Diversity to me is the acceptance of different cultures in a community. Once this happens, people expose themselves to different lifestyle and become more diverse.”
Allison Love Human Biology Pittsburgh English “Diversity is being able to bring people together from different backgrounds or cultures. Realizing the differences between others and accepting them and celebrating them.”
Ameerah Almarawani ELP Saudi Arabia, US English, Arabic “Identify the cultures of society. Communicate with new friends. Communicate with my family. Gain language.”
Arief Zulkifli International Studies Malaysia, U.S., Dubai English, Malay Diversity means the presence of various things. In a general context, I would associate diversity with the inclusion of many people from various backgrounds/ genders. However, diversity could simply be the range of something.
Asami Nabeshima English Literature/ Junior Japan Japanese, English “I think diversity is to have to do something with people who have different culture, so we should understand and respect other culture each other.”
Bholika Kothiya Healthcare Administration/ ELP India Hindi, English “Diversity means variety. It is understanding between two cultures.”
Brian Harr Biochemistry Derry, PA English “Diversity literally means having variety. To me, diversity means being accepted in each aspect, regardless of how much it may differ from others.”
Chris Musick AVP, Office of International Affairs Yorktown, IN English, Japanese “The beautiful differences in thought, perception, and worldview gathered in one place working toward a common goal without conflict.”
Christine Emerick Counseling Psychology Halifax, PA. Traveled to many different states, including Arkansas, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. English “Diversity means various people with different backgrounds coexisting in an area. Diversity also allows for conversations to be had between different people and allows us to learn something new, if we are willing to learn.”
Chika Kitagishi English Literature Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong Chinese, Korean, Japanese, English “It is something broadening any perspectives.”

 
Curran O’Neill Media Arts Pittsburgh English, (some) Japanese “Diversity is a vast number of people from different races/ ethnicities/ sexualities/ genders/ classes/ etc. A group of people that don’t all share the same character traits.”
Cymon Butler Graphic Design U.S. English, Spanish, Japanese, French, German “What diversity means to me is multiple groups of people converging together, with none in particular standing out. There are different ways of thinking and backgrounds, but everybody is accepting of one another.”
Daria Montgomery Psychology Russia, Chicago, Pittsburgh English, French “Being diverse, to me, means having people of all walks of life having an equal chance to be heard and respected. We all come from different places, were born into different circumstances, were raised different ways, and so should take that to find a middle ground that we can all stand on.”
Darlen Motley Dean, School of Arts, Science and Business PA, NY, Chicago, Atlanta, VA, visited all continents except Antarctica English, Basic Spanish “Diversity and inclusion means respect and appreciation of values and culture of all peoples.”
Ding-Wei Linh Chatham Semester Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, U.S., Canada Chinese, English “We don’t want to be the same, but we want to understand each other.”
Dori Cawley Media Arts Newport, RI, USA English, Japanese (learning now), Spanish, can read Hebrew “Diversity means that you are surrounded by people of different ethnicities and cultures. It also means that you want to better your understanding of the world.”
Duncan Eisen-Slade Sustainability Born-Scranton, PA; raised-Mt. Pleasant, SC; Living-Pittsburgh, PA English “An environment of rich cultural expressions and a variety of opportunities and communities. Not living in a mirror chamber. An environment of many different types of people.”
Elena Woodworth Sustainability Pittsburgh, PA English “Diversity means having a group with all different people of race, socio-economic status, religion, sexuality, gender, language, cultural background, and any other differences. It means having those differences, but having respect and appreciation for those who are different from you. It also means wanting know and understand those differences.”
Erika Nankawa Bioscience (in Japan) and ELP (in the U.S.) Japan Japanese, English “I think that different food from country to another is diversity. I think that different color of skin is diversity. I think that different education system and different languages is diversity. “
Faisal  Information Management Systems Saudi Arabia, USA, UK, UAE Arabic, English “Different cultures, opinions, and perspectives coming together.”
Fernando Soriano Biology-Environmental Science The United States of America English (primary, fluent); Spanish (secondary, roughly fluent) “Diversity is a pre-emptive step to achieving a larger goal: equality. Diversity itself means nothing if no constructive steps are taken to assist the needs and inequalities of non-dominant identities/classes.”
Gregory Galford Educator, Architect Grew up in rural West Virginia. Lived in Philadelphia, London, New York City. Have visited every continent except Antarctica. Bucket list. Can read road signs and menus in 3-4 languages “Diversity means willingness to listen and learn from those who live and think differently.”

 
Hana Education Techniques Saudi Arabia-Jeddah. Immigrates UAE Arabic, Indonesia, English.  
Hannah Hutton Undecided Bethel Park, PA English, Spanish “The presence and acceptance of those who are from different backgrounds and cultures. It can also be the incorporation of various traditions from those cultures in everyday life.”
Hasnah Alghamdi History Arabic, English “Languages, cultures, personal, customs and traditions”
Heather Sekeres Biology & Sustainability Brookville, Pennsylvania English, some German, and some Spanish “Support and acceptance of people from all walks of life. Each person is valuable and without any one of us the world would be a little less beautiful.”
HongChing Cheung Accounting Hong Kong, Pittsburgh Cantonese, English, Japanese “Diversity means being in an environment surrounded by a large range of people that may include people from different countries, race, age, gender. Diversity involves with interactions and relations with others who are different.”
Hyemi Economics Korea Korean, English “There are many kinds of diversity such as age, gender, religion, ethnicity, and race, etc. Studying in America, these days. I think about race diversity more. People have to recognize and respect the diversity, but there is still some discrimination based on race.”
Jade Miley Sustainability Born in China. Grew up in US English, a little bit of Mandarin “Knowing what life and cultures are like to people in other countries and/or cultures. Being aware of what is going on in the world other than just your own country/culture.”

 
Jake Reed Criminology Ontario, Canada English and French “Diversity means having different people all from a different backgrounds. It means having a group of people where not one person is the same as the next.”
Jake Rideaw Communications Potomac, MD English and French “Having people of different backgrounds coming together to coexist harmoniously in society, regardless of gender, race, and religion. People are able to come together to form strong bonds with one another.”
Johnny Artinger Exercise Science Pittsburgh English “Diversity is what makes everyone different from one another. We all come from diverse backgrounds making us different in our own unique way.”
Jordan Annarumo Human Biology Ellwood City, PA English “Diversity is when our population is represented by more than just Americans. To be diverse you embrace cultures and customs from other nations.”
Justin McCloskey Sustainability California, Pennsylvania English, Japanese “Diversity to me means the mixing of different cultural traits and aspects into one purpose or event.”
Juyeon Shim  English Language and Literature S. Korea Korean, English “(Maybe) in cultural way, because of the diversity, I can learn many culture at once and experience others. Diversity is good to get along with others and experience many things than I expected.”
Karun Lelahuta English Language Program Thailand, Bangkok Thai, Japanese, English “The people from different background, such as culture, country, language, etc. Live in the same place and shared their experience together.”
Kazuki Tarumi English Literature/ Chatham Semester Osaka, Japan Japanese, English, Chinese “People from different countries come together.”
Kelsey Calamaro Human Biology Florida English “Diversity has a common meaning to me, it means different. This is not something bad, even though some people may make it seem that way. Diversity is intriguing, new and educating because you never know what you might learn from an entity that is diverse.”
Kimara Bernard Architecture Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Been to a lot of countries besides the United States French, English, Creole, Spanish “To me, there is a lot of meaning for Diversity. The fact that we all have different beliefs, languages, ethnicity, that we have our own culture .And all that makes us ourselves makes us diverse.”
Kiyo Irie Environmental Bioscience/ Junior Japan Japanese, English “Diversity is learning other cultures and; languages to me. I think the goal of diversity is understanding each culture.”
Kylie Fletcher Cultural Studies/ Graphic Design Born in West Virginia, US. Grew up in Okinawa, Japan and New Mexico, US. English, Japanese, French “To me, having diversity means having a space with a number of different identities and cultures (race, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.) that co-exist with one another. Diversity should be met with respect for other cultures.”
Laramie Ball Psychology New York State, USA A little bit of Spanish and Japanese “Equal respect and representation for all people regardless of who they are, where they are from, and what they believe. A celebration of these differences, and that these differences are not pushed down, but uplifted.”
Linh Phung Director, English Language and Pathway Programs Vietnam, State College, Pittsburgh. Visited Brazil, Canada, and Malaysia English, Vietnamese, Basic French. Learned some Spanish. Learning Chinese We were born with different characteristics and into different circumstances, resulting in different experiences and opportunities in life. Understanding differences also means understanding shared humanity.
Liz Peace Psychology Pittsburgh English, Japanese “Diversity means celebrating everyone’s differences. By understanding what makes everyone unique and being open-minded, we can all learn a lot.”
Liz Romano Music Cape Cod, Massachusetts English and French “Diversity is being different, but is also celebrating these differences.”
Maha Al Humaidi ELP Student Saudi Arabia Arabic, English “Diversity means for my knowledge and learn new language. I can communicate with another person.”
Maha Aloufi ELP Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Britain, America, France Arabic, English, beginner French “More diversity, I see, the more happy I feel. People from all around the world share different culture with each other.”
Marina Razgarina  ELP Lecturer Grew up in Russia. Visited Turkey, England, France, Ukraine, and Canada Russian, English, Turkish (Int), French (low int) “It means appreciation for other cultures, religion, traditions. It means sharing what’s good about our cultural identities. It means tolerance and open-mindedness. It means losing preconceived notions about other cultures.”
Marissa Wightman Human Biology California English “Diversity means to have varying qualities within oneself and others. I think diversity also means to be unique.”
Megan Simda Early Education Virginia, West Virginia, and Ellwood City English and learning French “Diversity means living in a world where everybody is able to bring something different to the table. Because everyone’s unique cultural background and attributes. Diversity makes the world a better place for everyone.”
Meier Parr Exercise Science Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania English “Diversity means being a part of, and appreciating, multiple cultures.”
Mina Hogsett ELP Teacher From West Virginia, US, Lived in Palestine/ Israel, Finland, South Korea, and Kenya. Visited 29 countries total. English, Arabic “To me, diversity is when different people, perspectives and emergent ideas may share a space together where listening, respect and curiosity overshadow fear and conflict”
Mitra MBA/ ELP Iran Farsi/ Persian, English “Diversity is defined as differences. For me, it means variation between people and society. We can see a lot of diversity in the U.S., which is amazing.”
Monica Snyder International Studies (focus in Latin America) and Policy Studies Pittsburgh Portuguese, English, French (intermediate), Spanish “Diversity to me means including everyone. Making others feel welcomed at all times is also very important.”
Nagisa Fujimoto Chatham Semester Japan Japanese, English “Diversity means various ideas and cultures in each country and acknowledging them.”
Naomi Saenz Chemistry Pittsburgh. Grew up in Mexico English, Spanish, and some French “Different ethnicities, race, languages, and cultures living in the same community.”
Natsuki Sakagami English Literature/ Chatham Semester Japan Japanese, Chinese, English “To know new things and accept them.”
Nayu Hattori International Studies Kobe, Japan. Been to Hawaii, Guam, California Japanese, English “Diversity for me: People respect everyone, and accept everyone no matter their age, the gender, the place raised or born, the nationality and any other things.”
Noriko Sasaki English Literature/ Chatham Semester Japan Japanese, English, a little German “Everyone has a right to live freely. Everyone should not be limited about anything.”
Rumi Horibe English Literature/ Chatham Semester Japan Japanese, English “Japan, America, ect.”
Sabrina Cheng Undecided Pittsburgh Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese Chinese, English and currently learning Japanese “Diversity is surrounding yourself with many different types of people. Diversity covers religion, opinion, sexuality, nationality, age, etc. and it’s important for everyone to be exposed to different point of views.”
Seina Maeda  English Japan Japanese, English “It means that people and animals which exist in this world have difference. Everyone and everything is not the same.”
Shashanka Hassan Exercise Science India English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Japanese “Diversity is one of the many important things I think a country should have. Diversity gives us an opportunity to learn and experience new things making us get more out of life.”
Sierra McCullough Psychology New Castle English/Spanish “Diversity is a broad array of cultures accepted as one. We need diversity to understand the many ways of life.”
Sierra Spraker History/Education Baltimore, MD English, Spanish, German “Diversity to me is allowing different people or things to be intermingled. Diversity is not only by race, but all other characteristics.”
Siyeon An Communication S. Korea Korean, English “Something that’s not fully attained even in America.”
Soumayani Ghoshal Journalism/ Junior India. Visited Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland Hindi, Bengali, English “Diversity is an amalgamation of cultures, traditions, cuisines, values, and beliefs. It brings together people from different races, ethnicities, and cultures and portrays unity in differences.”
Sueng a Park Fine Art Seoul, S. Korea English, Korean “People have different cultures, which is they use different languages and lifestyles. It’s a little hard to understand but it is really interesting.”
Sydney Steven Biochemistry Pittsburgh English “Diversity is the variety in a group, it may be people or objects. It is what makes people unique and who they are.”
Sylvia Shipp Student Advisor/ ESL Lecturer Lived in 40-45 different places (20 cities) in the U.S and 2 countries overseas. Visited 40 cities abroad. English, Spanish, German, Arabic “Inclusion of many different groups with regard to race, religion, gender sexual orientation, socio-economic level, etc.”

 
Tae Matsuo ELP Japan Japanese and English “It means that everyone can communicate with others who have different personality (like religion, language, race) without bias and discrimination, with full of respect and smile :).”
Tarah Dunn ELP Lecturer Pittsburgh. Been to France, Italy, Spain, and Japan English, ASL, French “Diversity is infinite light that radiates a warmth to be felt each day.”
Trevor MacKenzie Mathematics Lancaster, PA English, German “Diversity is including people from various backgrounds and opinions. It’s about hearing multiple viewpoints and making sure no one is removed based on their character or characteristics.”
Victoria Vernail Biology Virginia English “Diversity means being surrounded by people that think differently and see the world in a different light. It is the ability to look at a situation from another perspective and share a multitude of ideas.”
Yazeed Feizo American Flights Academy I grew up in Saudi Arabia and I visited the United States. Arabic, English “Improvement and knowledge of languages”

 
Yeongbin Byeon Visual Arts S. Korea Korean, English Diversity means understand different cultures.”
Yue Gao ELP China Chinese, English “Good thing is we can learn a lot of culture, but sometimes I’m in the culture shock.”
Yundian Ying ELP China Chinese, English “Different kinds of experiences, backgrounds. I love to know lots of people who have various thoughts. That’s really broaden my horizon.”
Yuri Morii English Literature Japan Japanese, English “It is given us some ways of thinking.”
Yuri Mukai Linguistics/ Chatham Semester Japan Japanese, English “Diversity is the idea that various races and genders should be included and play an active part in a social community.”
Zauyah Waite Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Office of Student Affairs Lived in Alor Setar-Kedah; Petaling Jaya-Selangor; Malaysia; Kansas City-Missouri; Kansas City-Kansas; Toledo-Ohio; Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania Malay and English “For me, diversity means welcoming, including and respecting everyone particularly when they are not like me or have a different set of values than me.”

 

 

Student Essays, Student experience

Begin Your Study Abroad Journey with Chatham English Language Program

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By Duyen Nguyen, Former ELP Student

Choosing Chatham English Language Program to begin my “Study Abroad” journey was the best decision in my life.

Going Apes in North Park

Xin chào,

Mình là Duyên Nguyễn, sinh viên của chương trình English Language Program khóa mùa xuân và mùa hè năm 2017 tại Chatham University.

Đối với mình được đi du học là một cơ hội rất lớn mà chính bản thân mình cũng không ngờ tới, nhưng lựa chọn Chatham University là trường để bắt đầu cuộc hành trình mang tên “Du Học” thì đây chính là quyết định đúng đắn nhất của cuộc đời mình.

Nếu để diễn tả Chatham University trong ba cụm từ, mình sẽ nói: khuôn viên tuyệt đẹp, giáo viên tuyệt vời, và chương trình học cực kì linh hoạt. Chatham University là một môi trường hoàn hảo để tập trung vào việc học, nhưng không những thế Chatham cũng có những hoạt động ngoại khóa để sinh viên khám phá vẻ đẹp của Pittsburgh. Có lẽ rất nhiều người sẽ nghĩ rằng chương trình Tiếng Anh thì khá là khô khan. Nhưng giáo viên và các hoạt động tại Chatham sẽ khiến mọi người có cách nhìn khác về những khóa học Tiếng Anh. Nhờ những chương trình học linh hoạt, học Tiếng Anh sẽ không đơn giản chỉ học về những ngữ pháp, từ vựng hay lý thuyết, mà giáo viên tại Chatham sẽ khiến các bài giảng trở nên thú vị hơn bằng những bài học về văn hóa nước Mỹ, những cuộc thảo luận sôi nổi đầy tiếng cười, và cả những bộ phim.

Trong suốt hai khóa học ở Chatham, mình có thể nói rằng đó là khoảng thời gian không thể nào quên được.

For more information: email internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or call (1)412-365-1388.  Visit our website at www.chatham.edu/elp.

International students, Student Essays, Student experience

Escape from Weekday Blues

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By Chika Kitaghishi, Chatham Semester Exchange Student

“Find a partner for the upcoming presentation, and hand in a three page-long paper before the next class. See you in two days then.” I was so astonished and overwhelmed by how my first American class started. I remember how awkwardly I talked to an American classmate to ask her to be my presentation partner in the first class. However, it has been almost a month since then, and now I am getting to know how to manage time, deal with stress, and more than anything, enjoy all the differences of studying abroad. I love professors from the English Language Program and other departments here at Chatham, who are always there to support us, and friends I met at Chatham, who always blow away my depressions. Here is a picture when Chatham University surprised students with inflatables, and I and my conversation partner had a little great escape from weekday blues.

「次回の授業までにプレゼンテーションのパートナーを決めることと、３枚分のレポートを提出してください。それでは２日後にまた。」アメリカ人学生と初めての授業に驚くと同時に圧倒されることばかりでしたが、クラスメイトのひとりにプレゼンテーションのペアにならないかと恐る恐る話しかけたのがもう約１か月前のことです。チャタム大学は生徒と生徒の距離だけでなく生徒と教授の距離がとても近いところが魅力です。勉学に多忙なアメリカの大学生活の中でアメリカ文化から多くを学びながら、毎日充実した日々を過ごしています。写真はチャタム大学内のイベントにコンバセーションパートナーと参加した時のものです。

Deadlines, Education Abroad, Opportunities

Summer 2018 Study Abroad Opportunities

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Summer is often the perfect time to study abroad – you don’t have to worry about missing required courses at Chatham and you can study a topic that interests you and/ or in a unique location.  There are also many fully or partially-funded study abroad opportunities. We will update this list as more opportunities and applications become available.

2018 Indonesia Summer Studies Program, May 24-August 2, 2018.  This ten week program is held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.  Accepted students will pay $2,000 each for this program, partially funded by the US Indonesia Society (USINDO).  See program details and the application at http://www.usindo.org/grants-fellowships/summer-language-study/ The application deadline is February 8, 2018.

Global Health – International summer program, July 3-July 31, 2018.   This program, taught in English, is based at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel. The program consists of two courses, Health in the Age of Globalization (4 credits) and Israeli Public Health Innovation for the world (2 credits) as well as one week on-site practicum, professional field trips, exercises and small groups mentoring, and excursions. Students must have completed their junior year to be eligible.  Applications will be evaluated by an admissions committee. Scholarships are available for outstanding students. The application deadline is February 25, 2018.  Learn more.

University of Roehampton International Summer school, June 7-June 30 and June 28-July 21, 2018.  Just outside central London, England, modules offered at University of Roehampton summer school include Londonopolis, Introduction to the London Stage and Media City and Cultural Capital, Please visit their website to find out more and to apply.  Each session is about $2990 or attend both sessions for about $5735.

When will you study abroad?  For more information about these and other study abroad options, the $1200 study abroad voucher, and study abroad scholarships, stop by the Office of International Affairs, Falk lower level or email internationalaffairs@chatham.edu.

Deadlines, Education Abroad, Opportunities

Study abroad scholarships and opportunities roundup!

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There are many scholarships and opportunities for study abroad with deadlines approaching…don’t wait, check your eligibility and apply now!

October 3, Gilman Scholarship for Spring 2018 and Summer 2018 (Early Application)

October 11, Bridging Scholarships for Spring 2018 Study in Japan

October 13, Go Overseas – Full Scholarship to Study Abroad in New Zealand

October 17, IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants

October 18, Freeman Asia for study in East or Southeast Asia

November 15, Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) for summer 2018

January 15, 2018, Fund for Education Abroad scholarship

February 8, 2018, Boren Scholarship for summer STEM students and semester study abroad (must include language study) 

March 1, 2018, TEAN Full Ride Scholarship (for any summer 2018 or fall 2018 TEAN program)

March 6, 2018, Gilman Scholarship for Summer 2018

When will you study abroad?  Contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu for more information on study abroad options, opportunities and scholarships.

Events

International Conversation Hour

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COOLIDGE 037 LOUNGE

THURSDAYS, 11:30am-12:20pm

¨ share your experiences, stories, and cultures

¨ learn a few words and phrases in a different language

¨ participate in communicative and intercultural tasks

International Conversation Hour Summer 2017
Date Topics and Facilitators (May Change)
Sept. 7 Language and Culture

Dr. Linh Phung, ELP Director
Sept. 14 Student-Led Conversations
Sept. 21 Student-Led Conversations
Sept. 28 Student-Led Conversations
Oct. 5

 

 Language and Gender

Ms. Oksana Moroz, ELP Lecturer
Oct. 12 NO CONVERSATIONS
Oct. 19 Student-Led Conversations
Oct. 26 Student-Led Conversations
Nov. 2 Race Relations in the U.S.

Mr. David Williams, Chatham Graduate

Nov. 9 Student-Led Conversations
Nov. 16 Student-Led Conversations
Nov. 23 THANKSGIVING BREAK: NO  CONVERSATION
Nov. 30 Student-Led Conversations
Dec. 7 Topic: TBD
International Conversation Hour Summer 2017

 

Chatham University

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