UPbeat

News for and about University of Portland faculty and staff.

Studies Abroad

New to The Bluff—Chelsea Swick, Program Manager, Study Abroad

Chelsea Swick (she/they) has joined the Study Abroad team! She has planned her life around study abroad and brings that love of adventure to UP. Chelsea’s first study abroad experience was as a high school student when she spent an academic year in Germany as a recipient of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange scholarship. She majored in Japanese Langauge & Culture at California State University, Monterey Bay and spent an academic year studying at Okayama University in Japan. Upon graduation, she taught English as an additional language to students in Japan on the JET Program. Returning to Europe, she became an international student and earned her master’s in Global Studies through the University of Vienna and Leipzig University.

Chelsea returned to teaching languages and history before beginning work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, first as an international student advising specialist and later as a coordinator for study abroad. Chelsea is thrilled to return to the West Coast and support UP students as they embark on their own international adventures.

Nominate Students for New Study Abroad Course in Pollentia, Spain

This year UP is launching an exciting new Study Abroad course called: LDR/THE 391X: Global Leadership & Archaeology: Unearthing the Past to Envision Our Future. We are asking for faculty and staff to nominate students for this course. To nominate a student(s), please click this link to provide the student’s name by Monday, October 2nd and a member of our team will reach out to them to encourage them to apply.

For more information about the program as well as the application, go to: https://upstudiesabroad.via-trm.com/program_brochure/11769  

Students selected for this course will have the opportunity to have the adventure of a lifetime studying abroad on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Mallorca, Spain, digging up the past by excavating an ancient Roman cemetery with professional archaeologists and students from the University of Barcelona, living in 13th century homes in the UNESCO World Heritage walled city of Alcudia, enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches in the world & embracing the many outdoor adventure opportunities, enjoying delicious Spanish cuisine and vibrant night life, and all while earning course credit. 

Key Course Information for Students: 

· 3-credit Exploration Level course: Spring 2024 through July 2024. 

· On-campus component of the course starts January 2024, meets once per week during Spring Semester for about an hour and a half (students receive an “In Progress” for their course grade until they have completed the required global component in July). 

· Required global component: Archaeological Field School in Mallorca, Spain (June 28-July 28), famous for its diverse natural beauty (mountains, valleys, beaches, rock climbing, biking, it’s paradise!). 

· This course focuses on two Core Habits: Religion, Faith, and Ethics, and Global and Historical Consciousness. Students will become more aware of their emotions, beliefs, worldviews, values, and expressions of leadership as they engage with course materials and onsite interactions with their peers from the US and people from other cultures. 

· Excavating human remains at Pollentia’s ancient cemetery brings participants face to face with the ultimate questions of life and creates an environment where students are invited to reflect on their ethics in light of their religion, faith, and experiences with ancient material culture and in comparison, with the ethics of their multicultural peers. 

· Deepen your learning and development as an ethical, global leader as you discover more about who you are and who you are becoming through immersive experiential learning and reflection. 

· Work with trained archaeologists from the University of Barcelona to be a part of uncovering the most important Roman city of the Balaeric Islands. 

· Live in the UNESCO World Heritage medieval walled town of Alcúdia and walking distance to the largest and longest beach in Mallorca, with white fine sand and the turquoise sea on the horizon. 

· Connect with Spanish peers from the University of Barcelona (we’ll be working with them on the archaeological excavation site for the entire month!) 

· Develop your Spanish language skills! (Spanish language proficiency is not required; however, this experience is a great opportunity to practice with native speakers) 

· What’s it like to work on the archaeological excavation site in Pollentia? Check out this short video created by Portland Magazine, that highlights the Pollentia Undergraduate Research Expedition. 

· Course Fee: Approximately $6,000 + airfare (includes: archaeological program, housing, breakfasts, lunches, 2 group dinners per week, excursion to Barcelona) 

What is Mallorca, Spain known for? (for a video that highlights the top things to enjoy in Mallorca, Spain, click here!) 

· Stunning beaches – Mallorca is renowned for its beautiful beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine sandy shores. It offers a variety of beach options, from lively and energetic beaches with water sports activities to secluded and tranquil coves for relaxation. 

· Outdoor Activities: In addition to beach-related activities, people can enjoy hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and water sports like sailing, snorkeling, and diving. The island’s diverse landscapes provide opportunities for nature lovers and adventure seekers! 

· Local Cuisine: Mallorcan cuisine is known for its flavorful dishes and fresh Mediterranean ingredients.  

· Student-Friendly Environment: Mallorca attracts a young and international crowd, making it a welcoming and inclusive destination for college students. You’re likely to meet fellow travelers and make new friends from around the world. 

· Vibrant Nightlife: Mallorca has a vibrant and energetic nightlife scene, particularly in cities like Palma de Mallorca and Magaluf. There are numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties where college students can socialize, dance, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. 

· Palma de Mallorca: As the capital city of Mallorca, Palma is a major attraction. It is known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, La Seu, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The city also features a charming old town with narrow streets, historical buildings, and lively squares. Palma offers a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, museums, and a thriving nightlife. 

· Cultural Heritage: Mallorca has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations throughout history. The island has Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences, which are reflected in its architecture, traditions, and cuisine. Exploring the towns and villages of Mallorca allows visitors to delve into its unique cultural tapestry. 

Application Information: 

· Application due date: Monday, October 23rd, 2023 

· Click here to complete the application  

· Students who have taken or are currently taking LDR 225: Foundations of Leadership receive priority in the application process 

· Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: THE 105 


For questions, please reach out to Director of Leadership & Leadership Professor of Practice, Dave Houglum at houglum@up.edu.

New to the Bluff – Jen Hamlow, Director of Study Abroad

After graduating, she traveled to Salzburg, Austria on a Fulbright Scholarship, taught English for a year in Vienna, then moved to Chicago to complete a Masters in Multicultural Communication at DePaul University. While in Chicago, she worked for IES, a study abroad provider, before returning home to Portland 6 years later to work for AHA International (now GEO) with the University of Oregon. In 2012, she transitioned from working for providers to working with them, serving first as the Faculty Led Coordinator, and then as the Director of Education Abroad and Off Campus programs at Portland State University.

She is looking forward to returning to a small liberal arts campus, working with the same programs that she once helped manage, and especially to the opportunity to share her love of Salzburg with others. (How DO you solve a problem like Maria?) When she is not on campus, she is chasing her young daughter from one activity to the next, camping in the great NW, or cheering on the Thorns and Timbers. 

Studies Abroad Open House: Wednesday, Sept. 4

The Studies Abroad Office will be hosting their annual Open House from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4 in the Bauccio Commons Dining Room, according to Kallan Picha, studies abroad. There will be representatives from business, engineering, nursing, education, and CAS as well as study abroad providers, UP faculty, and student alumni to answer questions. Please encourage your students to come learn about study abroad opportunities for the upcoming summer, fall, and spring.

For more information, please contact Kallan Picha, studies abroad, at x7821.

New Director for Studies Abroad: Kallan Faith Picha

The Office of International Education, Diversity, and Inclusion welcomes Kallan Faith Picha to campus as the new director of studies abroad. Kallan comes to The Bluff with 9 years of experience in international education and a deep commitment to student service, program development, and establishing collaborative partnerships. In her most recent role as director of global programs at Pepperdine University, Kallan managed over 50 partnerships and has seen the program flourish under her leadership. She brings considerable enthusiasm and humane interest in serving a wide array of students, faculty, and staff here at UP.

Many members of the UP community joined in the on-campus finalist interviews, including Amy Wruck in studies abroad and the search committee: Elisa Majors, Laurie McLary, Jamie Merritt, Lisa Reed, John Watzke, and Blair Woodard.

 

CISGO Faculty Workshop, Feb. 17

CISGO will be hosting a faculty workshop on Friday, February 17, 4-5:30 p.m., in Franz Hall room 120. This workshop seeks to support faculty in utilizing their local study abroad environment to best incorporate the Global and Intercultural Learning Outcomes (GILOs) into their classes for courses taught abroad. It will be useful to faculty about to teach abroad, or who are interested in leading groups in the future. Faculty members who have already taught abroad are also encouraged to join us to share their own thoughts and experiences with regard to integrating local learning opportunities into their courses abroad.

Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP here if you are interested.

For more information conact Eduardo Contreras, Jr., studies abroad, at contrera@up.edu  or x8266.

Teaching Across Cultures and Borders with Hala Jadid al Kash

al-kash-copyHala Jadid al Kash, a professor with IES Abroad in Spain and longtime supporter of Syrian refugees, will present “Teaching Across Cultures and Borders” on Thursday, November 3, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the Terrace Room in Bauccio Commons. Her talk, which begins with refreshments and a brief social, is free and open to all.

Al Kash will discuss the challenges and opportunities to teaching American students in Spain, describing how she approaches teaching different types of American students; how she supports the intercultural development of her students; and how she covers contemporary topics such as the use of social media in mass movements, the Arab Spring, and the current Syrian refugee crisis.

Al Kash is a faculty member with IES Abroad in Granada, Spain, and teaches courses on Arabic language, social media, and Islamic culture to American study abroad students. Her classroom teaching uses media and contemporary issues to develop intercultural awareness in students. Al Kash was born in Syria, and has lived in Spain for 18 years. She founded Souriyat sin fronteras (Syrian Without Borders) which focuses on supporting Syrian refugees.

 

Please RSVP at this link. The talk is sponsored by the Office of Studies Abroad. For more information contact Eduardo Contreras, studies abroad, at contrera@up.edu.

 

PDX Abroad Think Tank, Sept. 23

contreras-copy-copyThe Office of Studies Abroad is hosting the next PDX Abroad Think Tank, where participants will discuss ways to engage with students who have the status of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), on Friday, September 23, from 1 to 5 p.m., in the Chiles Center Hall of Fame Room. These students are eligible to study abroad, but there are many challenges to supporting them in their pursuit of overseas study. The Think Tank will consider those challenges and seek solutions to supporting these students. Participants may attend for some or all of the event.

For more information contact Eduardo Contreras, studies abroad, at contrera@up.edu.

 

 

Studies Abroad welcomes Amy Wruck

wruck amy copyStudies Abroad would like to welcome their new administrative assistant Amy Wruck to the University of Portland. Amy was born and raised in Illinois. She completed her M.S.Ed. in higher education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. Her graduate studies focused on all things international: from study abroad best practices to international student development and the internationalization of higher education. Through her graduate assistantship in recreation & wellness, Amy also developed a love for student affairs and development, cross-campus collaboration, and the power of play. Amy is thrilled to be joining the University of Portland community and is excited to help the students here get the most out of their time as UP Pilots. She also looks forward to making a home in Oregon.

New Studies Abroad Director: Eduardo Contreras, Jr.

contrerasEduardo Contreras, Jr. has been appointed director of Studies Abroad, according to Thomas Green, provost. He will be assuming his responsibilities on July 1, 2015.

Contreras comes to The Bluff from Harvard University, where he recently completed his doctor of education degree. He also holds an Ed.M. in higher education from the Graduate School of Education at Harvard, an M.A. in Asian cultures and languages, and a B.A. in history (with high honors) from the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He will have a concurrent faculty appointment in the School of Education.

Recently, Contreras has been teaching in the Higher Education Institutes at Harvard, serving as the study abroad program consultant in the Harvard Europe Program, and providing mentorship in the Office of Minority Education at MIT. Before moving to Massachusetts for graduate studies, he was a program coordinator in the study abroad office, international advisor in the Center for Global Educational Opportunities, and a research associate in the South Asia Institute, all at University of Texas at Austin.

Contreras is fluent in Spanish, and can also speak, read, and write in Hindi/Urdu, and read and write in Sanskrit. He is the author of numerous articles and chapters on international education and he has also offered many presentations and invited lectures on the topic.

For more information, contact the provost’s office at 7105 or staten@up.edu.