George Lopez to Speak at NIU

Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars, the Division of International Programs, and the University Honors Program are proud to present a lecture by George A. Lopez, the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., Professor of Peace Studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame entitled

"Liberating Libya, Strangling Syria: Intervening for Human Rights and Protection" 

Thursday, March 29, 2012

7:00-8:30 p.m.
Sky Room (Holmes Student Center)

The fall of Gaddafi in Libya through UN Security Council endorsement of heavy sanctions and western military action meant to some analysts and diplomats that the era of state sovereignty was coming to an end and the "responsibility to protect" had begun. But the international community did not respond to the Syrian crackdown with the same actions and the people of Syria continue to suffer extreme repression. So which era – sovereignty, or the responsibility to protect will be the future?

This is guaranteed to be a very special lecture.

George A. Lopez will be visiting our campus to discuss the current situation in Syria as it relates to the international issues of state sovereignty and the what role global institutions are expected to play if, as some analysts and diplomats believe, the era of state sovereignty is coming to an end.

While the events in Libya and Syria may seem far detached from the reality we experience as individuals living in the United States, our nation’s involvement within powerful international bodies (like the United Nations), as well popular public involvement in burgeoning grassroots political movements (like the Occupy Movement) are making the systems of global power as well as international and local conflicts relevant to our everyday lives.

Professor Lopez has been featured by numerous national news sources, such as CNN, the New York Times, and the Chicago Tribune. Here are some links to his previous appearances:

George A. Lopez on CNN (via Skype interview) on the crisis in Syria and sanctions.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2012/02/01/bs-lopez-syria-violence.cnn

George A. Lopez, quoted by UNBureau Chief Neil MacFarquar, in the NYT: Russia Stands in the Way of UN Call for Assad to Step Down

And in the Chicago Tribune Senators weigh further measures on Iran sanctions

And quoted in Reuters: "Analysis: Oil report may offer Obama an out on Iran." http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/31/us-iran-eia-idUSTRE80U24120120131

We are lucky to have this insightful and experienced professional coming to NIU, and this is a lecture you would be sorry to miss!

For more information, contact Pamela Rosenberg at prosenberg@niu.edu or 815-753-9530.

Call for Host Families!

What do all of these happy families have in common?

They decided to open their home as host families for PYLP, of course!

Northern Illinois University is looking for ambassador families who are willing to be host of two teenager guests for 2 weeks from April 29-May 10 2012 for Philippine Youth Leadership Program (PYLP).The families get to attend the Host Family Orientation and the Farewell Reception for the guests organized by NIU. Besides keeping the guests at home, the families need to provide breakfast and dinners; transport services and can enjoy a free weekend with the guests.

This could be a great learning experience for the host families living with people from different countries as well as enhancing the image of our country. For further queries please contact: International Training Office, NIU, Lesile Shive, call: 815-753-9546 or email:lshive@niu.edu.

 You can also check out this link:PYLP 9

NIU Welcomes Global UGRAD-Pakistan Student

NIU is excited to welcome a new international student from Pakistan as part of the U.S. Department of State's Global Undergraduate Exchange Program. The Global UGRAD-Pakistan program aims to advance youth leadership and promote mutual understanding of cultures by providing a year of study in the US to emerging student leaders from underrepresented sectors of Pakistan.

During their time here, UGRAD-Pakistan students perform community service and explore American traditions in addition to their academic studies. Students develop a more well-rounded perception of American culture, and go on to share their experiences and understandings of the US with friends, family, and others in their communities back home.

They are also "ambassadors" for Pakistan. Their unique perspectives and backgrounds enrich the learning experiences of local students. As well, they will give presentations about their home country and cultures at local schools, Rotary clubs, elderly homes, and other locations. Each student could potentially reach thousands of Americans, whose understandings of Pakistan are often limited.

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the Department of State and is administered by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).

The ECA brings together students and professionals from the US and across the world to foster stronger relationships between countries. ECA works with students, educators, artists, athletes, and emerging leaders in many fields in the US and in more than 160 countries. Alumni of the ECA exchange programs comprise more than one million people around the world, including more than 40 Nobel Laureates and more than 300 current or former heads of state and government. For more info about ECA exchanges, visit http://exchanges.state.gov

IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $60 million and a staff of over 400 professionals worldwide. IREX employs field-tested methods and innovative uses of technologies to develop practical and locally-driven solutions with their partners in over 100 countries. For more info about IREX, visit www.irex.org

International Women's Day Luncheon at NIU

Mark your calendars!  March 8th, otherwise known as International Women's Day, is approaching faster than you think!

Every year on March 8th, women and men around the world celebrate International Women's Day by participating in a number of activities to raise awareness about the global inequalities that women experience all year round.  Gatherings, protests, and other activities are usually geared toward an annual theme related to an issue that affects womens across the clobe.  This year the theme is "Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures".  According to the International Women's Day website, "If every International Women's Day event held in 2012 includes girls in some way, then thousands of minds will be inspired globally."

NIU will be holding its annual International Women's Day Luncheon on March 7th as part of the world-wide activities being held to celebrate and inspire.  NIU's own Kurt Thurmaier will give a talk titled, "Kidogo, Kidogo:  Patiently Investing in Girls' Education."  Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Chandelier Room of Adams Hall.  The luncheon itself costs $15, but those who are interested in attending the talk only are welcome to come and should arrive around 12:15 p.m.  Reserve your spot before Monday, February 27th by contacting Pamela Rosenberg at 815-753-9530 or at prosenberg@niu.edu.

Economic Benefits of International Education

The Economic Benefits of International Education to the United States for the 2009-2010 Academic Year: Statistical Analysis report from NAFSA:  Association of International Educators reports that international students contributed nearly $870 million to the state of Illinois' economy during the 2009-2010 academic year! NIU's international students account for more than $16 million of our state's contribution.

 

The total benefit for the entire United State's economy from international students was approximately $18.78 billion!

 

As if contributing to a culturally diverse campus wasn't enough!

NIU Selected for 2012 India Initiative of the International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP)

NIU is one of eleven schools selected to participate in the 2012 India initiative of the International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP) through the Institute for International Education (IIE).  To learn more about this exclusive program, check out NIU Today here.

Heart of Hearing in Hong Kong

This summer audiology Professor King Chung led a study abroad program entitled Heart of Hearing to Hong Kong where they exchanged ideas with scholars and medical experts, provided free hearing tests to underserved residents and visited local landmarks.  To read more about this amazing program, please check out NIU Today here.