Top Story!
International Farewell Reception: Bon Voyage to International Students
On April 18, 2012, IPC hosted a farewell reception for all international students about to depart UNCG. The event celebrated UNCG students about to embark on study abroad terms around the world, international exchange students about to return after a term at UNCG, and degree-seeking international students who are now graduating from UNCG. Guests enjoyed complimentary food and beverages and a slide show of images from various IPC events during the 2011-2012 academic year. |
 |
(Left) Denise Bellamy, Study Abroad and Exchanges Director, looks on during Provost David Perrin’s address. (Right) Pamela Harrod with Provost Perrin. |
Denise Bellamy, Director of Study Abroad and Exchanges, opened the evening with a brief welcome and regards from Dr. Penelope Pynes, Associate Provost for International Programs, who was unable to attend the reception because she was away in China. Bellamy also described the breadth of UNCG’s international programs. She noted that in the coming year UNCG is sending abroad approximately 280 students, 131 of whom are about to undertake fall, spring, or full-year terms at schools in 22 countries, with another 148 students attending faculty led programs this summer in nine countries. She pointed out as well that UNCG is saying goodbye to 164 exchange students from 24 countries. She also highlighted the accomplishments of about 200 INTERLINK students and 30 degree-seeking international students who graduated from UNCG this May.
 |
UNCG exchange students at the International Students Farewell Reception. |
The highlight of the reception was an address by Dr. David Perrin, Provost, in which he discussed the importance of UNCG’s international programs. He emphasized that internationalization was one of the five strategic areas of the 2009-2014 UNCG Complete Strategic Plan, and that study abroad and exchange programs were a crucial aspect of that effort. Provost Perrin urged outgoing exchange students to take full advantage of the opportunity before them, and on behalf of UNCG he stated that, “We are proud to have you as our diplomats and know that as you meet others our reputation around the world becomes stronger.” Additionally, he thanked those international students who were finishing their terms at UNCG and affirmed, “We hope that you will bring treasured memories back to your home and remember UNCG fondly." And finally, to graduating international students, he offered best wishes for the future and urged them to keep in touch “so that we can bask in your accomplishments.”
Provost Perrin’s speech was followed by an address by Pamela Harrod, Director of International Admissions. After the speakers, attendees were free to mingle and enjoy a complimentary buffet.
Faculty and Staff!
Congratulations to Tom Martinek, Jr. and Norma Velazquez!
 |
Tom Martinek, Jr. & Nell Pynes |
Please join IPC in congratulating both Tom Martinek, Jr. (Assistant Director, Study Abroad & Exchanges) and Norma Velazquez (Assistant Director, International Student & Scholar Services) for receiving their Masters Degrees in Conflict & Peace Studies (CPS) at UNCG. Norma graduated in December of 2011 and Tom received his degree in May 2012. Through her capstone practicum experience Norma examined issues surrounding off-campus housing for international students. Based on the results of her research she created resources for landlords and international students designed to aid in successful rental experiences. Tom’s capstone practicum experience centered on developing new programming and initiatives for study abroad students. The goal of these initiatives is to help students develop intercultural skills that will enhance their likelihood of becoming globally engaged students.
Penelope Pynes delivered the graduation speech to the assembled CPS students on May 5 in the Stone Building.
Painting 4 Diversity and IPC
IPC became involved in a new community initiative that started this year, a statewide project called Painting 4 Diversity. Through Denise Bellamy’s connections with Greensboro City Arts, Study Abroad and Exchanges (SAE) was invited to participate and support this initiative. Painting 4 Diversity invites children from several communities of North Carolina to create original paintings that are inspired by their own definition of diversity. There are local community contests and one final state contest at the end of the year. SAE presented to the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Board and organized dates for our students to present to the after school groups in several local recreation centers. Our international exchange students and study abroad returnees presented on their home country, culture and study abroad experience to help the students learn more about the world and diversity. Our students visited and gave presentations to 6 after school groups at the local recreation centers.
See also our Student Highlights section for perspectives from international student participants.
 |
Students from the Greensboro area during one of the IPC’s Painting 4 Diversity events. |
International Students!
On Saturday, March 17th, UNCG international students arranged a unique and first annual event for UNCG students as well as the Greensboro community. Sponsored by the International Programs Center, UNCG Iranian students hosted a Nowrooz Celebration which is a tradition dating back to the ancient Persian Empire. This festivity celebrates the 3,000 year old tradition of welcoming the Iranian New Year. UNCG students Mehrdad Tajkarimi, Minoo Modaresnezhad, Shahrzad Sabzehzar, Masoud Malekmohammadi and visiting scholar Farhad Hassanzadeh were the principal organizers of this event in coordination with Iranian community members in Greensboro. The event, which was located in the Associated Campus Ministries building, was a great success and around 120 people attended. The UNCG Iranian students hope to make this event an annual tradition at UNCG.
 |
The Haft-Seen table at the UNCG Iranian students’ Nowrooz celebration. The traditional table setting of Nowrooz features seven items that symbolize the coming of spring. |
 |
Members of Greensboro’s Iranian community at the celebration. |
Special Programs!
International Festival A Success!
On April 14, 2012, UNCG held its 30th annual International Festival, an event to celebrate the great richness and diversity of culture at UNCG. The International Students Association IPC invited representatives of over forty countries from UNCG, INTERLINK, and the Greensboro community to showcase the cultures of their home countries at a complex of tables along College Avenue on UNCG campus.
A special THANK YOU to everyone who made the I-Fest such a success!
>> Please enjoy this slide show of photos from IFest!
Student Highlights! Study Abroad Returnee: Nanette Kennedy, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Peru (Fall 2011)
 |
UNCG student Nanette Kennedy directs a local student to the location of Lima Peru, where she recently completed a study abroad term. |
My name is Nanette Kennedy and I am a senior at UNCG. I had the pleasure of spending August 2011-December 2011 studying at Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in Lima, Peru. Throughout my time in Peru I met some incredible people, ate some delicious food, visited some amazing places and learned a lot of Spanish.
Learning about the Peruvian culture and Spanish language while I was abroad was definitely something that I wanted to share.
In January the International Programs Office at UNCG sent out a request for students to help out with a program called "Painting for Diversity," in which we would go to different recreation centers in Greensboro and talk to elementary aged students about our experiences living in or being from other countries. Over the past few months I had a great time talking to the kids about Peru and hearing about other student's experiences both here in the US and abroad. My favorite part of working with the kids was their eagerness to listen and learn, as well as the questions that they asked. Some of my favorites include "Were you scared to leave your mommy and daddy?" "Yes! But it was so worth it! I wasn't scared once I got there." and "Do kids in Peru study English like we study Spanish?" "Yes! Peruvian kids learn English and Spanish in school." I really enjoyed talking about the jungle animals and Machu Picchu, and I love the reactions to pictures of my friends and me holding snakes and sloths. I have been so lucky to have had so many great experiences over the past 9 months or so, and it's all thanks to UNCG’s International Programs Center.
 |
Nanette Kennedy describes her study abroad experience to local students. |
International Exchange Student: Chi Gava, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
 |
Chi Gava, a UNCG exchange student from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, gives a talk at a recent Painting 4 Diversity session. |
Visitors and Scholars!
On April 23 – 24, 2012, IPC was pleased to welcome Mr. Joacim Martinsson, International Coordinator and Assistant Head of the School of Social Sciences at Linnaeus University in Vaxjo, Sweden. Mr. Martinsson was hosted by Larry Hyjek and Dr. Elizabeth “Jody” Natalle, Professor of Communications Studies. After two days of leisure time in Greensboro, Mr. Martinsson met with several Study Abroad and Exchanges staff, including Director Denise Bellamy, Assistant Director Tom Martinek, Jr., Incoming Exchange Coordinator Kaitlin Ritchie, Faculty Led Programs Coordinator Logan Stanfield, and Swedish Graduate Assistant Paulina Flasch.
 |
Left to right: Kaitlin Ritchie, Gabriella Eriksson, Jessica Roberts, Paulina Huhtilainen, Logan Stanfield, and Joacim Martinsson. |
Mr. Martinsson also had the opportunity to meet with many UNCG faculty and staff, including Dr. Tom Matyók, Assistant Professor of Conflict and Peace studies, Dr. Julie Brown, Head of the Sociology Department, Dr. Robert Hansen, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. William Crowther, Head of the Political Science Department.
During his visit, Mr. Martinsson also had the opportunity to attend UNCG Communications Studies Senior Portfolio Presentations and to have lunch with two students on exchange from Linnaeus University, Gabriella Eriksson and Paulina Huhtilainen, as well as Jessica Roberts, Graduate Assistant in the Department of Conflict and Peace Studies.
On May 3, 2012, IPC welcomed Dr. Mohamad J. Terro, Professor of Civil Engineering at Kuwait University. Dr. Terro was accompanied on his visit by Elie Azzi, MBA Research Associate at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoenginerring.
 |
Left to right: Elie Azzi, Denise Bellamy, Dr. Penelope Pynes, Dr. Mohamad J. Terro, Michael Elliott, Pamela Harrod, and Dr. Brad Teague. |
During his visit, Dr. Terro had the opportunity to learn about UNCG’s internationalization programs from several IPC staff, including Dr. Penelope Pynes, Associate Provost for International Programs, Michael Elliott, Director of International Student and Scholar Services, Denise Bellamy, Director of Study Abroad and Exchanges, Pamela Harrod, Director of International Admissions, and Dr. Brad Teague, Director of INTERLINK Language Center.
After meeting with IPC staff, Dr. Terro had the opportunity to meet with a number of Kuwaiti students of UNCG and INTERLINK, followed by a campus tour led by Jennifer Kelley, Administrative Support Specialist at UNCG.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this visit.
Faculty Corner!
Doing Business in Germany
By Dr. William Tullar, Professor of Business Administration
Since 2006, The Bryan School of Business and Economics has offered MBA 745, Doing Business in Germany, a week-long, faculty-led study abroad course at the University of Mannheim in Germany. This course has always been well received, and many past students have indicated that their course in the ‘Spring School’ at Mannheim was the highlight of their studies at UNCG. The business school at Mannheim has always proven to be a warm host, going above and beyond regular hospitality to include UNCG students in parties and social gatherings with other students.This year’s ‘Spring School’ was a little different than previous offerings in that this is the first year that the program included students from another university. MBA students from Washington University in St. Louis made up part of the students that went, and they mixed well with the Bryan School MBA students. The ‘Spring School’ always begins with a welcome dinner on Sunday night. This year it was at the Rheinterrassen Restaurant overlooking the Rhine River.
 |
Students of MBA 745 enjoying some free time in Heidelberg, Germany. The castle in the background is Heidelberger Schloss, the city’s most recognizable landmark. |
On Monday, the students got a walking tour of the University of Mannheim and a walking tour of the City of Mannheim. The City of Mannheim has many sights of historical significance including its water tower in the city center. The University is located in a recently restored palace on the east bank of the Rhine. Unlike many other European universities, Mannheim actually has a campus along with the palace where most classrooms are located. That afternoon the students visited the John Deere factory nearby. They took a tour of the plant and had a lecture and a Q & A with Mike Matero, finance director.
On Tuesday morning, the students were treated to lectures on the Germany economy and the European Union. Given the problems in Greece and the bailout efforts, the lectures struck a timely note. Then that afternoon the group travelled to Frankfurt to the European Central Bank (ECB). There they ran into the local ‘Occupy’ group, and then spent the afternoon having a Q & A with the Director of Public Information for the ECB. Dinner that evening featured a visit to the Apple Winery, a fine Restaurant in Frankfurt.
On Wednesday, the students began their day with lectures at the University of Mannheim on Market Entry and Marketing in Germany and Innovation Management in Germany. In the afternoon, students were treated to a visit to the advertising firm WOB. The president of WOB, Mr. Frank Merkel, is a great speaker and very personable. He provides wonderful insight into business to business marketing and advertising.
On Thursday, the group traveled to historic Heidelberg. Heidelberg is a university town on both sides of the Neckar River. The students were given a walking tour of the University, the historic churches, and the surrounding town. After their city tour, the group went by streetcar out to Heidelberg Cement. The facility tour there is especially interesting in that it is hard to imagine how a high wage country like Germany can profitably manufacture a commodity product like cement.
On Friday, the students took the train and bus to historic Speyer. They got a walking tour of the Cathedral and the picturesque Clock Tower. That afternoon, they visited Weingut von Winning where they got a tour of the wine cellars and the vineyards. The week was finished with a farewell dinner in Neustadt. On Saturday, it was off to the Frankfurt Airport and the welcome rest of the flight home.
INTERLINK!
Graduating and Departing Students
 |
INTERLINK Students Sadik Garba (left), from Benin, and Rajeh Almasradi, from Saudi Arabia. |
This spring, we said goodbye to 33 students. Twenty-one students graduated from the program, 11 of whom plan to matriculate at UNCG in the fall. Twelve additional students transferred, left to pursue degrees at other universities, or returned to their home countries. As we bid these students farewell, we asked them what they had found most memorable about their time at INTERLINK:
Rajeh Almasradi (Saudi Arabia):“The first day I came to INTERLINK, I couldn’t understand a word. The first day I started to take notes and wrote down vocabulary that I couldn’t understand. I won hardest working student for my level.”
Sadik Garba (Benin): “The teachers are friendly and helpful. We have fun. We have many chances to meet native speakers. You don’t only learn English here. INTERLINK connects you quickly with the American culture and helps us to adapt.”
 |
INTERLINK Student Cristina González, from Venezuela |
Luning Deng from China was awarded this term’s Outstanding Student Award. He said about INTERLINK, “Although the teachers are strict, they push you and motivate you to work hard. Motivation is how you succeed.” He was also the recipient of the Module Attendance Award during INTERLINK’s Spring I Term.
We congratulate him on all his hard work.
INTERLINK wishes our graduating students well and looks forward to welcoming 20 to 30 new students for the summer term, which begins on May 28, 2012.
 |
Chinese student Luning Deng, who received INTERLINK’s Outstanding Student Award for the Spring II term. |
INTERLINK hosted a gathering on April 25, 2012, for UNCG students interested in joining the center’s International Conversation Partners Program. A group of approximately 10 INTERLINK students attended the get-together at Foust Park and socialized with prospective participants, who plan to join the program this summer or fall, over pizza and icebreaker games. UNCG students taught INTERLINK students how to play Rock-Paper-Scissors, and INTERLINK students taught UNCG students words and phrases in their native languages.
INTERLINK Soccer Game
INTERLINK students and staff released a bit of end-of-term stress with an informal soccer game in Foust Park on Wednesday, April 11. Since soccer is played all over the world and is a popular sport for many of our students, the game was well attended. INTERLINK students from Saudi Arabia, Benin, China, and Mexico participated.
 |
INTERLINK students relieve end-of-term stress at an informal soccer game at Foust Park. |
Attending a Greensboro Grasshoppers Baseball Game
On April 19, INTERLINK staff and students attended a Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball game. Students from Benin, Korea, and Venezuela came out to learn about the history of Minor League Baseball and its regional significance. They also learned how the game is played and enjoyed hot dogs and cotton candy. The match-up against the Delmarva Shorebirds was a tense, high-scoring game, but the Grasshoppers came through with a one-run victory in the 10th inning.
Upcoming Events!
No announcements. Enjoy the summer!