News and Events
Students Drawn to East Asian Languages
Check out this video about UAlbany's great East Asian Studies programs and how students use their new-found knowledge to gain experiences abroad and beyond!
Student Blogs About Danish Institute Study Abroad (DIS) Experience
So this will be my blog to document what I’m up to in Denmark/Europe while studying abroad for the Fall 2012 semester at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS). I’m not exactly too sure what it will include, but I hope it will be a way to keep in touch with everyone back home. Anyway, I’ll be putting up a post sometime soon giving a little information about myself, why I decided to study abroad where I did, etc. Until next time!
Couldn't Make the Study Abroad Fair?
Come by our office and and talk to one of our advisors to get more information about our more than 90 programs abroad where you can earn credits in your major or minor, or even General Education credits. With semester, yearlong, summer or winter programs, you'll discover just how "within reach" the world truly is.
Shaun Johnson
AIP Language Institute, Valencia, Spain
Fireworks are exploding all around me. It's day three of "Las Fallas," the second largest festival on the planet, and my homework assignment is simple: to stay out until dawn.
For the past two months I have been studying in Valencia, Spain at the AIP Language Institute and Las Fallas has been one of the many wonderful events I've experienced. Typical days at AIP include classes of Spanish language, history, art, and cinema. Afternoons involve swimming in the Mediterranean Sea along with pick-up games of soccer and volleyball at the "playa maravillosa," a beach that is most appropriately named. The day ends with a well-prepared dinner made by my loving host family. These dinners have taught me how to properly use olive oil, and that no Spanish dinner is complete without a few slices of jamón serrano (or dry-cured Spanish ham), a staple found throughout the Iberian Peninsula.>>
Melissa Newkirk - In My Own Words
Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
For me, one of the most exciting prospects of transferring to university from community college was the chance to do a study abroad. During the first weeks of my first semester a study abroad coordinator came to talk to my class about the benefits of doing an exchange and really put the seed into my head. I wandered into the study abroad office and looked over the many options of the different places in the world UAlbany could send me to. I felt the majority of students end up choosing Europe as their destination, and with that in mind I decided I wanted to go somewhere that was in complete contrast of US culture. I made my decision to apply for the Fall 2010 program to Seoul, South Korea. Although the paperwork seemed overwhelming, the step by step process helped to minimize the stress and besides the international studies office was always there to help with any questions or confusion I had.>>
Mike Bresnahan - In My Own Words
National University of Ireland, Galway
I was incredibly excited when I started thinking about going to Ireland (and the rest of Europe) for a full semester, and despite the minor annoyance of paperwork, I finished it all and got ready for my semester abroad. Going back to school about 15 days early was discouraging at first, but once again, it was well worth it. >>
2012 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program Competition Announced
The United States Department of State has announced the competition for the 2012 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program for overseas intensive summer language institutes in thirteen critical need foreign languages. CLS institutes provide fully-funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for seven to ten weeks for U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students. Students may apply for one language, and will be placed at institute sites based on language evaluations after selection.
WE BUILD 2011--SUNY Students Build Houses for Poor Communities in Rural Bangalore
BANGALORE, India (August 10, 2011)--Nine SUNY students from across New York State are currently participating in the We Build 2011 program (July 20th-August 20th) in Southern India. This service learning program introduces students to Indian society and culture by focusing on and addressing issues of Global Citizenship related specifically to children's rights, education, and poverty alleviation through scholarship and engaging in projects like building homes and teaching in rural Indian villages.
Check out the Facebook Slideshow
UAlbany along with Global Citizens for Sustainable Development will also offer a wintersession (2011-12) program: India: Field Study of Development Issues.
In My Own Words: Christopher Onuorah, AIDE Program, South Africa
Philippi, SOUTH Africa (August 12, 2011)--In May 2011, I went on a study abroad trip to Cape Town, South Africa, along with another UAlbany Student, Tiffanie Perea. We went there to volunteer in the the townships. While there, I volunteered with a non-profit organization, the South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP). During my time there, I taught environmental responsibility, computer literacy, and mentored kids in the township of Philippi. This kids I worked with ranged from grades 8 to 12. I also worked with tertiary students (students in college). In the photo, I was visiting a local Crèche [pronounced "kresh"]. A Crèche is their equivalent of our daycare system in the U.S. This is where young kids learn basic things like counting.
This trip was of personal significance because I am of African descent and this was my first time back on the continent since I was 2 years old. My view of the world has totally changed due to witnessing how other people in another part of the world live. Volunteering in South Africa has helped me to grow as a person.
Check out the Chris' Slideshow on Photobucket!
Chris was a participant on the AIDE Abroad Study Abroad option sponsored by the University at Albany's Office of Study Abroad & Exchanges.
SUNY Students Can Get Scholarships to Study Abroad in Denmark!
The Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) has announced new scholarships for SUNY students only to study in Copenhagen, Denmark.
From Spring 2010 through Spring 2012, every SUNY student participating in the semester-length program will receive a $3,000 scholarship per semester. SUNY students participating in one of the 6-week summer programs will get the $600 scholarship. And those who participate in a 3-week summer program will be eligible for the $300 scholarship.
Designed for American students, DIS offers a wide variety of semester-length and summer courses taught in English including psychology, education, communications, business, science, and more.
SUNY students only, click here for more details.
Big Guide Online Provides UAlbany Community Global Career Resources
The University at Albany's Office of International Education and Career Development Center have purchased access to The BIG Guide to Living and Working Overseas ONLINE. This new resource will help empower students looking to build global career skills.
With today's growing global economy, many students and young professionals recognize that having international experience is a key factor in building a strong career. Students are also looking towards building internationally-focused careers, where global perspective and international experience are absolutely invaluable. The BIG Guide Online is the latest incarnation of The BIG Guide to Living and Working Overseas by Jean-Marc Hachey, an internationally-recognized seminar presenter, mentor and global career expert.
All members of the University at Albany community will now have access to The BIG Guide Online, with over 1,800 pages of expert advice and 3,000 resources and employer profiles. The BIG Guide is focused on helping users develop their International IQs, build strong cross-cultural skills and learn about international job hunting. There are many interactive features available on the site: individual user accounts allow yellow highlights, private notes and bookmarks. Quick Guides provide practical advice on the most popular "study abroad" subjects. Quizzes measure user's international credentials. Student networking connects internationally-focused individuals on campus, while reader contributions allow users to publish their international experiences. The BIG Guide is an essential tool for all students, from freshmen to graduates, as well as young professionals.
Access is available (registration required) for all students, faculty, staff and alumni who have an @albany.edu e-mail address.