1

Inside This Issue:

1. Opening of English

Language Institute

2. Opening of Confucius

Institute/ Climate Change

Lecturer Visits SSU

3. A Student’s experience

in China

4. Liberia Donation Drive

5-6. Impact Study of Study

Abroad on Students

7. Summer Study Abroad

Trips of 2014 and Beyond

8. ISA Happenings

9.Exchange Students at

SSU

10.News Briefs

International Education

Newsletter

Spring 2015

Joan Stalcup, a recent transplant from Georgia

Southern University, will open the new English

Language Institute (ELI) on January 12, 2015.

With over 20 years in education, Stalcup, the

program’s Coordinator, will bring her expertise

in working with students who have not yet

mastered the English language to SSU.

The ELI will offer 21 hours of class each week

and give students the chance to be immersed in

a foreign culture. Students will be able to take

intensive classes in Listening/Speaking, Writing/

Grammar, and Computer-Assisted Language

Learning, and will be able to join the

Conversation Partner Program. They will have

the opportunity to interact with students from

SSU. Stalcup said that the program will be an

opportunity for students from abroad to

immerse themselves in American culture as they

gain language proficiency and enjoy beautiful

Savannah while here.

The program already has 13 students enrolled

from countries such as Burkina Faso, China, and

South Korea.

The program office will be located in

Hubert Hall D, Room 425. Students who are

interested in the program or who may know

someone who would be interested in the

program can contact Joan Stalcup at

stalcupj@savannahstate.edu or call

912.358.3312.

Opening of The English Language Institute at SSU

The ELI welcomes students from around the world to Savannah

State University.

2

Dr. Emmanuel Naniuzeyi, director of The International

Education Center and Co-director of The Confucius

Institute, Qijuan Luo, presented the introduction on

October 29th, kicking off the inauguration of The Confucius

Institute. Speakers included William Frazier, importer/

exporter and SSU alumni, Dr. Pengfei Li, assistant professor

in the College of Sciences and Technology, and Professor

Bailey Georges, visiting scholar at Jiujiang University along

with Dr. Jun Wu, assistant professor in the College of

Business Administration. Guests spoke about the

importance of encouraging trade and communication

between China and the city of Savannah and the purpose

of The Confucius Institute at SSU.

Opportunities for Study Abroad and Exchange Programs

in China lectures were presented In the afternoon.

Exchange students from Jiujiang University also performed

traditional Chinese poetry readings, dances and songs.

During the afternoon, Co-directors Dr. Peggy Blood and

Mrs. Qijuan Luo of the Confucius Institute, Mayor Edna

Opening of The Confucius Institute at SSU

Jackson and SSU President Cheryl Dozier, and Ms.

Chunzi Zhang, Chinese Instructor, cut the ribbon at

Gordon Library.

As part of the Confucius Institute’s mission, Chinese

courses will be offered at SSU campus through 2015.

Those interested in enrolling in classes in the Confucius

Institute should contact Professor Qijuan Luo

at qijuanl@savannahstate.edu or call 912-358-3160.

IEC Hosts UN Climate Change Lecturer

higher education and the need for communities and

colleges to work together to address the coming

challenges that climate change will present the world. He

said that the cost of inaction on the issue could cost 20

times what taking action now would cost.

Salamat also presented the findings of the most recent

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Fifth

Assessment Report (known as AR5), which delineates

human involvement in climate change and outlines

pathways towards mitigation of climate change’s effects.

In his lecture, Salamat explained the public

misconceptions about weather versus climate and

addressed the importance of public diplomacy, including

the need for college students to exercise their rights as

global citizens and push for political change at the local

level.

This event was the first of three major lectures on

global issues that will be held at SSU and was

scheduled with SSU’s mission to address

sustainability.

On SSU Campus, Assistant Director of the IEC, Joline Keevy, shows Mr.

Salamat the coastal waterways. Credit: Humpty Dumpty Institute

UN Officer Mohammed Salamat spoke on global climate

change on Thursday, November 13 in the Jordan

Building as part of the Humpty Dumpty Institute’s Higher

Education Alliance (HEA) . The lecture was presented as

part of the collaboration between the Humpty Dumpty

Institute and Thurgood Marshall College Fund in an

effort to bring attention to global issues to HBCUs.

Salamat, a senior program officer at the UN Secretary

General’s Climate Change Support Team in New York

City, spoke about the relevance of climate change to

3

There is an aphorism by Confucius that says, “If I am walking with two

other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points

of the one and imitate them and the bad points of the other and correct

them in myself.” In my opinion it means that no matter what you do, where

you go, or who you meet a lesson can be learned from the person or

experience. I have had many experiences since being here including the

pleasure of meeting people from many different parts of the world and

China. The lessons that I have learned from my experiences living here are

not something that I could have been taught in a class room. First of all, I have

learned the value of interacting with people even when there are barriers that are

out of our control such as: communication, nationality, politics, and culture.

Sometimes there are events that happen in the world that contribute to

conflict among nations and this may sometimes make conflict between the

people of those nations. You should never take anything at face value and it is

not good to pass judgment on first impressions or looks, especially when there

is lack of communication. When I first arrived I believed that I would mainly

interact with Chinese people, however the university is also home to students

and faculty from Pakistan, Nepal, and different African countries. So we all

have different ways of understanding each other and some by stereotypes that

are not so positive. Some are courageous enough to ask questions and some are

not interested in understanding a portion of the truth and accept common

misconceptions as what is real. The advantage of this is that for the people who

have the courage to ask questions and try to

communicate there is always an exchange of ideas that

are beneficial to both parties.

The world is bigger than the communities we grow up

with and even when it seems as if nothing new can

happen it can. The goal for me is to try my best to step

into every situation with a strong mind and an open

heart. I am thankful for being here and being to be in

the position I am in. Being here has truly been an

awesome experience.

The lessons that I have learned

from my experiences living

here are not something that I

could have been taught in a

class room.

A View (From) Abroad:

A Student’s Experience in China

By Nicole Wiggins

Nicole Wiggins

Major: Mass Comm

Sophomore

4

The news has been flooded since mid-summer with messages about Ebola and

the affect it is having on people in several African countries. Even our own

students who spent part of their summer in Liberia as part of a summer study

abroad had stories to share of the poverty and hardship many of the citizens of

Liberia face. Their stories came to life when international student, Randolph

Glee, from Liberia began his studies at Savannah State in the Fall. He knows first

-hand the problems facing his fellow countrymen and we knew from

conversations with President’s from the University of Liberia and AME University

that there is a desperate need in the country for support. Both universities face

severe challenges getting textbooks for their libraries and the schools that

support children have even fewer resources.

Dr. Dozier presented the campus community with a challenge to collect

textbooks to send back to Liberia this summer and with the hard work of two

student groups, the International Student Association (ISA) and the African

Student Association (ASA), as well as the students who traveled to Liberia,

several hundred books were donated. However, we know that is not enough

and we are starting another drive called Operation SHEA (Sending Humanitarian

Education Abroad ) to collect new and used books for all ages and reading levels.

We will be seeking donations of books to serve grades kindergarten to the

master’s degree level. If you have books to spare please drop them by Colston

room 116. We can’t stop at collecting books for Liberia!

Ebola has seriously impacted many families throughout Liberia and they are

now faced with the challenge of how to care for and raise children who have

been orphaned because both parents died from Ebola, and many other families

strained beyond their limits suffering from the loss of a parent or child. Thanks

to Professor Chandler and Professor Clay, we have been able to secure a 20 foot

shipping container that we can fill with books and other humanitarian supplies.

The goal is to fill this container by the end of March so it can ship out in April. If

you are involved with a group or organization either on or off campus that

would like to help with this project please send them our way.

Working Together for Liberia

Books: all reading levels, new or used

School/Art Supplies: paper, pens,

pencils, paints, brushes, crayons, scissors

Soap/Sanitizer: body wash, hand soap,

bar soap, laundry soap, hand sanitizer

Latex Gloves

Tissues: Kleenex, toilet paper, wipes

Toys: balls, bats, gloves (not battery

operated)

Clothing: new socks, underwear, towels

wash cloths, children/baby clothing

Food: canned and nonperishable food

items

What can you do to help?

Exchange Students on Campus Confucius Institute. You will continue to see 5 of them

again Spring semester as they have requested to stay an

additional semester. We always enjoy having Jiujiang

students on campus and appreciate the contributions

they make to our university.

Spring semester we will be bringing 6 young ladies

from Babcock University in Nigeria to spend a semester

studying in the Social Work program as part of the

agreement we have with Babcock University. The ladies

will be living in Bowen Smith residence

hall and will be active in classroom as

well as within the community.

This Fall semester seven Savannah State University students

spent a semester abroad at Jiujiang University in China.

Martez Reynolds, Debra Chiza, Ruth Bakatukanda, Nicole

Wiggins, La’Daria Jackson, Ashanti Snead, and Christal Driver

have represented us well this semester. Nicole Wiggins and

Martez Reynolds have enjoyed the experience so much they

are asking to stay an additional semester!

While our students were visiting Jiujiang University, eleven

Jiujiang students chose to spend a semester at Savannah

State University. You may have seen them around campus or

during their performance during the inauguration of The

Operation SHEA

Just donate any of the following:

5

Katie Hynes

My Graduate Internship Experience in the IEC

By Katie Hynes

Being in Savannah has been a breath of fresh air since spending the last two winters in Boston! I began working as the Graduate Intern in the IEC in August, and I can’t believe my time here is coming to an end in December. This internship experience has taught me the real meaning of “hands-on” learning, as I’ve been able to be a part of study abroad initiatives, international student services, and the continuing internationalization of SSU’s campus.

Studying abroad as a university student is a transformative experience. I’m so glad that I’ve been able to be a part of coordinating the Summer 2015 study abroad trips for SSU students. I’ve also met many of the international and exchange students who are pursuing studies here. It’s been so interesting to learn about the international connections that SSU has made, and also about their internationalization goals for the future. The world is continually becoming smaller and more interconnected, and I believe it’s important for our universities to reflect our globalizing society.

In September, the IEC began developing a survey to assess the experiences of students who participated in an exchange program during their time at SSU. We looked specifically at the experiences of students who studied at Cape Coast University and Kwame Nkruhmah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, and at Jiujiang University in China. An additional purpose of the SSU Exchange Program Survey is to analyze the impact of strategic partnerships with universities overseas on the global competence of Savannah State University’s students.

Nineteen SSU students responded to the Exchange Program Survey. We were able to hear about students’ experiences first-hand, including academics, intercultural experiences, how they used social media while abroad, and how participating in an exchange program has given them an advantage in landing a job after graduation.

Here are some highlights from the survey:

The Highlights

- 100% of students indicated that they gained an apprecia-tion for a new culture.

Average GPA before participating: 3.01

Average GPA after participating: 3.15

-100% of students indicated that they referenced their exchange program experi-ence at some point in their job or internship search.

- 100% of students indicated that they gained an improved understanding of cultural

differences.

- 100% of students indicated that they gained the ability to adapt to new environments.

- 100% of students indicated that they gained the ability to communicate effectively with peers of different cultural backgrounds.

6

Summer 2014 Study Abroad Savannah State University hosted 6 trips overseas this

summer for 27 students to experience life abroad.

Costa Rica: Nine

students traveled to

Costa Rica, stayed

with host families,

took Spanish

classes, took

cooking classes,

visited Costa Rican businesses, and went rafting under

the watchful (and sometimes participatory) eye of

Prof. Irina Tedrick.

Liberia: As Homeland Security majors, it is important

to see how multiple branches of the department of

defense operate. Prof. Terri Clay took 4 students to

Liberia to meet with United Nations Peacekeepers,

who were planning to leave the country at the end of

2014—although plans may now have changed. While

in country, the students also visited partnering

universities University of Liberia and African Methodist

Episcopal University.

Malaysia: As the last year for the NSF Magecstem

Plus grant, 3 engineering students were able to

travel to Malaysia and participate in environmental

research.

Thailand: Three Gilman award

winning students traveled with Dr.

Chad Faries to Thailand to participate

in experiential learning, where hands

-on activities meet academia in a non

-traditional classroom setting. The

students volunteered at orphanages,

in wildlife rescues, and in building

houses while writing about their

adventures.

Trinidad/Tobago: Social Work

courses with Dr. Roenia DeLoach

took a new approach to learning

during a visit to Trinidad/Tobago.

When they weren’t in the

classroom, students were able to

interact with the community and

tour the South American country.

United Kingdom: Dr. Anshu Arora

took five business students to study at

Nottingham Trent University Business

School for two weeks. During the day

long 10 day course, students studied

sustainability for businesses and made

presentations discussing best

practices for multiple industries. All

participants earned certifications for

their work.

Be a part of Summer 2015!! New Study Abroad locations have been announced for

Summer 2015—Vietnam (Creative Writing), Italy

(Drama), Costa Rica (Spanish), Grenada (English Lit),

Ireland (Homeland Security), France 1 (COBA) and

France 2 (Mass Comm), Ghana (Social Work), and China

(Math). Would you like to go? Come by the IEC Colston

116, call Study Abroad Coordinator Melanie Smith at

358.4188 or email smithm@savannahstate.edu.

7

Homecoming 2014

No Savannah State University experience is

complete without taking the opportunity to

experience Homecoming.

Fall 2014 was no different!

The float, the music, the dress, the merriment

from ISA’s flag was as festive and fun as ever.

Students went all out showcasing their creative

and artistic talents and sharing them with the

SSU Tiger community.

Although no prizes were awarded to this year’s

float, the students had a great

time handing out candy to

parade onlookers and dancing in

the streets.

International Students Association

Refreshment for the Runners

ISA co-sponsored Water Station #11 for the Rock &

Roll Marathon 2014.

This amazing group of students not only distributed

cups of water they also created signs and decorations

in preparation for international runners.

The event draws hundreds of thousands to Savannah,

GA every year! Extra special thanks to everyone that

got up early to ensure our area was THE BEST—

especially Ms. Keevy, Captain of Water Station #11 :)

Ready, Set, Read

International Students took center stage during Live Oak Public

Library’s Children’s Book Festival 2014.

Eight students presented stories, tongue twisters, songs, and phrases

from their home country to a live audience consisting of children and

parents.

Chunzi Zhang, Regina Luo, Fankun Zheng, J’maiah Nebawi, Igor Yefimenko, Jennyfer Vivas,

Kamelia Dimitrova, Sandy Lochu, Raheem Ope

Taking fun breaks!!!!

One of the biggest drawbacks to being an

international student is the lack of ability to get

home during break times.

Spring 2014 was spent exploring local

awesomeness—the St. Patrick’s Day Parade,

historic downtown tour, Hilton Head shopping

excursion, and last but not least, Ebenezer Creek,

kayaking with Wilderness Southeast.

Fall 2014 allowed students to tour neighboring

city, Atlanta, GA, seeing sights such as CNN—

including the International News section—the

Coca-Cola museum—with its global flavors

tasting room (don’t ask anyone about the

Beverly) - and Six Flags Over Georgia!

8

The African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) and the University of Liberia (UL) joined the list of West

African foreign partners of Savannah State University following the MOU signing ceremonies held respectively in

June and July 2014. Indeed, on Friday, June 27, Dr. Joseph T. Isaac, President of AMEU and Dr. Cheryl D. Dozier,

President of Savannah State University, signed a MOU to establish a collaborative partnership between both

institutions. AMEU is located in Monrovia, Liberia and has approximately 3,000 students in 10 academic programs

offered by three colleges: Bryant Theological Seminary, Business and Public Administration, and Liberal Arts and

Social Sciences. On July 29, Dr. Emmet Dennis, President of the University of Liberia, accompanied by Ms. Cynthia

Blandford, Honorary Consul General for the Republic of Liberia, visited Savannah State University. The highlight of

the visit was the signing of the MOU between SSU and the UL by the Presidents of both institutions, Drs. Dennis

and Dozier. The University of Liberia is located in Monrovia, Liberia and has six colleges, three professional schools

including a law school and a medical school, three graduate programs with an enrollment of 18,000 students at its

three campuses.

Thanks to the initiative and leadership of Dr. Robert Smith, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences,

an agreement between Caucasus University in Georgia and SSU was signed in August 2014. The key provisions in

the agreement include faculty and student exchange program, study abroad, and joint research collaboration. The

International Education Center plans to begin recruiting students in Spring 2015 for our first exchange program in

Georgia by Fall 2015. Caucasus University, located in Tbilisi, Georgia, is one of the leading and prestigious private

universities in Georgia. It offers a variety of courses in the fields of Business Administration, Law, Media,

Technology, Governance, Social Sciences, and Health Care Management. English and Georgian are the two

language of instruction.

SSU students shine in the Model UN and AU conferences

In November 2014, Model United Nations and African Union students participated in the Model UN conference

held in Washington DC and the Model African Union conference organized at Clayton State University. In addition

to getting their resolutions adopted, SSU students brought home various awards that symbolize their outstanding

performance at the conference. Special recognition to Dr. Otilia Iancu, the Model UN advisor, for preparing

students to excel in the simulation of the proceedings of the UN and AU.

Caucasus University becomes the latest addition to IEC international programs

Savannah State University establishes formal partnerships with two Liberian Universities