News and Events
OGE News
The Office of Global Affairs celebrates joint effort from UTRGV student Nermeen Abougheim and Dr. Zemrani in teaching the community about Egypt and her culture.
Nermeen Aboughoheim is from Alexandria, Egypt. She has received her bachelor’s degree in the English Language from the Faculty of Education, she has pursued post-graduate studies in TESOL at the University of Edinburgh. She has been a teacher of English in her city Alexandria. She enjoys reading, writing, drawing. She has a husband and three children. During her year in the U.S., she is looking forward to experiencing American traditions and sharing her cultural holidays with them. Her primary objective for participating in TCLP is sharing culture between the U.S. and Egypt. She is hosted by PSJA Memorial Early College High School in Alamo, TX. TCLP is an exchange program sponsored by the department of state and administered by the American Council for international education. it brings teachers from Morocco, Egypt, and China to teach their native language. The grant was submitted by PSJA in collaboration with a faculty Dr. A. Zemrani, Department of Public Affairs and Security Studies. Ms. Nermeen was first invited to Dr. Zemrani's class PAFF 6362 where she gave a presentation on raising awareness on the Middle East and focus on Egypt culture, history, and other questions. Dr.Zemrani, as the Community Liaison, managed to get her to present at Dr. Margaret Graham in her Anthropology class where Ms. Nermeen presented her perspective on the history of Egypt and highlighted the similarities between the Pyramids in Egypt and Mexico. Students from both classes, graduates, and undergraduate were fully engaged asking very pertinent questions. Ms. Nermeen's next talk will be in Dr. Khalid Aada who teaches Arabic and is part of the Middle East working group with USFEL grant at UTRGV.
International Admissions & Student Services successfully celebrated the Lunar New Year 2020 at UTRGV! This year UTRGV celebrated the Year of the Rat!
This year, more than 1.5 billion people around the world got together to celebrate the Year of the Rat! Lunar New Year is about spending time with family and friends, feasting on foods with symbolic meanings, gift-giving, and good wishes. We had more close to 400 students attending this event! Students were able to eat traditional Asian dishes, play games, learn more about their culture, and meet new friends!
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Office of Global Affairs welcome and host the visitors from the Education Department of the Consulate General of China in Houston, Texas.
In attendance are Deputy President, Dr. Janna Arney, Executive Vice President for Research, Graduate Studies & New Program Development, Dr. Parwinder Grewal, Associate Vice President of Global Affairs, Dr. Dennis Hart, Vice Consul for Education, Huo Dengke, Counsellor & Director of the Education Office, Jie Long Ph.D., Director of International Admissions & Student Services, Samantha Lopez, Director of International Programs & Partnerships, Alan Earhart, Export Controls Manager, Douglas Leidwinger, Assistant Professor, Dr. Ben Xu, & UTRGV Student, Chaoran Dou.
Office of Global Affairs hosts annual International Meet & Greet on the UTRGV Brownsville Campus
IASS hosts the 2nd Intergovernmental Symposium on the UTRGV Brownsville Campus
International Admissions & Student Services hosted the 2nd Intergovernmental Symposium this past May 20, 2019. During this event, representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Consulate in Matamoros, Homeland Security Investigations, school PSDO’s, DSO’s, and the SEVP Field Representative had the opportunity to discuss important student visa related matters. Additionally, the Consulate of Mexico in Brownsville, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Public Safety provided information to attendees during the networking session. The event had a total of 72 attendees from 28 different institutions from the Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi, Houston, Kingsville, Laredo, San Antonio, and San Marcos, TX.
U.S. Department of Education grant allows UTRGV students to attend an Internship Study Abroad Program with Professor Xin Zhang, Department of Writing and Language Studies
With the support of the U.S. Department of Education’s Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language grant, eight UTRGV students have been offered the opportunity to travel to China to take part in a faculty-led program in Business Chinese helmed by Professor Xin Zhang. Studying abroad in China has been a life changing experience for UTRGV students. The exposure to a culture so different from their own has helped them see the world in a different light; however, despite the culture differences, they discovered they have similar values the people of China have and are united by their human experiences. These values were on full display during the 2019 Beijing Horticultural Exhibition on Shanxi Day. As guests for the opening ceremony, they were given dance and musical presentations that touched and inspired them despite the language barrier.
The Shanxi Day Expo itself focused on the importance of green energy and increased sustainability through modern technology. China has been making glorious efforts to increase green energy to combat climate change. These presentations highlighted habits we can all incorporate into our daily lives to help our planet. Alexandra Garcia, one of our own, a senior marketing major, got the opportunity to be interviewed by SXNTV. They asked her why she decided to come to China, what she thought about the opening ceremony and what her thoughts were about the commitments Shanxi is making to incorporate a green life living standard that focuses on a better, healthier, and more sustainable future for everybody.
As guests of Mr. Liwen Zhang, a former visiting scholar to UTRGV who is now part of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade of Shanxi Province, they got to meet with him after the Expo where he expressed his desire to build a bridge with the university and our community to offer internship and educational experiences to students in the future. These opportunities are indicative of the successful globalization efforts by UTRGV, the Office of Global Affairs, and the significance of the support offered by the U.S. Department of Education’s Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language grant.
The program runs from May 13th until May 31st, 2019. These students will be visiting businesses within Beijing, Qingdao, Qufu, and Shanghai, and will expose students to real life business sectors in China within this Business and Intermediate Chinese course.
UTRGV School of Art invites you to attend!
UTRGV Professor presents art exhibit at UT Austin
Through my years of multi-disciplinary practice, I’ve utilized different aesthetic strategies by experimenting with materials with wide ranges of relevant applications to my subject matters such as ceramics, poetry, ambient sound and video, with a focus on representations of the ways I have negotiated and accessed concepts of heritage, place of origin, orientation and cultural adaptability. My multimedia installations root deeply in my cultural background and acquired new identity as an immigrant; aiming to challenge the viewer’s standard point of view and personal perspectives. These interactive pieces invite the onlooker to delve into my own personal recollections of sense, sound, and place; mementos of my journeys across the national and international borders.
UTRGV Students Study Abroad in Peru
OGE hosted a visiting delegation from Shanghai University in Shanghai, China
OGE hosted a visiting delegation from Shanghai University in Shanghai, China. OGA and the delegation discussed areas of possible collaboration, such as joint research as well as faculty and student exchanges. This fall, visiting professors from SHU are expected to come and do research with our faculty at UTRGV. Shanghai University is ranked among the top 40 universities in China. SHU was founded in 1922 has over 35,000 students and is a Project 211 university, marking it as a “key university" in China.
Shanghai University is a comprehensive university under the Shanghai Municipality and the National “211 Project”. It is jointly established by the Ministry of Education and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government to build universities, the National Defense Science and Technology Industry Bureau and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. The first batch of high-level universities in Shanghai Pilots of local college construction, the first-class disciplines of the Ministry of Education to build colleges
UTRGV Signs MOU with Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in India to continue Collaborative Diabetes Research
On October 29, 2018, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley hosted a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding between UTRGV and the Sri Ramachandra Institute. UTRGV has had a long-standing collaborative relationship with the Sri Ramachandra Institute, which has been ranked 10th among all medical colleges in India. Dr. Ravi Duggirala, a Professor in our Department of Human Genetics, initiated this collaboration in 2012 and since that time has fostered significant scientific exchanges with the Sri Ramachandra Institute. Most recently, Dr. Duggirala led the development of a new US-India bilateral collaborative research partnership focused on assessing the genetic determinants of risk for type 2 diabetes in Indian populations. This unique collaborative venture is funded by both the US National Institutes of Health and the Indian Council of Medical Research.
The collaboration with the Sri Ramchandra Institute offers great opportunity for expansion of UTRGV’s current research programs in India. It also paves the way for expanding the involvement of UTRGV students and faculty in research on epidemiology, medical anthropology, genetics, and telemedicine among other areas. Our graduate students will have opportunities to participate in international research projects and our medical students will have the chance to see health care in a different setting and learn about the practice of medicine in another culture.
In this day and age, science is global and international partnerships are key to the research advances that will transform health, education, and the standard of living for future generations. For example, the research that Dr. Duggiarala and his colleagues from UTRGV and the Sri Ramachandra Institute are conducting eventually will lead to new preventions and treatments for type 2 diabetes, a disease that is having a devastating impact both in India and here at home in the Rio Grande Valley.
ConTex, a joint initiative of the University of Texas System and Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), has released its 2019 Call for Proposals for its Collaborative Research Grants program.
This call funds partnerships of UT System and Mexico based researchers. Each proposal must be led by at least one eligible Principal Investigator from a UT System campus and at least one eligible Principal Investigator from a Mexican institution. UT System Principal Investigators must be tenured or tenure-track faculty or research scientists with principal investigator responsibilities at their home institution.
Grants of up to $100,000 for twelve months are available for research teams. The amount of the grant award will vary depending on the needs of each project. Proposals must contribute to the economic development and welfare of Mexico and Texas.
Deadline to submit proposals to ConTex is February 15, 2019. Visit ConTex Collaborative Research Grants for full details.
OGE wins $177,000 grant from US Department of Education for International Studies and Foreign Languages.
The Office of Global Affairs has been awarded an Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) grant from the US Department of Education. These are extremely competitive grants and only three universities in the state of Texas received them this cycle. The UISFL grant is for $177,000 over two years and will help UTRGV globalize its courses, build it languages, create and expand international minors, as well as provide a wide range of international outreach events and travel abroad opportunities for undergraduate students and faculty. Outreach into the community is also part of the UISFL grant. Particular focus will be placed upon enhancing and expanding internationalization in the areas of Asian Studies, Middle East Studies, and Global Border Studies. UTRGV faculty will be creating or enhancing courses and minors in these areas. Should you have any questions or wish to join in campus internationalization through this grant, please contact us at OGE@utrgv.edu.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, September 26, 2018 |
Gonzalez: Aaron Morales, 202-802-2963 Cuellar: Olya Voytovich, 202-225-1640
|
Congressmen Gonzalez and Cuellar Announce Over $88,000 for UTRGV’s International Studies and Foreign Language Departments
WASHINGTON – Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) and Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today announced that the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) Program has awarded $88,160 to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018.
Grants from UISFL help Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) or nonprofit organizations, like UTRGV, plan, develop, and carry out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages.
“The ability to communicate without barriers can transform and strengthen relationships not just in Texas, but around the world,” Congressman Gonzalez said. “With this funding, even more UTRGV can empower even more students to go into the world and create meaningful, lasting relationships in education, business, the medical field, and beyond. I thank the U.S. Department of Education for entrusting UTRGV with this funding and will continue to partner with Congressman Cuellar to support educators and students in South Texas.”
“I congratulate the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for their proactive approach in always seeking federal funds that in the end directly impacts its students. International and foreign language programs are highly sought after courses of study, and I am a firm believer that a person who knows two languages is more marketable than a person who only speaks one language,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I would like to thank Representative Gonzalez for working with me to help bring federal dollars to the Rio Grande Valley, improving foreign language and international studies for students in the area.”
Each program supported by federal funds must enhance primarily the international academic program of the institution. Eligible activities may include but are not limited to:
- Development of a global or international studies program that is interdisciplinary in design;
- Development of a program that focuses on issues or topics, such as international business or international health;
- Development of an area studies program and programs in corresponding foreign languages;
- Creation of innovative curricula that combine the teaching of international studies with professional and preprofessional studies, such as engineering;
- Research for and development of specialized teaching materials, including language instruction, i.e., business French;
- Establishment of internship opportunities for faculty and students in domestic and overseas settings; and
- Development of study abroad programs.
For more information on how to apply for future funding, please visit https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsugisf/applicant.html. For congressional assistance in applying, please contact the Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez at (956) 682-5545, or the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar at (956) 424-3942.
Congressmen Gonzalez and Cuellar continue to be advocates for accessible, affordable access to higher education through public institutions like UTRGV.
Retrieved: gonzalez.house.gov
UTRGV Shows Off Its' International Cultures at Fiesta De Palmas
UTRGV faculty and students showcase international culture at Fiesta de Palmas in McAllen, Texas during a weekend community event held on September 22-23, 2018.
View The Monitor news article about the Fiesta de Palmas event.
UTRGV Welcomes International Students
UTRGV Welcomes International Students back to the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses on August 28th and 30th during the International Meet & Greet Event hosted by the Office of Global Affairs.
View the Valley Morning Star and The Brownsville Herald news article about the International Meet & Greet.
100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund Announces New Grant Winning Institutions
- University of Texas – Valle del Río Grande, Texas, United States
- Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sustainable Energy and Water Resource Management Program
The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley and the Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales will create a long-term program centered on sustainability, water, and energy conservation. Students from each institution will work in teams to apply the concept of green buildings to water and energy savings according to the local contexts, while forming cross-cultural relationships and improving language skills through group work on course projects.
Sahmyook University Students Present on Suicide
During their visit here at UTRGV, Sahmyook University students created a presentation on how the suicide prevention program works in South Korea.
View the Document Presentation.
UTRGV Students Study Abroad in Brazil
UTRGV visits the City of Matamoros
On Friday, June 1, 2018, senior leaders from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley visited the IMACULTA cultural center located in the city of Matamoros, Mexico. The UTRGV delegation met with leaders of the IMCULTA to discuss joint initiatives that would allow UTRGV access to space at IMACULTA. The delegations also discussed possible cultural and academic initiatives between the two parties.
UTRGV Professors and Students visit Hengyang Normal University in China
Professors Steven Schneider, Ping Xu, and Robert Gilbert from UTRGV visit Hengyang Normal University in China. Professors Xu and Gilbert are leading a study abroad group of students for two weeks in China. While in China, the UTRGV students will learn about Chinese history, art, and culture. Professor Schneider is presenting a showing in China on Mariachi music from the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico. The showing includes articles and photos and is titled The Magic of Mariachi. The showing was attended by Hengyang First Normal University’s President Pi as well as many students from that school.
OGE sponsored a presentation by Dr. Sharwani Vijayshree Lal, M.D. where she discussed her research and treatment of HIV infected patients in India
UTRGV Rio Grande Valley Model United Nations (RGVMUN)
8-students from the RGVMUN chapter at UTRGV attended the annual National Model United Nations conference in New York City and earned two awards to add to their distinguished chapter back home. The Office of Global Affairs (OGE) is a proud trip sponsor of the RGVMUN and commends their achievements accomplished within the organization. Read More
Sahmyook University students from Seoul, South Korea meet with Mayor Richard Molina
You can also view photos of the South Korean students on their Facebook page: @UTRGVsahmyook
UTRGV welcomes delegation from Instituto Tec. Cd. Victoria
Recently, UTRGV’s Graduate School and OGA welcomes a delegation from Instituto Tecnologico Cd. Victoria (ITCV). The parties discussed possible joint research opportunities, faculty and student exchanges, and other mutually beneficial initiatives. The ITCV delegation was led by Doctora Araceli Maldonado Reyes, Subdirectora Academia. The two sides will be convening another meeting in the future.
Farewell Reception for J-1 Visiting Scholars
The Office of Global Affairs hosted reception to thank and wish good luck to three Hunan First Normal University from Hunan China. The three scholars were visiting The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley as part of a research long-term program that took place for four months.
Office of Global Affairs First Annual Newsletter
The Office of Global Affairs is very excited to share its first annual 2016-2017 newsletter. The 2016-2017 newsletter showcases the Office of Global Affairs and its units (International Programs and Partnerships, International Admissions and Student Services, and Language Institute) accomplishments, successes, and key efforts during the 2016-2017 academic year. The Office of Global Affairs would like to thank everyone that has been part of its growth and has helped with the globalization of our university.
World Science Day for Peace and Development
What is it?
The World Science Day for Peace and Development draws attention to the important role of science in and for society and shows that science, peace and development are interlinked.
What's this year's theme?
This year's theme is "Science for Global Understanding". Global Understanding is key to peace and sustainable development in that it promotes knowledge sharing among people for action and change. Science is thus central to Global Understanding, as it not only helps us to understand the world and each other but assists in designing, developing and implementing the change we aim for.
How can I participate?
It's easy to be part of this year's World Science Day for Peace and Development! You can start as small as telling people about this day and incorporating its message into speeches, lectures or discussions you attend. Taking it a step further, you can organize an event like an open house of your institution, a visit to a science museum or a classroom discussion. Make sure to connect with others and to spread the message about the importance of science for sustainable societies using #worldscienceday and following @UNESCO on Facebook and Twitter!
International Education Week
Initiated by the U.S. Department of State and Education, International Education Week (IEW) 2017 will take place November 13-18. In its 8th. year at URI, the week-long celebration involves a variety of globally-themed activities and events dedicated to enhancing international awareness across campus, as well as supporting global learning opportunities at URI, nationally and abroad.
International Education Week Schedule
Thinking La Frontera
Second International Conference on Border Studies 2017
Professors, researchers, students, and the general public interested in Border Studies topics are invited to attend this three day conference:
•Mexico - October 25th at the Auditorium of the Multidisciplinary Academic Unit of the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas Matamoros and the Auditorium of the Research College of the Northern Border. •United States - October 26th and 27th at the Brownsville campus of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Panels on: •Health•Economics •Politics •Migration •Socio-Cultural Processes •HR Management •Global Borders Free and open to the public. MORE INFORMATION. Border Studies Website.
UTRGV in Xiamen China
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley visited two private schools in Xiamen China on October 13, 2017. Two schools are Xiamen Yingcai School and Zhangzhou Cambridge School. Our International Student Recruiter had a great conversation with students from 10th and 11 grade. Kids were so existed to have UTRGV there and learned about UT system, UTRGV, and our amazing programs. Xiamen Yingcai School was founded in 1995 as a private non-for-profit co-educational boarding school accredited by the Ministry of Education in China. Over 600 faculty and staff assist the approximately 3,600 Pre-K, Primary, Junior Middle School, and Senior Middle School students who study and aboard at Xiamen Yingcai School. The campus is located in a suburb approximately 15 miles from the center of Xiamen.
Zhangzhou Cambridge School has 1260 Senior Middle School. UTRGV has been reaching out to more than 100 students!
UTRGV and Instituto Tecnologico de Matamoros - Agreement of Cooperation
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – OCT. 10, 2017 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s College of Sciences, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Office of Global Affairs on Tuesday, Oct. 10, hosted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Instituto Tecnológico de Matamoros (Matamoros Institute of Technology), in Mexico, and UTRGV.
The Agreement of Cooperation is meant to promote opportunities for students, faculty and staff members of both institutions to work together through academic and research exchanges.
Signing the Memorandum of Understanding documents, displayed here, were Lic. Ana Isabel Lerma Gonzalez, director of the Instituto Tecnológico de Matamoros, and UTRGV President Guy Bailey. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)
ABOUT UTRGV
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This transformative initiative provided the opportunity to expand educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, including a new School of Medicine, and made it possible for residents of the region to benefit from the Permanent University Fund – a public endowment contributing support to the University of Texas System and other institutions.
UTRGV has campuses and off-campus research and teaching sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley including in Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville (formerly The University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College campus), Edinburg (formerly The University of Texas-Pan American campus), Harlingen, McAllen, Port Isabel, Rio Grande City, and South Padre Island. UTRGV, a comprehensive academic institution, enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine welcomed its first class in the summer of 2016.
MEDIA CONTACTS
UTRGV Director of News and Internal Communications / 956-665-2742
MAYA: Hidden Worlds Revealed
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
10:40 am - 12:10 pm ELABN 209
Dr. Erin L. Sears
The Hidden Faces of the Maya / Rostros Ocultos de los Mayas
12:15 - 1:30 pm ECOBE 116
Dr. Ronald L. Bishop
Fusion of the Sciences and the Humanities: Neutron Activation Analysis and Petrography in Archaelogical Interpretation
5:30 - 7:30 pm Visitors Center UTRGV Edinburg Campus (1201 W. University Dr, Edinburg, Tx )
Dr. Ronald L. Bishop
A View from the Smithsonian: A personal Retrospective on Mesoamerican Archaelogy
Thursday, October 12, 2017
12:15 - 1:15 pm ELABN 2.203
Dr. Ronald L. Bishop & Dr. Erin L. Sears
Mayan Hidden Worlds Revealed
3:30 - 4:30 pm The John H. Shary Room, UTRGV Library Edinburg ( Entrance across from the Library Foyer)
Dr. Michelle Rich
A Maya Resurrection Ritual: From Ground to Galley
Dr. Erin L. Sears
Courtly, Portly and Fabulicious: Ancient Maya Representation of Life, the Universe, and Everything
Information Poster for Mayan Hidden Worlds Revealed
Artists as Authors of Culture
On Friday October 6 two parallel art shows, one in Iran and the other in the United States, will work to build a culture of communication and tolerance through art. Each one is called ‘Imagined Boundaries’, and they open at the Abad Gallery in Tehran, Iran and Art and Culture Center of Hollywood in Florida. Each is the product of several months of preparation, collaboration and travel, and they each stand along the boundary that has separates two worlds in space and time. At each location there is a series of boxes in a collage-like composition. Some of the boxes contain video screens that show people looking out at the viewer. In Florida, the people looking out are Iranians, while in Iran the people looking out are Americans. Like the artist, one must position oneself at this boundary and ask oneself questions about the members of the socio-political and cultural group on the other side. Who are they? What are they thinking? Do I see myself in or among them? Through this work I challenge the viewer to set aside political arguments and see the basic humanity that is in all of us. I seek to challenge the very notion of social and political boundaries and encourage the viewer even to cross physical boundaries, in order to experience the reality on the other side.
In addition the Artaxis Conversations Piece will appear on Oct. 10th on the Artaxis.org Facebook page. This on line event includes the participation of 24 artists from 16 countries. There will be a great conversation in 12 hours about clay, art and more.
Call for Papers
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the National Association of Hispanic and Latino students invite you to the International Research Forum this October 23-25, 2017 at the Isla Grand Beach Report in South Padre Island, Texas.
Persons interested in presenting a paper, roundtable presentation, etc. should submit an abstract, not to exceed two pages, that is related to the experiences of Hispanics, Latinos, Chicanos, and/or Mexicans. Subjects may include, but are not limited to: literature, demographics, history, politics, economics, education, health care, fine arts, religion, social sciences, business, and many other subjects.
Interested scholars should submit his/her abstract with presenter's name, institution/organization, address, phone number, and email no later than October 6, 2017. Please forward abstracts to:
Lemuel Berry, Jr., Ph.D.
Executive Director, NAAAS & Affiliates
P.O. BOX 6670,
Scarborough, ME 04070-6670
Or by fax to (207) 856-2800, or via email at naaasconference@naaas.org
Conference registration fees:
- Faculty/Professional: $200.00
- Full-time Student: $125.00
2017 International Student Meet and Greet
Dozens of international students holding colorful flags from a variety of countries marched across The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Edinburg and Brownsville campuses this week as part of UTRGV’s Best Week Ever celebrations.
Hosted by the Office of Global Affairs and its supporting units, the International Meet and Greet event began on Wednesday in Edinburg with a Parade of Flags that began at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex and made its way to the University Center. The flagbearers concluded the procession at the University Circle, where refreshments, music and games awaited.
The international celebration continues in Brownsville on Thursday with the Parade of Flags making its way across the campus bridge to the Main Courtyard.
Samantha Lopez, UTRGV director of International Admissions and Global Services, said the event is designed to help international students engage with the university community, and serves as an opportunity for students to get to share their culture and learn about others. (UTRGV Photos by David Pike)
To read J. Edward Moreno and Vicky Brito full article please visit the following link:
International Meet & Greet
The Office of Global Affairs and its supporting units invite you to the International Meet and Greet during UTRGV's Best Week Ever.
Interact with international and domestic students, share experiences, and explore amazing and affordable study abroad destinations.
A parade of flags, foods, drinks, and games awaits you!
Come and be part of tis international celebration!
For information and special accommodations, contact the Office of Global Affairs (956) 665-3572 or (956) 882-7092.
Edinburg Campus
Wed., Aug. 30, 2017 / 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. / University Center Circle
Brownsville Campus
Thurs., Aug. 31, 2017 / 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p. m. / Courtyard @ Main Building
News and Events for Academic Year 2016-2017
Graduation/Farewell Ceremony
On August 11, 2017 the Office of Global Affairs hosted a graduation ceremony for the visiting Korean Students from Sahmyook University located in Seoul, South Korea. The six Korean students were part of the Long-Term program hosted by UTRGV from July 13, 2017-August 14, 2017.
The main purpose of the program was to provide Korean students from Sahmyook University with educational opportunities, internships, and experiences in American education.
The students successfully completed the program activities and received a certificate of completion.
The graduation and farewell ceremony was a great opportunity to say THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!
Congratulations to Samantha Lopez!
For the second year in a row, Samantha López, Director of International Admissions and Student Services at UTRGV has been chosen as a NAFSA 2018 Conference Proposal Reviewer for the International Student & Scholar Services Knowledge Community.
This coming NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo, "Diverse Voices, Shared Commitment" will take place May 27 - June 1, 2018, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and will feature outstanding educational and professional development opportunities and a world-class expo hall.
Among her many accomplishments, Samantha has been an active member of NAFSA: for more than 16 years. Moreover, Samantha is a recipient of the "Outstanding Service Award to International Education" for her work in demonstrating outstanding performance of a sustained and serious nature of national impact based on her success in winning a Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeal (BALCA) case with the U.S. Department of Labor in 2011. Director López works under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Hart, Associate Provost of Global Affairs at UTRGV.
Congratulations to Samantha López for her outstanding career in International Education!
Farewell Ceremony for Korean Students Short-Term Program
On July 18th, 2017 the Office of Global Affairs hosted a farewell ceremony for the 18 visiting students from the Samhyook University in Seoul, South Korea. The 18 visiting students and 2 professors were visiting UTRGV as part of the short term program that took place from July 8, 2017 to July 20, 2017.
The farewell ceremony was also a graduation ceremony. This memorable event was a way to celebrate the completion of the program and an opportunity to say GOOD BYE and GOOD LUCK.
UTRGV Students in Taiwan
Nineteen students from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley traveled this summer with Dr. Ping Xu, assistant professor of art and Dr. Robert Gilbert, associate professor of art, on a study abroad course that visited China and Taiwan. The study abroad trip provided the students the opportunity not only to travel to exciting destinations and to see the world, but also gain an exciting, fulfilling and rewarding experience by teaching English as a foreign language in a country where English is not the native language. The students watched the children develop the English language, confidence and social skills.
To watch the videos about the Taiwan English Camp please follow the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLInBvsiVqy_aHYt9izEb-mT0VKaVQw35I
Dragon Dance Show
On June 10, 2017 UTRGV students were very excited and proud to present their very first Dragon Dance Show performance at the Brownsville Children's Museum China Event. The student were led by UTRGV professor Xin Zhang who shared with us some of the pictures taken during this colorful and cultural event.
The Children’s Museum of Brownsville is located in the heart of Dean Porter Park in the Mitte Cultural. The Children’s Museum of Brownsville is hosting the “Children’s China. A Cultural Interactive Exhibit” during summer 2017. The Children’s Museum of Brownsville is the only Museum in Texas to host this exhibit.
To read more about this exhibit hosted by the Children’s Museum of Brownsville please visit:
http://cmofbrownsville.com/childrens-china/
Study Abroad 2017
Sixteen UTRGV students led by Dr. Reto Felix, assistant professor of marketing, participated in a study abroad trip to Lüneburg, Germany. The Topics in Marketing course was designed to introduce students to the many facets of working in a global marketplace. UTRGV students utilized the facilities at Leuphana University, and were immersed in the German lifestyle during excursions and field trips. (UTRGV Courtesy Photo)
Healthier eating. Recycling. Family mealtime. And limited reliance on cell phones. It was all part of the culture shock for a group of UTRGV students who recently spent two weeks in Germany as part of a minimester course in marketing. Dr. Reto Felix, assistant professor of marketing, was in charge of the study abroad and helped the 16 student travelers submerge themselves in a culture quite different from their own.
One of the most notable differences between the German and U.S. cultures for some of the UTRGV students was the German people’s natural inclination toward a healthy lifestyle, to include diet, activities and conservation efforts. By Vicky Brito.
To read Vicky Brito's full article please visit:
Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen
This last Veterans War Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th, 2017 was a very significant day for UTRGV Professor Dr. Victor Alvarado after Mrs. Kathleen Plummer, Retired Col. Frank Plummer’s spouse asked him to follow her to show him a Guardian Paver located in the Circle of Honor of the Spire of Honor. Dr. Alvarado was very surprised and very happy when he saw an engraved statement of gratitude to honor his involvement on this Memorial that according to Dr. Alvarado is “the most spectacular and comprehensive Veterans War Memorial in the Nation”.
Dr. Alvarado’s contribution has consisted on creating a collection of several thousand photos that he started at Col. Plummer’s request since the starting of the excavation of the foundation of the Spire of Honor. Since then, he has attended every single War Veterans Memorials celebrations. The result of this is a large collection of DVDs that include many details about the different occasions and celebrations, the invited personalities attending, the veterans being honored, the public in general and many specifics regarding the monumental War Memorial Park.
The Veterans War Memorial is located in 3129 Galveston Ave, McAllen, TX 7850 this site was donated by the City of McAllen. The purpose of the Veterans War Memorial is to honor all the heroes that have sacrificed their lives in their service to this country. The focal point of the Veterans War Memorial is the 105-foot-tall American Spire of Honor made out of black granite. This structure is surrounded by a series of memorial walls dedicated to different wars and series of statues of national heroes and figures created by the UTRGV Assistant professor of Art Douglas Clark.
Dr. Alvarado expresses special thanks to the Retired U.SS Army Col. Frank Plummer, President of the Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen and his wife Kathleen Plummer for their 20 years of dedication and collaboration to the creation of the Veteran War Memorial.
To learn more about the Veterans War Memorial of Texas in McAllen please visit:
http://www.mcallen.net/veterans/default.aspx
Ramadan 2017
Islam is considered to be the second largest religion in the world after Christianity. Islam was originated in Arabia and has spread all over the world counting currently with more than 1 billion followers.
Ramadan is the holiest month for the people of Islamic faith. The holy month of Ramadan is celebrated on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar beginning the evening of Friday May 26, 2017 and ending Saturday June 24, 2017. Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification and renovation through fasting, introspection and prayers.
Muslims believe Prophet Mohamed received the first holy Quran revelations during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar: Ramadan. Muslims try to recite the as much as the Quran as they can during Ramadan. The end of Ramadan is manifested with a big feast, gift exchanges and family celebrations.
To learn more about the most holy Islamic holiday click on the links below:
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/ramadan
http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/index.htm
Gilman Scholarship enables talented UTRGV students to study abroad this summer
Twelve UTRGV students have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships that will enable them to participate in various study programs around the world this summer.
The scholarships, issued by the U.S. Department of State, help students of limited means to study or intern abroad so they can gain skills that will further the United States’ economic competitiveness and/or enhance national security.
The twelve scholarship recipients are from Brownsville, McAllen, Mission, Pharr, Plano, Rio Grande City, Weslaco and Mexico City. Their study abroad courses will take them to China, England, Ireland, Italy, Peru and Spain.
For more information on the Gilman Scholarship, contact Lizette Leal in the Office of International Programs and Partnerships at 956-665-3572 or email lizette.leal01@utrgv.edu.
Please click the following link to view to the whole article: http://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2017/may-18-gilman-scholarship-enables-lucky-utrgv-students-to-study-abroad-this-summer/index.htm
UTRGV hosts an Agreement signing ceremony with Hunan First Normal Univeristy.
On Monday, May 1st, UTRGV President Guy Bailey met with HFNU President Tong and a delegation from Hunan First Normal University from Hunan, China.
The Office of Global Affairs hosted an Agreement of Cooperation signing between Hunan University and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Agreement of Cooperation will promote opportunities for the students, faculty, and staff members our two institutions to work together through academic and research exchanges, as well as visits between faculty, researchers, and students.
Hunan First Normal University was originally named the Hunan Faculty of Education, which was one of the only five normal academies in China. Later in 1914, it was renamed the Hunan Provincial First Normal School and eventually became Hunan First Normal School after the foundation of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949. In March, 2000, under the sanction of the PRC Ministry of Education, a three-year normal college in April 2008, achieved the status of a four-year undergraduate-level normal university.
Please click the following link to learn more about Hunan First Normal University: http://www.hnfnu.edu.cn/eng/
Fullbright Scholar to Give Talk at UTRGV
Dr. Galina Kallio is a visiting Fulbright scholar and she spoke at UTRGV on May 1st from 12:15 to 1:30 pm on the topic of: “The visible hands: building local food systems at the grassroots.” Dr. Kallio is a doctoral researcher at the Department of Management Studies in Aalto University School of Business, Finland. Dr. Kallio’s talk is being hosted by Ian Werkheiser, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at UTRGV. If you wish to invite a Fulbright Scholar to UTRGV for a talk or presentation, please use the “Fulbright Scholar Directory” in the following link: (http://www.cies.org/fulbright-scholars) OGA will help you bring the scholar to campus, make arrangements for any presentation, and help cover the associated costs. If you have questions, please email us at: OGE@utrgv.edu.
Please click the following link to view more information: http://www.galinakallio.fi/me/
UTRGV's Earth Fest 2017
UTRGV’s Earth Fest 2017 will being held on both the Brownsville (April 19) and Edinburg (April 20) campuses. We encourage you to attend this exciting opportunity!
Included this year is the following roster:
- Dr. Humberto Sanchez, a former NASA engineer, will talk about the connections between space and sustainability on the Earth.
- Dr. Isaac Azuz Adeath, from CETYS University, will speak to the audience about water hydrology and its importance both as a resource and a topic on transboundary environmental issues.
- Dr. Matthew Garcia, from the US Department of Energy, will address the Brownsville audience about the future of energy and advanced manufacturing in the US. Mr. Abraham Quiroga will speak to the Edinburg audience on this topic.
- We will also be hosting partners from the South Texas Industrial Assessment Center.
Please click the following link to view the flyer: UTRGV's Earth Fest 2017
First Annual J-1 Visiting Scholar Network Event, April 12, 2017.
At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, we welcome and value our international visiting scholars. On Wednesday, April 12th, 2017, OGA hosted the inaugural Visiting Scholar Network event. International visiting scholars around the world had an opportunity to meet with one other and learn more about UTRGV and opportunities open to them. These international visiting scholars are valued members of the OGA family, and they contribute to UTRGV through their research collaborations with faculty and students, and, enhance the university atmosphere of scholarly excellence and globalization.
OGE Supports Model United Nations Trip to the UN
Six UTRGV students attended the annual Model United Nations conference in New York City, March 19-23, as part of a special topics in political science course that focused on the activities of the UN. This was the first out-of-state conference for all six students.
At each conference, there is a focus on three pressing issues relevant to the 21 UN committees in existence. This conference focused on issues in correlation with the World Health Organization, the UN Environmental Assembly and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The students served as delegates representing the Dominican Republic, and had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Caribbean country for a mission briefing before the conference, to learn specifics about the country’s global policies.
To read the full article, please click the following link: http://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2017/april-03-utrgvs-model-united-nations-club-attends-its-first-conference-in-nyc/index.htm
Asian Spring Festival
The 1st Asian Spring Festival is held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 on Chapel Lawn and in the Student Union building on Edinburg campus of UTRGV. Student in Korean & Chinese language courses, and members of Japanese Language Culture Association, Japanese Animation Club, and Indian Student Association are presenting their exciting cultural activities, games, and dances, displaying culture crafts, playing origami, giving away food samples, and more.
Come and Try out:
- Hena tattooing (presented by Indian Culture Association)
- Animation books & characters and Dango tasting (prepared by Japanese Animation Club)
- Japanese word sling shot games and origami (offered by Japanese Language & Culture Club)
- Hand-paintings, memory game, and paper lanterns (presented by Chinese Language & Culture Association)
- Korean calligraphy, mask printing, traditional musical instruments, and traditional games (hosted by Korean Studies classes)
Classes of Korean Studies present:
- Korean Percussion Music (Nongak) at 11:00 and 12:00
- Traditional Fan Dance (Buchaechum) at 11:10 and 11:40
- K-pop Dance at 11:20 and 11:50
- K-pop Song and Guitar at 11:30 and 12:40
- Korean Mask Dance(Talchum) at 12:20 and 1:10
- Research posters in the lobby of Student Union
Muslim Students Association at UTRGV presents: Islam Awareness Week from March 27-31
Monday: "My Jihad Is" Kickoff Table, 12-2 PM, Student Union Staircase
Tuesday: Hijabs and Henna, 12-1:30 PM, Student Union South Patio
Wednesday: Calligraphy Workshop, 12:30-2 PM (30 Minute Sessions), STAC 1.112A
Thursday: Interfaith Workshop, 6-8 PM, UC Ballroom
Friday: Dhuhr and Donuts, 1-2 PM, Masjid Arridwan
*FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE. REGARDLESS OF FAITH*
UTRGV political science professor attends the ABS / WSSA Annual Conference
Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera (Ph.D. in Political Science, The New School for Social Research) is Associate Professor at the Department of Public Affairs and Security Studies, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Her areas of expertise are Mexico-U.S. relations, energy policy, border security, immigration, and organized crime. Her teaching fields include comparative politics, Latin American politics, U.S.-Mexico relations, U.S.-Mexico border policy, energy and security policy, comparative public policy and public administration, and Latino politics. Guadalupe’s most recent book is entitled Democracy in “Two Mexicos”: Political Institutions in Oaxaca and Nuevo León (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013). She is also the ABS program chair and coordinator.
For more information, please click the following links below:
- http://absborderlands.org/
- http://absborderlands.org/studies/annual-meetings/
- http://absborderlands.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2017-ABS-Conference-Program.pdf
For discounted hotel reservation please Click Here
Global Latin America Lecture and Affairs Series presents, Dr. Andres Resendez!
On Monday, April 17, 2017 at 6 PM in the EENGR 1.300, join us for an invited lecture on "The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Slavery in America." Followed by a Roundtable Discussion on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 6 PM in the UTRGV - Edinburg, ITT Int'l Room.
UTRGV celebrates International Women’s Day on two campuses
On March 8, 2017, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held a two-day celebration of International Women’s Day, a global celebration since 1975 of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women past, present and future.
Luncheons on both the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses honored an Outstanding International Female Student and an Outstanding International Female Faculty on each campus.
Roshni Manwani and Perla Frias Perez received the honors on the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses, respectively. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
UTRGV to Offer Asian Studies minor in Fall 2017
Beginning fall 2017, UTRGV will offer a minor in Asian Studies, created in response to students’ requests for the interdisciplinary curriculum.
Mijin Oh-Villarreal, Lecturer of Writing and Language Studies at UTRGV, and Minhee Eom, Associate Professor of Writing and Language Studies, helped create the Asian Studies minor.
The founding faculty shares the responsibility of advising students and promoting the minor, which consists of 18 credit hours. There will be two tracks to the minor: language and context. The language track will offer courses in the Korean, Chinese and Japanese languages. The context track will offer interdisciplinary courses in communication, history, philosophy and political science in relation to Asian countries.
For more information on Asian Studies, please click the link: http://www.utrgv.edu/oge/explore-the-world/asian-studies/
UTRGV Hosts Global Leadership Program for Sahmyook University Students
Professor Soojin Yoo of the College of Health Affairs and OGA are hosting five students from Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea. The students will be at UTRGV for one month to attend the Global Leadership Program on Rehabilitation and Health Promotion. As part of the program, the students will attend lectures by various UTRGV faculty members on professional development, leadership, therapeutic practices, and addictive behavior. The program also includes site visits to a range of clinics and hospitals throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The program will end on February 24. 2017. UTRGV and Sahmyook University recently signed an Agreement of Cooperation.
UTRGV Visits Shandong Jianzhu University
In January, 2017, Professor Sibin Wu, College of Business and Entrepreneurship, and Associate Provost Dennis Hart, OGA, visited Shandong Jianzhu University in Jinan, China. While there, they meet with the president of the university, administrators, various faculty, and students. UTRGV and SJU recently signed an Agreement of Cooperation and scholars will come to conduct research at UTRGV. SJU has strengths in architecture and engineering. Its Civil Engineering department is ranked as a top five program in China.
Faculty Activities
Congratulations to Lizette Leal and Luis Alcocer of International Programs and Partnerships. Lizette and Luis were both chosen to participate in the Diversity Impact Program of NAFSA, the Association of International Educators. The leadership development program involves a mentoring program with senior international educators from member institutions as well as access to learning materials from NAFSA. In addition they will attend the national conference in Los Angeles in May of this year.
In December, 2016, Associate Professor Yong-Kang Wei presented a paper on Maoism and Post Modernism at the Center of Mao Zedong Studies at Xiangtan University, Hunan Province, China. Funding for travel was provided by the Office of Global Affairs and the College of Liberal Arts.
In November, 2016, Dr. Aziza Zemrani presented her paper title “Mainstreaming people’s environmental concerns: the missing piece in ongoing political and administrative decentralization in Africa,” at Caddi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco. Funding was provided by the Office of Global Affairs and the College of Liberal Arts.
On November 16 & 17, 2016 Drs. Minhee Eom, Shannon McCrocklin, and Regine Pellicer presented Multilingua Fest at the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses. The event celebrated and promoted multiculturalism at UTRGV. Funding is provided by the Office of Global Affairs, College of Liberal Arts, and Writing and Language Studies.