Mama always said...

Here are some selected proverbs from around the world. No doubt some of these thoughtful sayings are common in many countries - feel free to add your own in the comments.


"Many complain of their looks, but none of their brains." (Yiddish Proverb)

"Who seeks a faultless friend remains friendless." (Turkish Proverb)

"If three people say you're an ass, put on a bridle." (Spanish Proverb)

"Being young is a fault which improves daily." (Swedish Proverb)

"After dark, all cats are leopards." (Native American Proverb - Zuni)

"All roads lead to Rome." (Roman Proverb)

"All roads do not lead to Rome." (Slovenian Proverb)

"All things good to know are difficult to learn." (Greek Proverb)

"Bad is never good until worse happens." (Danish Proverb)

"Every beetle is a gazelle in the eyes of its mother." (Moroccan Proverb)

"Fall seven times, stand up eight." (Japanese Proverb)

"A father is a banker provided by nature." (French Proverb)

"Goodness shouts. Evil whispers." (Balinese Proverb)

"Goodness speaks in a whispher, evil shouts." (Tibetan Proverb)

"If work were good for you, the rich would leave none for the poor." (Haitian Proverb)

"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." (African Proverb)

"When spiders unite they can tie down a lion." (Ethiopian Proverb)



This could go on and on. Here are the two sources, from the thousands that came up from google, that were used for this list:

http://www.memorablequotations.com/proverb.html

http://www.quotesandsayings.com/proverbial.htm.

Do Sports Have a Stage in International Peace?

Unless you live under a rock, you've likely seen mention of the upcoming 2010 World Cup being held in South Africa this month. Facebook is buzzing with posts and reposts of the Nike commercial - Write The Future - along with some trash-talking and team cheering. ESPN has a page of World Cup posts that then expands to a full page of rumors, blogs, stats, scores, flags and all the latest - they've also come up with some creative commercials, as one would expect.

If you do live under a rock, here are the two commercials and then on to the point.



And this one from ESPN, which leads in to the broader point....



The ancient Olympics were started as a religious celebration to Zeus. It was during this time that all wars ceased - weapons were not allowed in the stadium - and ample time was provided for returning home without fear of attack or provocation. It was a sacred time to honor Zeus with the ultimate of human performance. Since it was believed that Zeus had predetermined the winner, judges were present to gauge the moral and ethical performance - cheating was absolutely not tolerated.

And throughout the years, there have been other efforts to use athletic competition as a way to slowly bridge the gap between war and peace. Consider the article from The Atlantic, "Can Sports Bring World Peace?" that considers the suggestion - with examples supporting and contradicting the statement. Is it fair to place such expectation on competition? Is it reasonable to place such expectations on the athletes?

Student Spotlight: Briana Jordan

Briana Jordan of UNC Charlotte has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship to Turkey on an English Teaching Assistantship. Jordan is one of over 1,500 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2010-2011 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. She is a graduate student in UNC Charlotte's TESL program with a wide range of experiences. According to Brad Sekulich, Director of the Office of Education Abroad, "Briana is an excellent candidate and well-deserving of this award. She will represent global UNC Charlotte well."

In her own words, here is Briana's perspective on the opportunity.

"My love of learning and desire to explore the world comes from my family background. My mother, a 30-year teacher, taught me the love of learning. My father, an Army medic, taught me the joy of exploring. Because my father was in the Army for 22 years, my childhood was spent in such diverse places as Colorado, Germany, Alabama and Texas. I feel blessed to have been exposed to so many different regions and people as a child. Being open to new people and cultures was a prerequisite for being an army brat. My parents were the primary influences on my intellectual development because they wer both very adamant about learning and education. Although not wealthy, my parents never let me go without any book, microscope, chemistry set or computer that I might have wanted. Even though neither of my parents received a university degree, they instilled in my siblings and me the importance of education.

My educational background is quite varied for someone who is now looking to be a teacher. After falling for fashion in high school, I went to college to study apparel and textile merchandising. Upon completing a BS in that field, I wanted to gain more business knowledge and took advantage of an accelerated MBA program East Carolina offers. I completed my MBA in 2004 and started as an executive trainee for a major department store. While, I have been working in fashion retail for the past 10 years, I have realized that my thoughts always return to my original love of cultures, specifically art and religions, history and education. A year ago I decided to leave the sometimes shallow world of fashion and start down a career path that will be more rewarding and meaningful to me.

As an adult, I have traveled to quite a few interesting places including Hong Kong, Italy, Costa Rica and Turkey. Through these experiences, I have gained a wider perspective of the world that we live in and the great diversity of the people who inhabit it. A particular experience that I had in Turkey that I found to be compelling was the day that I was touring the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. While staring at the ceiling, I did not notice the group of children gathering around me. I looked down and all of a sudden there was a group of about 30 kids staring up at me and pointing. They tried to say hello to me and take my picture. It was not until this happened coupled with the fact that they were more surprised to see me and not my very blonde friend that I realized that I did not see anyone else in that large city of African descent or with dark skin. At that moment, I realized they were just as intrigued by me and my culture as I was with theirs. I want to return to Turkey because I have never been to a place where I felt so welcomed and yet so different. I think of it as a personal challenge to have the opportunity to be the first African American that some have seen outside of television adn to be able to make the first impression of a culture that they have only watched from afar. I am the type of person who is always willing to educate others about my culture and background adn in fact encourage conversations about the differences and similarities between people. I believe that the more we know and understand about one another, the better we can work together.

In the immediate future upon finishing the program for TESL, I plan to teach ESL in primary or middle school for a few years in North Carolina. I would like to eventually earn an advanced degree in TESL and teach at the community college level. My main goal is to be a positive and motivational figure in the lives of people who are trying to better their lives through education and cultural understanding."

For further information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, please visit: http://fulbright.state.gov/. For information about Student Fulbright opportunities, contact the UNC Charlotte Office of Education Abroad at 704-687-7747.

Summer Travel Resource

Next week a contingent from the Office of International Programs at UNC Charlotte will head to Kansas City, Missouri for what I believe is the largest group of international educators in one place at any one time - thousands of people from around the world who work to send students abroad, welcome students from abroad and provide opportunities for everyone in between to engage the world with an international perspective will convene in the middle of the United States for a week of sessions, networking and exploring a city very few of us have been to.

Learning how to travel well requires a lot of trial and error along with a significant dose of advice. Helpful colleagues are one source; another favorite is a blog from The Economist. Granted, it is more for the business traveler, but the occasional updates on airline quality, airport shenanigans, travel advice and other miscellaneous information keep everything in perspective.

So, whether you're traveling abroad this summer for credit (have we pushed that enough yet, get in to the office and set up an information session), getting ready to attend school in another country for a semester, year or full degree, traveling for business or pleasure, or just stuck in an airport or train terminal for an indefinite amount of time, check out Gulliver.

Bon voyage!

Challenge to Graduates - Keep going. Keep giving. Keep engaging.

First Lady Michelle Obama gave the commencement address at George Washington University after agreeing to speak only if the GW community completed 100,000 hours of community service. And, they did - through service in and around the nation's capital and around the world. Her message: "Keep going. Keep giving. Keep engaging...I'm asking your generation to be America's face to the world."

A message worth repeating for UNC Charlotte graduates and those coming through Niner Nation in the years to follow.

For an overview of her address, click here.

Congrats 2010 Niners!

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/.

Today's Students: Do you agree?

An article in the May/June 2010 International Educator publication presents an interview with John Zogby suggesting that the students of today - and more specifically, those born between 1979 and 1991 - are First Globals. Below are some excerpts from the article.

IE: What is a First Global? (p.23)
Zogby: I use the name interchangeably with 18-30-year-olds not because everyone in this age group fits the description but because those with passports, global social networks, and a planetary sensibility dominate the whole cohort...I define them by their sense that the world is their playing field...It was the first time I ever used the phrase that suggested that this group is not defined by facts they know but by their awareness: "They may not be able to immediately find Darfur on the map, but what sets them apart among earlier cohorts of twenty-somethings is that they know there is a Darfur on the map..."

IE: You have defined today's young people as "First Globals." What traits do First Globals have that other generations did not? (p.22)
Zogby: It is the name I give to those Americans born between 1979 and 1999. Over half have traveled abroad, are the age cohort most likely of any to consider themselves "citizens of the planet Earth," are least likely to feel that American culture is inherently superior to the cultures of other peoples, tell us that America will most likely "look like Barak Obama 20 years from now because he looks like us," are most likely to favor the United States cooperating with international agencies and protocols in responding to crises, and are most open-minded to immigration and immigrants. They have been introduced to open borders throughout their lives via MTV, fashion, the Internet, and social networking. Thus, the whole world is their playing field..."

IE: What does it mean for this generation of students to be "global citizens"? (p. 23)
Zogby: They literally have a world full of choices. They are not limited by space or geography. Sometimes the choices can be overwhelming and stifling but being a First Global means redefining who they will respond to their world...Employers will have to get accustomed to new definitions of tenure and longevity. First Globals want to move. Today's twentysomethings will have had four jobs by the age of 30 and ten by the age of 40. So now our focus as employers is not to ensure their loyalty for long-term employment but instead keep them loyal because we need to ensure that they will leave happy. Blogging and tweeting about a bad experience travels now at the speed of light..."

IE: In recent years, education abroad has become more popular among college students. Do you think the outlook that First Globals have about the world has increased interest in studying abroad? Do you think First Globals do or will have more interest in studying abroad differently than students in generations past? (pp. 24-26)
Zogby: One thing that is notable already about First Globals is how much they are changing philanthropy. Crises are less remote to this group and their ability to act by spreading the word (and pictures) virally is as impressive as their contributions to texting..."

For the full article, including more information on Zogby, click here.

Do you agree?


Here are some other thoughts along a similar line of inquiry attempting to understand today's students:


Is this accurate?

How would you describe today's student - today's UNC Charlotte student?