Newsletter - USF International

With the official opening of the Confucius Institute (USF CI) on March 2, 2008, USF once again positions itself at the forefront of global engagement and commitment. Over two hundred people representing the university and Tampa Bay communities joined dignitaries from China, Houston, and Washington, D.C. to celebrate this momentous occasion. With a university-wide effort extending from USF Health, to every college, and regional campus, USF became the first university in Florida and one of only 42 in the United States and 240 worldwide to receive approval for a Confucius Institute. USF faculty and students continue to embrace and expand the boundaries of international programming on campus and across the globe. Events sponsored by World Languages such as the State of Taste conference are a true testament to the varied ways in which USF maintains itself as a global academic leader. International Week, a collaboration among numerous campus organizations, speaks to a student body that appreciates and celebrates its multicultural and international diversity. And enjoy our 2007 award winning photographs by USF faculty and students. They provide a breathtaking visual presentation into the breath and depth of USF International.

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As we begin a new year, we have heightened expectations for a successful and rewarding path over the coming months. It is also a time to reflect on our journey of the last year. Overall, 2007 was a banner year for global engagement and understanding at USF. Student participation in education abroad reached a record high with over one thousand students, a 56% increase from 2006, engaged in a variety of academic programs ranging from summer and semester programs to research and service learning in the developing world. Non-traditional education abroad programs have grown significantly with more students expressing interest in applied research projects, internships, and service learning. Last year also witnessed a wider variety of disciplines represented among students studying abroad with new programs in Architecture, Women’s Studies, the Patel Center for Global Solutions, and ISLAC.

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USF is proud to have among its student body nearly 1,400 students from over 130 countries. Our summer 2007 International Newsletter celebrates the multiple and varied contributions of our international students to campus life.

International students are an integral part of every facet of USF—from its academic programs including participation in cutting-edge research to community engagement and athletic achievement. Listen to the voices of students from our top five countries— India, Colombia, China, Belize and Canada—and you will understand why USF is a destination of choice for a select group of students. USF offers exceptional scholastic opportunities along with an inviting academic environment.

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As we begin a new chapter in our history, it is appropriate that we focus this edition of USF International on the heart of our institution –our students.

In 2006, we celebrated not only our 50th anniversary but also the congressionally designated Year of Study Abroad. Legislation introduced within the U.S. Senate, the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Act, will place study abroad at the forefront of educational initiatives at universities across the U.S. If enacted, the Abraham Lincoln Act engages the federal government and higher education to dramatically increase study abroad, envisioning one million college students studying abroad in 10 years.

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The spring 2006 semester unfolds with two superb news items. First, USF is celebrating its 50th anniversary and second, the Carnegie Foundation has classified the University of South Florida as a Research University, the highest level of classification for U.S. universities and colleges.

The Carnegie classification is an extraordinary achievement for any institution, but it is particularly impressive given our relative youth. A committed leadership, an outstanding faculty and staff, and a talented student body have all contributed to USF's research excellence. And throughout our short history, international faculty, scholars, students, and alumni have shaped our academic trajectory in numerous ways.

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In his latest book, The World is Flat, Thomas Friedman remarks that to flourish in a flat world it takes the right imagination and the right motivation - to seize opportunities and seek innovative ways to participate in an increasingly complex and globalized world.

In this issue of USF International, we are pleased to recognize the creative imagination and drive of Dr. Mark T. Orr, Professor Emeritus of International Studies and the founding director of the International Affairs Center. Through his generous gift, we will increase our ability to fund USF students to participate in academic programs abroad.

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USF is committed to internationalization; and it is certain to underscore our development as a premier national research university. Most important, at this critical juncture in our history, it is our responsibility as an institution of higher education to ensure that our research, teaching, and service operate proactively in an increasingly interconnected world.

As you read the (Spring 2005) newsletter, you will learn more about what USF's departments, institutes, centers, and programs are doing to share their energy and expertise in ways that benefit both local and global communities. Helping children orphaned by the tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka, establishing a major health and informatics program in India, and developing symposia on sustainable development and globalization-these are just a few examples of USF's engagement with the world.

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