A Message from the Associate Provost for International Programs

In this update I am delighted to share news on more new study abroad national scholarship winners; our international student successes from the Shanghai Start Program this spring; and updates on the travel and immigration landscape for international students for fall (spoiler alert: it’s all great news!). As well, we want to make you aware of upcoming application opportunities for student fellowships, faculty/staff grants, and timelines for hosting international scholars for 2021-22. Also, you can learn about what many of our talented international alumni are doing this summer in Silicon Valley through employment opportunities sponsored by SCU and the Optional Practical Training OPT and STEM OPT Programs.  

Wishing you all some relaxation and adventure in the measure you desire this summer!

Best, 

Susan Popko
Associate Provost for International Programs

Our Spring 2021 Shanghai Start Program at East China Normal University (ECNU) provided an opportunity for international undergraduate students in China to “study abroad” at home while COVID-19 prevented their travel to the US. The program concluded this month and students shared that they succeeded in having an effective in-person class experience and getting to know their SCU peers. 65% of program participants reported that they are likely to pursue another SCU global program in the future. All students received a Global China Program Certificate from ECNU. They tell us they are eagerly looking forward to joining their SCU peers back on campus this fall.

Freeman-Asia Study Abroad National Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Chloe Tat '23 who received the prestigious Freeman-Asia Scholarship for study abroad in 2021-22 from the Freeman Foundation. Chloe is a Marketing major and LEAD Scholar, Honors, and First Generation student. Chloe will be participating in our exchange program at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan during Spring 2022. The Freeman-ASIA award is a nationally competitive scholarship designed to support U.S. based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Award recipients are required to share their experiences with their home campuses or communities to encourage study abroad by others and fulfill the program's goal of increasing understanding of Asia in the United States.

Study Abroad Students Receive Fulbrights
Did you know that the majority of SCU’s Fulbright finalists have studied abroad?  Congratulations to 2021-22 Fulbright Scholarship Finalists and Study Abroad participants Ryan Nazari, Jocelyn Chi, and Armand Aibara! Study Abroad students demonstrate global learning, including cultural understanding and social justice, and this "citizen diplomacy" is  a hallmark of the Fulbright Program. 

• Ryan Nazari is double majoring in English and philosophy and studied abroad at the John Felice Rome Center in Italy in Fall 2019. During his Fulbright, he will teach at a university in Armenia and conduct English workshops for Syrian refugees along with other nearby regions. 
• Jocelyn Chi is a psychology and marketing double major, Jocelyn studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain in Fall 2019. Jocelyn will be a Fulbright Teaching Assistant in Taiwan this fall. 
• Armand Aibara is a double major in political science and German and studied abroad on the European Union program in Freiburg, Germany in Fall 2019. While on his Fulbright, Armand will return to Germany as an English Teaching Assistant in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Germany.

Global Engagement Fellowship Applications for Fall 2021 due June 30, 2021. Fellowships will be virtual during Fall 2021 and are available for students to pursue Global Innovation  or Community Engagement. Up to 5 fellowships will be awarded. Fellows work with a team of 4 to 6 peers to build essential skills of cross-cultural teamwork and collaboration, concept design, and to develop innovative business solutions to global challenges. Applications for spring 2022 are due October 30, 2021. Questions? Contact studyabroad@scu.edu.

Indian and Chinese Embassies Now Issuing Visas to International Students 
SCU supports approximately 1,300 international students who have been impacted by travel restrictions and visa delays due to COVID-19. Last month, the US Embassy in China began issuing visas for students bound for the US for Fall 2021.  Last week, the US Embassy in India reopened visa appointments for students and has prioritized student visas among different visa types; the US Embassy will open appointments for "tens of thousands" of students through July and August. This is welcome news for SCU’s hundreds of Indian students hoping to attend fall 2021 classes in person. The US Embassy announcement of visa appointments on Facebook Live: Student Visa Chat with Don Heflin, providing detailed guidance for Indian students on how to prepare for their consular interviews. 

International Alumni Employed in Silicon Valley
Did you know that SCU supports international students who graduate from SCU for up to three-years while they work in the US? Over 500 international students each year engage in this opportunity supported by SCU and Global Engagement. Our international alumni are currently employed at some notable places including: Amazon, Audible, Cisco Systems, Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Robinhood Markets, SCU’s Frugal Innovation Hub, Tarter Krinsky & Drogin, and more. This summer is a busy time for our recent graduates and International Students and Scholars team as students are in the process of securing employment opportunities for summer and beyond.

Traveling abroad? Faculty and staff should register individual travel here.

Plan Your Fall Global Initiatives. Funding for faculty/staff Global Initiatives for 2021-22 is available beginning July 1, 2021. Are you interested in having your class collaborate with students at one of our international university partners, or engaging an artist, musician or speaker with our campus? Global Engagement provides funding to support projects or initiatives that promote global diversity or that bring international or intercultural events to campus. Faculty and staff from all departments are encouraged to apply. 

Is your department interested in hosting an international scholar for Winter Quarter/Spring Semester? The deadline is September 1, 2021. Submit proposals to host a visiting researcher or scholar here. Learn more about the benefits of hosting an international visiting faculty member or researcher in your department and contact scholars@scu.edu with questions.

Undergraduates - Planning your classes for Fall? Consider adding an International Studies Minor to your degree.

See online teaching and learning strategies for faculty and students on our Teaching & Learning Across Time Zones for resources.

Find us on Instagram and Facebook! Follow us @scu.iss & @scustudyabroad

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