GV PS

Shanna Stebbins Corner studies Human Rights in Jerusalem

Shanna Stebbins Corner, GVSU IR graduate in 2005, is working on her Masters in International Affairs at the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Together with ten other students, Shanna was chosen to participate in a program at the Minerva Center for Human Rights at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. They were in Jerusalem for ten weeks, interning at different human rights organizations and studying the history of the conflict and international human rights law.

Perugia, Italy GVSU Partnership Student Exchange Program

The GVSU Political Science department has recently developed a GVSU Partnership Student Exchange program with two universities in Perugia, Italy, the sister city of Grand Rapids. Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of four semesters of Italian language to participate. Here is the brochure describing the program in detail: Download Perugia

Grand Rapids Sister Cities International provides a scholarship which could be used for the program.

Scholarship to Study in Perugia, Italy

NEWS RELEASE

Grand Rapids Sister Cities International
Universita per Stranieri – Angela Andrews Ryan Scholarship

The Perugia Sister City Committee of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International is pleased to announce the following award opportunity.

This award is open to all Grand Rapids area residents attending Grand Rapids area colleges or universities with at least half-time status.

The Universita per Stranieri, Italy’s premier language school for foreigners, is offering one month of intensive instruction in Italian language and culture.  The award includes tuition plus a modest grant for living expenses.  The class must be taken in 2009.

In addition to the award given by the University, the Perugia Sister City Committee will award the winner $2000.00 U.S. Dollars to cover various expenses including airfare.

The winner of the scholarship will be required to write a report to the Perugia Sister City Committee following completion of the study.

TO APPLY:  Applicants must send an essay of no more than 500 words describing why they would like to study Italian language and culture and how it fits their educational goals.  Applicants must include two letters of recommendation with the essay.  Finalists will be interviewed by the committee before selection of the winner.

DEADLINE:  The deadline for application is March 1, 2009.  The winner will be chosen by the Perugia Sister City Committee and notified shortly thereafter.

SEND ALL APPLICATIONS TO:

GRSCI – Perugia Scholarship

Grand Rapids Sister Cities International

300 Monroe Ave NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

GVSU Wins $1 Million Grant to Promote Exchanges with Hungary and Poland

The Grand Rapids Press has just featured a story on GVSU being awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education and the European Union. The grant will be used to promote student and faculty exchanges with Poland's Krakow University and Hungary's University of Drebecen. The program is called Studies in Trans-Atlantic International Relations (STAIR). Our International Relations Director Dr. Polly Diven played a key role in winning the grant.

Boren Scholarships for Language Study Abroad

A representative from the Institute of International Education will be on campus Wednesday, Sept. 3 to meet with students who are interested in applying for the Boren Scholarships.

These are scholarships for studying language abroad. There will be a meeting for any interested faculty or staff in Padnos International Center at 1 pm that day, and a session for students who may be interested in applying in the same place at 2 pm. The deadline for application is Jan. 29.

Study Abroad Fair Wednesday, 10/17

Where is your classroom?
The GVSU Fall Study Abroad Fair is in Kirkhof 250, 10-4 on Wednesday, 10/17
Stop by for prizes, snacks and INFORMATION about Study Abroad!

There is information about GVSU and non-GVSU programs, study abroad and internships abroad, financial aid for study abroad, and more!

Did you know that more than 25 PLS and IR majors studied abroad in the summer of 2007? Come find out about the opportunities the internationalize your education.

Fulbright scholarship opportunities for students

Fulbright U.S. Student Program Competition Opens

The Institute of International Education, in cooperation with the U.S.
Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship
Board, is pleased to announce the launch of the 2008-2009 Fulbright U.S.
Student Program competition.

For more than 60 years, the federal government-sponsored Fulbright U.S.
Student Program has provided future American leaders with an
unparalleled opportunity to study, conduct research, and teach in other
countries. Fulbright student grants aim to increase mutual
understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchange
while serving as a catalyst for long-term leadership development.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards approximately 1,300 grants
annually and currently operates in over 140 countries worldwide.
Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships are now available to 26
countries. Fulbright full grants generally provide funding for
round-trip travel, maintenance for one academic year, health and
accident coverage and full or partial tuition.

Applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program must be U.S. citizens
at the time of application and hold a bachelor*s degree or the
equivalent by the beginning of the grant. In the creative and
performing arts, four years of professional training and/or experience
meets this basic eligibility requirement. The Fulbright U.S. Student
Program does not require applicants to be currently enrolled in a
college or university. Applications from young professionals interested
in an international experience are also encouraged.

For more information, interested individuals should visit the Fulbright
U.S. Student Program website at www.us.fulbrightonline.org . Students
currently enrolled at Grand Valley should contact their campus Fulbright
Program Adviser Mary Albrecht for more information. Applications must
be submitted both electronically and in hard copy to the Provost*s
Office at 24 JHZ by the September 30, 2007 in order to be received by
IIE electronically by October 19, 2007 and in hard copy by the October
22, 2007 national deadline.

IR and PLS Students Study Abroad in Summer 2007

Record numbers of IR and PLS students are studying overseas this summer. A partial list follows:

Australia - 1
China - 3
France - 3
Jordan - 6
Mexico - 3
Egypt - 1
Argentina - 1
Switzerland - 1
Ghana - 2
England - 1
Poland - 1
Japan - 1

There are also two students earning internship credits while working in Paris and New Delhi this summer.

We are really excited that so many students are taking advantage of the many opportunities to work and study overseas as part of their education. If you are considering study abroad for next year, please visit the Padnos International Center or speak with Professor Diven.

Rotary Fellowships

Rotary International has some significant scholarships for international study. If you are interested, let one of the faculty know as you will need a contact from the local branch to sponsor you.

Ambassadorial Scholarship

Rotary Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution

(Update: Link for second scholarship has been corrected.)

Study Abroad Opportunities Abound!

Study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year.
Take advantage of GVSU faculty led programs, GVSU partnerships, or dozens of other great programs. Read on -- the opportunities are endless!
Study abroad will help you...
• Prepare to work in an increasingly diverse and international workplace
• Understand the fields of IR and PLS from an international perspective
• Expand your cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
• Improve your language skills

Will Study Abroad delay my graduation?
NO! Most students receive full credit for courses they successfully complete abroad. Both PLS and IR majors can count study abroad courses toward electives in their majors.

Talk to your PLS or IR advisor:
Use a credit transfer form to get approval from your academic advisor for specific courses. Students are also able to fulfill GenEd requirements abroad, including a custom theme abroad.

Can I afford to study abroad?
YES! If you study abroad on a GVSU program, or if you study at one of GVSU's partner institutions, then you will pay the equivalent of Grand Valley tuition. Your regular financial aid applies to study abroad. In some cases, your aid will increase to cover additional expenses. The Padnos International Center offers scholarships to qualified study abroad participants. Visit their office in Lake Ontario Hall to research your options.

Visit this website: www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad

For some program recommendations, contact Professor Polly Diven here.