News Room | International Programs | University of Nebraska Omaha

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News Room

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 ReleaseNoNoYesYes1734119100000UNO’s Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies (CARS) have started a new partnership with Federal Programs at Lincoln Public Schools due to the success of the Afghan Refugee School Impact seminars held over the summer./news/2024/12/img/pic-edited-1.jpg

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Lincoln Federal Programs Partners with the Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies to Better Support Newcomers from Afghanistan and Beyond

UNO’s Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies (CARS) recently partnered with Federal Programs at Lincoln Public Schools to provide training and facilitate meaningful discussions for federal programs personnel working in Lincoln schools. The meeting was held on November 5, 2024. The new partnership happened as a result of two summer seminars for teachers presented by CARS as part of the course Afghan Refugee School Impact. The UNO team was asked to return in the fall to expand on the topic and speak to another large audience of staff who work specifically with refugees and immigrants. Besides U.S. born staff, the group consisted of refugees and immigrants who have made Nebraska their home and are now working as school liaisons. They represented many places including Afghanistan, Columbia, Iraq, Mexico, Russia, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

The session began with a general overview of refugees worldwide along with some historical background of refugee resettlement in the U.S., the resettlement process, and what supports are available. Then, a discussion on the importance of cross-cultural understanding provided some time for self-reflection and group discussions about cross-cultural experiences, conflicts, and resolutions. Finally, the session covered a variety of topics related to supporting newcomers including conversations about school environment expectations, how assimilation affects family dynamics, the trauma and stress experienced by refugee and immigrant youth, and how to create welcoming schools.

The training brought about a greater understanding of shared struggles and common themes in the experiences of both refugees and immigrants. It provided federal programs staff and liaisons useful insights and practical solutions for supporting newcomers from Afghanistan and beyond. Lincoln participants also shared their personal experiences which greatly enriched the interactions.

"The collaboration between Federal Programs at Lincoln Public Schools and the Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies at UNO has been an invaluable partnership, fostering a deeper understanding of lived experiences and encouraging growth in ways that might not have been possible otherwise." - Dr. Marco A. Pedroza, Director of Federal Programs and Grants, Lincoln Public Schools

For further information, please contact the Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies.

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Lincoln Federal Programs Partners with CARS

Lincoln Public Schools, Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies, Federal PartnershipsCharity StahlArticle about a new partnership between University of Nebraska Omaha's Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies with Federal Programs at Lincoln Public Schools to train personnel.

Dec 13, 2024 1:45 PM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1727279400000The Legacy of YSEALI Continues with the YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement at UNO/news/2024/09/yseali-logo.png

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The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) will host the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program (YSEALI AFP) focused on Civic Engagement, funded by a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Beginning in April 2025, UNO’s YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement will host 25 young leaders from Southeast Asia in Omaha for a five-week intensive academic exchange. The UNO program will be led by an experienced and interdisciplinary team led by PI Jody Neathery-Castro, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement and Professor of Political Science; Academic Director Whitney Gent, Assistant Professor of Communication; and Administrative Director Julie Jimenez, Assistant Director of Global Grants.

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is part of the wider Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, which is the U.S. government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia. The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program provides skills training to youth, aged 18-25, from eleven countries in Southeast Asia including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. The program is designed to strengthen leadership development across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), deepen engagement with young leaders on key regional and global challenges, and strengthen people-to-people ties between the U.S. and Southeast Asia.

The Fellowship brings approximately 500 exceptional young leaders per year to the United States for five-week academic Institutes at U.S. universities and colleges. Institutes focus on one of four themes: Civic Engagement; Sustainability and Environment; Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Empowerment; and Society and Governance. Institutes include an academic residency, leadership development, an educational study tour, and community service activities, and the institutes conclude in Washington, DC.

During the Fellowship, participants learn to design and implement projects to be completed upon returning home and may receive small grants to fund their implementation. Programs occur twice per year, in the fall and spring. To date, the Academic Fellows Program has nearly 2,000 alumni who are actively engaged across the region.

Some highlights of the YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement at UNO program will include connecting with local partners during community site visits and gaining insight from campus and local leaders to support the fellows’ collaborative projects. Fellows will contribute to the community through service with local nonprofits.

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana.

For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media: Instagram and Facebook.

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The Legacy of YSEALI Continues with the YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement at UNO

Department of State, ECA, YSEALI, Southeast AsiaJulie JimenezThe University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) will host the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program (YSEALI AFP) focused on Civic Engagement, funded by a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.

Sep 25, 2024 10:50 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1725983400000Better Understanding of Newcomers from Afghanistan and Beyond: A Fruitful Partnership Between Nebraska Educators and UNO’s Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies //news/2024/09/img/arsi2.png

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1200800Group sitting in a classroom posing for a photoLincoln educators are pictured with instructors from The Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies during an in-person session/news/2024/09/img/arsi1.png

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1200800Instructor points to an image on a PowerPoint slide in front of a classroomLincoln educators learn about the urban-rural divide and how it impacts Afghan culture/news/2024/09/img/arsi3.png

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1200800Group of women pose for a photoEducators from Omaha Public schools are pictured with UNO instructors while visiting the Arthur Paul Afghanistan Collection at UNO’s Criss Library Archives and Special Collections

This summer marked the end of a 10-month training course for Nebraska educators led by UNO’s Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies. The program, called Afghan Refugee School Impact, helped to bridge the gap between newcomers from Afghanistan and Nebraska teachers, administrators, and other school personnel. A total of sixty participants representing Millard Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools, and Lincoln Public Schools participated in the course which included both in-person and online sessions. The purpose of the training was to enhance the capacity of schools to better serve newcomer Afghan students and families through expanding and strengthening opportunities for linguistic integration and education, providing welcoming schools and classrooms for Afghan students and their families, strengthening skills, knowledge, and competence of NDE staff for the benefit of Afghan refugee students, and enhancing the capacity and quality of existing programs that focus on Afghan refugees. The course consisted of five modules: The Refugee Experience, Cross-Cultural Understanding and Communication, The People of Afghanistan, Religious Practices of Afghans, and Professional Skills for Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) and ELLs with Disabilities. Besides offering practical content on topics related to Afghan culture, the course covered topics related to general knowledge about refugees and the trauma of displacement as well as the stress of resettlement and acculturation. This broader knowledge was transferred to apply to other refugee populations. Thus, making a greater impact, not only for Afghans, but for people coming to Nebraska from many other parts of the world. The course provided an avenue for administrators, teachers, and school staff to have discussions, ask questions, problem solve, and collaborate regarding topics related to reaching out, supporting, and empowering Afghan refugee students and their families.

Quotes from Participating Educators:

“I am very glad that I had the opportunity to do this course. I learned so much and now I can better understand who I am teaching. I love sharing with Afghan families every day and getting to know all about their culture.”

“I feel like I’ve traveled a long road from where I started in my knowledge of Afghanistan and its people.”

“This has been an excellent course with great instructors!”

“It has been very helpful, and I especially appreciated hearing personal stories from the presenters.”

For more information and inquiries on Afghan Refugee School Impact, see this link below.

Afghan Refugee School Impact Course

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Better Understanding of Newcomers from Afghanistan and Beyond

Afghan, Afghanistan, refugee, educatorsCharity StahlThis summer marked the end of a 10-month training course for Nebraska educators led by UNO’s Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies. The program, called Afghan Refugee School Impact, helped to bridge the gap between newcomers from Afghanistan and Nebraska teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.

Sep 10, 2024 10:50 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1725035400000UNO is excited to announce the return of the BOLD (Balkanski Omladinski Lideri - Balkan Youth Leaders) Civic Engagement Fellowship Program for the fifth year in a row, bringing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and local engagement to the heart of Omaha. //news/2024/08/img/3-bold.png

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Omaha, Nebraska – The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is excited to announce the return of the BOLD (Balkanski Omladinski Lideri - Balkan Youth Leaders) Civic Engagement Fellowship Program for the fifth year in a row, bringing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and local engagement to the heart of Omaha.

This dynamic initiative, sponsored by U.S. embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia, is designed to create a network of changemakers and civic leaders in the Balkans who can collaborate on regional issues and strengthen relations between their countries and the United States. It offers young adults aged 18-25 the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, develop creative solutions to civic engagement challenges in their communities, and foster meaningful connections with Americans. Through a series of workshops, participants gain invaluable experience in civic activism, project management, and leadership development. The program's cornerstone is its intensive exchange component, which includes a four-week academic residency at UNO, followed by an educational study tour to iconic U.S. landmarks and cities, such as Mount Rushmore, New York City, and Washington D.C.

Dr. Lana Obradovic, Associate Professor of Political Science and the Goldstein Family Community Chair in Human Rights is the principal director of the BOLD project. “By hosting the BOLD program, UNO strengthens its role as a hub for international education and community collaboration, fostering global relationships that benefit both the visiting fellows and local Nebraskans,” Obradovic says. “We have a great interdisciplinary BOLD team at UNO, that includes Dr. Whitney Gent, Assistant Professor of Communications and our Academic Director, and invaluable Office of International Programs staff, Julie Jimenez, and Michael Butcher.”

During their residency in Omaha, the fellows will engage with UNO faculty, local organizations, and community leaders to explore civic engagement practices and exchange ideas on addressing societal challenges. This collaboration provides an opportunity for Nebraskans to learn from international perspectives while sharing our state’s rich history of community service.

Nikola Ilić from Serbia highlighted the opportunity for growth: "My goal is to learn from America's robust civic engagement practices, discovering innovative ways to inspire and mobilize our communities back home. This experience promises professional growth and invaluable insights into creating positive change.”

In fact, past participants have gone on to implement significant civic engagement projects in their home countries, often collaborating with faculty and organizations they connected with during their time at UNO. This year's cohort is expected to bring new ideas and energy to the ongoing dialogue about civic responsibility and leadership.

"This program offers a unique experience that enables young individuals to broaden their horizons, learn from experts, advance their skills, and connect with other ambitious peers," said Hana Kunić from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Amar Hajrović from Montenegro shared their similar enthusiasm: "I'm excited for the UNO BOLD Civic Engagement Program to broaden my understanding of civic engagement and connect with passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

The program will run from August 18 to September 20, 2024.

For more information on the BOLD Civic Engagement Fellowship Program and its impact on the Balkans and beyond, please contact lobradovic@unomaha.edu.

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The BOLD Civic Engagement Fellowship Program Returns to UNO, Strengthening Global and Local Ties

UNO is excited to announce the return of the BOLD (Balkanski Omladinski Lideri - Balkan Youth Leaders) Civic Engagement Fellowship Program for the fifth year in a row, bringing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and local engagement to the heart of Omaha.

BOLD, Civic Engagement, Global GrantsJulie JimenezUNO is excited to announce the return of the BOLD (Balkanski Omladinski Lideri - Balkan Youth Leaders) Civic Engagement Fellowship Program for the fifth year in a row, bringing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and local engagement to the heart of Omaha.

Aug 30, 2024 11:30 AM

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News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1719550800000This competitive grant aims to expand and diversify U.S. student participation in study abroad programs, helping schools across the country offer more inclusive international experiences./news/2024/06/img/2024-ideas-grant-announcing-1cms.jpg

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1200800UNO’s Study Abroad Program Receives 2024 IDEAS Grant Graphic Announcing the 2024 IDEAS Program Grantees for Creating and Expanding U.S. Study Abroad opportunities.///

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Education Abroad has been awarded the 2024 IDEAS (Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students) Grant.

Created by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and funded with the support of the U.S. Government, this competitive grant aims to expand and diversify U.S. student participation in study abroad programs, helping schools across the country offer more inclusive international experiences.

"We’re very excited about the opportunity for staff to go abroad and have a study abroad experience, something which is largely limited to students and faculty," said Emily Krueger, UNO assistant director of global learning. "We’ve seen the impact staff advocates can have in helping students, especially underrepresented students, to study abroad through campus communities like the Goodrich Scholarship Program. We want students to learn about studying abroad in the campus communities they trust and are familiar with, and to be that extra layer of support for students who think it’s not a possibility for them."

The IDEAS Program aims to help U.S. higher education institutions create more inclusive and comprehensive international experiences. The grant funding is not intended for direct student scholarships but rather for projects that will expand study abroad opportunities and participation in the long run.

UNO's proposal, titled “We’ll Meet You Where You Are: Training and Mobilizing Study Abroad Advocates Serving Underrepresented Student Groups at UNO,” focuses on training eight diverse UNO staff members who work with underrepresented students. Through the $35,000 grant, these staff members will gain study abroad experience and expertise, enabling them to become advocates for study abroad participation.

The “We’ll Meet You Where You Are” program is designed to give participating staff a similar experience to students studying abroad. They will go through the entire process, including application, pre-departure sessions, and a study abroad trip to Türkiye. During their time abroad, staff will visit partner universities—Sabanci University and Bilkent University—and tour cultural sites in Türkiye, a country underrepresented in U.S. study abroad programs. They will also receive specialized training in study abroad programs and policies specific to UNO.

The international experience will provide staff with firsthand knowledge of studying abroad, including learning about various program components such as STEM courses, research opportunities, transfer of credits, scholarships, and affordable housing options. Upon their return, these staff members will develop and implement follow-on activities that promote study abroad within their campus communities, extending beyond the grant period.

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UNO’s Education Abroad Program Receives 2024 IDEAS Grant

This competitive grant aims to expand and diversify U.S. student participation in study abroad programs, helping schools across the country offer more inclusive international experiences.

Education Abroad, Study AbroadBella Lockwood This competitive grant aims to expand and diversify U.S. student participation in study abroad programs, helping schools across the country offer more inclusive international experiences.

Jun 28, 2024 12:00 AM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1724363100000UNO’s International Program’s Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies welcomed 29 Pakistani English teachers this past weekend. The group will be in the U.S. for a six-week teacher training and cultural exchange program.//news/2024/08/img/tea_2024_1.png

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1200800Group stands in Milo Bail Student Center holding a banner.TEA participants tour campus on their first day August 19, 2024/news/2024/08/img/tea_2024_2.png

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1200800People sit in a classroom facing the front, where there is a person speaking and a power point display.The group is welcomed on their first day on campus by Sher Jan Ahmadzai, director of The Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies/news/2024/08/img/tea_2024_3.png

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1200800Group poses in front of a brick buildingTEA participants celebrate their arrival to the iconic Arts and Sciences Hall at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

UNO’s International Program’s Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies welcomed 29 Pakistani English teachers this past weekend. The group will be in the U.S. for a six-week teacher training and cultural exchange program. The participants represent diverse provinces in Pakistan and are the seventh group that have come to UNO since the Spring of 2022. 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. Participants also visit local schools to gain firsthand knowledge of education in the U.S. Each participant returns home with a unique final leadership project to be completed in their local communities. Topics for leadership plans of TEA alumni included: 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 will experience a variety of cultural visits on the weekends as well as trips to South Dakota and Washington, DC. A celebration of Pakistani culture will be held by the participants on September 5th in the atrium of the Milo Bail Student Center from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. This event is free and open to the community.

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International Programs Welcomes Cohort 7 of Pakistani English Teachers

TEA, Pakistan, English TeachingCharity StahlUNO’s International Program’s Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies welcomed 29 Pakistani English teachers this past weekend. The group will be in the U.S. for a six-week teacher training and cultural exchange program.

Aug 22, 2024 4:45 PM

News ReleaseNoNoYesYes1723042800000Two UNO students were awarded the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant to support their summer 2024 study abroad experiences. Hear more about their time in Mexico and France!//news/2024/08/img/phikappaphi1.png

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1200800Young woman poses with small UNO flag in front of a building in Xalapa, Mexico.Madison Eisert during her summer study abroad in Xalapa, Mexico./news/2024/08/img/phikappaphi2.png

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1200800A young woman stands next to an Olmec colossal head statue.Madison Eisert during her summer study abroad in Xalapa, Mexico./news/2024/08/img/phikappaphi3.png

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1200800A young woman stands in front of buildings in a street in France.Lauryn Hagedorn during her summer study abroad in Paris & Dijon, France./news/2024/08/img/phikappaphi4.png

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1200800A group of UNO students pose with a UNO flag in France.Lauryn Hagedorn during her summer study abroad in Paris & Dijon, France.

Madison Eisert's Journey in Xalapa, Mexico

Madison Eisert, a sophomore majoring in Biology with minors in Spanish for Health Sciences, Chemistry, and Medical Humanities, embarked on an enriching journey to Xalapa, Mexico, as a participant in the 2024 Spanish Language in Xalapa Global Course. Her aspirations to become a Pediatric Physician Assistant motivated her to immerse herself in a Spanish-speaking environment to better serve a diversified patient base.

"The 2024 summer study abroad program helped me to gain further confidence in my language skills and enables me to better understand and treat Spanish-speaking patients," Madison shared. As a Nurse Aide at UNMC, she is dedicated to providing high-quality care, and this experience has significantly enhanced her ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients.

Madison's time in Xalapa was marked by cultural immersion, language acquisition, and overcoming challenges. She stayed with a host family and took classes at Universidad Veracruzana, including a culture class, grammar class, and workshops in Salsa and Mexican Folklore dancing. She highlighted the diverse experiences she encountered: "In between school, I spent time with my host family, went on excursions with other students, explored Xalapa, and immersed myself in the Spanish language and culture."

Her journey was not without its hurdles. "Our host family ran out of water for a week... and I had to describe words to others instead of looking them up when I didn't know them," Madison recounted. Despite these challenges, she cherished memorable moments such as kayaking and scuba diving in Veracruz, learning traditional dances, and exploring local artistry.

Lauryn Hagedorn's Exploration in France

Lauryn Hagedorn, a junior at UNO, is pursuing a triple concentration in Business Finance, Banking & Financial Markets, and Portfolio & Investment Science, with secondary focuses in Marketing and Management. Her passion for the financial sector led her to the 2024 Management in France Global Course, where she studied French business culture in Paris and Dijon for two weeks.

"I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad through the ‘Management in France’ Global Course with fellow UNO students," Lauryn stated. "One of the highlights was seeing how France’s business culture differs from that of the U.S. I was particularly impressed by their emphasis on work-life balance."

The experience extended beyond academics, allowing Lauryn to explore France's rich cultural heritage. "Alongside engaging lectures and insightful business visits, I also enjoyed exploring museums, historical sites, and tourist attractions," she shared. A personal highlight for Lauryn was visiting the Eiffel Tower, fulfilling a long-held dream. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity provided by UNO, as experiencing life and culture beyond America is so important," she added.

Celebrating Global Learning and Cultural Exchange

Both Madison and Lauryn's experiences underscore the transformative power of study abroad programs. The Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant enabled these students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new cultures, and enhance their academic and professional skills.

Madison's adventure in Mexico and Lauryn's exploration of France reflect the importance of global learning in today’s interconnected world. Their stories inspire other students to pursue similar opportunities, broadening their horizons and fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.

Learn more about the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant at: https://www.phikappaphi.org/grants-awards/study-abroad

Learn more about opportunities to study abroad through UNO at: https://www.unomaha.edu/international-studies-and-programs/study-abroad/index.php

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Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant: Empowering Student Experiences in Global Learning

Two UNO students were awarded the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant to support their summer 2024 study abroad experiences.

phi kappa phi, study abroad, education abroadMelia MarkhamTwo UNO students were awarded the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant to support their summer 2024 study abroad experiences.

Aug 7, 2024 10:00 AM

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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.

Oct 1, 2024 5:00 AM

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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 and Regional StudiesUNO's Center for Afghanistan and Regional 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

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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

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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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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-4.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./_files/images/nigerian-group-2.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."

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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.”

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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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