Anyone interested in pursuing a faculty exchange abroad or proposing a new international linkage may contact Dr. T.Y. Wang at 438-7880 or Dr. Issam Nassar at 438-3505.
International Seminar Series:
Wednesday, October 8: Mr. John K. Wilson, Ph.D. student in Educational Administration and Foundations at Illinois State University, will present, "Academic Freedom and the War on Terror: Censorship of Criticism about Israel and the Bush Administration."
Wednesday, October 15: Professor As'ad AbuKhalil, Department of Politics, California State University, Stanislaus.
Seminar Series presentations are held every Wednesday in the Bone Student Center's East Lounge, 3rd Floor, from 12-1 p.m. They are always free and open to the public.
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If you were unable to attend the Seminar Series held on September 10 with Professor Tun Myint, Department of Political Science, Carlton College, you may read Dr. Myint's paper entitled, "Roots of Democracy in Burma."
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See a listing of Fall 2008 International Seminar Series Events!
Students and faculty at Illinois State may enjoy opportunities to connect with local and international communities via the Unit for International Linkages (UIL) which is housed within the Office of International Studies and Programs. The unit was created in July 2005 to further enhance the international scope of the University and builds upon progress made by five formerly active area studies units. UIL serves as a catalyst for the exchange of ideas, scholars, students, and programs between Illinois State and overseas universities, and links international visitors here with on- and off- campus communities through formal and informal programming. The unit also pursues ways to send more Illinois State faculty and students abroad for exchanges.
The Unit for International Linkages is directed by Illinois State Professor T.Y. Wang in the Department of Politics and Government. He guides the unit’s initiatives by collaborating with Assistant Professor of History, Issam Nassar.
Student and Faculty exchanges are very important mechanisms through which the Office of International Studies and Programs (OISP) connects Illinois State to international communities. OISP currently coordinates many linkages maintained through formal agreements to exchange both students and faculty, pursue collaborative research and facilitate other mutually beneficial projects. Nearly 50 summer- or semester-long study abroad programs are available for Illinois State students. Faculty exchanges are also currently available between Illinois State and universities in Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Peru, Turkey, and Thailand. The Unit for International Linkages aims to increase the number of exchange institutions and expand into new countries so that opportunities for connections continue to grow.
The benefits of sending students abroad extend beyond building their resumes. Exchanges contribute to broadening the world understanding of those in the host cultures and those who come to visit. Likewise, faculty and staff who participate in international exchanges enjoy professional development experiences as they interact with international professionals in their fields who offer different viewpoints.
The unit remains receptive to exploring suggestions for new exchange programs abroad. Anyone interested in pursuing a faculty exchange abroad or proposing a new international linkage may email Dr. Wang at .
Seeking financial support to cultivate new intercultural and exchange opportunities is vital for their achievement. To this end, the new Unit for International Linkages proactively searches for grants and funding that aid international connections.
Perhaps the most well-known initiative of the unit is the International Seminar Series. The series offers students, faculty, staff and communities at large interesting opportunities to learn about a wide range of international topics and to provide a balanced world view by covering many different countries and regions. Guest speakers are usually experts on their presentation topics. Following speakers’ presentations, audience members are given ample opportunity to ask questions and express their reactions to speakers. Presentations take place Wednesdays in the Bone Student Center's East Lounge, 3rd Floor, from 12-1 p.m. The presentations are free and open to the public.
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