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Illinois International News
Illinois International News is a collection of globally-focused blogs and stories from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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  • Students walk and bike up and down the sidewalk in the main quad during a warm winter day on Feb. 28, 2024. University of Illinois / Michelle Hassel

    ISSS, UIPD issue scam safety steps amid recent scam reports

    International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and the University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) issued a scam alert, warning students of the potential harm targeting them.

  • The image depicts the top half of the Illini Union.

    UIUC among top American universities visiting 26 educational institutions in India

    The IIE Leadership Delegation to India from February 25 to March 2 would have representations from California State University, Long Beach; University of California, Berkeley; DePaul University; University of California, Davis; East Tennessee State University; University of Houston; Florida International University; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Michigan State University; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Mississippi State University; University of Missouri; Montclair State University; University of Rochester; Oklahoma State University; University of Tulsa and Rutgers University.

  • (From left to right) Kyushu University President Tatsuro Ishibashi, NTU President Wen-Chang Chen, and UIUC Chancellor Robert Jones sign an MOU establishing the new Tri-Uni International Collaboration Center on Feb. 19 at NTU in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo courtesy of National Taiwan University)

    UIUC, National Taiwan University, Kyushu University unveil new collaboration center

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with National Taiwan University (NTU) and Kyushu University establishing what all three universities call a “Tri-Uni International Collaboration Center.”

  • The Iron Bridge is a cast iron arch bridge that crosses the River Severn in Shropshire, England. Opened in 1781, it was the first major bridge in the world to be made of cast iron. This bridge is what inspired the partnership logo.

    A Partnership to Remember: Understanding BRIDGE

    This is the first story in a series highlighting the partnership between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Birmingham in Birmingham, England that was formally established in 2014. These stories lead up to the 10-year anniversary celebration that will take place in April 2024 in Birmingham. 

  • Representatives from ACES and KFRI hold up a banner commemorating their MOU signing ceremony on Jan. 22.

    In the News: ACES signs MOU with Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI)

    The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) hosted a delegation from KFRI on January 22-23. Despite the freezing rain that affected many campus activities, the Office of International Programs facilitated a robust program for the six visitors that included meetings, tours, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ACES Dean Germán Bollero. 

    The MOU will allow KFRI and Illinois researchers led by Professor of Food Chemistry Keith Cadwallader and Professor Yong-Su Jin, both in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN), to apply for funding from the government of South Korea for research projects.

  • ISSS offers tips, advice for Spring 2024 semester

    International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) created a list of tips for all international students and scholars to help get a head start on their spring 2024 semester. 

    Classes resumed on Jan. 16, and the list below is a reminder of what students should keep in mind when they return to campus. 

  • Illinois International staff members pose for a photo following a fashion show featuring everyone's Halloween costumes during the 2023 IIP Fall Retreat.

    Year in Review: 9 highlights from 2023

    We want to take this opportunity to showcase nine exceptional things that highlight our commitment to the global strategy and show you just how committed our units have been in 2023. We are proud of the work we have done this year, and we are beyond excited to see what we will accomplish in 2024.

  • Bridge

    Call for Proposals: AY2024-2025 BRIDGE Seed Fund

    The call for proposals for the AY2024-2025 BRIDGE Seed Fund in collaboration with the University of Birmingham is now open.

  • A UIUC student performs during Travel Around the World on November 6, 2023 inside Illini Union Rooms A-C.

    ISSS 2023 Memories: International Education Week

    As 2023 ends, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of our favorite times with International Student and Scholar Services. This is the second of three stories highlighting those 2023 ISSS memories. The story features a slideshow of photos from several 2023 International Education Week events. International Education Week took place from Nov. 5-11. 

  • A view of Terminal 2 from the Hilton Hotel at Chicago O'Hare International Airport taken in August 2023. ISSS staff traveled to the airport in Chicago to participate in the 2023 ISSS Shuttle Service weekend.

    ISSS 2023 Memories: O’Hare shuttle services resumed following a 3-year hiatus

    As 2023 ends, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of our favorite times with International Student and Scholar Services that we didn’t get a chance to write about when they happened. This is the first of three stories highlighting those 2023 ISSS memories. 

  • From left to right: Dr. Luis Canales, Associate Provost for Illinois International; Dr. Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, Associate Chancellor and Vice Provost for Global Affairs & Strategies; Dr. Zaid Zabanoot, the cultural attache’ for the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Washington D.C.; Dr. Sammer Jones, Director for Global Relations; and Dr. Matt Rosenstein, Director for Global Education and Training, pose for a photo during a visit from Dr. Zabanoot in November 2023. Dr. Zabanoot was visiting with a cohort of students from Oman participating in a new Oman Foundation Year Program at UIUC.

    Global Relations announces 393 active agreements in 2022-2023 annual report

    The Global Relations team at Illinois International managed over 390 active institutional agreements in 56 countries this year, amplifying the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) mission to promote global engagement for positive contributions to the community, state, nation, and world.

  • A view of Green and Wright Street and Alma Mater at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Photo taken on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. Photo by Fred Zwicky / UIUC

    ISSS reports increase in international student enrollment

    Total international student enrollment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign increased again this year, climbing from 11,548 in 2022 to 11,580 as of December 2023.

    International Student and Scholar Services reported the increase in its annual International Statistics Book released in December 2023. 

  • Margot O'Malley, Tom George, and Jasper Nord, representing UIUC, extend heartfelt congratulations to each other for securing the prestigious grand prize in the 2023 Reimagine Our Future Sustainability Competition for undergraduates.

    Three UIUC students win 3rd annual Reimagine Our Future Sustainability Competition

    UIUC students Margot O'Malley, Tom George, and Jasper Nord presented a project using coffee grounds to grow nutritious oyster mushrooms. They analyzed environmental challenges related to sending coffee grounds to landfills in terms of emitting greenhouse gases and contaminating groundwater and soil. 

    This team recognized the interrelated problems of food insecurity and human health, and the students piloted the solution and presented plans to expand the scope of their initiative. 

    Their presentation won the $2,000 grand prize.

  • Students study for finals at  Grainger Engineering Library during Reading Day in December 2012.

    The Next Four Years: Taking Care

    Mia Hackett, a recent graduate and intern with the Global Communication team at Illinois International, shares her advice for building a self-care routine for managing stressful times. This is the final part of a blog series titled "The Next Four Years."

  • south quad

    University of Illinois remains one of the leading destinations for international students among public institutions

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is once again a top destination for international students, according to data from this year’s Open Doors report. The report, released on November 13 by the Institute of International Education (IIE), ranks the University of Illinois second in the nation among public universities for the most international students.

  • The sun dapples over the landscape as it rises over St. Mary’s Road at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Photo taken on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.  (Photo by Fred Zwicky / University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

    UoB, DPI awarded $10M to establish Global Center for clean energy, equitable transportation solutions

    The University of Illinois System’s Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and the University of Birmingham (UoB) have simultaneously received funding to establish the Global Center for Clean Energy and Equitable Transportation Solutions (CLEETS). The center will bring together experts on climate, energy, data science, and transportation to accelerate discovery of new pathways to reduce carbon emissions in road transportation.

  • An incredibly rare Blue Supermoon rises over the Funk Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences Library (Funk ACES) at the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. (Photo by Fred Zwicky / University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

    Climate-smart cows could deliver 10-20x more milk in Global South

    URBANA, Ill. — The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) announced on Oct. 31, 2023 that a team of animal scientists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) will bring cow embryos to Tanzania that can produce up to 20 times the milk of indigenous breeds.     

    The full story can be found here or by clicking the headline: https://aces.illinois.edu/news/climate-smart-cows-could-deliver-10-20x-more-milk-global-south.

  • International Education Week kicks off Nov. 5

    International Education Week starts Nov. 5 and extends through Nov. 11 this year. The celebration will be comprised of numerous educational, cultural, and recreational events hosted by student groups, centers, colleges, units, and local partners. More information can be found by following this link

  • A logo depicting a serving platter that looks like half a globe and has a knife, spoon and fork in front of it with the words "International Cook-Off" underneath it.

    ISSS, University Housing accepting recipe submissions for 2nd annual International Cook-Off

    International Student and Scholar Services and University Housing are looking for recipe submissions for this year’s International Cook-Off. 

    Recipes must fall under the three designated categories for this year which are dumplings, rice, and chicken. 

  • Students work and discuss design projects in the Classroom in the Round at the Campus Instructional Facility CIF. The classroom was designed to allow faculty and students to see each other more clearly, featuring a central podium surrounded by curved rows arranged in concentric circles. The In-the-Round classroom also features the next wave of audiovisual displays and offer opportunities for exploring newer immersive technologies to enhance student engagement and participation.

    The Next Four Years: Building a Routine

    Mia Hackett, a recent graduate and intern with the Global Communication team at Illinois International, shares her advice for how to build a routine as a student. This is part two of a three part series titled "The Next Four Years."

  • Pamphlets with information for studying abroad sit on a table during Illinois Abroad Day on Sept. 6 outside the Illini Union.

    Two friends talk goals at Illinois Abroad Day

    Amber Alvarado, a freshman chemistry major on a pre-dental track, was one of the first students to walk up to the Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange (IAGE) tent during Illinois Abroad Day on Wednesday, Sept. 6. 

    It was 10 a.m. on a hot and humid day in the Main Quad just outside the Illini Union when Alvarado asked Boswell Hutson, the assistant director for media and marketing at Illinois International, the usual questions; how to get started, who to contact, and what scholarships are available for studying abroad.

  • An elevated view of the Illini Union at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. (Photo by Fred Zwicky / University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

    At a glance: UIUC Cultural and Resource Centers

    Urbana, Ill. — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) community is home to seven cultural and resource centers.

    These centers are in addition to Diversity and Social Justice Education and International Education units, and all are housed under the Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging office.

    In total, there are 18 SSIB units but for the purpose of this map we are looking at nine of those units that were originally a part of the former Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations. 

    SSIB is part of Student Affairs at UIUC, and according to its website, “Student Success, Inclusion & Belonging units, within Student Affairs, provide support for students to reach their personal, academic, and professional goals through curricular and co-curricular engagement opportunities." 

    The work of all these units is rooted in the goals of being more diverse, equitable, and inclusive to create a sense of belonging for students and other members of the university community, according to the SSIB website.

    Click through the story map to see where each cultural center, resource center, and education unit is located. 

    Click here for more information on SSIB.

  • sustainable student farm

    Reimagine Our Future: sustainability competition for undergraduate students returns for a third year

    The Reimagine Our Future sustainability competition challenges undergraduate students to develop an innovative solutions that address a particular sustainability problem and promotes the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • A view of the Foellinger Auditorium from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign main quad.

    The Next Four Years: Dealing with First Semester Nerves

    Mia Hackett, a recent graduate and intern with the Global Communication team at Illinois International, shares her advice for dealing with nerves that first semester in college. This is part one of a three part blog series titled "The Next Four Years."

  • Alma Mater is seen here wearing a banner that reads "Illinois Abroad Day."

    Illinois Abroad Day returns Sept. 6

    Illinois Abroad Day is an annual event coordinated by Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange (IAGE), the campus study abroad office, that attracts hundreds of students between passing periods just outside the Illini Union.

  • UIUC Chancellor Dr. Robert Jones, moderates a session during Africa Week, the University of Pretoria’s biennial science leadership event.

    UIUC delegation explores collaborative initiatives with universities in South Africa

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) continued to strengthen its strategic collaboration with partners in South Africa this summer.

    In May, Chancellor Dr. Robert Jones was part of a delegation from UIUC that visited the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the University of Pretoria (UP). 

  • the history of book title

    Vice Provost Mabokela shares reflections, research on current and future challenges facing African universities

    Originally posted on University World News Africa Edition, this article is based on an interview conducted by Professor Relebohile Moletsane for the ‘The Imprint of Education’ project, which is being implemented by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

  • lu bingbing speaking with staff at table

    ZJUI alum shares experience supporting leukemia research

    2022 ZJUI alum shares her experience donating stem cells for leukemia research.

  • fulbright recipients smiling

    Four University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty receive 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards

    Four University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty have been selected to receive a Fulbright U.S. Scholar fellowship for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • Mia Hackett, a student intern with the Global Communications team at Illinois International, folds a dumpling during a June 7 Summer Break Series event at the Asian American Cultural Center.

    A Day in the Life: Connecting over Dumplings at the AACC/IE

    On Wednesday, June 7, I had the privilege of attending Around the World with Dumplings. Since “dumpling-making is also a traditionally family/community-based event in many cultures” (Dr. Shi), International Education (IE) thought it would be a great way for students to mingle and relax as they made the delicious dumplings together.  

  • Members in the University of Birmingham delegation laugh with each other during a tour of the Siebel Center on May 15.

    A Day in the Life: University of Birmingham tours Siebel Center for Design

    Everything had a purpose. Every room had a meaning and every nook and cranny had something worth exploring, and that’s exactly what the members of the University of Birmingham delegation did on May 15.

  • Individuals representing the University of Birmingham and individuals representing the Global Relations team at UIUC pose for a photo in front of "Alma" on the UIUC campus.

    UIUC, University of Birmingham renew partnership for another five years

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and the University of Birmingham (UoB) renewed the Birmingham-Illinois Partnership for Discovery, Engagement and Education (BRIDGE) for five more years.

  • students smiling

    Thirteen University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students offered Fulbright awards

    Thirteen University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students and recent graduates were offered Fulbright grants to pursue international education, research and teaching experiences around the globe this coming year.

  • students walking across the illinois quad

    A Day in the Life: Being a ConvoPartner

    Mia Hackett, a student intern with the Global Communication team at Illinois International, shares her experience as an IEI ConvoPartner.

  • University of Birmingham logo.

    First BRIDGE lecture in series to discuss global water crisis, collaborations between universities

    David M. Hannah, professor of hydrology at the University of Birmingham (UoB), UNESCO chair in water sciences, and the first director of the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability & Climate Action (BISCA), will be addressing the global water crisis during a lecture on May 15. 

  • University of Birmingham logo

    Second BRIDGE lecture in series to discuss air pollution, climate change

    Professor Francis Pope from the University of Birmingham (UoB) will discuss his work with air pollution and climate change in East Africa starting at 9:15 a.m. on May 16 at the Medical Sciences Building, Room 274. 

  • Third BRIDGE lecture in series to discuss Reimagine our Future competition

    Warren Lavey, Leon Leibenberg, and Aleksandra Cavoski will discuss the importance of the Reimagine our Future undergraduate sustainability competition and how University of Birmingham students will be able to participate in the competition during a May 16 lecture. 

    The lecture titled, “Empowering Birmingham’s Brilliant Students Through UIUC’s Sustainability Competition,” will be from 11:20 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. inside Room 274 at the Medical Sciences Building located at 506 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois. 

  • UIUC to host University of Birmingham May 15-16

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) will be renewing its international partnership agreement with the University of Birmingham (UoB) on May 16. 

     

  • Members of a visiting delegation from the University of Pretoria pose for a group photo in front of Alma on March 20.

    UIUC, UP strengthen partnership by signing Memorandum of Understanding

    The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Pretoria (UP). This memorandum formally consolidates an existing relationship between the two institutions, one that was created in 2006.

  • A group photo from the Memphis spring break trip hosted by ISSS and IE.

    ISSS, IE recap spring break trip

    On March 15 and 16, ISSS and International Education (IE) traveled with over 50 students down I-57 to spend two days in Memphis.  

  • professor kemball with vice provost mabokela and dr. jones

    In the News: Esteemed astronomer joins Wits as a Distinguished Professor

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professor Dr. Athol Kemball has been appointed a Distinguished Professor in the School of Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand.

  • Four Illinois International colleagues, pictured here with Dr. Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, the vice provost for International Affairs and Global Strategies, received service awards recognizing how many years they served at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

    Illinois International congratulates, thanks 4 colleagues for service

    Four Illinois International colleagues received service recognition awards on March 22.

    Anna Kasten, Boswell Hutson, Ben England, and Andrew Callum were honored with the awards for the time they dedicated to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

    Hutson, England, and Collum were recognized for serving five years, and Kasten was recognized for serving 30 years at UIUC. 

  • university selected to host humphrey fellows

    University of Illinois, Intensive English Institute selected to host Humphrey Fellows for long-term English training program

    The Institute for International Education (IIE) has selected the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as the host institution for the 2023 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship’s intensive, long-term English training program.

  • A decorative image of "Alma" at UIUC.

    Global Relations shares success, new achievements in 2021-2022 engagement report

    Global Relations at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign facilitated 86 new or renewed institutional agreements in 35 countries during the 2021-2022 academic year.

    This is just one of the many things Global Relations accomplished that was shared in the Annual Engagement Report released on Feb. 15.

  • The McFarland carillon’s bells regale the South Quad with a variety of music. Photo by Fred Zwicky

    Illinois among top producers of Fulbright US Student, US Scholar awards

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is among the U.S. colleges and universities that produced the highest number of applicants selected for the 2022-23 Fulbright U.S. Student and Fulbright U.S. Scholar programs, as announced today by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

  • A participant celebrates after his group wrapped out their final break-out session during the Amideast Egypt Study Tour on Feb. 14 inside the Illini Union.

    Amideast Study Tour wraps up sessions on Feb. 14 at UIUC

    New and pilot center directors from Egypt participated in their final break-out session during the Amideast Study Tour on Feb. 14 inside the Illini Union. 

  • Participants from the September 2022 Amideast Egypt Study Tour talk with members of Disability Resources and Educational Services during one of last year's sessions.

    GET, DRES set to host 2nd Amideast Egypt Study Tour

    Global Education and Training (GET), in partnership with Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES), will host a second Amideast Egypt University Disability Services Study Tour at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Feb. 5 through Feb. 16.  

    The Study Tour is developed in partnership with Amideast Egypt. It is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and supported by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education through the U.S.-Egypt Higher Education Initiative Public Universities Scholarships program.  

  • UIUC sees record-breaking international student fall enrollment numbers

    More than 11,000 international students are enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this fall, making it the highest international enrollment since fall 2017.

  • International students and scholars: What you need to know for spring 2023

    This article includes a list of tips, events or things returning and new international students and scholars need to do or can do at the start of the new semester.

  • A group photo of members and students from International Student and Scholar Services and International Education during a November 2022 trip to Branson, Missouri.

    ISSS Semester in Review: Looking at memorable highlights from summer, fall 2022

    Five ISSS highlights from summer and fall 2022.