Global Connect Newsletter
The Ball State University international community will continue to grow, as increasing numbers of new students
are welcomed to campus this Fall during International Student Orientation. Set to begin August 15 and conclude
August 19, 2011, Orientation Week will include a Resource Fair on August 17. This fair is jointly organized by the
Rinker Center and Graduate School, for departments and student organizations wishing to promote their
services to new international and graduate students.
To participate, please contact trevorfoley@bsu.edu.
As part of the Education Redefined: Strategic Plan for 2007-2012, Ball State’s international community has
increased to over 800 international students, and is expected to expand to 1,000 total by 2012. The increasing
numbers of international students on the Ball State campus provide additional opportunities for campus and
community members to welcome and interact with these students, in programs designed to share American and
international cultures.
Hope Robinson, a Muncie
community member, assists
international students by
managing a furniture loan
program. International students
can receive donated items from
Hope, and also donate items to
future international students.
•
If you received furniture or
household items from Hope,
please give these to another
international student who
needs the item(s) or email
Hope to arrange a time for
her to pick up the items so
that they can be given to
incoming international
students.
•
If you have furniture or
household items that you
would like to donate to
future international
students, please email Hope
to pick up the items so they
can be stored until needed.
•
If you are moving from a
dorm to an apartment and
need furniture or household
items and would like to
borrow these from Hope,
please email her directly.
Contact: Hope Robinson,
hoperobinson@juno.com
For further information on such opportunities, please visit the Ball State University Rinker Center for
International Programs website, or contact 765-285-5422.
The Friendship Family Program aims to help international students establish connections with the Muncie
community, and it has existed at Ball State since the 1960s. Friendship Families promote mutual understanding,
and Family volunteers share a broader perspective on American culture with students through activities outside
of the traditional campus environment. For local residents, the program provides unique insight into the diverse
cultures represented by international students at Ball State and the chance to connect to another part of the
world without leaving home!
The Friendship Family Program partners an international student with a local family participant. Ball State
Friendship Families consist of a variety of family units, including parents with children living at home, singleparent families, couples without children in the household, single individuals, etc. Friendship families are not
sponsors and should never be expected to provide financial assistance. However, they often do provide caring
emotional support and practical assistance as students settle in and become familiar with the Muncie
community. For many students, their experience at Ball State is their first time away from their family and
friends in their home country. This program serves an important role in establishing a support system for these
students, and past participants often say the Friendship Family Program is their most meaningful and influential
experience while studying at Ball State.
The Rinker Center for
International Programs offers
a wide variety of services for
the Ball State community.
Some of the services which
you may wish to take
advantage of include:
•
•
Our Speakers Bureau
will help find
international students
willing to speak to your
group or organization
about their countries or
social topics.
•
We conveniently take
passport and visa
photos for a fee of $10.
website, or contact 765-285-5422.
Culture Exchange presentations are held Wednesdays at 12PM in the Rinker Center, throughout the Fall and
Spring semesters. Each week a different country or culture is highlighted; presenters offer an insider's look into
the culture. This interactive forum provides an overview of each country or culture, by presenters with
extensive and personal experience in the region. The Culture Exchange program is an exciting opportunity for
students to share their perspectives with the rest of campus regarding their home country’s history, traditions,
and culture. A 35 minute presentation is followed by a brief 10 minute question and answer session, to allow
attendees to interact with the presenter.
The Fall schedule will be released in September 2011. For further information, please view the RCIP Events
website, or contact 765-285-5422.
Working with you to
create department
brochures catered to
an international
audience.
•
For additional information or if you wish to get involved, please see the RCIP Friendship Family Program
Want to learn about countries and cultures represented by the international student community at Ball
State? Join us for a Culture Exchange, hosted at the Rinker Center for International Programs!
Assisting you with
creating field studies
and other study abroad
programs.
Rinker Center for International
Programs
Ball State University
L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Room
102
Muncie, IN 47306 USA
Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 765-285-5422
E-mail: intadmit@bsu.edu
The
Rinker
Center
for
International Programs is proud
to serve the international
education needs of the faculty,
staff and students of Ball State
University. The past year has
been an exciting one. Efforts of
the Division of International Student Recruitment and Admissions, led by Ms.
Kamala Dontamsetti, resulted in a 74% increase in
the number of international students over the
past two years. The number of undergraduate
international students has risen by an even more
impressive 106%. The number of international
students enrolled in the current academic year is
812, the largest in Ball State’s history. This
semester, Ball State welcomes students from 64
countries, with the largest groups coming from
China (218), Saudi Arabia (166), South Korea (60),
India (23) and Turkey (17). International Student
Services, directed by Mr. Scott Cantrell, has raised
dramatically the retention of international
students. The retention rate for students coming
from other countries is 90%, significantly higher
than that for domestic students. Mr. Po Hu’s
contributions as the China Initiative Coordinator
has led to Ball State’s emergence as the top U.S.
university in the 1+2+1 program, where Chinese
students complete their freshman year in China,
spend their sophomore and junior years at Ball
State, return to China for their senior year and
receive two diplomas upon graduation.
Our new Center for International Development is
currently managing three projects. One is a Pilot
Study of District and Appellate Courts in
Afghanistan. This project was funded by the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The intent is
to gauge the judicial level within the country.
In another grant focused on Iraq, our partner
university is Tikrit University located in Tikrit, just
north of Baghdad. We have held a workshop in
Amman, Jordan for the Tikrit faculty and
administrators of Computer Science, Accounting
and English. This included a full review of their
current
curriculum
and
proposals
for
improvements. Additionally, this spring, we are
conducting distance education courses in these
areas to strengthen the capacity and
sustainability of the faculty and student skills.
In Afghanistan, our partner university is Kandahar
which is located in Kandahar. This southern
province region is a wealth of potential in terms
of economics and agribusiness. It has been
declared that all course instruction in Kandahar
will be conducted in English. Ball State University
will be focusing on English education and
instruction, career center creation and
entrepreneurship. Clearly the needs and wishes
of Kandahar University align well with the
academic and infrastructure strengths of Ball
State University.
These grant opportunities are a reflection of Ball
State’s commitment to education redefined.
Faculty, staff and alumni recognize the
preeminent position this affords the institution in
terms of public recognition and presence not only
in the United States but around the world.
University
International
Ambassadors Club
The most often asked questions
that prospective study abroad
students ask are:
1. Is study abroad affordable?
2. Will study abroad delay my
graduation?
Here at Ball State, we do everything
possible to keep study abroad costs
at a level that are not too much
more than staying on campus. We
make financial aid available to
eligible study abroad students and
also provide specific study abroad
scholarships. In addition, our outof-state students pay in-state
tuition for any program that is
created and conducted by Ball State
professors including our semesterlong programs in London, Australia,
Costa Rica, Prague, Rome and
Worcester, England, as well as over
20 short-term summer field trips
overseas.
We also work with institutes of
higher education abroad to format
our programs in such a way that
students are not burdened with
having to pay high overhead
costs. All of this results in
programs that are little more than
on-campus costs and, in some
cases, actually cheaper than oncampus costs.
In answer to the question
concerning delayed graduation, the
answer is no. The curriculum of
our programs offer core courses,
independent studies and special
topic courses in your majors and
minors and electives. With a little
planning and advice from your
academic advisors, you should be
able to cobble together a
curriculum that will keep you apace
of your target date for
graduation. For students in nursing
and other such programs that
require on-campus courses in your
third and fourth years, plan on
studying abroad the second
semester of your freshman year or
either semester of your sophomore
year. You might also utilize our
summer offerings to make sure you
graduate on time.
Please come in to RCIP and find out
what programs best fit your
needs. We will do everything we
can to match you with an
affordable and timely overseas
program.
Imagine traveling to the world’s fastest
growing country and experiencing its
fascinating culture. Exposure to 5,000
years of history
and viewing
contemporary miracles during a visit to
six partner universities in China, and
four partner universities in Korea,
occurred in just five weeks. This was the
mission of the 22 members of the Ball
State University Far East Field Studies
Delegation as they traveled May 8-June
12, 2010. This most recent excursion
revived an established tradition at Ball
State. Previous trips were organized by
Dr. Jae Park, Director Emeritus of the
Far East Program.
During the extensive trip, Far East
delegates met six international partner
universities’ presidents and vice
presidents, 21 deans and associate
deans, two government education
chiefs and many international students.
The trip has planted seeds of friendship
and largely promoted the image of Ball
State in the region which many people
view as world’s future in the East.
This year’s trip had additional highlights
including a visit to 2010 Shanghai World
Expo (magnificent showcases of more
than 190 countries and 50 international
organizations), UNESCO World Heritage
Sites in Suzhou, Sino-American student
and teacher interaction afternoon in a
local high school in Suizhou, automotive
factory visit in Wuhan, Tang Dynasty
cultural experience in the ancient
capital Xi’an, discussion of social issues
with a group of Peking University
(Harvard in China) students and faculty
on PKU campus, making Kimchi
experience in Seoul, a visit to the
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along
the border with North Korea, and a
wonderful home-stay experience with
Korean host families in Busan. This is
not an exhaustive list of exciting
things and experiences that occurred
during the Far East Field Study.
development of the country (China)
and the foundation that has led to the
country’s prominence today. People
to people interaction provided an
Co-Director, Richard Harris, sent the
opportunity for our involvement and
following dispatch with updates on
a better learning experience.” Dr.
the group’s progress and recent
Hollands mentioned organizers did a
activities: “Our group of 22 has just
fine job in bringing the group together
begun the third week of 5 weeks in
for the three orientation sessions in
China and Korea. We are very diverse
early spring and in preparing students
in terms of age with 11 students and
and faculty for the exciting adventure
that lay ahead. Highlights of the trip
11 others throughout the age
spectrum. In addition to seeing the
were also reported by Danielle
Larison , a BSU junior who was a
sights which is very important to be
member of the delegation, “Ball State
sure, we are realizing the true aims of
a valuable field study; that is, much
is well known for many things. Its
Infamous
football
person
to
person
team
and
its
contact. To just cite
“Today the group
sustainability projects
one example, our host
have recently been
institution, Chang'an
traveled to the
popular conversationUniversity
in
Xian
worthy topics in the
planned a morning
Forbidden City and
Midwest. Something
session with 30 of their
Ball State is known for
an
students
and
Tienanmen Square.”
globally and most
afternoon session with
notably is its celebrity
20 faculty and deans.
alumni. Jim Davis and Papa John are
Very open and spirited discussions
known pretty vastly across the nation,
ensued on the widest range of
but during my five-week journey to
subjects. We had similar sessions in
Far East Asia, there was one Ball State
both Shanghai and Wuhan with fellow
alum that people inevitably always
Chinese students, faculty, and
asked about. Late night television
administrators. Our students have
personality, David Letterman, is
formed some wonderful relationships
recognized and revered from all
which are already continuing via ecorners of the world. So, to celebrate
mail and have gained a tremendous
this most beloved Ball State graduate,
level of awareness of another culture,
I have decided to write my Far East
so different from ours. We are most
Excursion capstone paper as a Top 10
certainly tired, but a good tired to be
List: great food, shopping, China’s
sure.”
most
famous
history,
tourist
attraction,
squatty
potties,
Participants on the trip reported high
nightclubs, fabulous hotel rooms,
praise for the experience. According
cultural dress up, Festivals, and the
to Dr. Roger Hollands, Political
friendships made along the way.”
Science, “For me this was a very well
organized and incredibly positive
learning experience… Sightseeing and
cultural experience provided a very
worthwhile perspective on the
This year, as part of the
University’s
“First
Year
Experience Program,” a study
abroad
component
was
added.
Freshmen
were
encouraged to participate in a
credit-bearing field trip to
Costa Rica to get a sense of
what is entailed in a study
abroad experience.
It is
hoped that this experience
will whet the appetite for
studying abroad and that
these freshmen will go on to
participate in other study
abroad programs which Ball
State offers.
Nine freshmen elected to
participate in the program and
spent their Spring Break in
Costa Rica.
While there, they took part in
activities such as field trips
through rainforests (day and
night), to volcanoes, to coffee,
chocolate and pineapple
plantations as
well
as
attending lectures on the flora
and fauna of Costa Rica, on
Costa Rica’s conservation
policies and other issues of
social
and
economic
importance.
On each field trip, a guide
shared her/his expertise on
various issues at hand such as
the processing of products,
labor relations, fair trade
agreements, volcanology, etc.
The group also participated in
white water rafting and zip-
•
Ball State University recently received approval
from the United States Immigration Office to
admit qualified international students to
programs offered at Indianapolis Center. Masters
in Urban Design is one of such programs which
many international students are interested in
pursuing at Ball State. Interested students are
welcome to contact International Admissions by
sending an email to intadmit@bsu.edu
•
Actively working to meet Ball State’s strategic
plan of enrolling 1000 international students by
Fall 2012.
•
Ball State University is currently represented by
recruiters in strategic countries of China, Saudi
Arabia, and India.
lined over rainforest canopies.
Dr. Jim Coffin, Director of Study
accompanied
the
Abroad,
students, provided pre-trip
meetings and designed
the credit-bearing assignments.
The
Tirimbina
Rainforest
Institute hosted the group and
provided the agenda.
The
Tirimbina Institute is the
primary provider for Ball State’s
other study abroad programs in
Costa Rica, implementing short
term programs provided by
biology and anthropology and
the semester-long Costa Rica
Center.
CONTACT
Web: studyabroad.bsu.edu
Email: studyabroad@bsu.edu
•
International Admissions is pleased to
announce a new Certificate in PreMasters of Computer Science, beginning
with Fall 2011. This program helps
interested international students with
non-computer Science backgrounds, to
apply for the Pre-Masters Certificate,
and if admitted, prepare them for
applying to the Master’s program in
Computer Science.
•
International Admissions Office is
gearing to go live with the new ERP
system in September 2011, to receive
and process applications for Fall 2012.
The University
International
Ambassadors Club
(UIAC) is a student group
on campus dedicated to
bridging the gap
between American
students and
International students at
Ball State University. The
group aims to plan,
support, and organize
group attendance at
many fun activities!
Congratulations to all
the executive members
for the 2011-2012 year!
President - Farangis Nozimzoda
Vice President - Bryan Stecker
Treasurer - Cassandra Lovitt
Secretary - Han Jen (Wendy),
Chiang
For ways to get involved,
please contact:
UAC@bsu.edu
University
International
Ambassadors Club
The most often asked questions
that prospective study abroad
students ask are:
1. Is study abroad affordable?
2. Will study abroad delay my
graduation?
Here at Ball State, we do everything
possible to keep study abroad costs
at a level that are not too much
more than staying on campus. We
make financial aid available to
eligible study abroad students and
also provide specific study abroad
scholarships. In addition, our outof-state students pay in-state
tuition for any program that is
created and conducted by Ball State
professors including our semesterlong programs in London, Australia,
Costa Rica, Prague, Rome and
Worcester, England, as well as over
20 short-term summer field trips
overseas.
We also work with institutes of
higher education abroad to format
our programs in such a way that
students are not burdened with
having to pay high overhead
costs. All of this results in
programs that are little more than
on-campus costs and, in some
cases, actually cheaper than oncampus costs.
In answer to the question
concerning delayed graduation, the
answer is no. The curriculum of
our programs offer core courses,
independent studies and special
topic courses in your majors and
minors and electives. With a little
planning and advice from your
academic advisors, you should be
able to cobble together a
curriculum that will keep you apace
of your target date for
graduation. For students in nursing
and other such programs that
require on-campus courses in your
third and fourth years, plan on
studying abroad the second
semester of your freshman year or
either semester of your sophomore
year. You might also utilize our
summer offerings to make sure you
graduate on time.
Please come in to RCIP and find out
what programs best fit your
needs. We will do everything we
can to match you with an
affordable and timely overseas
program.
Imagine traveling to the world’s fastest
growing country and experiencing its
fascinating culture. Exposure to 5,000
years of history
and viewing
contemporary miracles during a visit to
six partner universities in China, and
four partner universities in Korea,
occurred in just five weeks. This was the
mission of the 22 members of the Ball
State University Far East Field Studies
Delegation as they traveled May 8-June
12, 2010. This most recent excursion
revived an established tradition at Ball
State. Previous trips were organized by
Dr. Jae Park, Director Emeritus of the
Far East Program.
During the extensive trip, Far East
delegates met six international partner
universities’ presidents and vice
presidents, 21 deans and associate
deans, two government education
chiefs and many international students.
The trip has planted seeds of friendship
and largely promoted the image of Ball
State in the region which many people
view as world’s future in the East.
This year’s trip had additional highlights
including a visit to 2010 Shanghai World
Expo (magnificent showcases of more
than 190 countries and 50 international
organizations), UNESCO World Heritage
Sites in Suzhou, Sino-American student
and teacher interaction afternoon in a
local high school in Suizhou, automotive
factory visit in Wuhan, Tang Dynasty
cultural experience in the ancient
capital Xi’an, discussion of social issues
with a group of Peking University
(Harvard in China) students and faculty
on PKU campus, making Kimchi
experience in Seoul, a visit to the
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along
the border with North Korea, and a
wonderful home-stay experience with
Korean host families in Busan. This is
not an exhaustive list of exciting
things and experiences that occurred
during the Far East Field Study.
development of the country (China)
and the foundation that has led to the
country’s prominence today. People
to people interaction provided an
Co-Director, Richard Harris, sent the
opportunity for our involvement and
following dispatch with updates on
a better learning experience.” Dr.
the group’s progress and recent
Hollands mentioned organizers did a
activities: “Our group of 22 has just
fine job in bringing the group together
begun the third week of 5 weeks in
for the three orientation sessions in
China and Korea. We are very diverse
early spring and in preparing students
in terms of age with 11 students and
and faculty for the exciting adventure
that lay ahead. Highlights of the trip
11 others throughout the age
spectrum. In addition to seeing the
were also reported by Danielle
Larison , a BSU junior who was a
sights which is very important to be
member of the delegation, “Ball State
sure, we are realizing the true aims of
a valuable field study; that is, much
is well known for many things. Its
Infamous
football
person
to
person
team
and
its
contact. To just cite
“Today the group
sustainability projects
one example, our host
have recently been
institution, Chang'an
traveled to the
popular conversationUniversity
in
Xian
worthy topics in the
planned a morning
Forbidden City and
Midwest. Something
session with 30 of their
Ball State is known for
an
students
and
Tienanmen Square.”
globally and most
afternoon session with
notably is its celebrity
20 faculty and deans.
alumni. Jim Davis and Papa John are
Very open and spirited discussions
known pretty vastly across the nation,
ensued on the widest range of
but during my five-week journey to
subjects. We had similar sessions in
Far East Asia, there was one Ball State
both Shanghai and Wuhan with fellow
alum that people inevitably always
Chinese students, faculty, and
asked about. Late night television
administrators. Our students have
personality, David Letterman, is
formed some wonderful relationships
recognized and revered from all
which are already continuing via ecorners of the world. So, to celebrate
mail and have gained a tremendous
this most beloved Ball State graduate,
level of awareness of another culture,
I have decided to write my Far East
so different from ours. We are most
Excursion capstone paper as a Top 10
certainly tired, but a good tired to be
List: great food, shopping, China’s
sure.”
most
famous
history,
tourist
attraction,
squatty
potties,
Participants on the trip reported high
nightclubs, fabulous hotel rooms,
praise for the experience. According
cultural dress up, Festivals, and the
to Dr. Roger Hollands, Political
friendships made along the way.”
Science, “For me this was a very well
organized and incredibly positive
learning experience… Sightseeing and
cultural experience provided a very
worthwhile perspective on the
This year, as part of the
University’s
“First
Year
Experience Program,” a study
abroad
component
was
added.
Freshmen
were
encouraged to participate in a
credit-bearing field trip to
Costa Rica to get a sense of
what is entailed in a study
abroad experience.
It is
hoped that this experience
will whet the appetite for
studying abroad and that
these freshmen will go on to
participate in other study
abroad programs which Ball
State offers.
Nine freshmen elected to
participate in the program and
spent their Spring Break in
Costa Rica.
While there, they took part in
activities such as field trips
through rainforests (day and
night), to volcanoes, to coffee,
chocolate and pineapple
plantations as
well
as
attending lectures on the flora
and fauna of Costa Rica, on
Costa Rica’s conservation
policies and other issues of
social
and
economic
importance.
On each field trip, a guide
shared her/his expertise on
various issues at hand such as
the processing of products,
labor relations, fair trade
agreements, volcanology, etc.
The group also participated in
white water rafting and zip-
•
Ball State University recently received approval
from the United States Immigration Office to
admit qualified international students to
programs offered at Indianapolis Center. Masters
in Urban Design is one of such programs which
many international students are interested in
pursuing at Ball State. Interested students are
welcome to contact International Admissions by
sending an email to intadmit@bsu.edu
•
Actively working to meet Ball State’s strategic
plan of enrolling 1000 international students by
Fall 2012.
•
Ball State University is currently represented by
recruiters in strategic countries of China, Saudi
Arabia, and India.
lined over rainforest canopies.
Dr. Jim Coffin, Director of Study
accompanied
the
Abroad,
students, provided pre-trip
meetings and designed
the credit-bearing assignments.
The
Tirimbina
Rainforest
Institute hosted the group and
provided the agenda.
The
Tirimbina Institute is the
primary provider for Ball State’s
other study abroad programs in
Costa Rica, implementing short
term programs provided by
biology and anthropology and
the semester-long Costa Rica
Center.
CONTACT
Web: studyabroad.bsu.edu
Email: studyabroad@bsu.edu
•
International Admissions is pleased to
announce a new Certificate in PreMasters of Computer Science, beginning
with Fall 2011. This program helps
interested international students with
non-computer Science backgrounds, to
apply for the Pre-Masters Certificate,
and if admitted, prepare them for
applying to the Master’s program in
Computer Science.
•
International Admissions Office is
gearing to go live with the new ERP
system in September 2011, to receive
and process applications for Fall 2012.
The University
International
Ambassadors Club
(UIAC) is a student group
on campus dedicated to
bridging the gap
between American
students and
International students at
Ball State University. The
group aims to plan,
support, and organize
group attendance at
many fun activities!
Congratulations to all
the executive members
for the 2011-2012 year!
President - Farangis Nozimzoda
Vice President - Bryan Stecker
Treasurer - Cassandra Lovitt
Secretary - Han Jen (Wendy),
Chiang
For ways to get involved,
please contact:
UAC@bsu.edu
Global Connect Newsletter
The Ball State University international community will continue to grow, as increasing numbers of new students
are welcomed to campus this Fall during International Student Orientation. Set to begin August 15 and conclude
August 19, 2011, Orientation Week will include a Resource Fair on August 17. This fair is jointly organized by the
Rinker Center and Graduate School, for departments and student organizations wishing to promote their
services to new international and graduate students.
To participate, please contact trevorfoley@bsu.edu.
As part of the Education Redefined: Strategic Plan for 2007-2012, Ball State’s international community has
increased to over 800 international students, and is expected to expand to 1,000 total by 2012. The increasing
numbers of international students on the Ball State campus provide additional opportunities for campus and
community members to welcome and interact with these students, in programs designed to share American and
international cultures.
Hope Robinson, a Muncie
community member, assists
international students by
managing a furniture loan
program. International students
can receive donated items from
Hope, and also donate items to
future international students.
•
If you received furniture or
household items from Hope,
please give these to another
international student who
needs the item(s) or email
Hope to arrange a time for
her to pick up the items so
that they can be given to
incoming international
students.
•
If you have furniture or
household items that you
would like to donate to
future international
students, please email Hope
to pick up the items so they
can be stored until needed.
•
If you are moving from a
dorm to an apartment and
need furniture or household
items and would like to
borrow these from Hope,
please email her directly.
Contact: Hope Robinson,
hoperobinson@juno.com
For further information on such opportunities, please visit the Ball State University Rinker Center for
International Programs website, or contact 765-285-5422.
The Friendship Family Program aims to help international students establish connections with the Muncie
community, and it has existed at Ball State since the 1960s. Friendship Families promote mutual understanding,
and Family volunteers share a broader perspective on American culture with students through activities outside
of the traditional campus environment. For local residents, the program provides unique insight into the diverse
cultures represented by international students at Ball State and the chance to connect to another part of the
world without leaving home!
The Friendship Family Program partners an international student with a local family participant. Ball State
Friendship Families consist of a variety of family units, including parents with children living at home, singleparent families, couples without children in the household, single individuals, etc. Friendship families are not
sponsors and should never be expected to provide financial assistance. However, they often do provide caring
emotional support and practical assistance as students settle in and become familiar with the Muncie
community. For many students, their experience at Ball State is their first time away from their family and
friends in their home country. This program serves an important role in establishing a support system for these
students, and past participants often say the Friendship Family Program is their most meaningful and influential
experience while studying at Ball State.
The Rinker Center for
International Programs offers
a wide variety of services for
the Ball State community.
Some of the services which
you may wish to take
advantage of include:
•
•
Our Speakers Bureau
will help find
international students
willing to speak to your
group or organization
about their countries or
social topics.
•
We conveniently take
passport and visa
photos for a fee of $10.
website, or contact 765-285-5422.
Culture Exchange presentations are held Wednesdays at 12PM in the Rinker Center, throughout the Fall and
Spring semesters. Each week a different country or culture is highlighted; presenters offer an insider's look into
the culture. This interactive forum provides an overview of each country or culture, by presenters with
extensive and personal experience in the region. The Culture Exchange program is an exciting opportunity for
students to share their perspectives with the rest of campus regarding their home country’s history, traditions,
and culture. A 35 minute presentation is followed by a brief 10 minute question and answer session, to allow
attendees to interact with the presenter.
The Fall schedule will be released in September 2011. For further information, please view the RCIP Events
website, or contact 765-285-5422.
Working with you to
create department
brochures catered to
an international
audience.
•
For additional information or if you wish to get involved, please see the RCIP Friendship Family Program
Want to learn about countries and cultures represented by the international student community at Ball
State? Join us for a Culture Exchange, hosted at the Rinker Center for International Programs!
Assisting you with
creating field studies
and other study abroad
programs.
Rinker Center for International
Programs
Ball State University
L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Room
102
Muncie, IN 47306 USA
Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 765-285-5422
E-mail: intadmit@bsu.edu
The
Rinker
Center
for
International Programs is proud
to serve the international
education needs of the faculty,
staff and students of Ball State
University. The past year has
been an exciting one. Efforts of
the Division of International Student Recruitment and Admissions, led by Ms.
Kamala Dontamsetti, resulted in a 74% increase in
the number of international students over the
past two years. The number of undergraduate
international students has risen by an even more
impressive 106%. The number of international
students enrolled in the current academic year is
812, the largest in Ball State’s history. This
semester, Ball State welcomes students from 64
countries, with the largest groups coming from
China (218), Saudi Arabia (166), South Korea (60),
India (23) and Turkey (17). International Student
Services, directed by Mr. Scott Cantrell, has raised
dramatically the retention of international
students. The retention rate for students coming
from other countries is 90%, significantly higher
than that for domestic students. Mr. Po Hu’s
contributions as the China Initiative Coordinator
has led to Ball State’s emergence as the top U.S.
university in the 1+2+1 program, where Chinese
students complete their freshman year in China,
spend their sophomore and junior years at Ball
State, return to China for their senior year and
receive two diplomas upon graduation.
Our new Center for International Development is
currently managing three projects. One is a Pilot
Study of District and Appellate Courts in
Afghanistan. This project was funded by the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The intent is
to gauge the judicial level within the country.
In another grant focused on Iraq, our partner
university is Tikrit University located in Tikrit, just
north of Baghdad. We have held a workshop in
Amman, Jordan for the Tikrit faculty and
administrators of Computer Science, Accounting
and English. This included a full review of their
current
curriculum
and
proposals
for
improvements. Additionally, this spring, we are
conducting distance education courses in these
areas to strengthen the capacity and
sustainability of the faculty and student skills.
In Afghanistan, our partner university is Kandahar
which is located in Kandahar. This southern
province region is a wealth of potential in terms
of economics and agribusiness. It has been
declared that all course instruction in Kandahar
will be conducted in English. Ball State University
will be focusing on English education and
instruction, career center creation and
entrepreneurship. Clearly the needs and wishes
of Kandahar University align well with the
academic and infrastructure strengths of Ball
State University.
These grant opportunities are a reflection of Ball
State’s commitment to education redefined.
Faculty, staff and alumni recognize the
preeminent position this affords the institution in
terms of public recognition and presence not only
in the United States but around the world.
CENTER for INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Get Social With
RCIP!
Volutpat mos at neque nulla
lobortis dignissim conventio,
torqueo, acsi roto modo. Feugait
Facebook
in obruo quae ingenium tristique
elit vel natu meus. Molior
torqueo capio velit loquor aptent
Please be sure to visit the Rinker
ut erat feugiat pneum commodo
Center for International Programs’
Facebook page to stay current
vel obruo mara genitus. Sus
cipit, vicis praesent erat feugait
epulae, validus indoles duis
enim consequat genitus at. Sed,
conventio, aliquip accumsan
adipiscing augue blandit minim
abbas oppeto commoveo.
Enim neo velit adsum odio,
multo, in commoveo quibus
premo tamen erat huic. Occuro
Imagine traveling to the world’s fastest
growing country and experiencing its
fascinating culture. Exposure to 5,000
years of history as contrasted to viewing
contemporary miracles during a visit to
six partner universities in China, and
four in Korea, occurred in just 5 weeks.
This was the mission of the 22 members
of the Ball State University Far East Field
Studies Delegation as they traveled May
8-June 12, 2010. This most recent
excursion revived an established
tradition at Ball State. Previous trips
were organized by Dr. Jae Park, Director
Emeritus of the Far East Program.
uxor dolore, ut at praemitto opto
si sudo, opes feugiat iriure
validus. Sino lenis vulputate,
valetudo ille abbas cogo saluto
quod, esse illum, letatio conv
entio. Letalis nibh iustum tran
sverbero bene, erat vulputate
enim praemitto validus.
Loquor, vulputate meus indoles
iaceo, ne secundum, dolus
demoveo interdico proprius. In
consequat os quae nulla
magna. Delenit abdo esse quia,
te huic. Ratis neque ymo, venio
illum pala damnum pneum
spago loquor dolus lor
secundum erat neo adsum
multo commoveo feugiat
praesant validus conventio
voco camur nulla.
During the extensive trip, Far East
delegates met 6 international partner
universities’
presidents
&
vice
presidents, 21 deans & associate deans,
2 government education chiefs, and
many international students. The trip
has planted seeds of friendship and
largely promoted the image of Ball State
in the region which many people view
as World’s future in the East.
This year’s trip had additional highlights
including a visit to 2010 Shanghai World
Expo (magnificent showcases of more
than 190 countries and 50 international
organizations), UNESCO World Heritage
Sites in Suzhou, Sino-American student
and teacher interaction afternoon in a
local high school in Suizhou, automotive
factory visit in Wuhan, Tang Dynasty
cultural experience in the ancient
capital Xi’an, discussion of social issues
with a group of Peking University
(Harvard in China) students and faculty
on PKU campus, making Kimchi
experience in Seoul, a visit to the
Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along
the border with North Korea, and a
wonderful home-stay experience with
Korean host families in Busan… This is
not an exhaustive list of exciting things
and experiences that occurred during
the Far East Field Study.
Co-Director, Richard Harris, sent the
following dispatch with updates on
the group’s progress and recent
activities: “Our group of 22 has just
begun the third week of 5 weeks in
China and Korea. We are very diverse
in terms of age with 11 students and
11 others throughout the age
spectrum. In addition to seeing the
sights which is very important to be
sure, we are realizing the true aims of
a valuable field study; that is, much
person to person contact. To just cite
and the foundation that has led to the
country’s prominence today. People
to people interaction provided an
opportunity for our involvement and
a better learning experience.” Said,
Dr.
Roger
Hollands,
Emeritus
Distinguished Professor in Political
Science. Dr. Holland mentioned folks
did a fine job in bringing the group
together for the three orientation
sessions in early spring and in
preparing students and faculty for the
exciting adventure that lay ahead.
Highlights of trip were also reported
by Danielle Larison , a BSU junior who
was a member of the delegation,
Created in Fall 2010, the
Center
for
International
Development (CID) manages
multiple international grants.
Currently, these grants focus
on Iraq and Afghanistan while
pursuits in other countries are
being considered.
CID
provides the gateway and
means for Ball State University
to
strengthen
collegial
relations across departments
and extend its presence
beyond and across numerous
boundaries.
Ball State’s excellence in the
areas of Intensive English
Institute (for those learning
English),
Accounting,
Computer
Science,
Journalism, Business, Social
Science
and
Telecommunications provides
a competitive advantage for
Ball State to receive such
grants. CID serves as a place
to assist in the economic and
social development of the
world's most fragile countries.
Ball State faculty are able to
brainstorm, write proposals,
and execute projects, while
CID serves as a collaborative
international research support
unit.
CID's initial emphasis has been
applying for and managing
grants in Iraq, Afghanistan and
Pakistan due to the rapid
increase in U.S. government
aid to those countries. The
primary sponsors are the U.S.
State
Department,
U.S.
Agency
for
International
Development,
the
U.S.
Department of Defense, the
North
Atlantic
Treaty
Organization, World Bank and
Asian Development Bank. CID
will also seek sub-contracts
from
State
Department
contractors including the
Academy for Educational
Development.
with all of our exciting news,
activities, and events.
www.facebook.com/ballstateinternational
Flickr
We are now utilizing Flickr, a
photo and video sharing network
to post interesting photos of our
journeys around the globe. Stop
by to view some special photos
from Afghanistan and Iraq!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rinkercenter/
Skype
RCIP has helped to reduce the
cost of long distance and
international phone charges by
using Skype, a web application
which will allow you to make free
telephone calls through the
computer. Contact: RCIP_BSU