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Mavericks are making news. Follow the latest headlines to learn about our dedication to students, our national recognition for community engagement and Division I athletics, and the opportunities to excel in scholarship and research. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are changing the landscape of our community every day.

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News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1699646400000Visiting Pakistani teachers participating in a 6-week professional development program, volunteered along with UNO mentors and instructors at a diaper and food giveaway at ABIDE in North Omaha. This opportunity supplemented the Community Service and Leadership aspects of their program at UNO giving the visiting group first-hand experience in volunteering in the U.S.//news/2023/11/img/abide1.png

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1200800People eat lunch around a picnic table.Pakistani participants and mentors enjoy a picnic lunch on the ABIDE campus following the service project/news/2023/11/img/abide2.png

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1200676Three people in blue vests hold diaper packs and sack lunches.Pakistani participants hold diapers and sack lunches ready to be distributed./news/2023/11/img/abide3.png

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1200675A group of volunteers pose together for a photo outside a brick building.Pakistani participants pictured here with ABIDE staff, volunteers, and UNO mentors.

The group worked alongside local school youth who had also signed up for the same day’s service. It was a sunny afternoon on the ABIDE campus and the 33 Pakistani volunteers kept busy for 2 hours. The blessing was an unexpected connection between the volunteers and Omaha’s Afghan newcomers.

When UNO’s Center for Afghanistan Studies and ABIDE Omaha began a conversation last spring, they never would have imagined the impact they could make together. As a faith-based, inner-city nonprofit, the goal of ABIDE is to revitalize the inner city one neighborhood at a time. Though it was only a one-day volunteer opportunity, the experience will remain in the minds of the Pakistani teachers for years to come. Leading up to the service day, Shawn Deane, Operations Director at ABIDE, came to UNO to share with the group about the challenges facing the inner-city, historical context, and why he believes there is hope for inner cities everywhere. Shawn listened to the group as they shared about similar struggles found in their country as well.

On the day of the giveaway, volunteers formed groups and worked together to collect basic contact information from those who came. They asked questions about children and ages to determine the needed diaper sizes and amounts and inquired about the number of people in the families. Sack lunches and boxes of cereal were distributed along with diapers. Many of the needy were Afghan refugees who have recently been resettled in Omaha. With very little English, ABIDE had struggled to communicate with them in previous giveaway events. However, this time was different. The Pakistani teachers from the bordering region of Pakistan and Afghanistan also speak the Pashto language. Though they are living in different countries, they are from the same ethnic group. ABIDE staff expressed their amazement and thankfulness to have the Pakistanis there to interact with the Afghans. Having volunteers who could communicate in Pashto was a great help in collecting accurate information and making the Afghans feel welcome and comfortable. Some of the Pakistani men even carried large boxes of supplies for Afghan women who came and collected items for their large families.

Below are some quotes on the impact of the service day.

“Working with Abide for service day made me realize how universal human emotions are. The people were very grateful to receive the help, they shared stories about their time, we cried together and laughed together too. It was a one day, but full of so many shared emotions, hugs, and memories.” - Hina Jhanjhi

“Working with Abide for service day leads me towards self-reflection, brought second thought in my mind that what and how much I did for others throughout my life. I realized how softhearted people are there who ready to help others always. The day change my thought pattern about people.” - Anum Hayat

“The uniqueness at Abide was that the students were made to be the group leaders. They were communicating with their community which will create strong bonds among different age groups. This practice not only supported the community but also encouraged the students to keep on spreading the goodness throughout their lives.” -Iftkhar Ul Haq

“One day service with Abide was really wonderful experience. It was a mix of joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Seeing the impact we can make on lives of people was incredibly rewarding. I learned to manage such type of activities on huge level.” -Bushra Arshad

“Working as a volunteer at Abide Omaha was a wholesome experience. Helping the needy and seeing them smile was what made me think about the incredible potential our actions towards others have.” -Muhammad Nouman

“Working with Abide really made me feel together is better. The way the service was being provided in a systematic and empathetic way. It was lovely to be part of this wonderful moment of sharing and caring.” – Tayyaba Ehsan

“I had the opportunity to spend a day with Abide and was impressed by their dedication to serving the community. I enjoyed interacting with the people in need and learned how much of a difference we can make when we come together. It was a fulfilling experience that I will cherish for a long time.” - Sayyeda Sadaf

“Participating in the service day with Abide in North Omaha was a truly eye-opening experience. Witnessing the active involvement of school children in community service, the impeccable organization, and the sense of togetherness left me inspired. It was an overwhelming day, and it has motivated me to introduce a similar initiative in Pakistan, engaging my students and teachers in serving our communities.” – Samina Bashir

/news/2023/11/tea-abide-2023

departmentCenter for Afghanistan Studies

phone402.554.2293

emailworld@unomaha.edu

categoryInternational ProgramsCommunity EngagementGeneral PublicStaffAlumniCurrent StudentsAcademic AffairsFaculty

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UNO’s Visiting Pakistani Teachers Experience Community Service in North Omaha

Visiting Pakistani teachers participating in a 6-week professional development program, volunteered along with UNO mentors and instructors at a diaper and food giveaway at ABIDE in North Omaha. This opportunity supplemented the Community Service and Leadership aspects of their program at UNO giving the visiting group first-hand experience in volunteering in the U.S.

TEA, Pakistan, English Teaching, ABIDECharity StahlVisiting Pakistani teachers participating in a 6-week professional development program, volunteered along with UNO mentors and instructors at a diaper and food giveaway at ABIDE in North Omaha. This opportunity supplemented the Community Service and Leadership aspects of their program at UNO giving the visiting group first-hand experience in volunteering in the U.S.

Nov 10, 2023 2:00 PM

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The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Department of Political Science and Office of International Programs are delighted to extend a warm welcome to 37 youth leaders hailing from the Balkans region. These remarkable students and young professionals — representing Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro — are participants in the BOLD (Balkan Youth Leaders) Civic Engagement Fellowship, an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Embassies in their respective countries.

These three countries experienced armed conflict and turmoil during the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, and the legacy of the past continues to influence various aspects of civic society development. The Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to these future leaders to foster dialogue, build trust and collaborate on regional civic engagement challenges.

In 2019, UNO proudly assumed the role of administering the BOLD Program on Civic Engagement, but due to COVID-19, welcomed its first cohort of 30 students from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022. Building on this success, the program has now expanded its reach to encompass Serbia and Montenegro.

The 2023 BOLD Fellowship will run from Aug. 12 to Sept. 15, and it promises a transformative experience for the emerging leaders, including an academic residency at UNO where they will learn about civic engagement, conflict resolution, leadership, collaboration and gain a deeper understanding of the U.S., its governance, diversity and cultures. The program's culmination will be an educational study tour of New York City and Washington, D.C.

Guided by dedicated UNO faculty and staff, as well as wider Omaha government and non-profit community leaders, the Fellows will develop Action Plans to address critical civic issues within their own communities. Once the U.S portion of the program concludes, the Embassies will help the Fellows implement projects in their home countries, creating a lasting impact.

In preparation of BOLD 2023, UNO BOLD Program Team members have visited the region. Lana Obradovic, Ph.D., Director of International Studies and BOLD Principal Director, visited the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, met with BOLD Alumni from the previous year and connected with incoming BOLD Fellows.

“BOLD empowers youth leaders to actively engage in their communities and societies, create spaces for regional dialogue and foster lasting positive change, ensuring a more just and peaceful future in the Balkans,” Obradovic says. “I am very proud to make Omaha and UNO home to such an initiative that can build stronger democracies and bring more stability to the region.”

Patrick McNamara, Ph.D., a UNO faculty member serving as the BOLD Academic Director, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time this summer to reconnect with alumni and establish connections with the incoming cohort.

“It was a delight to see the BOLD alumni in their home environments,” McNamara says. “Each fellow I met, talked about how the program was transformational. I even saw the couple — Sara and Srdjan — who got engaged in Times Square when we were with the fellows in New York!”

McNamara adds that the natural beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina is unforgettable and the hospitality amazing.

“I got to present two workshops collaborating with alumni while there,” McNamara says. “I lived into the different narratives around the conflicts of the 1990s and the tensions of today. It gave me a better understanding of the situation and great hope to be there with these changemaking Mavericks!”

There are many ways to get involved with the BOLD program and other visiting international groups through International Programs. If you’re interested in getting involved with the BOLD Civic Engagement Fellowship at UNO, please reach out to Dr. Lana Obradovic via email: lobradovic@unomaha.edu. Follow us on Facebook to receive updates.

KMTV reported on the BOLD program and spoke with organizers and one of the youth leaders. See the full story on KMTV's website.

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[Article Heading]

UNO Welcomes 37 Youth Leaders from the Balkans Region for the BOLD Civic Engagement Fellowship

UNO will welcome 37 youth leaders from the Balkans region for the BOLD Civic Engagement Fellowship from Aug. 12 to Sept. 15, 2023.

Lana ObradovicUNO will welcome 37 youth leaders from the Balkans region for the BOLD Civic Engagement Fellowship from Aug. 12 to Sept. 15, 2023.

Aug 11, 2023 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1689629400000Twice each year, students from across the United States apply for the Gilman Scholarship to support their plans to study abroad. This award period, 5 UNO students were selected to receive the Gilman, a scholarship program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government.//news/2023/07/dikchhaslider.png

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12008004 UNO students stand together for a photo in ItalyDikchha Gurung, Gilman Scholar, with classmates in Italy/news/2023/07/hserhserslider.png

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1200800Hser Hser poses in a scene from My Neighbor TotoroHser Hser, Gilman Scholar, posing for a photo in Japan/news/2023/07/saslider.png

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1200800Sa stands in an indoor garden in JapanSa, Gilman Scholar, during her study abroad to Nagoya

Meet our 2023 Gilman Scholars

Dikchha Gurung

Dikchha stands on a rooftop over looking the sea and a small island

Dikchha, a Psychology major at UNO, traveled with UNO faculty and fellow students to Italy this summer as part of a UNO Global Course. Receiving the Gilman Scholarship helped make it possible:

“For the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to be part of a faculty-led study abroad program in Italy focusing on positive psychology, health, and well-being. I traveled across Italy with the study abroad group during the two weeks of the program to different areas to engage in positive psychology, health, and well-being activities. The itinerary also includes time for leisure activities like hiking and relaxing in a thermal pool. I am appreciative of the Gilman scholarship since it has helped reduce my financial burden and assist me in my study abroad program.”

Classmate Aliyyah Rodriquez-Smith was also awarded a Gilman Scholarship.

Sa Mu

Sa poses by a plant in Japan

Sa, a Business Administration major, is studying at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan this summer. When asked about her experience so far, she shared:

“Studying abroad has provided me with numerous learning and cultural opportunities. There is always something fresh to do and new people to meet and converse with. My best suggestion it to put yourself out there and go explore new locations every weekend, boosting your language abilities in the process.”

Hser Hser Paw

Hser Hser

Also in Nagoya for the summer, Pre-Nursing student Hser Hser Paw is studying at Nanzan University through the ISEP program. As for what she would recommend:

“My experiences in Japan have been overwhelmingly positive thus far. The program feels immersive, and everyone has been supportive. My tip is to get out there and take the opportunity to meet and make as many friends as possible since those people will influence and support your study abroad experiences.”

Sahra Hasan

Sahra

Sahra is headed to South Korea this fall, to study at UNO’s partner school Yeungnam University. She wanted to encourage others to apply for the scholarship themselves, with this advice:

"Gilman Scholarship has allowed me to study abroad. Not only did it help me financially, but they also have a program called STEP which helps scholars by updating them about the latest news in the country they are studying at. If you want to apply for and receive the scholarship, I recommend you talk about why you want to study abroad and make it unique. This will make your application unique but also remember the academic reasons why you are going and how it will affect your future "

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables American undergraduate students with high financial need to study or intern abroad through scholarships of up to $5,000. Students studying critical need languages are eligible for scholarships up to $8,000. For over 20 years, the Gilman Program has provided access and opportunity to study abroad for more than 41,000 exceptional U.S. undergraduate students, who have gained skills critical to their personal and professional development, as well as for our national security and economic prosperity.

To learn more about the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program and how to apply, visit https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/ and contact UNO Education Abroad. UNO Education Abroad supports UNO Gilman applicants as well as other study abroad scholarship applications.

/news/2023/07/gilman-recipients-2023

departmentEducation Abroad

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5 UNO Undergraduates Awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to Study Abroad

Twice each year, students from across the United States apply for the Gilman Scholarship to support their plans to study abroad. This award period, 5 UNO students were selected to receive the Gilman, a scholarship program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government.

Gilman, Gilman Scholarship, Study Abroad Scholarships, Study AbroadEmily KruegerTwice each year, students from across the United States apply for the Gilman Scholarship to support their plans to study abroad. This award period, 5 UNO students were selected to receive the Gilman, a scholarship program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government.

Jul 17, 2023 4:30 PM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1698958800000UNO’s International Program’s Center for Afghanistan Studies hosted 33 Pakistani English teachers for a six-week teacher training and cultural exchange program this fall. The participants, representing five different provinces in Pakistan, were the fifth group that the Center for Afghanistan Studies has hosted since Spring 2022.//news/2023/11/img/fs23_tea_1.png

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1200800Group of teachers stand in front of a university building.The group celebrates in front of the Arts and Sciences Hall after their Graduation Luncheon and Certificate Ceremony/news/2023/11/img/fs23_tea_2.gif

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1200800Teachers stand together in a classroom.An exciting and fun tour and observation of classes at South High in Omaha./news/2023/11/img/fs23_tea_3.png

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1200800People pose around a project poster.TEA participants pose in front of their leadership project poster with ILUNO instructors./news/2023/11/img/fs23_tea_4.png

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1200800Group of Pakistani teachers poses in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.The group enjoys a visit to Washington, DC at the end of their program.

Pakistan Excellence and Achievement (TEA) English Language Teacher Exchange is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan and in partnership with Vision Building Future (VBF), a Pakistani NGO.

The program promotes:

the development of English language skills
knowledge of current English Language Teaching (ELT) pedagogies
exposure to technology related to teaching and teaching management systems
how to conduct a community of practice, and
instruction in leadership skills.

These professional development opportunities were accomplished through a blend of classroom and field experiences and in partnership with several departments including UNO’s Intensive Language at UNO (ILUNO), International Professional Development (IPD), Teacher Education, Department of English, Service-Learning Academy, Community Engagement Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Writing Center, Foreign Languages and Literature, and Educational Leadership.

Partnerships outside the university system are Omaha Public Schools, Elkhorn Public Schools, St. Pius X/St. Leo Catholic School, and Oakland-Craig Public Schools. Each participant returns home with a unique final leadership project to be completed in their local communities. Topics for leadership plans include: the importance of E-Learning and technology, positive reinforcement in the classroom, taking care of the environment, random acts of kindness, women’s empowerment through education, summer and winter vacation camps for children, and professional development workshops.

Besides the professional development aspect of the program, the participants also experience the city of Omaha and interact with local people. They learn about American culture through not only their mentors and instructors at UNO, but also from people they meet while out in the city, whether by shopping or sightseeing. Small and seemingly insignificant encounters can be life changing. Consider this story of transformation which began with a random act of kindness on a rainy day in Omaha.

“Me, Tayyiba, and Bushra were out to Walmart in America when it started raining, we were standing at bus stop, when an American man came in a car and offered us umbrella and left his umbrella with us. Today it is raining in my city Sialkot. My milkman came few minutes ago, I offered him raincoat. He was very grateful to me saying God bless you. I have never done this thing before.” – TEA Participant Kiran Mehtab 

Another notable quality of American people that is noticed by the visiting Pakistanis, is that Americans greet you with a smile…even strangers will offer a nod and a smile. Holding doors open for people is a practice that the groups notice as well. See two quotes below which reflect on the topic of smiling.

"I also didn’t know how to smile, and I didn’t have anything to smile about. I learned that being a leader doesn’t mean to be domineering. There are other skills you need for leadership.” - Hina Jhanjhi 

“People of USA are the best people on the planet. Even, believe me, I didn’t know how to smile. I have learned the very basic things. So many things implicitly, we have learned. What I learned in this 6 weeks, is more than what I learned in 16 years of education.” - Sher Baz 

The Center for Afghanistan Studies plans to host two more groups of Pakistani teachers as part of this grant which is set to be completed by September 2024.

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departmentCenter for Afghanistan Studies

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emailworld@unomaha.edu

categoryInternational ProgramsStaffGeneral PublicAcademic AffairsCommunity EngagementFaculty

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Life Changing Experience for Visiting Pakistani Teachers

UNO’s International Program’s Center for Afghanistan Studies hosted 33 Pakistani English teachers for a six-week teacher training and cultural exchange program this fall. The participants, representing five different provinces in Pakistan, were the fifth group that the Center for Afghanistan Studies has hosted since Spring 2022.

Pakistan, Center for Afghanistan Studies, English TeachersCharity StahlUNO’s International Program’s Center for Afghanistan Studies hosted 33 Pakistani English teachers for a six-week teacher training and cultural exchange program this fall. The participants, representing five different provinces in Pakistan, were the fifth group that the Center for Afghanistan Studies has hosted since Spring 2022.

Nov 2, 2023 4:00 PM

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1200636UNO Faculty member and YSEALI Principal Director, Dr. Patrick McNamara, welcomes attendeesUNO Faculty member and YSEALI Principal Director, Dr. Patrick McNamara, welcomes attendees/news/2023/06/img/patrick_robert_yseali_summit_23

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Dr. Patrick McNamara gifts a UNO Medallion to Ambassador Robert GodecDr. Patrick McNamara gifts a UNO Medallion to Ambassador Robert Godec/engagement/yseali-institute/4-site-visit-to-us-embassy_slider-press-release_yseali-alumni-summit.jpg

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800513YSEALI Alumni Planning CommitteeYSEALI Alumni Planning Committee

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Institute on Civic Engagement at UNO and our partners – Arizona State University, Kennesaw State University, and Portland State University – hosted an Alumni Summit in Bangkok, Thailand May 25-28, 2023. YSEALI is an international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It brings the best and brightest young leaders from countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus Timor-Leste to the U.S. for educational and cultural exchanges. UNO administers the YSEALI Civic Engagement Academic Fellowship in the U.S.

UNO and partner institutions hosted 182 YSEALI alumni from 11 Southeast Asian countries, 14 program team members from the U.S., and special guests from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. The goals of the summit were accomplished: to reconnect and grow the alumni network, enhance professional development skills, and promote regional collaboration. Our three-day summit’s theme was “Looking Back and Moving Forward”, and we celebrated the 10 Year Anniversary of YSEALI!

We had keynote speeches by the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F. Godec, and the U.S.-Thailand Alumni Association President, Prued (Aom) Wahachart. Ambassador Godec sounded strong support of the YSEALI program and reminded alumni to maintain their relationships with each other and Americans.

YSEALI Principal Director, Dr. Patrick McNamara commented, “What a joy to accompany these changemakers on their journey. Our YSEALI fellows are not just future leaders of ASEAN, they are the present leaders of our world! The Alumni Summit was especially important, as US Ambassador to Thailand Godec reminded us, because the world is now turning to the countries of ASEAN for regional cooperation and global leadership.”

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Because we were making up for not holding summits during the pandemic, the attendees were from five delegations of YSEALI cohorts, which was the largest ever hosted at a YSEALI alumni summit. Constance Luk, an alumna from Malaysia, mentioned, “‘Looking Back & Moving Forward’ doesn't start with just one person but a joint effort by many. Reunited with everyone in the summit has reignited the fire in us all, reminded us of why we are here and that we all have the power to do something good for this world and future generations to come. That's the spirit of YSEALI.”

Attendees went on site visits in Bangkok to meet civic leaders and learn about local environmental, social, political, and financial issues. Alumni and our program team co-led breakout sessions on issues of youth empowerment, social change, intersectionality, access and awareness, mental health, human rights, and more. YSEALI alumna from the Philippines, Chrisly Orit de Asis said, “As a young transgender woman with diverse background from Philippines, the YSEALI Alumni Summit, strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone's unique experiences and perspectives are valued and celebrated. By bringing together young leaders from diverse backgrounds, we can foster meaningful connections and empower our alumni to work towards a more just and equitable society.” The summit and other YSEALI programming create a space for fellows to stand in solidarity along with other advocates to address civic issues facing communities across Southeast Asia.

UNO has been the prime grant recipient of the YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Civic Engagement since 2015. Academic Director and Co-Principal Director, Dr. Jodi Benenson celebrated her final YSEALI activity with the summit. Dr. Benenson said, “The YSEALI Summit in Bangkok brought together the best elements of YSEALI: a community of energetic people committed to civic action; spaces to reignite passions, goals, and purposes; and opportunities to be challenged, grow, and learn together. It has been a privilege to be a part of the YSEALI community for so many years, and I look forward to being in touch in the years ahead.” During the 2023-24 academic year, Dr. Benenson will be a Fulbright scholar in Canada and will be conducting research on civic engagement, nonprofit organizations, and public policy. We thank Dr. Benenson for her six years of leadership with YSEALI!

The YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement at UNO, International Programs, is looking forward to more groups coming in 2023 and 2024. If you would like to learn more, please visit our website at https://www.unomaha.edu/international-studies-and-programs/engagement/yseali-institute/index.php. Follow us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/ysealicivicengagement.

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UNO Hosts YSEALI Summit in Bangkok, Thailand

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Institute on Civic Engagement at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and our partners – Arizona State University, Kennesaw State University, and Portland State University – hosted an Alumni Summit in Bangkok, Thailand May 25-28, 2023.

international program, YSEALI, U.S. Department of State, international exchange, civic engagementJulie JimenezThe Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Institute on Civic Engagement at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and our partners – Arizona State University, Kennesaw State University, and Portland State University – hosted an Alumni Summit in Bangkok, Thailand May 25-28, 2023.

Jun 19, 2023 4:00 PM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1689801300000UNO will host 18 university students for a short-term language fluency and culture group from our partner, Shizuoka University in Japan. The annual summer tour with Shizuoka University which has taken place since 1979 restarts after a short hiatus since COVID 2020 with a completely new itinerary. Shizuoka University and UNO are nearing 44 years of collaborations.//news/2023/07/img/sst_banner.png

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1200800Former Shizuoka Summer Tour groups at Arts and Sciences Hall and the Omaha ZooPast Shizuoka Summer Tour participants at UNO's Arts and Sciences Hall and the Omaha Zoo//

UNO will host 18 university students for a short-term language fluency and culture group from our partner, Shizuoka University in Japan. Shizuoka students will be in Omaha for 3 weeks from August 6th through 26th, taking classes, meeting UNO students, asking questions about life in the United States, and visiting local sites, including Henry Doorly Zoo, Mahoney State Park, Jazz on the Green, the Aksarben Farmer’s Market, and the Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall. They will do a number of surveys and scavenger hunts exploring the Old Market, Aksarben, and campus and gathering perspectives from people in Omaha on topics like professional goals and experiences, community and family activities, and student life experiences on and off campus. The Shizuoka Summer Tours began in 1979 with UNO’s partnership agreement. Over the past 44 years, UNO, ILUNO, and Shizuoka have offered tuition scholarships for exchange for students and faculty.

/news/2023/07/2023-iluno-shizuoka-summer-tour

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ILUNO Hosts Shizuoka Summer Tour

UNO will host 18 university students for a short-term language fluency and culture group from our partner, Shizuoka University in Japan. The annual summer tour with Shizuoka University which has taken place since 1979 restarts after a short hiatus since COVID 2020 with a completely new itinerary. Shizuoka University and UNO are nearing 44 years of collaborations.

ILUNO, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Summer SchoolDeirdre McMurtyUNO will host 18 university students for a short-term language fluency and culture group from our partner, Shizuoka University in Japan. The annual summer tour with Shizuoka University which has taken place since 1979 restarts after a short hiatus since COVID 2020 with a completely new itinerary. Shizuoka University and UNO are nearing 44 years of collaborations.

Jul 19, 2023 4:15 PM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1676932200000January 2023 was UNO’s second year offering the 3-week January Session to the campus community. 58 students participated in courses with international or domestic travel components as part of their learning experience.//news/2023/02/img/yellowstone_2.png

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1200800A group of UNO students stand in front of a geothermal feature at Yellowstone National Park, while holding up the UNO flag.Winter Ecology in Yellowstone, January 2023/news/2023/02/img/dr_slp_1.png

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1200800Group of students and staff in Costa Rica pose for a photo under a wooden awning outdoorsSustainable Ecotourism in Costa Rica, January 2023/news/2023/02/img/fallshike1.png

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1200800Students walk towards a waterfall through lush greenery, facing away from the cameraMotivation for Physical Activity in Australia, January 2023/news/2023/02/img/ava_rech_portugal.png

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1200800UNO student Ava Rech poses on a stone ledge in front of trees and with view of red city rooftops in the distance.Ava Rech in Lisbon, Portugal, January 2023

UNO Education Abroad worked in partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences to offer 4 travel courses during January 2023. Students also selected programs from UNO's extensive network of exchange and affiliate partners to study abroad during the 3-week session.

Winter Ecology in Yellowstone National Park, USA | College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Karen Murch-Shafer and Dr. Jeremy White were joined by 13 students on a snowy journey to Montana to study winter ecology in Yellowstone National Park last month. Partnering with Ecology Project International, the group learned to snowshoe, explored the parks geothermal features, worked side-by-side with park biologists on data collection for research and observed local wildlife. Said Dr. Murch-Shafer:

“We saw so much wildlife…hundreds of bison, elk, big horned sheep, pronghorn antelope, 2 moose, 1 wolf, and the highlight for many was a weasel. Students got to meet with several biologists and hear their stories, participate in a service-learning project by collecting demographic data on various bison herds and collecting bison poop which will be further analyzed by researchers. Students completed small research projects and presented their results to the group.”

Speech Language Pathology in the Dominican Republic | College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

4 graduate students had the option to take their education global this January along with UNO’s Speech-Language Clinic Director, Tina Peterkin. Joining forces with Creighton University’s Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC), the cohort traveled to the Dominican Republic. As an expert in navigating cross-cultural differences while providing healthcare services, Peterkin had been working towards this international experience for her students for multiple years. Students were grateful for the opportunity, and for the financial support from Sertoma. Program participant Christina Aguilar shared:

“My favorite part of the trip was going to the campo (rural area) and working with people in the community. We provided literacy strategies to families and got to collaborate with occupational therapy when it came to feeding and nutrition. Additionally, through this experience, I was able to learn more about Dominican culture and improve my Spanish as well!”

Geographical Field Studies: Sustainable Ecotourism in Costa Rica | College of Arts & Sciences

Following a successful initial program in 2022, Dr. Michael Peterson offered his Geographical Field Studies course to Costa Rica again in 2023. The small Central American nation is known for its sustainable practices and ecotourism, which were the focus of the January Session course. The 16 students visited sites throughout the country including volcanos, wildlife refuges, cloud forest, food production (pineapple, coffee), and biological stations. Student Justin Gantz spoke on some of their highlights:

“I enjoyed the opportunity to be immersed in a culture very different from our own. Some highlights that have stuck with me include a tour of an organic coffee farm, a long nature hike in Monteverde, and volunteering at an institute whose objective is to reforest Costa Rica and build wildlife corridors.”

Motivation for Physical Activity in Australia | College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

One program this January spent the whole 3-week session abroad: Dr. John Noble’s Motivation for Physical Activity in Australia. Together with 10 students and Advisor Courtney Luxon, the class traveled Australia’s east coast. Following a route from Cairns, to Townsville, to Magnetic Island, to Sydney, they explored both natural environments like the Great Barrier Reef and built environments in towns and cities to see how they impact the local’s motivation for participating in physical activity. Along for the journey was new student Austin Wichman, who shared:

“I enjoyed traveling down the whole east coast of Australia, it made it more interesting than staying (in one place). The most amazing sight would be the Wallaman falls waterfall. Some of the highlights are the people I was with, the snorkeling, and seeing everything.”

Affiliate Study Abroad

15 UNO students chose to study abroad with UNO’s affiliate and exchange partners during the January Session this year. These global Mavericks went to Chile, Czechia, Finland, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands. Ava Rech was one such student, who spent the January Session in Lisbon, Portugal:

“I enjoyed having class in the mornings and having the rest of the day to explore and see the city. The must-see site for me was St. Jorge's Castle. The highlights of the program were meals and laid-back time hanging out and getting to know my classmates.”

January Session 2024

Students interested in UNO Education Abroad’s offerings for January 2024 should keep an eye on the January Session Study Abroad page and the Global Courses page. Faculty interested in teaching a January course with domestic or international travel should email Global Course Coordinator Melia Markham by April 15th to discuss their initial interest and program ideas.

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[Article Heading]

Year 2: January Session Proves a Popular Option for Study Abroad

January 2023 was UNO’s second year offering the 3-week January Session to the campus community. 58 students participated in courses with international or domestic travel components as part of their learning experience.

UNO Education Abroad, study abroad, study away, January SessionEmily KruegerJanuary 2023 was UNO’s second year offering the 3-week January Session to the campus community. 58 students participated in courses with international or domestic travel components as part of their learning experience.

Feb 20, 2023 4:30 PM

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ILUNO Intensive English

ILUNO Intensive EnglishUNO has offered English as a Second Language to international students for more than 40 years. Students are in class 18 hours every week. Sessions last eight weeks and are scheduled six times throughout the year.ILUNO Intensive Englishhttp://www.unogateway.com//ipd/index

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International Professional Development (IPD) Program

International Professional Development ProgramInternational Professional Development (IPD) Program is an 8-week program designed to help participants understand elements of leadership, management, and communication expectations in professional speaking and writing. Global Engagement/index

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Center for Afghanistan Studies

Center for Afghanistan StudiesUNO's Center for Afghanistan Studies is America’s primary cultural and scholarly link with the nation of Afghanistan./engagement/yseali-institute/index

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YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement

YSEALI Institute on Civic EngagementYoung Southeast Asian Leaders Initiativehttp://http:///news/fcc-community-email

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Public Events Newsletter

This monthly email features public events from UNO's Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC), UNO Libraries, the Willis A. and Janet S. Strauss Performing Arts Center (SPAC), and other major events being sponsored by UNO's colleges.UNO Education Abroad/Education Abroad Homepagehttp://www.unomaha.edu/international-studies-and-programs/study-abroad/index.php/news/mav-travel-talk

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Podcast: Mav Travel Talk

This new bi-weekly podcast from UNO Education Abroad features student hosts and student guests discussing their study abroad experiences.

Study Abroad, Education Abroad, Mav Travel TalkAnnie SpielmanThis new bi-weekly podcast from UNO Education Abroad features student hosts and student guests discussing their study abroad experiences.

Jul 9, 2020 12:00 AM

Mav Travel Talk/Education Abroad Application Portalhttps://unomaha.via-trm.comInternational Advising/student-support/immigration-updates

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Immigration & Visa Policy Updates

Immigration & Visa Policy UpdatesFind important immigration updates, provided by the University of nebraska Omaha (UNO).http://http:///student-support/index

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Student Support

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News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1570078800000UNO's International Programs unit hosted the one-week conference for academic leaders from five institutions of higher education in Nigeria.//_files/images/nigerian-group-1.jpg

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800533Nigerian participants at the farewell luncheon./_files/images/nigerian-group-3.jpg

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800533Nigerian participants at the farewell luncheon.

From Sept. 23-27, International Programs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha hosted a group of academic leaders from Nigeria for the conference Advancing the Frontiers of Public Tertiary Education in the 21st Century. Participants from Nigeria came from Federal Polytechnic of Auchi, Federal Polytechnic of Idah, Federal Polytechnic of Ado-Ekiti, OSUN State College of Education in Ileshi, and the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu.

The event featured faculty and researchers from UNO, UNMC, and UNL who specialize on projects in public health, agriculture, biomechanics and administrative strategic planning and leadership. The conference highlighted the value of community engagement and how public universities enhance training and civic understanding by having students engage with and serve local communities through course projects and research.

UNO's Olu Oyinlade, Ph.D., professor of sociology and a native Nigerian, served as lead facilitator for the week's meetings.

"I would say this conference, at the very least, has exposed [our guests] to the ways that things can be different from the way things are back in Nigeria," Oyinlade says. "I think all of this they are going to take with them so that when they go home they can begin to make changes. I'm hoping by traveling through the community that will also get them some ideas of what could be different back home."

Through dialog about the challenges of higher education and changing needs in industry and educational preparation, participants explored creative ways to lead education for the future and to strengthen international ties with Nebraska.

"It's not going to end here," Oyinlade says. "The idea is that we want to follow up with them and to say 'how well are you doing' and who knows maybe there will be another summit down the road."

/news/2019/10/advancing-frontiers-of-public-tertiary-education

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Advancing the Frontiers of Public Tertiary Education Conference

UNO's International Programs unit hosted the one-week conference for academic leaders from five institutions of higher education in Nigeria.

international education, global engagement, NigeriaUNO's International Programs unit hosted the one-week conference for academic leaders from five institutions of higher education in Nigeria.

Oct 3, 2019 12:00 AM

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800533UNO senior Fadel Tamba discusses his home country of Senegal with 10-year-old Owen Fuesel///

Sitting at a small table in a classroom at Omaha’s Montessori Children’s Room, 10-year-old Owen Fuesel, an Illinois native and current Omaha resident, and Fadel Tamba, a UNO political science major and native of Senegal, are engaged in deep conversation about Tamba’s home country.

“That’s the town where I grew up, see?”

“How far away is that from Togo?”

Owen is getting last-minute guidance from Tamba, a senior at UNO, ahead of the school Geographic Bee, which determines who might move on to the state-wide competition held at UNO in April. The lesson and Geographic Bee represent the culmination of a three-month pilot program between UNO and Montessori in 2017 called the Global Citizens Academy. UNO associate professor Ramazan Kilinc, a native of Turkey who teaches in the Department of Political Science, launched the program with the assistance of the head of Montessori’s Children’s Room, Mary Boden Anderson.

I think that if we have a program like this at school, so kids are exposed to meeting – and it can be any country – but if they meet someone from there, it sticks in their mind.Fadel Tamba, UNO SeniorLeft

“I was just looking for some opportunities for our international students to reach out to the community and to provide service through their backgrounds,” Kilinc says. “I know that the students here are very open to different cultures and programs.”

With support from a UNO Civic Participation Project grant, Kilinc and a group of 12 international students from Japan, China, India, Turkey, France, Togo, Senegal, Mexico and Columbia spent an hour each week, from October to December, with students ranging from fourth-through-sixth grade at the Montessori Children’s Room. Each week, the students from UNO provided lessons on their home countries with the help of small informational paper booklets, miniature flags and a map.

Through the effort, students from different generations, cultures and countries came together to share their experiences and find common ground in their similarities – and enjoyment in their differences.

“I had known that [the countries] existed, and I knew a good amount of facts, but there were a lot of new facts and things I learned through the visits like geography, climate, food and culture,” Owen says.

Programs like the Global Citizens Academy echo the efforts of the Montessori schools’ founder, Maria Montessori, from nearly a century ago. Following the first World War, the Italian-born scientist and educator saw similarities in authoritarian teachers and authoritarian rulers, believing if children had choices, they would not automatically follow rulers who waged war. One piece of this effort was to expose children to cultures different than their own.

“At the time, she was teaching teachers to not necessarily follow a strict, authoritarian-type teaching, but one that allowed children to have more choices,” Anderson says. “So, if you have students who have a little bit more free choice, hopefully they aren’t going to follow what happened in the World Wars.”

Choice was also important in putting together each lesson, which was designed not to be a lecture, but as an informal discussion where both the Montessori students and international students could interact and ask more questions. Because of this, each week was different and the focus of the questions constantly changed.

“Before I came to visit the students, Professor Kilinc shared some of the information that I was going to talk about and he guided me on some very important aspects to talk about, like what might be the difference between a child in Senegal and one here, but when I came in I was shocked at the very adult questions they were asking,” Tamba says. “For example, they asked if Senegal used the same type of money, the CFA, as other West African countries and if everybody speaks French.”

One of the elements that Kilinc says made the lessons unique was that after each country’s lesson, students would place miniature flag stickers on a large map of Omaha highlighting businesses and organizations with ties to that country. Even though the lessons formally ended in December, the map still hangs in the students’ classroom.

Owen says the variety of the cultures that each of the students was exposed to made the discussions stand out.

“If we only had a couple, then it wouldn’t have been as fun.”

Tamba says these lessons aren't just fun, they're also important. He remembers growing up in Senegal, learning about countries like the United States, and hopes more children here can learn about different places and cultures.

“We were very exposed, so we have a very diverse idea about the world and what it looked like outside of Africa, but coming here that is one of the first things that shocked me,” he says. “I think that if we have a program like this at school, so kids are exposed to meeting – and it can be any country – but if they meet someone from there, it sticks in their mind."

Kilinc agrees.

“I realized in our experiences that teaching about other countries is teaching about ourselves, because most of the questions we received were comparing the countries we were talking about with the United States, in terms of culture, in terms of geography, economics and so on,” he says. “I teach comparative politics, so I’ve always thought that way, but I was able to see it firsthand with these students’ questions.”

While there are no specific plans yet, Kilinc and Anderson hope to bring the Global Citizens Academy back to Montessori this fall. Kilinc hopes that this effort provides a framework that more schools can adopt throughout the metro area.

“The great thing about this project is that it is really all about making those connections. The information and materials aren’t expensive and it doesn’t take much time. All it takes is a willingness to reach out and learn someone else’s story.”

/news/2018/02/effort-brings-together-different-cultures-generations

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[Article Heading]

Effort Brings Together Different Cultures, Generations

The Global Citizens Academy, a partnership between UNO and Omaha's Montessori Children's Room, hopes to improve cultural understanding through education.

global engagement, international relations, community engagementCharley SteedThe Global Citizens Academy, a partnership between UNO and Omaha's Montessori Children's Room, hopes to improve cultural understanding through education.

Feb 2, 2018 12:00 AM

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