History Condensed

We’re all pressed for time so it helps if you can get an overview of things in a quick and accessible way.

There’s the Reduced Shakespeare Company, various versions of five-minute makeovers and 30 minute gourmets, the Wall Street minute, the guides to almost anything tech for Dummies, and Cliff Notes to literature.

But here’s a video clip that will make you really appreciate the power of statistics, history, GIS applications, and video technology know-how:

Enjoy!!

http://www.flixxy.com/200-countries-200-years-4-minutes.htm

Great Decisions 2011

When you hear the phrase "great decisions 2011" you may be thinking of your recent new year's resolutions, how to best manage your class loads, what you want to be when you grow up or where to find a job after you graduate. All important. NI proposes adding one more: the future of U.S. foreign policy.

Each year, the UNC Charlotte Office of International Programs and the World Affairs Council of Charlotte host a community lecture series based on the compiled resources and suggestions of the Foreign Policy Association (FPA). FPA conducts extensive research to determine eight topics of foreign policy significance for the upcoming year and compiles information about each topic into a "Briefing Book." In Charlotte, we choose 6 of the 8 topics and ask local experts to provide a 45-minute presentation with 45 minutes set aside for Q&A. The topics up for discussion in 2011 are Crisis in the Caucasus, Horn of Africa, Global Governance, Sanctions and Proliferation: North Korea and Iran, Responding to the Financial Crisis and Germany Ascendant.

It's a great way to supplement your classes in an ungraded environment. You hear perspectives from faculty at UNC Charlotte, Davidson University, a Fulbright Scholar at Duke University and Winthrop University and have an opportunity to ask questions and raise issues that might otherwise be ignored. Each lecture is held Tuesday evenings at Charlotte Country Day School at 7:00 PM from Tuesday, January 18 to Tuesday, February 22. For registration details and more information, visit: http://oip.uncc.edu/great_decisions.htm.

Prince William's Engagement

The news of this royal engagements are all over headlines everywhere! Prince William, son of the late Princess Dianna, proposed to Kate Middleton last month in Kenya. These two have a long running history of an "On again off again relationship" that always proved that no matter what they retreated back to one another. No matter the distance Kate and Prince William kept their personal squabbles to themselves and were loyal to their relationship.
This royal relationship has come as an utter surprise to everyone other that their immediate families as Prince William asked her parents for her hand in marriage. This 9 year relationship has finally reached the ultimate commitment, as their wedding is scheduled to take place late summer 2011.Queen Elizabeth, Prince William's grandmother is estatic about the engagement and is very proud that Prince William will be marrying Kate. She thinks she is a lovely girl, as the rest of his family adorea her.
Their relationship started as a genuine friendship 10 years ago as they were in college together in Scotland. They held a press interview just to
shed a little light on their recent engagement and express how happy they were this time has finally arrived. Prince William proposed to Kate with his mothers engagement ring. This is extremely sentimental as Princess Dianna expressed that she would love for him to give it to his fiance' if she would accept it. Kate graciously accepted and the two are pleasantly planning for the ceremony!
This will be an event to remember and already scheduled guests are: Elton John, a close friend of Princess Dianna's who is said to perform, The Obama's, and Sean Combs to mention a few.

2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference

Guest blogger: Maddy Baer

Recently I learned about the International Climate Champions initiative of the British Council. The International Climate Champions initiative is part of a range of activities within the British Council designed to build understanding of and drive action on climate change.

In 2008 the program launched in 13 countries (Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States) and then grew to encompass more than 800 International Climate Champions in 29 countries.

In 2009 the program expanded to 60 countries across the globe, recruiting over 1,300 young people who are passionate about and committed to taking action on climate change. These champions are not only leaders in their communities but are also participating in international peer networks, both in person and online, to share ideas, projects and experiences. Participants range in age from 11-35.

I spoke with participants from Indonesia and China who were returning from the conference in Cancun. During their visit, they met with fellow participants from 28 countries as well as spending time with the government delegations from their respective countries. Young men in their late 20’s, one was pursuing graduate work in mathematics, the other a Fulbright Scholar working on his PhD in agricultural economics. When they complete their U.S. studies, they will return to home and work to motivate young people to advocate for, and devise solutions to the challenges presented by global warming.

To learn more about the program and initiatives, opportunities to lead, innovate, and research go to: http://www.britishcouncil.org/new/climatechange/.

Let's Talk Education

As we wind down to the end of the semester, there are more than enough concerns for college students. The stress of exams, affording books for the next semester, and even more importantly affording to expense one’s education. There are major issues facing collegians are the rise in tuition costs. The tuition at UNC Charlotte has gone up this semester about $1700. I began looking online to see if this has become a major concern of other institution and I was suddenly surprised with my findings.

Tuition has gone up more for public institutions more than private institution for about 32%.  This is extremely shocking because the expectation would be for the private universities and colleges to take the cake in the expense arena. Even more shocking I came across several international articles with collegians facing the same challenges of affordability with the rise in tuition. It is a known fact that a college education is extremely important in today’s market and economy, so we work vigorously to find the monies to be able to continue our dedication for a higher education. It can become very frustrating, which brings me to this very interesting article found published by the New York Times.

British Students were furious with the sharply rising tuitions fees. Mentioned by a French writer, British aren’t really known for demonstrating. “They simply don’t believe in it”. November 10, 2010 students apparently had reached their boiling points. They took to the streets in excess of tens of thousands of students and were very vocal and physical by vandalizing Conservative Party Headquarters.

This is extremely disturbing because I don’t think, we as a student should be forced to react so angrily with fighting for our tuition costs.  It’s completely understandable that our fees are steadily on the rise, simply because the costs of everything in this economy has taken a substantial increase. The questions we pose have to do with the benefit to us as students. We want to continue our education so we can be positive contributions to society, but the financial burdens are becoming unaffordable, discouraging, and at times impossible. Will there ever be changes? It no longer local it’s international, and collectively we feel frustrated and defeated. Do we truly have a voice? If so, who is listening?

It's all Positive

As I searched for an article to feature on this week's blog, I noticed that every article I found highlighted death, terror, war, negativity and insults. I could not simply submit a google search to find anything positive to receive "International News". I entered those two words and was subsequently bombarded with nonsense and sadness. I then re-entered my search to say, "Positive International News". The results were slim; however, my findings were very gratifying.
I came across the website http://www.positivenews.org.uk . This website brought a huge smile to my face to say the least. I have gone through and read multiple articles and I can't chose one over the other to highlight. Therefore, I chose to highlight the entire website. This site was designed to show the different positive things going on worldwide. There are many different aspects covered in every nation. Two articles I will say that were very nice reads are: "Tom's Pipe Dream Becomes a Reality" and "Annie Lennox Woman of the Year Award". So feel free, browse the site, and check it out!

What’s Happening in the Community

I recently observed the substantially growing arena of International development, involvement, and awareness going on in the Charlotte community and in campus involvement. I would like to take a brief moment to highlight some of the different international organizations in our Charlotte community, there purpose, and how you may potentially become involved! We are very excited about the growth of our diversity in international relations in the greater campus and charlotte community, and would love for you to experience the same joy. We have a lot of support and leadership in enhancing the ability for other to grow in and experience other cultures, heritages, and backgrounds. Sit back, relax, and admire some of the organizations highlighted as Charlotte is pumping the gear and changing pace to increase International relations and development near you!


In the Greater Charlotte Community:

International House:

Info: The International House promotes international understanding by serving as a center for diversity, advocating for people of diverse national backgrounds and facilitating professional and cultural exchange programs.

To accomplish its mission, the role International House plays in the community is threefold:

Center for International Diversity

We provide a meeting place where Internationals and Americans can establish and strengthen relationships, and promote cultural awareness by connecting with people who share an interest in language, culture, or ethnicity.

Immigrant Advocacy Program

We provide legal representation and other resources to guide over 600 low-income internationals through the complexities of U.S. immigration law.

Citizen Diplomacy Programs

We play an important role in America's citizen diplomacy efforts by partnering with the U.S. Department of State and United States Agency for International Development to implement two U.S.Government sponsored programs: the International Visitor Leadership Program and Community Connections Program.



Location: 322 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204

Contact: The office – 704.333.8099

If you are interested in learning more about this organization please visit their website at:

http://www.ihclt.org/



The Latin American Coalition:

Info: The Latin American Coalition is dedicated to serving Mecklenburg County’s 75,000 Hispanic families with the services that allow them to overcome language, economic, educational and cultural barriers while offering the wider community opportunities to learn about and connect with the Latino population. Also, to promote full Hispanic participation in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region, by informing, educating and advocating for the Latin American community. Ultimately we aspire to help build a diverse and vibrant Charlotte-Mecklenburg community which embraces, supports, and respects people of all cultures and backgrounds.



Location: 4949 Albemarle Rd, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28205

Contact: Jess George, Executive Director – 704-531-3848



If you are interested in learning more about this organization please visit their website at: http://www.latinamericancoalition.org



CIEE International Work and Study Program:

Info: CIEE's mission is to: “Help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.

We approach our tasks aware of the great responsibility we are given to help mold tomorrow’s citizens in a complex and fast-changing world…”

We encourage you to welcome a foreign student into your home. Open your hearts to a special young person and allow them to experience the American way of life inside a warm and loving family environment. CIEE provides an opportunity to gain new insights and renewed appreciation for different cultures, as well as an unforgettable adventure for you, your family and your exchange student. Discover the difference you could make by becoming a Host Family.

Location: 4542 Glenlea commons Dr., Charlotte, NC 28216

Contact: Iztok Umek – 704.697.9730

If you are interested in learning more about this organization please visit their website at:

http://www.councilexchanges.org/

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In the Campus Community:

Office of International Programs:

Purpose: strives to strengthen international education at the University as well as in the Charlotte community. On campus, it seeks to make international understanding and global awareness a fundamental part of the curriculum and an integral part of campus programming. To this end, it promotes curriculum development, faculty research, and program implementation in the various colleges; administers the University's English Language Training Institute; and coordinates campus activities related to international students and scholars, education abroad, international exchange, cross-cultural training, and world affairs education

Location: 2nd floor, College of Health & Human Services Building

Contact: The Office - 704-687-7755

*The OIP website is filled with countless resources that would allow anyone the ability to indulge in the many opportunities and events afforded to our campus community, faculty, staff, and students.*

If you are interested in learning more, please visit their website at:

http://oip.uncc.edu/



Caribbean Culture Connection:

Purpose: The purpose of this Organization is to enhance the understanding of the Caribbean through the sharing of cultural experiences and social interaction between its members.



Contact: Natasha Webster - 704-560-8573

If you are interested in learning more, please visit their websites at:

http://caribbeanuncc.webs.com and http://www.facebook.com/caribbeanuncc

Education Abroad Association:

Purpose: To stay active internationally! EAA aims to advocate study abroad among the University population. EAA reaches out to students interested in study abroad by providing Peer Advising for studying abroad and fun campus programming. We serve as a connection for study Abroad Alumni! Also, returning Study Abroad students often face challenges adjusting to life in the US and at UNC Charlotte. We connect to these students, and listen to them share their common international experiences. We provide resources such as Re-Entry Workshops, we advocate using the Counseling Center, Career Center Guidance, and topic discussion groups (long distance dating, dating internationally, etc.).

Contact: Rebecca Hallatschek

If you are interested in learning more, please visit their website at:

http://http//www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=268256751361&v=wall&ref=ts


Now that you see a little of what’s going on in Charlotte, join the crowd and get involved! These are a few amazing opportunities for one to expand their horizons. Let’s start with you!