1 Opportunities and Services for International Students The fall semester is off to a great start – students have settled in and we’re enjoying anther gorgeous autumn in the Rockies. A busy week of orientation programming for new students finished on August 23 rd , which included three days exclusively for new international students. This was an especially busy orientation as UM is now home to 618 international students from more than 60 countries. This is the largest number of international students at the university ever and we’re thrilled to be working with them. UM’s international students support team works to provide the best possible service to these outstanding students: We strive to continuously introduce them to new and long-standing academic opportunities, and the rich array of support services and traditions that make studying at UM such a distinctive experience. As a valued partner, we hope this publication provides you with user-friendly information about the services we provide, how to best interface with them, & examples of how students are thriving at UM. We look forward to periodically providing these type of updates, and working with you for many years to come. FALL—2013 The University of Montana was pleased to welcome 170 new internaonal students to campus this fall semester. The office of Foreign Student and Scholar Services (FSSS) provides a comprehensive series of programs and services to make sure each student has a smooth transion to the university. This semester, each student was greeted at the airport by one of our friendly orientaon staff, who then helped them sele into their housing and provided shopping shules. The new students’ stay at our university kicked off with a three day foreign student orientaon, followed by two days of all-campus orientaon. At their orientaon, they learned all about the University, essenal campus services, academic system and class selecon, American culture, the Missoula community, and had a chance to meet key university staff and administrators. The students had plenty of opportunies to make new connecons and friends, which included a welcome dinner hosted by Missoula community members and at two student-hosted pares. They were also invited to be matched with a Community Friend (host family) through the Missoula Internaonal Friendship Program, a non-profit community organizaon that works closely with FSSS to enhance the experience of the internaonal students in our community. Community Friends and 92 students met at a fesve recepon on September 10 th . A similar number of students joined our on-campus peer mentoring program for internaonal students, the UM Global Partners Program. In that program seasoned students volunteer to be their campus guides and friends during their first two months of transion. As part of the orientaon programs, FSSS also provided personal visa documentaon and advising to each student to ensure that they could understand and comply with regulaons in order to maintain their legal status. Rounding up the students’ welcome to the University of Montana, FSSS offered six field-trip opportunies throughout the first few weeks, the highlights being a popular tour of Glac- ier Naonal Park (Sept. 7) and another one of Yellow- stone Naonal Park (Sept. 21). FSSS will connue to offer similar services and programs throughout the enre academic year to make sure the students stay well-integrated into the campus and community. Warm greetings from the University of Montana! A message from Foreign Student and Scholar Services Contents The Mansfield Center’s work with internaonal students pg. 2 New services and opportunies for internaonal students pg. 2 Internaonal student profiles pg. 3 Indicators of UM’s excellence pg. 3 Internaonal students thriving at UM pg. 4 Internaonal partnerships pg. 5 Contacts pg. 6
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1
Opportunities and Services for International Students
The fall semester is off to a great start – students have settled in and we’re enjoying anther gorgeous autumn in the Rockies. A busy week of orientation programming for new students finished on August 23rd, which included three days exclusively for new international students. This was an especially busy orientation as UM is now home to 618 international students from more than 60 countries. This is the largest number of international students at the university ever and we’re thrilled to be working with them.
UM’s international students support team works to provide the best possible service to these outstanding students: We strive to continuously introduce them to new and long-standing academic opportunities, and the rich array of support services and traditions that make studying at UM such a distinctive experience.
As a valued partner, we hope this publication provides you with user-friendly information about the services we provide, how to best interface with them, & examples of how students are thriving at UM. We look forward to periodically providing these type of updates, and working with you for many years to come.
FALL—2013
The University of Montana was pleased to welcome 170 new international students to campus this fall semester. The office of Foreign Student and Scholar Services (FSSS) provides a comprehensive series of programs and services to make sure each student has a smooth transition to the university. This semester, each student was greeted at the airport by one of our friendly orientation staff, who then helped them settle into their housing and provided shopping shuttles.
The new students’ stay at our university kicked off with a three day foreign student orientation, followed by two days of all-campus orientation. At their orientation, they learned all about the University, essential campus services, academic system and class selection, American culture, the Missoula community, and had a chance to meet key university staff and administrators. The students had plenty of opportunities to make new connections and friends, which included a welcome dinner hosted by Missoula community members and at two student-hosted parties. They were also invited to be matched with a Community Friend (host family) through the Missoula International Friendship Program, a non-profit community organization that works closely with FSSS to enhance the experience of the international students in our community.
Community Friends and 92 students met at a festive reception on September 10th. A similar number of students joined our on-campus peer mentoring program for international students, the UM Global Partners Program. In that program seasoned students volunteer to be their campus guides and friends during their first two months of transition. As part of the orientation programs, FSSS also provided personal visa documentation and advising to each student to ensure that
they could understand and comply with regulations in order to maintain their legal status. Rounding up the students’ welcome to the University of Montana, FSSS offered six field-trip opportunities throughout the first few weeks, the highlights being a popular tour of Glac-ier National Park (Sept. 7) and another one of Yellow-stone National Park (Sept. 21). FSSS will continue to offer similar services and programs throughout the entire academic year to make sure the students stay well-integrated into the campus and community.
Warm greetings from the University of Montana!
A message from Foreign Student and Scholar Services
Contents
The Mansfield Center’s work with international students pg. 2
New services and opportunities for international students pg. 2
State Department-UM Institute Fosters Critical Thinking and Networking
Mai Anh Dang of Vietnam studied at UM in July through the U.S. Department of State Study of the U.S. Institute on
Global Environmental Issues, managed by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center.
An important aspect of Anh’s time at UM was learning how to think critically and raise questions. She notes that ques-
tioning professors is not common in her culture. While it was initially challenging for her to develop questions for UM
professors, when she returned to Vietnam she surprised her professors with all the questions she asked!
Anh’s favorite memories of UM include biking through campus and enjoying the outdoors. She says, “I loved the after-
noons that I cycled around campus and looked at the big 'M' on the mountain. And peo-
ple in Missoula are so friendly. Whenever you walk on the street and see someone, they
wave and say 'hi'. I have met many other students at UM and they were very willing to
help me. International students have a wonderful time at UM and in Missoula, where
you can learn, live with nature, and meet lovely people.”
Since returning to Vietnam, Anh is drawing on lessons learned at UM to collaborate with
students to publish an environmental networking magazine. The publication will help
young activists connect and support each other to increase the effectiveness of their
environmental projects.
Reflecting on her experience, she said, “University of Montana is extremely simi-
lar to the university of my dreams…It was the most amazing summer of my life.”
Mai enjoying a ride through campus
English Language Institute’s Conversation Partner Program: ELI’s Conversation Partner Program offers students the
opportunity to interact with native English speaking volunteers from the Missoula community. This program provides a
friendly environment in which students can improve their speaking and listening skills, meet new people, learn more
about American culture, and gain confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas in English. By participating in the
program, students can also share interesting aspects about their own cultures with people in the Missoula community.
Groups discuss a variety of topics about American culture, the students’ culture, personal interests and hobbies, life
experiences, goals, and so on. For the fall semester, conversation groups will meet for six one-hour sessions.
Bridging Dialogues Across Cultures: Bridging Dialogue Across Cultures (BDAC) aims to provide students a safe space to
engage in dialogue across identities of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, and ability. Through guided ac-
tivities, group discussions, and engagement games, BDAC seeks to provide students with experiences that prepare
them to participate in and foster an inclusive society. BDAC is open to all UM students. Whether you are from a minor-
ity group in the U.S., an exchange student from abroad, or a Caucasian American student, BDAC can offer you a unique
experience to learn about other people’s views, deepen your understanding about diversity, and develop positive rela-
tionships with members of diverse communities. Facilitated by a professor from the College of Education, BDAC will
meet every other week.
International Fashion Show: The Office of International Programs will be putting on a fashion show for International
Week on Tuesday, November 12th, and we're looking for participants!
Weekly Sports Events hosted by International Student Association: every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7-9
pm in Schreiber Gym. Come play basketball, volleyball or soccer! All International students and friends are welcome,
please join and have fun!
The Mansfield Center’s work with international students
New services and opportunities for international students
3
Katy Kutra
Griffith University, Australia (UM partner university)
Why did you chose UM?
I absolutely fell in love as soon as a saw pictures of the cam-pus. I had never really heard of Missoula before, but after 5 minutes on google I knew it was a place I had to see with my own eyes.
What’s the biggest adjustment you have faced so far?
English is my first language so I’m fortunate not to have the language barrier. I would say trying to accommodate to dorm life has been the biggest adjustment thus far.
In general, how has your experience been at UM thus far?
It has been wonderful! I’m amazed by the people (all my in-ternational friends and the locals), the landscape, the wildlife and the diversity of Missoula. Three weeks here and I’m al-ready in love with the place.
Your favorite thing about UM, Missoula or Montana?
I would have to say the way the community spirit seems to really revolve around UM. This really is Griz Country and you don’t see support for a university back home the way it is here, it feels like you’re part of something bigger then your-self.
How does it feel to be the first Australian law ex-change student to be ac-cepted at UM?
It feels fantastic of course! I was devastated when I initially couldn’t even apply to UM, but when I found out your law school would take applications on a case by case basis I was thrilled!
International student profiles
Katy basking in Glacier National
Park’s beauty
Vincent Thorne
Université de Lausanne, Switzerland (ISEP partner university)
Why did you chose UM?
For the wilderness, the outdoor activities, and the mountains
Biggest adjust-ment you have faced so far?
American food, that my stomach has sometimes have difficulties to adjust to, and the tons of new peo-ple to meet.
How has your experience been at UM thus far?
It has been great: I have met so many new people (there is a good side to it, of course!), I have seen some beautiful landscapes and remote territories and Glacier National Park that I loved. I was able to take any class I wanted, in any faculty, which is a great difference with my home university, and finally I can enjoy my favorite sports and hobbies in clubs, and that's great!
Your favorite thing about UM, Missoula or Montana?
General friendliness of the people, even if they never knew you, they are very nice. and helpful right away!
Vincent hiking to Hidden Lake
UM in Top 25 Percent of Universities Worldwide for Scholarly Citations
Learn more: news.umt.edu/2013/10/100913cite.aspx
UM Ranked Among Top 300 Universities Worldwide
Learn more: news.umt.edu/2013/10/100313list.aspx
UM Named a Top-50 College for Advancing Women in STEM Careers
Learn more: news.umt.edu/2013/09/092613list.aspx
UM Named One of America’s 100 Best College Buys
Learn more: news.umt.edu/2013/09/092313bbuy.aspx
New UM Cyber Innovation Lab Will Teach Security, 'Big Data'
UM International Students Conduct Internships in D.C.
Students come to the University of Montana from around the world to earn an education, and many programs that sponsor international students require them to complete internships as part of their course of study. The internships can be anywhere in the United States as long as they have a strong relation to a student’s academic major and meet certain requirements. During the summer of 2013, three of UM’s international students interned in Washington, D.C.
The summer heat in D.C. felt familiar to Ana Monteiro, a Brazilian student who studied at UM during academic year 2012-2013 through the Science Mobility Program. “I love it,” Monteiro said. “It feels like home.”
Monteiro worked at Innovations in Civic Participation as a project intern. ICP is a nonprofit organization that supports the development of youth civic engagement policies and programs worldwide. Monteiro, a geography major, worked to administer a U.S. Department of State exchange program with Pakistan. After graduation she hopes to represent her country on the world stage and says her internship at ICP was a great fit with her future career objectives.
Volodymyr Shemayev of the Ukraine attended UM as part of the U.S. Department of State Muskie Program. During the summer of 2013 he also worked in D.C. as summer consul in the Information and Communication Technologies division of the World Bank. His work there focused on poverty eradication and economic appraisals of proposals from countries to use more information technology in their governance.
UM student Olivia Orthof of Brazil interned at a dance studio in Washington, D.C., where she took classes, assisted in-structors and learned business skills related to running a studio, such as the use of social media for advertising and how to host workshops. The studio specialized in a type of dance that is highly acrobatic. “It’s scary sometimes,” Orthof said, “but you just need to go for it.”
Student services and academic units across the University, including the Office of International Programs, Foreign Stu-dent and Scholar Services and others, collaborate to help international students land internships. Career Services helped Shemayev revise his cover letter and resume. Professors in the Department of Political Science introduced Mon-teiro to the Washington Center Program, which helped her secured the internship at ICP. The modern dance classes Orthof took through the School of Theatre & Dance helped her earn the confidence to attempt the new and challenging things.
While the work of those offices is important, Monteiro said that it’s most important for students to take the initiative and seek out opportunities themselves.
Ana Monteiro in Washington, D.C.
International students thriving at UM
5
University of Montana recently signed two new exchange agreements with University of Dundee in Scotland and Univer-
sity of Western Australia in Perth. These agreements provide opportunities for student, faculty and staff exchange be-
tween the universities. University of Montana hopes to host many exchange students from these universities both at the
undergraduate and graduate level.
University of Dundee www.dundee.ac.uk
Scotland has a tradition of excellence with 500+ years of experience in higher education. The Scottish education system
was the model for both the American and French systems, and continues to have international recognized qualifica-
tions. Approximately 18,000 students are currently enrolled, 60% of whom are from Scotland, 20% elsewhere in the
UK, and 20% from the EU or overseas.
At Dundee, an impressive range of academics is offered through the College of Art, Science & Engineering, College of
Arts and Social Sciences, College of Life Sciences, and College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing. For a complete list of
departments and schools, please visit www.dundee.ac.uk/main/colleges-services/. For a
list of all undergraduate courses, please visit: www.dundee.ac.uk/undergraduate/.
Dundee has been reported for having the most hours of sunshine, purest air
quality, and more green spaces than any other Scottish city. The city sits in the
lowlands and along the banks of the River Tay, Dundee is located at the heart
of Scotland’s road and rail network, highlighting outstanding scenery and ena-
bling easy access to outdoor activities such as skiing, golf, sailing, rugby, foot-
ball, and mountain climbing.
University of Western Australia www.uwa.edu.au
Established in 1911, the University of Western Australia (UWA) is a moderately large university with around 24,435 stu-dents currently enrolled, 3,948 of which are international students and 448 of which are exchange students.
The academics at UWA is comprised of five sections: Arts (28 units), Commerce (8 units), Design (3 units), Science (31
units), and Philosophy. To learn more about the departments housed under each unit, visit: www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/courses-and-careers/undergraduate.
To view all courses available to prospective students, please visit:
www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/courses/.
The campus is situated on the banks of the Swan River and
minutes from the metropolitan center of Perth. Perth has been
called the “sunniest capital city in Australia” and “one of the top
10 most livable cities.” Visitors and locals alike combine the Indian
Ocean, the Swan River, and the fantastic climate to prioritize out-
door activities. Easy ocean access provides a wide range of water
sports including surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, kayaking, sailing,
snorkeling, and scuba diving.
For more information about UM’s work with institutional partners contact:
Marja Unkuri-Chaudhry Director of Study Abroad at:
