International Newsletter | Spring 2018

Study Abroad promotes faculty-led programs for 2018-2019

Interested in leading students abroad? The Study Abroad Office welcomes proposals for new and continuing faculty-led study abroad programs for academic year 2018-2019. Leading students abroad enhances the educational experience of Red Raiders and is a way for faculty leaders to highlight and share international expertise with undergraduate and graduate students. The Study Abroad Office encourages you to consider this opportunity. Prior to submitting a program proposal, interested faculty should review the program leadership information on the Study Abroad website, ensure departmental and College support, and also meet with Whitney Longnecker, Faculty-Led Program Administrator. 

New Program Proposals

Faculty-led programs on offer for the first time should be registered with the Study Abroad Office by:

Program Time FrameRegistration Deadline
Fall Break 2018
Intersession, December 2018-January 2019
April 15, 2018
Spring Break 2019
Maymester 2019
Summer 2019
May 1, 2018

Continuing Program Proposals

If you will again offer a recurring faculty-led program, register the program with the Study Abroad Office by:

Program Time FrameRegistration Deadline
Fall Break 2018
Intersession, December 2018-January 2019
April 15, 2018
Spring Break 2019
Maymester 2019
Summer 2019
September, 2018
 

Texas Tech selects Dr. Sukant Misra Vice Provost for International Affairs

Dr. Sukant Misra

Texas Tech University has named Sukant Misra as the new Vice Provost for the Office of International Affairs (OIA). He replaces Ambassador Tibor Nagy, who has served in the position since 2003 and will retire Dec. 31. Misra, currently the Associate Vice Provost of International Programs, will serve in the new role beginning in January.

"I am humbled and deeply honored to be selected to serve as the Vice Provost for International Affairs and provide leadership of the international mission for this great university," Misra said. "I have been with Texas Tech University for more than 23 years, and it has been thoroughly gratifying. One of the university's goals is to comprehensively internationalize our campus, and great strides have been made over the last few years toward this vision."

Read full article »

 

Texas Tech University ranked one of the safest campuses in the United States

Provided by Texas Tech University

The National Council for Home Safety and Security rated the safety and security of colleges with more than 10,000 students enrolled.

Texas Tech University continues to take measures to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff on campus, and the measures in place have been recognized as making Texas Tech one of the safest college campuses in the U.S.

Alarms.org., the official website of the National Council for Home Safety and Security, a national trade association of licensed alarm installers, contractors and other industry experts across the U.S., ranked Texas Tech among the 250 safest campuses in the country out of 4,000 four-year colleges and universities.

"Texas Tech University is committed to ensuring the safety of all students, faculty and staff on campus," Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec said. "We are pleased our ongoing efforts have earned such recognition, and we will continue to review and implement all the practices that create a safe environment."

According to Alarms.org, each school's score was calculated by analyzing crimes reported by universities, including sexual assault, robberies, assaults, burglaries, motor vehicle theft and arson. Violent and property crime rates for the city in which a university is located and the number of law enforcement officers employed by the institution per 1,000 students also factored into the ranking.

"We are pleased to see Texas Tech ranked as one of the safest college campuses in America by the National Council for Home Safety and Security," Texas Tech Police Chief Kyle Bonath said. "While the rankings are based on several factors outside of Texas Tech's control, Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech Police Department will always strive to improve the overall safety and security for everyone attending, working or visiting Texas Tech."

Recently, Texas Tech announced a plan to install a series of security cameras at undisclosed locations across campus in an effort to assist authorities in ensuring the safety of students, faculty and staff.

The effort is part of a larger security plan championed by Schovanec in conjunction with the Texas Tech Police Department and the Student Government Association. It is a part of an initiative to move toward automated campus safety, with future measures already under consideration.

 
Photos from the event

Fifth Annual Robert Burns Supper:
A Night with the Bard

On Saturday, January 27, more than 130 people gathered at the International Cultural Center to celebrate the legacy of Scotland's Poet Laureate Robert Burns during the fifth annual Burns Supper hosted by the Office of International Affairs. Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and a cultural icon. The evening included readings of Burns' poetry, storytelling and Scottish music performances by Ed Miller and the Piper Jones Band.

The tradition of a Burns Supper began in 1801 and is now celebrated around the world at the end January to commemorate Burns' birthday. The celebration at the International Cultural Center included the customary elements of a Burns Supper such as the recitation of the Selkirk Grace, piping in the haggis, and a toast to the lassies followed by a response to the laddies. Prime rib, haggis and samples of Scotch whisky were served at the dinner. The evening concluded with the band members and the audience singing Burns' poem and song Auld Lang Syne.

 
K-12

K-12 Global Education Outreach receives grant for
"On the Road" programs

The Office of International Affairs' K-12 Global Education Outreach (GEO) unit has provided cultural programming to Lubbock and its surrounding communities for the past 20 years. K-12 GEO's mission is to build a globally-engaged community of learners through outreach opportunities that foster intercultural understanding and exchange while enriching the quality of life for both the university and local communities across West Texas.

Presented at TTU's International Cultural Center, these programs serve approximately 20,000 students, teachers, and community members annually with only 10% of programming numbers coming from its "On the Road" schedule. Through generous support from The CH Foundation and the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), the "On the Road" series has recently allowed the K-12 GEO unit to expand this series providing access to students in underserved rural areas surrounding Lubbock. In addition, K-12 GEO garnered support from thirteen area school districts scheduling over sixty campus events for the 2017 calendar year and is currently scheduling artists and programs for the 2018 calendar year. K-12 GEO utilizes performers from the TCA Texas Touring Roster because of the wide range of artists and unique program offerings, which are rarely seen in West Texas. In 2017, the "On the Road" series served 8,218 students in rural communities. For many of these students, international travel is limited. Building global competencies through interactive and engaging experiences is essential for their future success.

 
Trejos-Martinez Family

International Love: Texas Tech Couple Attributes Relationship to Fulbright

Whether it's chance or destiny, it seems like there's almost always a little bit of luck involved in meeting that one special person worth loving forever. Being at the right place at the right time can be just a little too serendipitous in today's fast-paced world. But with some love stories, it's nearly impossible to miss how precisely the stars had to align for things to turn out the way they did.

Read full article »

 

Fulbright awarded to OIA staff members

The Fulbright program is a prestigious academic exchange program designed to expand and strengthen relationships and promote international understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations. Dr. Richard Porter, Director of International Student and Scholar Services and Dr. Joan Goodman-Williamson, Executive-Director of International Relations were awarded two of these highly competitive awards. Dr. Porter will be participating in the U.S.-Taiwan International Education Administrators Program and Dr. Goodman-Williamson will be participating in the Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators Program.

These two week seminars in Taiwan and India are designed to familiarize U.S. international education administrators with the higher education system, society and culture in these countries. They will consist of briefings, campus visits, appointments with select government officials, cultural activities and meetings with peer international education professionals.

Richard Porter

“I am very excited about visiting Taiwan to learn about the culture and about the higher education system there. I have had multiple opportunities over the years to visit China but have only visited Taiwan once for a couple of days. That short visit sparked great interest and was the reason I applied for this award. Taiwan is a stable democratic state with a powerful economy and a large number of prestigious higher education institutions. I believe that there are many wonderful unexplored opportunities for TTU in Taiwan and I look forward to visiting the great institutions on our itinerary. I am also looking forward to visiting a couple of institutions that TTU already has active partnerships with, after the seminar, to strengthen those ties. I am honored to represent TTU during this seminar.”

- Dr. Richard Porter, Director of International Student and Scholar Services

Dr. Joan Goodman-Williamson

“I am honored to have been accepted to the Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators Program. The program is about opportunity – the opportunity that comes through connecting people and possibility. We have a large number of students, staff and faculty from India and the chance to learn more about their culture, heritage and educational system is exciting. The human impulse that led to the creation of and now infuses our international campus represents the very best of what we, as global citizens, can be. The sharing of academic practices can remind us that creativity, resourcefulness, and common purpose defy borders and that with perseverance and inspiration, we can find and create opportunity.”

- Dr. Joan Goodman-Williamson, Executive-Director of International Relations

 

South Plains Regional History Day hosted by TTU

National History Day is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation and creative expression for 6th- to 12th-grade students. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. The experience culminates in a series of contests at the local and affiliate levels with an annual national competition in the nation's capital in June.

The Office of International Affairs, K-12 Global Education Outreach (K-12 GEO) unit partners with TTU Honors College and the TTU History Department to host the South Plains Regional National History Day Contest. This year there are 105 students competing in the event, which will be held at the International Cultural Center on March 3rd. Winners from this contest move on to the state competition in Austin.

An independent study from 2011 found that participation in the National History Day Contest benefits students far beyond the competition. National History Day not only transports classrooms back in time during the school year, it transforms young minds forever.

 

Upcoming Events

Group photo

Dal' Ouna Ensemble Concert Book Talk by Author Sandy Tolan

Wednesday, March 7 / 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
International Cultural Center Auditorium
601 Indiana Avenue
Lubbock, Texas

Join us for the Dal' Ouna Ensemble concert on Wednesday, March 7. The concert, which features the powerful music of Ramzi Aburedwan and his Arabic-French ensemble, is a fusion of Palestinian folk, classical and jazz music.

The evening also includes a talk by the award-winning author and journalist, Sandy Tolan. His book, Children of the Stone, tells the dramatic story of Ramzi Aburedwan's life growing up in a Palestinian refugee camp. Aburedwan went on to realize his dream of founding the music school Al-Kamandjati, which had centers in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The book conveys Aburedwan's belief in the power of music to transform lives and resist oppression. There will be a book signing at the end of the concert.

Sponsored in part by a grant from The CH Foundation.

 
Photos of Monk Inmook and Dr. Eun Ha Park

Photos of Monk Inmook and Dr. Eun Ha Park

Sixth Annual International Arts and Culture Symposium:
A New International Week Event at Texas Tech University

Sowoon Arts and Heritage (Sowoon) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that celebrates diverse arts, encourages cultural understanding, and enriches lives. Its mission is to create opportunities for all people, especially those in the Lubbock community, to experience diverse arts and cultural heritage. Annually, over the last six years, Sowoon has brought to Lubbock several artists from other countries as well as scholars and performers from Texas Tech University (TTU) and the local community to its symposiums: a Korean tea ceremony, Irish and Korean music, both a Korean coming of age and a wedding ceremony, lectures about various religions, and high caliber dance and jazz performances. Sowoon's access to world-class performers and speakers and its ability to provide free, quality cultural programming to the local community is one of its greatest strengths.

This year, the Sixth Annual International Arts and Culture Symposium, co-sponsored by Sowoon, the Museum of TTU, and the TTU Office of International Affairs, brings scholars together to deepen the understanding of arts and culture. This year's theme is “East and West, Music and Dance.” Korean Buddhist Monk Inmook, the leader of singers of Korean traditional Buddhist music and the keeper of the Important Intangible Cultural Property #50 of Korea, will lecture and perform Korean traditional Buddhist music. Dr. Eun Ha Park, keeper of Important Intangible Cultural Property #3 of Korea, will lecture and perform Korean dance and play traditional percussion instruments. Dr. Tanya Calamoneri, Assistant Professor of Dance at TTU, will lecture and perform Western modern dance. Prof. Stephen Jones, Director of Jazz Studies at TTU, will discuss jazz music and demonstrate Western percussion on the saxophone, accompanied by TTU jazz pianist, Dr. Ben Haugland. A Panel Discussion with the performers and the audience, moderated by Prof. Jesse Jou, Assistant Professor of Directing in the TTU School of Theatre & Dance, will follow. After the intermission, all performers will perform and improvise. These improvisations will be followed by a reception for the performers and the audience.

When: Saturday, April 14, 2018: International Week at Texas Tech University
1:00 pm -- 5:00 p.m.
Where: Helen DeVitt Jones Auditorium and Sculpture Court (WEST Entrance), Museum of TTU, 4th Street and Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79409
Cost: FREE Admission, FREE Refreshments, Reception Open to All


1:00 PM Opening Remarks
1:20 PM Performances - Each Preceded by Short Explanatory Lectures:
  • Jazz Music: Prof. Stephen Jones, Saxophone, and Dr. Ben Haugland, Piano
  • Dance and Percussion: Dr. Eun Ha Park
  • Modern Dance: Dr. Tanya Calamoneri and Texas Tech Dance Students
  • Traditional Buddhist Music: Songs by Monk Inmook
2:40 PM Panel Discussion - Includes the Performers and the Audience with Prof. Jesse Jou, Moderator
3:10 PM Intermission
3:25 PM Short Lectures before Three Improvisations
4:00 PM Closing Remarks and Reception

Supplemental Workshops

Sowoon Movie Night with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Title: Grease Sing-Along
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 7:30 PM
(Open to public)
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
120 West Loop 289
Pre-symposium Program
K - 12 Student Cultural Program

Title: Korean Traditional Rhythm with Korean Traditional Instruments with Dr. Eun Ha Park (and Dr. Jongyeol Kim, Interpreter)
Thursday, April 12, 2018, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
(By reservation: Contact K-12 GEO/ Chase Olivier @ 742-3667)
International Cultural Center of Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Avenue
Community Enrichment Program
Title: Korean Buddhist Meditation with Monk Inmook
Thursday, April 12, 2018, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
(Open to public)
Free Admission
International Cultural Center of Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Avenue
credits www.sowoonartsandheritage.org
www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu
www.depts.ttu.edu/international
 

College panel session scheduled during third annual Ambassador's Forum

credits
 

Adventures in Study Abroad and My Hometown Photography Competition

Call for Entries

Deadlines: Photography Exhibit – February 15, 2018
Video Exhibit – March 23, 2018

Eligibility: Open to all international students attending Texas Tech University.

My Hometown

Ⓒ Photo by Venkatesh Soundararaj

International students attending Texas Tech are invited to submit photos and videos for the annual "My Hometown" exhibition, which showcases the best photos and videos of hometowns taken by TTU international students. Approximately 35 images will be selected for display and exhibited in the galleries of Texas Tech University's International Cultural Center during April and May, 2018. Winning videos will be showcased during International Week in April, 2018. A reception will be held on April 19, 2018 from 5:00-6:30 p.m.

AWARDS: $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place.

For more information about how to enter the “My Hometown” competition, click on Call for Entries Instructions.

Call for Entries Instructions

Questions: Contact Jan Stogner, Assistant Director for International Art and Culture

jan.stogner@ttu.edu/806-834-2372

 

Save the dates! International Week April 12-21, 2018

International Week
 
 
 



Office of International Affairs, 601 Indiana Ave. Lubbock, Texas 79409
 
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www.international.ttu.edu
 
 
Feb 9, 2022