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!

Shaun Johnson - In My Own Words
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. >>

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.

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.