February 2003

Expanding MU’s International Vision

Jim McCartney has been named Director of the International Center and Interim Associate Vice Provost for International Programs. The newly expanded title paves the way for MU to take a more comprehensive approach to its internationalization efforts.

A professor of Sociology, McCartney has been teaching at MU since 1965, serving as Department Chair from 1993 to 1999. McCartney credits a Fulbright Summer Seminar to Korea in 1989 with sparking his professional interest in international issues. “The Fulbright seminar provided me an opportunity to become fully engaged in a culture strikingly different from my own,” he explains. “As a sociologist, I became particularly fascinated with the cultural significance of family in Korea.”

Upon returning to MU, McCartney immediately put his newly found interests to work on campus - facilitating cooperative agreements with several Korean universities, chairing the East Asian Studies committee, and serving on the Korea Initiatives Group. In addition, his involvement with the Council on International Initiatives and campus-wide projects such as the Global Scholars Program increasingly drew him into larger international curriculum initiatives.

In March 2000, in the midst of taking a development leave to pursue his own international opportunities, McCartney agreed to serve as the Interim Director of the International Center. “When I stepped into this position, I really thought it was going to be what the title indicated - a short-term administrative appointment,” remarks McCartney. “Now, almost three years later, I find that my commitment to international education has only deepened. It is truly exciting to be part of the broad effort to internationalize our campus.”

Kay Libbus, Chair of the Council on International Initiatives (CII), confirms her committee’s strong support for McCartney’s expanded appointment. “The International Center and the students served there have thrived under his leadership,” she says. “The CII has likewise profited from his assistance and extensive knowledge of international issues. His appointment as Associate Vice Provost for International Programs represents significant progress in furthering the international agenda of the University of Missouri-Columbia.”

When asked what his immediate plans are for strengthening MU’s international programs, McCartney responds that his first priority will be to work with representative faculty groups to develop a strategic international plan for the campus. In addition, he will seek development and grant opportunities to support that plan. “Despite our current fiscal limitations,” he explains, “the relevance of international education has never been greater. We should strive not just to maintain, but to expand MU’s international commitment and vision.”

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Russian Scholar to Visit MU

As part of the MU Council on International Initiatives Scholar-in-Residence series, Professor Lilia Nizamova, a Fulbright Scholar from Russia, will present a lecture entitled “Ethnicities and Nationalism in Post-Soviet Russia” on Wednesday, February 19, 2003. The presentation, co-sponsored by the Sociology Department, will be held at 3:30 p.m. in room 111 Middlebush.

Dr. Nizamova is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and the Faculty of Journalism at Kazan State University in Russia. Her research interests center on ethnicity, nationalism and multiculturalism in contemporary societies, as well as cross-cultural communication and media representation of ethnic and national identities. She has been a visiting scholar at the CUNY Graduate Center’s Center for Urban Research in New York City since September 2002. In addition to the public lecture, Dr. Nizamova will lecture in several undergraduate classes in sociology and journalism during her 2-day visit.

The CII Scholar-in-Residence series will bring additional international scholars to campus throughout the Winter 2003 semester. Scheduled visitors include: Dr. Razia Sultana, Department of History at Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan (March 5-7); and Dr. Juhaya Praja, State Institute for Islamic Studies, Bandung, Indonesia (April 9-11). Additional details will be posted on the International Center website at: /events.

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A Warm Welcome in China

by Kerri Urban

As one student put it, “the air may have been cold, but the atmosphere was warm indeed.” Visiting Hunan Normal University in Changsha, China as part of the Asian Affairs Center’s China Up-Close Program was full of such contrasts.

Changsha is a fairly industrial city, not typically included on most foreign tourist itiniraries. Our group was greeted at the train station by a rare snowfall and a group of third-year English students who would be our personal guides throughout our stay. Nevermind that it was two days before finals, these friendly students welcomed us with gifts of handmade cards, and had dedicated the next forty-eight hours to showing us their university and city.

Touring the campus with our guides highlighted the contrasts between student life at Hunan Normal and the typical American university. These students are a relative elite in their country, with about one in ten young Chinese attending university, compared to approximately one in two in the United States. Despite this status, they live in unheated dorms, eight to ten in each small room, sharing a bathroom (with no hot water or shower) with more than 100 other students. With equally limited library and computer facilities, the students compensate with remarkable dedication and discipline in their studies.

One afternoon, for example, our group participated in “English Corner,” a chance for students to informally practice their English. The unheated classroom overflowed with students eager to meet the visiting “foreign experts.” Clustered around each American, they lobbed questions that ranged from the general “Do you have dogs?” to the more pointed “Why is your country declaring war on Iraq?” We talked openly and laughed often - insulated from the cold not just by our coats and scarves, but by the earnest enthusiasm and spirit of our hosts.

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Task Force Identifies Barriers to U.S. Higher Education

At a time when efforts to counter the global threat of terrorism have highlighted the importance of building ties and friendships around the world, the United States needs a comprehensive strategy to enhance the ability of legitimate international students to pursue educational opportunities here, concludes a task force established by NAFSA: Association of International Educators to examine the issue of international student access to higher education in the United States.

In its report released January 14, 2003, the Strategic Task Force on International Student Access identifies the major barriers to the ability of prospective international students to access U.S. higher education, and sets forth a strategic plan to address each of them. The report, "In America’s Interest: Welcoming International Students," emphasizes the importance of grounding such a plan in a national policy that articulates the importance of international student access to the national interest.

The task force report notes that while many of the nation’s security imperatives have changed since September 11, what has not changed is the need to sustain and bolster the long-standing recognition that international educational exchange advances the national interests of the United States by fostering mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation with other nations, and that educating the world’s future leaders is an indispensable investment in America’s global leadership.

In the context of a strategic plan to promote U.S. higher education to international students, the task force report identifies and makes recommendations to address the following barriers to access:

(1) Absence of a coordinated international student recruitment strategy. Recommendation: A recruitment strategy is needed that specifies the roles and mandates of the Departments of State, Commerce, and Education, and provides coordination of the efforts of these federal agencies, which together share responsibility for international student recruitment.

(2) Unnecessarily burdensome U.S. government regulations. Recommendation: Immigration laws must be updated to reflect twenty-first century realities, particularly by replacing the unworkable "intending immigrant" test set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act. In addition, a visa screening process is needed that permits necessary scrutiny of visa applicants and decisions within reasonable and predictable periods of time. And finally, the government must create a rational student monitoring system that serves its intended purpose without damaging exchange or imposing severe penalties for inadvertent errors.

(3) The cost of U.S. higher education. Recommendation: Creative partnerships among stakeholders including government, higher education, foreign governments, and the business community are needed to increase financial aid opportunities for international students - such as loans, scholarships, and tuition exchanges - and provide better mechanisms for accessing information about them

(4) The complexity of U.S. higher education. Recommendation: A marketing plan should be developed that sends a clear, consistent message about U.S. higher education. A user-friendly, comprehensive web-based information resource is needed to help prospective students navigate the many higher education options available to them in the United States.

The executive summary and the full report, "In America’s Interest: Welcoming International Students," are available on-line at: http://www.nafsa.org/inamericasinterest.

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MU Students Awarded $63,750 to Study Abroad

In recent years, the amount of scholarship funding available to MU students participating in study abroad programs has steadily increased. Part of this growth can be attributed to the establishment of new scholarship programs funded either by the U.S. government or private foundations. In addition, the MU International Center has received increasingly generous student scholarships from the study abroad program providers with whom we work. Funding has also been provided by sources internal to MU.

An excellent example of a new federally funded scholarship is the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which was established in fall 2001. Gilman recipients are awarded $5,000 to defray the costs of study abroad. To date eight (8) MU students have received Gilman Scholarships. Two MU students, Teresa Lynn (Greece) and Kalee Wood (Malaysia) have been awarded Gilman Scholarships for winter 2003.

The Freeman-Asia Scholarship, established in Fall 2000 to encourage U.S. undergraduate students to study in East and Southeast Asia, provides $5,000 for a semester study abroad program. MU student Kalee Wood (Malaysia) has also been awarded a Freeman-Asia Scholarship for winter 2003.

Arcadia University Center for Education Abroad (CEA), one of the study abroad program providers with which MU works, has granted MU a generous $19,500 to award to MU students enrolling in Arcadia CEA programs during winter semester. MU students Jennifer McNamee and Desiree Mowry each received $8,000 from Arcadia CEA to apply toward the costs of the Arcadia program in London, England. Four other MU students received grants of $500-$1,000 from Arcadia: Cheryl Birkey ( Ireland), Neil Dwyer (Scotland), Gillian O’Brien (N. Ireland), and Andrea Ruff (Wales).

Another MU study abroad program provider, Butler University Institute for Foreign Study Abroad (IFSA) gives MU $5,000 in scholarship funds to be awarded in $1000 increments to MU students participating in Butler IFSA programs. Three (3) MU students received Butler IFSA Scholarships for winter 2003: Lindsay Shotts (Scotland), Sara Vidito (Chile), and Warren Williams (New Zealand).

A source internal to MU, the MU General Education Program (GEP) has awarded 50 MU incoming freshmen $1,000 scholarships that are redeemable upon participation in a study abroad program. Four students will be utilizing GEP scholarships during winter 2003: Matt Finazzo (Mexico), Laura Hawkins (Spain), Joshua Looten (Germany), and James Roberson (England).

The Coca Cola Ambassadorial Scholarship, funded by a grant from the Coca Cola Foundation to the University of Missouri-Columbia, provides academically excellent minority students with two years of tuition funding at MU and up to $6,000 to apply toward study abroad. This winter semester two Coca Cola Scholarship recipients, Chris Kemp (Spain) and Frances Petruso (France) will be studying abroad.

Finally, MU students were awarded $10,000 in scholarships from the MU Office of Financial Aid G. Ellsworth Huggins Scholarship and the MU International Center General Scholarship Fund for study abroad during the winter semester. Students receiving the Huggins Scholarship are: Neil Dwyer (Scotland), Rachel Eddington (Australia), Jonathan Galloway (England), Ryan Horsman (England), Sarah McCann (England), Nick Meriage (Australia), Kerry Moran (Ireland), Goldin Ortiz (Spain), Daniel Poth (Russia), Justin Schmidt (England), and Sarah Tomkowiak (Germany). The International Center awarded Scholarships to Seth Gordon (England), Michael Lombardo (Australia), Frances Petruso (France), Matt Smith (England), and Bryon Whitmore (Japan).

More information about scholarship opportunities available to students studying abroad can be found on the International Center website at /studyabroad/start/financing.html.

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Thanksgiving Abroad

While most MU students were spending Thanksgiving break or their semester recess at home, nearly one hundred College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource students were exploring the world.

Over Thanksgiving break, 75 CAFNR students spent one week in Germany examining how Europe has adopted precision agriculture, namely global positioning and satellite guided farm machinery systems. The students visited the University of Coburg and Technische Universitat Munich. The application of the advanced technology was explained through extensive tours of the Fendt Tractory factory and the John Deere production facility in Mannheim, Germany. Along the way students were able to learn more about German culture by visiting Nurenburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Heidelberg.

Another 20 students, taking Animal Science 110 (Global Animal Agriculture), decided to expand their classroom education in Brazil. Their two-week program included hands-on site visits to many locations covered in the course including large scale poultry, dairy, beef and horse operations.

More information about CAFNR international programs is available at: http://cafnr.missouri.edu/students/studyabroad/default.asp.

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Language and Culture Come Alive for MU Student in Japan

My name is Kim Vo and I am currently a senior in the Communication Department. This past fall semester I attended Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan, where I took part in one of Japan’s most intensive Japanese language programs.

Prior to studying abroad in Japan, I worked as a study abroad intern at the International Center. One of my main goals as an intern was to promote study abroad by generating more interest among incoming freshmen during Summer Welcome. Talking about studying abroad and its benefits to these incoming freshmen made me feel really excited about my own trip abroad. Yet, actually going abroad and watching myself gain from these benefits was even more exciting and very rewarding.

In addition to learning more about the Japanese language and culture in my courses at the university, everyday tasks—like grabbing a quick bite to eat at a Japanese fast food restaurant or going to the post office—literally brought all that I had learned about the Japanese language and culture in the GCB building at MU alive! Of course, spending only five months in Japan could not make me as proficient as a native speaker, but one semester in Japan taught me so much more than I could have learned in the previous four semesters of Japanese language taken here on campus. My only regret is that I could not stay longer.

Going beyond the classroom and actually having the chance to experience firsthand all that one has learned is an opportunity no MU student can afford to miss out on. I recommend to any student to take this opportunity now, while still in college! More MU students need to know that study abroad could be one of the best experiences of their life. It will not only improve one’s knowledge of the language and culture, but it will also broaden the world perspective of anyone who dares to take on this challenge.

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Website and alumni are vital “Paths to MU”

In Fall 2002 the International Center surveyed new international students to assess what factors influence a student’s decision to attend MU. Nineteen undergraduate and 105 graduate international students responded, representing just over a third of the new admits that semester.

Responding to the question “How did you learn about MU?” 48% of the students cited the university website as a main source of information. Many also reported learning about MU through friends or relatives, usually MU alumni.

Most students (54%) indicated they to came to MU because of the quality of its programs. Additional important factors influencing their decision were: the cost of tuition and fees (cited by 23% of the students); receipt of an MU scholarship or assistantship (20%); and referral from a friend or relative (20%).

A critical component of the international admissions process is the issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility, either an I-20 or DS-2019, by the admitting institution. International students must have this form before they can apply for their student visa. Sixty-three percent of the students reported that MU was the first institution to send their I-20/IAP-66 forms.

Finally, the survey provided students with the opportunity to list any information they had wanted, but did not receive, prior to applying to MU. By far the most common comment was the lack of information on research and teaching assistantships and other funding opportunities to support their studies at MU.

In considering how to make use of the information obtained by this survey, departments may want to assess their own websites for accuracy and completeness of information. In addition, given ever-increasing delays in obtaining student visas, departments should encourage students to apply early to ensure timely admission.

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Understanding “Full Course of Study” Guidelines

With the start of the new semester and the new SEVIS student/scholar immigration regulations, departments, international students and scholars should be cognizant of the parameters for maintaining a full-course of study. F-1 and J-1 students have always been required under immigration regulations to maintain a full-course of study (12 credit hours for undergraduates and 9 credit hours for graduates each fall/winter term), however, changes in the new regulations attempt to further clarify legitimate exceptions to the rule.

Exceptions to a full-course of study fall under a new sub-heading in the regulations called “Reduced Course Load (RCL)” and stipulate three categories: a) academic difficulties, b) medical conditions, and c) completion of course of study. In each case, students must obtain authorization from an ISSS advisor for a RCL prior to a reduction in course load each fall and winter terms. In addition, the new rule introduces limitations on the duration of RCL based on academic difficulties and medical conditions.

As a result of the SEVIS changes, ISSS has developed a new RCL authorization form which will replace the previous form titled, “Under-enrollment Form.” This form will be available on our website at: /isss/downloads.

Finally, the RCL rule does not necessarily apply to other types of reduced enrollment options that relate to graduate students. These routine academic situations fall under a different set of conditions and involve graduate assistantships, fellowships, as well as students in the final stages of their master’s or doctoral programs. ISSS has developed a new form, “Certification of Graduate Full Course of Study,” to document and verify the special academic conditions for international graduate students.

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MU Complying with SEVIS Mandate

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) was enrolled and authorized to utilize the new Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) on September 11, 2002. Since that date ISSS staff have entered nearly 300 SEVIS records, primarily for international students attending MU for the first time in January. Federal law required all U.S. schools to be authorized for SEVIS use by January 30, 2003. MU has until August 1, 2003 before it is required to enter all current F-1 and J-1 students and scholars. MU currently enrolls approximately 1,300 international students and also hosts about 400 foreign scholars annually.

Though use of SEVIS has been limited to the “real-time interactive” mode, a manual on-line data entry method, ISSS in collaboration with Student Information Systems and IATS is close to testing the “batch” mode. This method involves the use of interface software, called “FSA-ATLAS,” allowing more efficient transmission of large sets of data. The office hopes to fully transition all MU international students to the SEVIS system by the end of the Winter 2003 semester. Students will be notified by email about the transition to the SEVIS system once the final testing of the batch mode is complete.

In addition to introducing a completely new electronic reporting process, SEVIS regulations, published in the Federal Register on December 11, 2002, also introduced significant changes in the rules affecting international students and scholars.

ISSS recently sent an email update to students and scholars regarding changes in the regulations governing their nonimmigrant status. The update, related links, and dates for upcoming ISSS SEVIS Information Sessions are also available on-line at: /announcements/update0103.html. Questions or concerns about the SEVIS regulations may be directed to David Currey, Director, ISSS (curreyd@missouri.edu).

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Welcome New Students!

The International Center welcomed over 75 new students for Winter Semester 2003. International Student Orientation on January 13 – 14, 2003, gave new students an opportunity to both check in on campus and learn more about MU, Columbia and living in the US. Topics discussed with the students included INS regulations, academic expectations, the US health care system, culture shock and more. A highlight of the program also was the enthusiastic participation of nearly 40 student volunteers, who as current MU international students, created a welcoming environment while offering practical advice about living and studying at MU. Orientation culminated with a pizza party for the new students, student volunteers and International Center staff members.

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