I-Students Newsletter
A Fall 2013-Spring 2014 Project from the OIA
Dear International Students!!!
We hope you find it helpful and interesting!
Past events: Cross-Country Ski Trip
When asked by Tracy, the OIA Director, if they were interested in going back, several said they would.
For some of them, such as Stephani from Nigeria, this was the first time experiencing snow in an outdoors activity. She expressed that she's enjoying this weather because it's something different from her home country.
Special: Valentine's Day...How Did it Start and Who Was Valentine?
So....although for some this might be the cheesiest holiday of the year, many will be celebrating love and friendship this coming Friday. According to history.com, this holiday has a mythic background, as there are several theories of how it started, but none of them are confirmed.
One of those theories says that Valentine was a "priest who served during the third century in Rome." At that time Emperor Claudius II had prohibited young men to get married because he believed they could be better soldiers if they were single. Valentine married couples in secrecy and that is why he was martyrized and later became the patron saint of lovers.
Another theory suggests that St. Valentine's Day was an effort to "Christianize" Lupercalia, a pagan festival that honored fertility. However, history.com explains that the holiday was not related to love and romance until the Middle Ages, when the French and British belief that "February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season" was fairly common.
Confirmed or not, the holiday is very popular now and some migh even say too commercial (as any other holidays are these days!).
If you are planning to celebrate with friends or loved ones, enjoy!
ISO Coffee Hour
On January 19, the ISO organized a coffee hour at Mackinaw Room in the UC, which was attended by around fifty students. The objective was to "provide a platform for international students to get to know one another and interact among them as well as with the ISO E-Board," according to Shakib, the ISO president.
The event program included a welcome introduction by the E-board, speed intro ice breaker, advice to new students from the E-board, and group pictures. Shakib also shared that the attendees were so excited and engaged with the speed intro game, that they spent almost the whole coffee hour getting to know one another as well as taking pictures with their new friends.
Passing it on:Tips from our peeps!
1. Alejandro Mejia, El Salvador: One important tip is participating in events and professional training provided by different associations or departments on campus. It is really rewarding for our future professional development and some of them are free.
2. Dessy Ferdinandus, Indonesia: If you want to eat fresh, healthy and organic fruits and vegetables, you might want to try the Farmer's Market (during summer and fall), or the Green Tree co-op. Prices migh be a bit higher than the corporate stores such as Meijer and Walmart but it will be worthy as you'll be eating healthy and supporting local producers.
3. Blanca Dinora, El Salvador:
If you ever need to ride the bus and need to get to your destination at a certain time, you need to let them know, so you can be on time. Also, you should call at least 2 hours ahead and they will tell you what time you should be ready. The bus fair is $2 and you need to have the exact amount.4. Jairo Garcia, Colombia: Since for many of us this is our first time in the US, my advice is about language. Try to look for native speakers. A conversation partner should be perfect to improve the language skills and practice it in real life. Also, look for a roommate who does not speak your native language. The best way to improve our English is to use it with everyone, everywhere and every day.
5. Anonymous 1: It's important to be aware of non-academic but very important processes such as how to get a Social Security Number and what it is for, as well as filing taxes. Don' hesitate to ask if you are not sure of how to do these things.
6. Anonymous 2: If you are very hungry and want to save some money while on campus, have lunch at the Towers food court. They charge around $7.00 and it's all you can eat!
7. Anonymous 3: If you live off-campus and decide to change apartments before your lease is up, most apartment complexes will let you sublease (check the lease or ask about policies first) but you will have to pay a fee.
8. Anonymous 4: Join facebook groups within Central Michigan if you want to: buy or sell household items, clothes, cars, phones, textbooks, ask for a ride out of Mt. Pleasant, sublease your apartment, find an apartment, etc.
9. Anonymous 5: If you want to go out of Mt. Pleasant and don't have a car, there's a bus that stops at the Events Center at around 1:20 going to Lansing. It comes back at around 7:15 pm. Check the company's website for more info: http://www.indiantrails.com
What to do at CMU?
Central Michigan International Film Festival
Thursday, Feb 6, 2014, 07:00 PM
Park Library Auditorium and Celebration Cinema
House of Several Stories
According to CMU's website, this is "An absurdist comedy about a dysfunctional family’s unusual Thanksgiving, This play explores how stories help fill voids in people’s lives. (by A. John Boulanger; Directed by Keeley Stanley-Bohn )"
They also warn that "This production includes: strong language, alcohol and mild adult themes."
ADDITONAL DATES FOR THE SHOW: Wednesday Feb/19 and Saturday, Feb/22 at 7:30-10:00 pm, Sunday Feb/23 at 2:00-4:00 pm.
GET TICKETS AT CMU TICKET CENTRAL: by phone at 989-774-3045, online at cmich.edu/ticketcentral or in-person at northeast corner of the CMU Events Center
Advance Purchase Tickets:
- $9 for general public
- $7 for students and senior citizens
All Tickets purchased at the door - $10
Source: www.cmich.edu
Friday, Feb 21, 2014, 07:30 PM
Bush Theatre at Moore Hall, CMU
Black History Month Documentary & Discussion
Details from CMU website: In "Soul Food Junkies,: filmmaker Byron Hurt sets out on a historical and culinary journey to learn more about the soul food tradition and its relevance to black cultural identity. Through candid interviews with soul food cooks, historians, and scholars, as well as with doctors, family members, and everyday people, the film puts this culinary tradition under the microscope to examine both its positive and negative consequences. Co-sponsored with the Organization for Black Unity.
This event is a part of: Black History Month
Friday, Feb 14, 2014, 02:00 PM
Boveee UC: 302 auditorium
Vocal Faculty Recital
Tickets are available for purchase at the Central Box Office by calling 774-3000 or at the door. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for students and seniors.
https://www.cmich.edu/fas/ras/urec/university_events/ticket_central/Pages/default.aspx
Sunday, Feb 23, 2014, 08:00 PM
Music Building: Staples Family Concert Hall
Wind Symphony and Symphony Band
More music!
Tickets are available for purchase at the Central Box Office by calling 774-3000 or at the door. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for students and seniors.
https://www.cmich.edu/fas/ras/urec/university_events/ticket_central/Pages/default.aspx
Thursday, Feb 27, 2014, 08:00 PM
Music Building: Staples Family Concert Hall
Jordan World Circus
Details from CMU website: "Producer Jody Jordan, has gathered a superb collection of artist and animals from around the world, that are sure to amuse and thrill you at the same time. From Aerialist, acrobats, rare white tigers, and of course funny clowns. All that plus something every child is sure to talk about long after the circus has left. “The gentle giants” Our amazing circus elephants. You won’t want to miss all the excitement coming to. Performances at 1pm & 5pm"
Contact: Delisa or Esteban at Jordan World Circus |esteban@thejordanworldcircus.com | 702-456-2642 or -295 | www.thejordanworldcircus.com
Admission: Adult $18.00 * Children $14.00, Look for you free kids tickets at your Area MerchantsSpurce: www.cmich.edu
Sunday, Mar 9, 2014, 01:00 PM
Finch Fieldhouse 110
Managing Your Time & Life
In case you are having trouble balancing work and life ....
Details from CMU website: "Managing Your Time & Life. Life and work balance...how often it is talked about and how seldom it is achieved. This workshop is aimed at developing skills to help you identify and achieve your highest priorities. Solid time management principles will be covered along with tips for effective execution, thereby producing a more organized and peaceful life."
Facilitated by Harley Blake. Register at CentralLink/My Account/My Workday/Employee Training.
Contact: Deb Spranger | Human Resources | spran1dj@cmich.edu | 774-7194
Thursday, Mar 13, 2014, 09:00 AM
Rowe: room 229
Office of International Affairs
Location: 330 Ronan Hall
Phone: 989 774 4308
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmichoia