Archives: News

Video Spotlight on UA International Students

Informative videos featuring three UA international students are now available from the UA Vimeo and Youtube channels.

In the videos, Yilin Wang from China, Pablo Ramos Ferrer from Spain, and Baheya Jaber from Palestine discuss aspects of living on campus and experiencing American culture, as well as the supportive, quality study environment and research opportunities at the UA.

The videos have subtitles in both English and the students’ native languages: Chinese (Yilin), Spanish (Pablo) and Arabic (Baheya).

Gilman Workshops

Come by our office (@135 BB Comer) to learn about the Gilman Scholarship. Workshops are held every Friday until October 1 at 2:00pm.

See you then!

~Education Abroad

President’s Reception

On Tuesday, September 26, President and Mrs. Stuart Bell and Associate Provost, Dr. Teresa Wise hosted UA International Students and Tuscaloosa’s International Friends at the Ferguson Student Center Great Hall for a reception. President Bell took the opportunity to recognize the achievements and success of international students at UA as well as to thank the many families of Tuscaloosa’s International Friends for their commitment to international education at UA.

President Bell
President Bell meeting and interacting with international students and the Tuscaloosa International Friends families.

Cultural Retreat

On Saturday, September 23, International Student & Scholar Services and a large number of UA international students and scholars joined with the international offices and students of The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of West Alabama, Jefferson State Community College, Gadsden State Community College, Birmingham-Southern College, and Samford University for an amazing day of outdoor activities and fun. The International Cultural Retreat was held at Oak Mountain State Park, where students were able to play games, hike, enjoy nature, and make friends with other students from across the state.

2017 International Cultural Retreat
2017 International Cultural Retreat

Intensive English Program Reaccredited

The ELI is proud to announce that our Intensive English Program has been accredited by CEA, the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, through August of 2027.

CEA is the accrediting agency for English language programs in the U.S and is recognized by the U.S. Secretary for Education. Accreditation reflects the ELI’s adherence to professional standards of excellence in areas such as student services, administration, and program design and curriculum.

This accreditation comes after an extensive period of work and review by all ELI faculty and staff, led by Self-Study Coordinator Kelly McPherson. It also continues the ELI’s tradition of being a professionally-engaged and accredited program. The ELI received its original 5-year accreditation in 2002 and a 10-year accreditation in 2007.

CEA Logo

Fall 1 ELI Welcome Activity

On Monday August 28, the ELI held its Fall 1 Welcome Activity in the Ferguson Center. Students, friends, faculty and staff enjoyed meeting each other over a dinner of hamburgers, chips, cookies, and sweet tea. The main focus of the activity, however, was a cultural experience: learning how to participate in a traditional American square dance.

Following the activity, Chih Ying from Taiwan said, “I enjoyed it because I have never danced with other people. It’s fun!” Nana from Japan said she’d like to do it again because she likes to dance with people. Ayane from Japan mentioned that she met UA students and was invited to dinner. Finally, when Sae from Japan was asked how she would describe square dancing to someone who had never tried it, she said, “It’s a little difficult, but it is a good way to make new friends.”

Upcoming ELI activities include tailgating on the Quad (Saturday, September 9) and visiting UpSurge Trampoline Park (Tuesday, September 12).

ELI Fall 1 2017 Welcome Activity - Square Dancing

Bama Bloggers Abroad

Want to hear from fellow UA students about their study abroad experience? Visit bamabloggersabroad.com. We’ve collected over 700 unique study abroad stories. Who knows, maybe you will be able to post about your future study abroad soon!

Fall 2017 Study Abroad Fair

On Wednesday, September 13, UA’s Education Abroad office will host the Fall Study Abroad Fair on the Crimson Promenade next to B.B. Comer Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come explore the options you have to study abroad during your time at UA! Education Abroad staff, UA faculty and representatives from UA affiliate providers will be on hand to meet with students and find a program that works for you.

Contact Info: Chad Berry, chad.berry@ua.edu, 2053485256

study abroad fair 2017 - capri, italy