UNews - International Centre

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge International Dinner returns with distinguished alumnus Dez Kamara as keynote

trevor.kenney — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 20:17:27 +0000

A valued ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge tradition is returning in February when the ULethbridge International Centre presents its celebration of the amazing contributions of international students at its 28th edition of the International Dinner.

Hosted for the first time since 2020, the evening will feature a keynote address from author, social justice advocate, alumnus and Alumni Honour Society inductee Desmond (Dez) Kamara (BA ’10). The event takes place Thursday, Feb. 6, 5 to 10 p.m., in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Science Commons Atrium.

Dez Kamara is testament to the power of education and making the most of his opportunities.

“It’s really exciting to be back hosting our International Dinner once again, celebrating all that international students bring to our campus and our community,” says Paul Pan, executive director of the International Centre. “You cannot overstate how valuable it is to have a diverse campus culture, one that introduces new world views and fosters mutual learning and a global perspective.”

Kamara is testament to the power of education and making the most of his opportunities. Born in Sierra Leone, Kamara survived 12 years of civil war and post-conflict. Focused on supporting war victims, especially former child soldiers, he produced a documentary to raise awareness of their experiences. His career spans nearly a decade working with the United Nations Special Court for Sierra Leone and various international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in Sierra Leone, Canada and Jamaica.

In 2023, Kamara returned to ULethbridge to launch his first book, Looking Back: From Yele, Gbonkolenken Tonkolili District Sierra Leone to Lethbridge, Alberta Canada (Achieving an Educational Dream), reflecting his commitment to family values, education and his resilience to achieve his dreams.

“This is where my dream came true, and I would not launch this book anywhere except the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge,” he said at the time. “I can always tell anyone that I am the values and the principles of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and in combination with my family, they helped me to be who I am today.”

He has a master’s in social work from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Windsor, specializing in mental health and community development (policy + practice).

Kamara is presently living in Gatineau, Que., where he is working with youth in community mental health.

“My task now is to break the barriers of exclusion, to help the forgotten, those left behind and the voiceless. It could be refugees, or immigrants, or child combatants or anyone in our society who is discriminated against, or excluded,” he says. “I feel with what I have achieved with the struggles I’ve faced; I need to give back and help those who need it.”

In addition to Kamara’s inspirational keynote address, the evening will feature fine dining with an international flair, a silent auction and live entertainment. Regular admission tickets are priced at $100 ($720 per table of eight) and $80 per student ($640 for a table) and registration is available here. All money raised will support the International Student Emergency Bursary.

Pronghorns women’s basketball team a welcome haven for Ukrainian nationals

trevor.kenney — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:55:40 +0000

Sport vernacular is often filled with references to war as commentators seek to elevate the action they’re describing to engage viewers. Teams enter into “battle” with one another, home run hitters, golfers and three-point shooters “hit bombs” and the ebb and flow of games is often described as “attacking and defending.” For ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns basketball players Viktoriia Kovalevska and Vlada Hozalova, the terms and phrases ring hollow, because war is the reality from which they fled in Ukraine to continue to pursue their basketball dream.

Viktoriia Kovalevska, left, and Vlada Hozalova have been in Canada since May.

“I was trapped in Berdyansk as, during the first week of the military conflict, Russian troops occupied the city,” says Hozalova. “I couldn’t leave my town because it was dangerous. Only a month later, I was able to leave the city after passing 20 Russian checkpoints.”

Kovalevska and her family lived in Rivne, in northwestern Ukraine. She, along with her mother and brother, moved to Poland a week after the start of the war — her parents feared their city would be attacked by Russia from the north. As the situation worsened in Ukraine and throughout Europe, they looked to escape altogether and took advantage of the opportunity to come to Canada. From there, they were placed with a family in Calgary.

“It was extremely difficult, as you do not realize when you will be able to see each other again,” says Kovalevska of leaving family and friends. “We are very worried and pray for their safety, and especially our two best friends who protect our territory in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. One of them has been in Russian captivity for five months and we are waiting every day for him to contact us.”

Dropped into a new country, living with a new family, learning the language and customs of Canadian society and thousands of miles from home, the friends had one constant to fall back on — basketball — and it served as the conduit to the next chapter of their lives. The pair of guards had been members of Ukraine’s U16, U18 and U20 national teams and teammates in the Ukraine Women’s Superleague, an eight-team professional circuit.

Kovalevska, a guard, is eligible to play this fall for the Pronghorns.

“They were getting out of Ukraine and basketball was going to be and has become the thing that’s helping them find their roots in this country,” says Pronghorns women’s basketball head coach Dave Waknuk, who was the first to express interest in the duo when it was clear they wanted to resume playing in their new country. “Basketball is a big part of their life, it’s their skill, it’s what they know and what they brought with them.”

Initial meetings took place over Skype and once the pair had settled in Canada, Waknuk was able to host them for workouts. He had spots to fill on his roster and adding players with a professional pedigree is always a bonus but for these two, it was more than a basketball decision.

“We were definitely interested from a basketball standpoint,” says Waknuk. USPORTS rules allow for three international players per roster, while professional experience is allowed for women’s programs. “The other side of it, you think about the positive impact their story can have upon our community and obviously the impact we can have with them and their lives. It just made sense and we said to ourselves, how can we not do it?”

Serendipitously, ULethbridge had just approved a new Ukrainian Emergency Bursary designed to assist current and new students whose parents, because of war, were no longer able to support their sons and daughters. A total of 10, two-semester bursaries were approved, providing students with full tuition and housing. Four current and four new students were able to take advantage of the support, including Kovalevska and Hozalova.

Vlada Hozalova will practise with the team until she completes her English for Academic Purposes (EAP) qualifications.

“It’s something I felt deeply that we needed to do to support Ukrainian students,” says Paul Pan director of International. “For the university, it’s a good thing and it’s something we are able to do. We’ve got some really good students here and they’re all working hard at making a new life and it’s hard to even imagine what they are going through. This is what we can do to support them and help them along the way.”

Kovalevska (education/pedagogy) and Hozalova (physical education), who are 23 and 24-years-old respectively, have both earned master’s degrees from Berdyansk State Pedagogical ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Ukraine. Kovalevska is studying business at ULethbridge and will play for the Pronghorns this season, while Hozalova must first complete the EAP (English for Academic Purposes) program before she is eligible.

Waknuk is thankful for all the support to make this happen. From the sponsor family to the local Ukrainian community and society to Pan’s International office and ULethbridge senior administration, it’s created opportunity for two players to play the game they love and begin to establish roots in their new country. He also marvels at how the game has allowed them to connect when sometimes language and cultural differences get in the way.

“It’s neat because this gives you an idea of how universal sport is,” he says. “When we first started conversations, we had trouble talking about what day of the week it was or what the weather was like but the minute I started talking basketball, or we started to draw things up, we had that common language. Even now, with their teammates, the easiest way for them to bond is through the sport.”

Both Pan and Waknuk remark on how thankful Kovalevska and Hozalova are for the opportunity they’ve been granted, as athletes and as students. They also note how fortunate the university community is to have them on campus.

“It’s bigger than basketball. Basketball is obviously the centre of it for them, but there’s so much more to it,” says Waknuk. “I’m excited for them and I’m excited for my team because it’s such a great message of caring and compassion.”

Annual International Education Week honours ethnic and cultural diversity

caroline.zentner — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 18:27:41 +0000

With more than 85 countries represented at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge each semester, International Education Week, from Monday, Nov. 18 to Friday, Nov. 22, gives the campus community the chance to celebrate an array of cultures and learn from global neighbours.

“Everyone is welcome to attend our celebrations for International Education Week and learn more about the rich cultural diversity on campus,” says Imarú Baquero, manager of International Student Services. “The week’s activities provide plenty of opportunities to learn about the multiple education-abroad opportunities U of L offers its students.”

The program on Monday and Tuesday includes a demonstration of yukata dressing with the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, an education-abroad information session, a frevo (a Brazilian carnival dance) dance workshop and an international trivia night.

Wednesday’s Living Library, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the entrance to the library, features U of L international students from Brazil, China, Ecuador, India, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines and South Korea.

“During this event, we invite people to borrow a person instead of borrowing a book,” says Nanda Stannard, library operations specialist. “The living library gives people the chance to learn first-hand about other countries, customs and cultures.”

On Thursday, visitors can see Flamenco, an award-winning documentary about the world of flamenco. The week wraps up with an open house at the U of L International Centre on Friday afternoon.

Throughout the week, international students will be teaching their native language at noon. Participants can learn how to greet people and introduce themselves in 10 different languages. The full schedule of activities can be found online at International Education Week.

As part of International Education Week, the campus community is invited to participate in the Capture Culture Photo Contest by submitting photos in one of two categories — cities and landscapes or people, food and culture.

Hansen benefits from personal touch

trevor.kenney — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:25:57 +0000

A Wikipedia search led Danish student Stine Hansen to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's web door, but it was the personal attention she received thereafter that brought her to campus.

Hansen is in her fourth year, thriving as an international student with her eyes set on completing a degree in urban and regional studies. Now an ambassador for the U of L experience, she's a far greater resource than any Wikipedia link.

"Everything I learned about Lethbridge before I moved here, I learned on Wikipedia," she laughs, admitting now that to pack up and leave Denmark to study in Lethbridge, Alberta was a major leap of faith.

International student Stine Hansen found the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge through Wikipedia.

"It was a bit of a risk but my parents were, surprisingly enough, very supportive," says the 27-year-old. "The registrar's office was really good helping me with my courses and transcript, and I just got a really good feeling about the place.

"I also got such good support from the International Centre for Students (ICS). They told me what to expect when I arrived, how to get settled, when to arrive, and how they would help me. At the time, because of all that support, it didn't seem that big a deal to sell everything I owned, pack three suitcases and move here. Looking back it was a little bit crazy."

You might think her assimilation into Canadian culture was an easy one. Hansen's a European who speaks English, and she had been motivated to come study in Canada after a high school exchange program took her to Nova Scotia when she was 16. But the culture, food and lifestyle are markedly different and it began to hit her on the drive from the Calgary airport to Lethbridge.

"The first town I went through was Nanton, then Claresholm, then Fort
Macleod and I really started to wonder what I had gotten myself into," she says, having grown up 20 minutes from Copenhagen and recently lived there. "I came into Lethbridge on a rainy Sunday afternoon – it looked deserted and I felt very alone."

She once again used the International Centre for support. Hansen attended the various meet and greet sessions with other international students, took advantage of the Global Connections partner program and signed up to play intramural soccer.

"If you're shy you're never going to get anywhere, you really have to open up. I used to be a shy person but now, I figure you have to step out there," says Hansen.

Her studies followed suit, and she quickly found that the personal attention she received from ICS and the registrar's office was reflected in her classes.

"That's what I like so much about the U of L, it's a small campus and pretty much every class I've ever had I can go to the professors and say, "I don't get this", and they'll sit down and help you out," says Hansen. "They really try, they know your name and I really like that."

Originally interested in pursuing a career in urban planning, she changed her focus to the study of human geography and found a special kinship with anthropology professor, Dr. Jan Newberry. She's excited to work on an Independent Study program with Newberry this summer.

"When I go back home I always say how much I love doing what I'm doing," says Hansen. "Even here, I've convinced a few people to come into my major. I love the multidisciplinary aspect of it, because you can study anthropology, sociology, geography, it's been great."

In fact, Hansen credits women's studies professor, Dr. Tiffany Muller Myrdahl, with setting her on a career path.

"She suggested I attend the Association of American Geographers' Annual Meeting last year. I went with another international student to Washington, D.C., and I came away knowing this is what I wanted to do. I really appreciate her showing that to me," says Hansen, who intends to pursue a master's degree in geography of disability and transportation.

Her success as a student has not been easy, and it hasn't been a straight line but because of support from all over campus, Hansen is eager to talk about her U of L experience. It's why she jumped at the opportunity to participate in the recent International Student Fair in the Atrium, where students from around the globe constructed tri-fold displays to help educate campus about their home nations.

"We got out there and the people who wanted to ask questions got that opportunity," she says. "It's definitely worth doing again. I believe if I only reach a few, it's still a success. I think there's a misconception that international students are only from the Far East but we are a really diverse group and maybe I'm the only one from Denmark but that's OK."

GET THE FACTS

• Post-secondary education in Denmark is free, prompting Hansen to quip, "My parents really love me."

• Hansen's older sister completed a master's degree in economics from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Copenhagen.

• Hansen became ill during her second semester and credits ICS liaison officer Charlene Janes for helping her through. "She is the best person ever. The ICS staff really knows its students and Charlene knew what was best for me at that time. Every time my parents come to visit, they make sure they go visit Charlene because they appreciate how much she looks after us."

• Hansen's tri-fold display highlighted the differences between Canadian and Danish Christmas traditions. She was also eager to tell people just where Denmark is in the world. "I love to talk about my country and I don't expect everyone to know. The Fair was great because I got a chance to show them what my Denmark is like."

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Dinner helps bridge gap

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:22:18 +0000

Christmas, like many other holidays, can be a difficult time for international students to be away from family and friends. With events like the annual International Christmas Dinner, the International Centre for Students (ICS) helps ease that feeling of isolation, all the while introducing international students to Canadian customs and traditions.

Charlene Janes, the international liaison officer at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, plays a major role in assisting international students as they adapt to campus life socially, academically and culturally.

"I represent international student interests at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, act as an advocate on behalf of international students on both academic and welfare issues, and provide advice, support and referral to students," says Janes.

Janes and the ICS encourage students to participate in the social and recreational activities the office provides. These include the monthly International Café gatherings, where birthdays are celebrated, stories are shared, games are played and students are presented an opportunity to build friendships. Potluck dinners and the annual Christmas gathering are also popular events.

Eddie Sottie, an international student from Ghana and PhD candidate in biomolecular science, has been studying at the U of L for the last 15 months. He says he makes an effort to attend all the events planned by the International Centre.

"The events they organize for us have really helped me to learn so many things about the way Canadians relate to people and treat foreigners," says Sottie. "International students are treated with so much respect, and I am so impressed with the way Charlene pays attention to our needs."

The traditional Christmas dinner was held on Dec. 3 in the Students' Union Ballroom. Students were invited to bring a Canadian guest as well as any family members to the event. In addition, four international alumni also attended.

"My kids were showered with Christmas presents," laughs Sottie. "The event and the dinner mean a lot to us as a family because it helps us feel at home."

The tradition of the International Christmas Dinner started three years ago, and serves as the last major international student event for the fall semester. Its rise in popularity, over the past three years, has been remarkable. The first dinner had just 35 attendees, while the second ballooned to 72. This year, the number doubled once again, with 150 people taking part.

"Many of our students go home or travel at Christmas so this has provided a wonderful opportunity for us all to connect prior to the Christmas break," explains Janes.

"We had two very special guests this year as Dr. Mike Mahon and his wife Maureen attended. They talked with each student and barely had time to eat. It seemed every student wanted their picture taken with the new president and his wife."

For a look at the full issue of the December Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

International Centre helps Anfernee find his niche

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:47:16 +0000

There are any number of reasons why students choose to attend the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge – from class size to specific program offerings to finances and locale – different factors appeal to different students.

International students have their own set of criteria for choosing a place to study, and for Sichen (Anfernee) Zhou, the U of L carried a reputation for offering the kind of personal support he needed to achieve his educational goals.

As Zhou walked across the stage at Spring Convocation to receive his degree, it was clear the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ lived up to its advance billing.

"I chose to come to Canada, first of all, to study," says Zhou of what brought him to Lethbridge more than six years ago. "What set the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge apart from other universities was that the U of L offered very good ESL (English as a second language) courses and at the time, my English was terrible."

Zhou spent a full year and a half in the International Centre for Students' (ICS) EAP (English for Academic Purposes) program, preparing himself both linguistically and culturally for the challenges of post-secondary studies. It began a continuing relationship with ICS that eventually saw Zhou working as a volunteer for the office.

"The International Centre helped me a lot when I came here, it started from picking me up at the airport to helping me find a local family to live with," says Zhou. "It really helped me fit in more quickly, especially in terms of learning the language."

A quick wit and sense of humour aided his transition to the Canadian lifestyle. Now 29, Zhou first recalls touching down in Lethbridge and wondering where all the people were. His hometown of Nanjing, China has a population of 7.6 million and on first glance, Zhou thought there were more cars than people in Lethbridge.

"I now know that there are, in fact, more people than cars," he jokes.

Zhou also felt he needed a "Canadian" name to better fit in and, with the best of intentions, picked up that of his favourite basketball player, Anfernee Hardaway.

"What I did not expect is that most Canadians often think I mispronounce my English name which should be, they think, Anthony," says Zhou. "I know now that Anfernee is an unusual name and basketball is not so popular in Canada."

Zhou has spent six years at the U of L and is graduating with a BA in economics and a minor in linguistics. He credits the U of L's liberal arts approach in helping him find his calling.

"By being able to take courses from different departments, I discovered language was my true interest," he says. "I have been inspired by really intelligent people who truly opened my eyes and enriched my tiny little life."

Given the role the ICS played in his development as a student, he says it was a natural that he would volunteer to help other students with their transition to Canada.

"Over the years, the International Centre helped me with all of my problems regarding immigration, study and so much more," says Zhou. "I am friends with just about everybody there; therefore, volunteering with the International Centre seemed so natural to me."

A family of support

trevor.kenney — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:07:27 +0000

Only once did Priscilla Patel look over her shoulder and wonder if she'd done the right thing. It was then that she relied upon her father's reassurance to settle her fears.

Now, one semester later, Patel still looks to her father for guidance but fear has given way to excitement, and trepidation has been replaced by a confidence that helps support an entire family.

"Priscilla has really grown up," her mother Malti says. "I see a lot of difference in her since coming down here, she has totally matured."

The Patel family members have all come a long way. A year ago the entire family was in its home country of Malaysia, Priscilla set to graduate from high school, excited about a future she hoped would lead her to the United States and a dream job with animation studio Pixar.

That's when Trish Jackson of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's International Centre for Students happened upon Malti at a Study in Canada event.

"When we met Miss Trish, everything changed," Malti says. "We found that this university was what we were looking for, it had a lot to offer her."

Jackson, an international recruitment officer, extolled the virtues of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and the burgeoning new media program being offered in the Faculty of Fine Arts. Little did she know that she was recruiting Malti as much as she was wooing Priscilla, because there was no way the Patels were sending Priscilla to Lethbridge on her own.

"It's not very often we find a student who has a parent and siblings who are relocating with them, so this was a little bit of a special situation for us," says Jackson.

Along with Priscilla and Malti came her three brothers and sisters, 12-year old Natasha, nine-year old Nashania and seven-year old Darren. Only Ashok, the father, stayed behind.

Suddenly, Jackson was more of a resource than she'd ever been before.

"I think my biggest role was trying to answer questions before they actually arrived," Jackson says.

"Beyond student support it's really difficult for our office to provide a lot of support to the family. Aside from trying to answer questions and providing some contacts in the local school division for the younger children, most of the support the family ended up needing came from the Immigrant Services Department of Lethbridge Family Services."

Malti gives Jackson a little more credit.

"Miss Trish was constantly in touch with us, whatever questions we had she was always willing to answer," she says. "What we wanted to know about the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the city, even the education for our other children, she guided us in every way."

It was a bold decision to come to Canada but one that sent a strong message to Malti and Ashok's children. They seem to understand that the risk their parents have made is for their best interests and have embraced the transition from Malaysia to Canada. Leading the way is Priscilla.

"I love it here, it really is amazing," she says. "Getting to know people has been so easy, I really think it's better than where I'm from in Malaysia. I find people have so much respect here, they respect you for who you are and what you do."

The new media program has been everything she could have imagined.

"I don't know where to start, I've only taken five classes but they've all been great," she says. "Right now I'm not even sure what area I want to pursue. I want to go into animation but at the same time I feel like I want to do film, I want to do graphics, I want to do everything."

Priscilla truly lives the campus experience. She's active with the International Centre, has joined student clubs and taken in everything Canadian.

"I love the snow. Even though a lot of people tell me I'll hate it soon I don't think so, at least not yet," she says. "After coming here I started involving myself in skating and going to hockey matches, I just wanted to try everything."

Priscilla's brothers and sisters have followed her lead. They quickly adapted to their new schools, are active in local choirs and activities and have excelled academically.

Malti rests easier now knowing that the new life she and Ashok have chosen for their children seems to agree with them. She has also embraced her new surroundings, first by volunteering for local organizations this past fall and through the Christmas season, and recently by taking a part-time job.

While the family thrives here in Canada, it isn't without sacrifice as Ashok stays behind to support their new life.

"My dad's amazing," Priscilla says of Ashok, the managing director of a textile company. Malti finds it tough without her husband but instead looks at the situation from his perspective.

"I have my children with me and Priscilla, she understands what mom is going through and she helps out in every way," she says. "My husband is alone there and he has to take care of it alone and that is hard."

The plan is for Ashok to reunite with his family here in Canada in two or three years, just in time for Malti and her children to become Canadian citizens and for Priscilla to graduate (she's planning on taking summer courses to finish her degree earlier).

Now, it's hard to believe Priscilla ever had any doubts about coming to Canada – but there was that one day.

"When I landed in Lethbridge and I looked around and all I saw was prairies and mountains, I wanted to go home," she says. "I wasn't sure if I could do it, but my dad told me it's about change and I have to learn how to adapt and it turns out that it's pretty good now."

GET THE FACTS

• The Patels are from the Malaysian island of Penang. The average maximum temperature in Penang only varies from 30.4 degrees in September to 32.2 degrees in March.

• Jackson has been to 14 countries since being hired as international recruitment officer in August 2007. She heads out on a seven-country trip through Latin America this month.

• Priscilla and her siblings all attended international schools growing up. Priscilla's final years of study at Taylor's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ College in Kuala Lumpur featured a Canadian-based curriculum developed in Ontario.

• The family pays great reverence to their father Ashok as Natasha brought a picture of him to the interview, telling her mother that he was a part of the family and should be part of the experience.

International Centre serving as drop-off point for Haiti relief

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:48:25 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's International Centre for Students is serving as a drop-off point for donations to help the struggling residents of Haiti.

Residents in Haiti are working to recover from a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Haiti earlier this week. The earthquake has caused buildings to collapse and widespread damage throughout Port au Prince.

The Canadian Red Cross has contributed $200,000 from its International Disaster Relief Fund and Canadian aid workers are on standby to be deployed to Haiti if needed.

Canadians are encouraged to support Red Cross relief efforts by making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund.

Those who wish to make donations on campus can do so at a Canadian Red Cross donation box located in the International Centre for Students (SU047). All money raised will be passed on to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund.

A charitable receipt for tax deductions will be provided upon request. When you make your donation at the International Centre for Students, please use the envelope provided by the Canadian Red Cross and indicate a receipt is required.

Alternatively, you may make a payment online with the Red Cross at: https://www.paypaq.com/redcross/new/

Please direct any questions or concerns to charlene.janes@uleth.ca

South Korea beckons with summer study tour

trevor.kenney — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:02:04 +0000

Application deadline extended to Jan. 22

Ulsan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in South Korea has long been a valuable partner with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and for the first time this coming summer, U of L students will get the opportunity to participate in a one-month study tour to learn Korean culture, history, society, business and language.

"I expect this program will be very popular," says Laura Ferguson of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's International Centre for Students.

"We've had a longstanding agreement with Ulsan where we offer four-month exchange programs and they send a number of their students here to participate in our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. This study tour is for one month only, is quite inexpensive and is completely in English, so there are no language requirements."

Scheduled to run June 27 to July 26, 2010, IDST 2850: Study Tour of South Korea is for course credit and is available to just 20 qualified students. Depending on scholarship funding, the study tour will be priced at $2,500 per student and include the cost of tuition, flights, accommodations, meals and a host of activities.

"It really fits well within the interdisciplinary studies category given the broad base of what they will be learning," says Ferguson.

Ulsan is South Korea's seventh largest metropolis with a population of over 1.1 million, and is the industrial powerhouse of South Korea, forming the heart of the Ulsan Industrial District. Home to the world's largest automobile assembly plant, operated by Hyundai Motor Company, the world's largest shipyard, operated by Hyundai Heavy Industries, and the world's second largest oil refinery, owned by SK Energy, it also neighbours the historic city of Kyung-ju, the capital of the Silla Dynasty from 57 BC to 935 AD.

Participants in the summer tour will be accompanied by a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faculty member and experience every facet of the South Korean lifestyle. The tour includes trips to Hyundai Heavy Industries, a one-night home stay with a Korean family, a night in a Buddhist temple, a week of study in Seoul and many more opportunities.

"You can't really do something like this as a tourist, you don't get access to this type of experience on your own," says Ferguson.

Interested students must advance through an application process in order to be chosen for the tour. Applications are due to the International Centre by the extended deadline of Jan. 22.

"They'll need to write an essay of about 1,000 words about why they want to participate in the program and what value they think they'll get from this kind of exchange," says Ferguson.

"We're looking for ambassadors of the U of L, people who will go there and show our partner university how great U of L students are."

It's also an opportunity to take advantage of a partnership agreement between the two institutions that sees Ulsan send many more students to Canada.

"This summer program gives students the opportunity to go and study in Korea completely using the English language, which is much less intimidating and allows a lot more people to participate."

For more information, contact Laura Ferguson via e-mail at laura.ferguson2@uleth.ca or visit the International Centre for Students.

South Korea beckons with summer study tour

trevor.kenney — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:00:54 +0000

Ulsan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in South Korea has long been a valuable partner with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and for the first time this coming summer, U of L students will get the opportunity to participate in a one-month study tour to learn Korean culture, history, society, business and language.

"I expect this program will be very popular," says Laura Ferguson of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's International Centre for Students.

"It really fits well within the interdisciplinary studies category given the broad base of what they will be learning," says Ferguson.

"You can't really do something like this as a tourist, you don't get access to this type of experience on your own," says Ferguson.

Interested students must advance through an application process in order to be chosen for the tour. Applications are due to the International Centre by Dec. 15.

"They'll need to write an essay of about 1,000 words about why they want to participate in the program and what value they think they'll get from this kind of exchange," says Ferguson.

"We're looking for ambassadors of the U of L, people who will go there and show our partner university how great U of L students are."

For more information, contact Laura Ferguson via e-mail at laura.ferguson2@uleth.ca or visit the International Centre for Students.

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