A Student Perspective - Former Ambassador Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad visits UNC Charlotte

On Thursday, March 24, Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Afghanistan and the United Nations, addressed members of the UNC Charlotte community as part of the International Speaker Series. Former student and photographer, Aaron Cress, shares his impressions and photos.

“My overall impression of Dr. Khalilzad's presentation was it was very informative from a perspective of an individual that had the ability to see inside the government and also able to visit a wide variety of the people whom that government serves. I found it very interesting when he was talking about the green initiative to get school kids to take care of trees and how, in a country that expects so much from its government, this idea was not well-accepted. The points he made about youth going in one direction and a regime going in another was bound to have a boiling point. Yet it wasn’t clear how things would unfold. We are seeing more and more countries reaching that boiling point now, and Iraq and Afghanistan maybe models to look at for stabilization. Dr. Khalilzad also spoke about the different types of government the people in these two countries had had, and how they chose the opposite form of regime when new post-conflict constitutions were written (Afghanistan having had a weak central government chose a constitutional model with strong centralized leadership. Iraq, having experienced despotic leadership chose a parliamentary system).

From this view point it makes me appreciate the governing system we have in the United States where there is executive authority able to make a quick decision if needed, but also having the legislature to slow the decision-making process, each balanced by the Supreme Court system.

I am glad I attended and believe I have learned a great deal from a perspective that isn't a history book and is still current enough that it affects me.”



http://www.cressphotography.com/

Receiving and Giving Back

On Saturday, March 5, 2011, 2008 UNC Charlotte graduate and Sudanese refugee, James Lubo Mijak, was profiled in a lengthy article in the Charlotte Observer in an article “Survivor Gives Back”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/03/04/2111794/a-survivor-gives-back.html#


The article comes full circle in an account of his forced flight from Sudan in 1987 at age 8 to his arrival in Charlotte in 2001, being granted U.S. citizenship in 2007, and finally having an opportunity to visit Sudan. So often it is said that one must know where one came from to know where to go and, according to the article, it was Mijak’s visit that brought into focus his desire and efforts to raise money to build a school in the village of Nyarweng. He still needs $40,000 to reach the $180,000 goal.

Egypt Analysis

In light of recent events, NI has compiled a list of a couple of resources and articles that may be helpful for anyone interested in understanding the current situation in Egypt. If you know of other resources that have been useful in understanding deeper the various dynamics of Egypt and the region, please feel free to add them to the list as well - this is certainly not meant to reflect a comprehensive set and additional sources are welcome.

http://www.wilsoncenter.org/topics/pubs/Egypt%20at%20the%20Tipping%20Point.pdf

http://chronicle.com/article/Whether-They-Flee-or-Stay/126170/

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/01/31/turmoil_in_egypt_leaves_colleges_scrambling_to_protect_students

http://www.brookings.edu/

How to Choose When in Spain

Repeat guest-blogger Ron Iacone (see his Top Ten tips when traveling in Europe posted in March) shares his perspective on three distinct areas of Spain to help the would-be Spain-bound study abroad student choose the best place to spend time honing Spanish skills, having new experiences and tasting authentic Spanish cuisine.

Case Analysis: Spain
After narrowing down your chosen study abroad country to Spain, you now face another dilemma: where to go? Spain may be a small country—especially when compared to the United States—but what it lacks in size it makes up in diversity. Spain’s most prominent cities, Madrid and Barcelona, are only two among scores of others, each bringing to life a different facet of the Spanish Kingdom. Using these unique characteristics will, without doubt, help you narrow down the city/region you would like to study in.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity—thanks to my parents and, of course, the superb support of the study abroad department—to live in Spain for an academic year. I spent one semester in Santander, with the Semester in Spain program, and the other semester in Madrid. When my studies were finished in the Spanish capital, I moved to Granada to cap off my study abroad experience. If you’re wondering exactly where these cities are, they’re easy to find: draw a line down the center of Spain, and you’ll find Santander, Madrid and Granada at the top, middle and bottom of the line, respectively. Accordingly, I experienced life in Northern Spain, the capital, and Andalucía, Spain’s southernmost region. And its here where I’ll offer you—the potential study abroad candidate—some advice on how to pick a good place to live.

Northern Spain
Green! The rolling hills, mountainous landscape and surrounding areas are most certainly green. The beaches, many of which are found alongside cliffs that jut out into the ocean, only add to the beauty of this region. It is rainy however—hence the green—and can be a bit cold in winter, but the advantages of living here far outweigh its disadvantages. I lived in Santander, the capital of Cantabria, and recommend it as a great introduction to Spain. The splendor of Santander is matched by its surrounding regions, which among others include Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque country. Northern Spain’s inhabitants are friendly people, but “breaking the ice” is usually necessary to bring out their extroverted side. The student population, however, is a bit different. Many are eager to learn English and hear about America, so “breaking the ice” is relatively easy. Once you meet friends, you can count on keeping them for the rest of your life. The nightlife here is unique, with many people congregating on the streets before heading out. It does get cliquey, however, so taking the initiative to meet people—although intimidating at first—is well worth it, as most are welcoming to foreigner. It is very cheap to live here—by Spain standards—which is why many Spanish people come to this region to vacation. Northern Spain has many intimate cities, and developing a relationship with the culture and people will come naturally. Life here is a bit slowed down and for the most part, relaxing. Living in Northern Spain will no doubt be a memorable and beautiful experience.

Madrid
This is the capital. Madrid is a bustling and fast-paced city, with people from the entire world coming here to live. Just like New York City, Madrid is a place that never sleeps, and I would describe my experience living there as an adventure. It is hard to find a word that describes everyone in general, as the sheer diversity this city has is unmatched anywhere in Spain (well, it seems like diverse would be the credited word). The city as well, is one of the cleanest I’ve been to in Europe. The architecture and history represented in the city will make you take the long way back to your place, as just walking down the street can be filled with surprises. The Spanish people that fill these streets—at all hours—can keep you entertained for hours. Getting out of the piso to go walk around, grab a calamari sandwich (yes, its good and is a well-known sandwich in Madrid) will be a daily activity. The things to do here are endless, so being bored is impossible. It follows that because Madrid is the capital, there are many events and activities held here that draw lots of people. Going out and meeting Spaniards is bound to happen, whether you take the initiative or not. Surprisingly—and this has happened to me—you may think you’re talking to a Spaniard, only later finding out that it was someone from another country who just happened to have a good grasp of the Spanish language. Time does pass by fast here, so “missing Madrid syndrome” is common. Just like New York City, Madrid is expensive. There are ways to budget as always, but plan on spending more money. It may be a bit harder to speak Spanish here, as many people—mostly foreigners to Madrid—speak English, but never falling into that trap is easy to do: just don’t speak English. All in all, the advantages of this city far outweigh everything else. If you’re looking for an adventure that will truly expand your global awareness, Madrid is the right place for you.

Andalucía
Flamenco dancing and beautiful weather year round rule this place. The architecture yields a strong African influence with many domes and arches built right into the buildings. The people here are some of the friendliest I’ve met in Spain, although the Spanish is not so “user-friendly.” It will take some time and practice to master andaluz as it is spoken very fast. Between the beaches, landscape and warmth the people bring you here, Andalucía is a great place to spend your time studying. I lived in Granada, and made some of my best friends there. Other people who’ve lived there can probably say the same thing and everybody who visits automatically falls in love with the city. The personality and openness of the population is extremely inviting, and making Spanish friends—quickly—would be very easy, regardless of your level of Spanish. I would also characterize the people here as outdoorsy, as every park, sidewalk, restaurant, bar and anywhere is filled with people. If you come to Andalucía—just like Madrid—you will never be bored. In addition, the tapas bars here are incredible. Nowhere in Spain are they as good, and every Spanish person can vouch for that. The portions are massive and can include numerous items, each of which are specialties to the area. This region is very cheap, and spending money should be the least of your worries here, as should living well and having a great time. If you’re unsure of where to go in Spain, you can never be wrong by choosing Andalucía.

Good luck with your choice! If you want to study abroad next semester, visit our Office of Education Abroad for an info session - http://www.edabroad.uncc.edu/.

Help for Haiti: One month later

By: Sayde J. Brais

On Jan. 12, 2010, the world watched one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world get practically reduced to rubble underneath one of the worst earthquakes in the region in more than 200 years. It is one month later and the devastation surrounding Haiti continues.

Haiti occupies an area approximately the size of Maryland, in which almost all of its over nine million residents are of African descent and speak Creole and French. Today, most of its capital, Port-au-Prince, lay in ruins. With a history of political instability, corruption, and severe poverty (an estimated four out of five people live in poverty and of those, more than half live in abject poverty), this earthquake has only added to the turmoil.

Almost immediately following the quake, initiatives all over the world began—some by well-known individuals like award-winning singer/song writer and Haiti-native, Wyclef Jean, and many by those just trying to make a difference. UNC Charlotte students along with community members participated in Haiti-focused initiatives. Some simply walked around collecting spare change while others launched full-blown projects. The Iota Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated set up a table in late January to encourage donations of water bottles toward disaster relief.

Coming up is the “Dance 4 Haiti: Dance-a-thon” event presented by the UNC Charlotte Student Alumni Ambassadors on Saturday, Feb. 13. This event mirrors a traditional walk-a-thon but dancing will take place instead starting at 6:00 PM in the SAC Salons.

Also, The College of Education (COED) joined hands with Samaritan's Purse and University City Church to start the “Haitian Children’s Relief” initiative. From Feb. 1-19, donations will be accepted on the lobbies of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of COED. Donations can include new socks, shoes (no name brand), and underwear.

Students with the English Language Training Institute (ELTI) will be collecting hygiene kits in partnership with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program. Anyone interested in contributing should bring a Ziplock bag with the items listed below to the ELTI offices on the 2nd floor of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS). Items to include in the bag are: 1 hand towel (16x28 inches), 1 washcloth, 1 wide-tooth comb, 1 nail clipper, 1 bar of soap (bath size in wrapper), 1 toothbrush in original wrapper and 6 band-aids.

Every initiative, donation, and any time spent can help Haiti. The country has a lot of work to do to bring itself back from a disaster of this caliber, and any way we can support them will get them on the track to rebuilding their beloved nation.

If your group is coordinating an initiative to assist with earthquake relief in Haiti, and it’s not mentioned here, feel free to post a comment to let others know.