School of International Studies Headlines

Oklahoma SBDC Network provides disaster recovery advising for Oklahoma business owners

DURANT, Okla. – The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OKSBDC) statewide network has begun providing disaster recovery consulting to Oklahoma small business owners impacted by Monday’s devastating tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.

Dr. Bill Carter stated: “The Oklahoma SBDC Network can provide assistance to businesses that were directly damaged or impacted and also those that have, or will, have a secondary economic impact as a result of the very damaging storm.”

Carter indicated that the Oklahoma SBDC Network has many tools that can help business owners fast-track their recovery. He indicated that some of the first things on a ‘recovery list’ should include reconnecting with employees, suppliers, and bankers. Additionally, Carter indicated that “a business owner should contact key customers and let them know the plans for the business. Taking photos, reassembling business records, and generally breaking the task down into manageable steps can start the process toward reopening a business.”

Business owners in any of Oklahoma’s 77 counties can receive no-cost business advising on a range of business operational issues from one of the 17 locations the Oklahoma SBDC network has in Oklahoma. Regarding disasters, a first step would be to get the “Disaster Resource Guide for Small Businesses” available from your local SBDC Office. Locations for Oklahoma SBDC offices can be found at www.oksbdc.net.

Carter also suggested that businesses that have suffered a disaster should work through the “IRS Disaster Tool Kit” early in their recovery. This “Tool Kit” is also available through your local SBDC Office. SBDC advisors are available to assist with these efforts.

Carter indicated that SBA disaster loans and other resources will be available in the weeks ahead and that Oklahoma SBDC business advisors will be available to help business owners through the application process.

Congratulations Spring 2013 SIS Masters Graduates

Ralston selected for a CBYX exchange in Germany

STILLWATER, Okla. – Stefan Ralston, a student at Oklahoma State University from Jenks, Okla., has been selected to participate in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX), a year-long, federally-funded fellowship for study and work in Germany.

Ralston, Aerospace Administration and Operations senior, was selected as one of 75 participants (among more than 600 applicants) for this unique fellowship program. Since 1984, more than 1,650 Americans have been awarded this opportunity to gain cultural, theoretical and practical work experience in Germany, and Ralston will be participating in the 30th year of the CBYX program (2013-2014).

While in Germany, he will attend a two-month intensive German language course, study at a German university or professional school for four months, and complete a five-month internship with a German company in his career field. Participants are placed throughout Germany, and have the opportunity to learn about everyday German life from a variety of perspectives.

“Germany is a strong US ally, an influential leader of the European Union, and, similar to Oklahoma, hosts career opportunities in the vast aviation field,” Ralston said. “During the yearlong professional exchange, I endeavor to better understand the education and career lifestyles in Germany, as well as learn more about their history, politics and traditions.”

Conceived and supported by members of the United States Congress and the German Parliament [Bundestag], the CBYX program is financially supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State under the authority of the Fulbright-Hays Act. Participants come from nearly every career field, and from all over the United States.

“As Oklahoma State University continues to increase the opportunities for young adults in business, STEM (scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematical), agricultural, and vocational fields to live and study abroad, programs like CBYX make a significant difference to our effectiveness in helping all OSU students have meaningful international experiences,” said Jeff Simpson, Director, OSU Study Abroad, National Student Exchange Office.

Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 18-24 and have clear career goals and experience in their professional fields. German language ability is not required, but is strongly recommended.

CBYX is a reciprocal scholarship program. While American participants like Ralston will experience life in Germany, young German professionals will live here in the United States during the upcoming academic year. German participants study at US colleges in the fall and work in local businesses in the spring, all while living with an American host. CBYX for Young Professionals is currently looking for interested host families, host companies, and host colleges who would like to take part in this exciting cultural exchange. Anyone interested in becoming involved in the program or hosting a German participant can find out more by visiting www.cbyx.info

Ethiopian University Presidents visit OSU

Oklahoma State University is hosting a group of eight University Presidents from Ethiopia. Today IS&O hosted a luncheon in their honor. The Presidents are from the University of Mekelle, University of Bahir Dar, University of Axum, University of Gonder, University of Hawassa, University of Jimma, University of Haromaya and University of Adigrat.

Welcome to the State of Oklahoma and OSU!

Ten OSU faculty approved for membership to SIS

STILLWATER, Okla. – Ten OSU faculty members were recently approved for membership on the Oklahoma State University School of International Studies faculty.

New members to the SIS faculty include Stanley Grogg, Associate Dean, Medical Director, Center for Health Sciences; Bert Jacobson, Professor, Seretean Wellness, College of Education; Seungho Moon, Assistant Professor, College of Education; David Neal, Professor, Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences; Di Ryter, Assistant Professor, College of Education; Paolo Sanza, Associate Professor, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology; Timothy Snider, Associate Professor, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences; Keith Teague, Professor, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology; Jacqueline Vadjunec, Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Sciences; and Shaoqian Zhang, Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Sciences.

International Studies and Outreach Associate Vice President, David Henneberry, said the goals of SIS include enhancing the academic and personal experience of students through international programs and activities; and promoting international education, research, trade and outreach development.

“These goals are accomplished through overall participation in study abroad activities, and expansion of international activities and opportunities for faculty, staff, students and the greater community,” he said. “The SIS faculty work to enhance these opportunities by advising students, lending international expertise, serving as guest speakers, leading study abroad programs and acting as a committee member on various international or school committees.”

The School of International Studies (SIS) includes the Study Abroad Office, English Language Institute, International Outreach activities and the multi-disciplinary SIS Graduate Program. The SIS Graduate Program offers three curricular options: the Master of Science in International Studies, the Graduate Certificate in International Studies and the Masters International Program (MIP), which combines the M.S. in International Studies with service in the Peace Corps. The SIS also has an undergraduate minor in International Studies available to all undergraduate students