News
COVID-19: URGENT UPDATE FOR STUDY ABROAD AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL (UPDATED MARCH 14, 2020)
Update March 14, 2020.
ATTENTION: All study abroad programs have been cancelled until July, 2020
A primary concern for Georgia Southern is the health and safety of our entire Eagle Nation. Out of an abundance of concern and spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) around the world we have canceled all of our study abroad programs that leave from now until the end of July, 2020. Without the ability to reliably predict the course of COVID-19 we felt it was best not to put our students, faculty and staff at risk.
Refunds
The Office of Global Engagement will begin refunding any payments made to study abroad programs beginning next week.
Academics
If a student needs one of their study abroad courses to graduate, they should please reach out immediately to their advisor to look at on campus and online course offerings. If anyone experiences difficulties in making these changes, please contact your Department Chair.
Update March 3, 2020
ATTENTION LEVEL 3 Travel warning countries: all students, staff, and faculty that are participating in a Study Abroad program for or other international travel during Spring or Summer 2020
As of today, March 3, 2020, Georgia Southern is suspending all activities in the CDC “Warning – Level 3” locations including China, South Korea, Italy and Iran – both for the foreseeable future and currently ongoing programs. We remain alert for any changes in both Japan and Hong Kong.
The University System of Georgia (USG) has released the following statement regarding university sponsored travel abroad in response to the current COVID-19 situation:
“After consulting with DPH, USG was advised that institutions should alter their overseas and study abroad operations when the CDC issues a “Warning – Level 3” for a particular country.
Under a “Warning – Level 3,” the CDC recommends avoiding all nonessential travel to that country.
The current areas with a “Warning – Level 3” status are:
- China (updated February 22)
- Italy (updated February 28)
- Iran (updated February 28)
- South Korea (updated February 24)
The current areas with a “Level 2” and “Level 1” status are:
- Japan (Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions; updated February 22)
- Hong Kong (Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions; issued February 19)
If you are a student, faculty or staff that is currently abroad in any of the “Warning – Level 3” countries mentioned above, we ask that you return to the US immediately and follow these instructions:
- Upon return to the US, we also ask that you self-isolate and self-monitor symptoms for 14 days. Please do not attend Georgia Southern campuses during this time.
- If you (or someone who has had contact with the you from affected areas) develops symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within the 14-day monitoring period, the individual should take the following steps:
- Separate yourself from others as much as possible. Immediately notify GDPH at 1-866-782-4584.
- If you experience an urgent health situation, seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell staff about recent travel and symptoms.
- Restrict travel to private vehicle or medical transport (e.g., ambulance), with no public transportation while sick.
Georgia Southern University is committed to maintaining the health and well-being of all students, faculty and staff.
The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) and Health Services are standing by to assist you remotely with your academic and other needs. Please contact OGE at globalengagement@georgiasouthern.edu or Health Services at 912- 478-5641 (Statesboro) or 912-961-5726 (Armstrong).
Czech Republic The Hidden Jewel in The Heart of Europe
SPEND YOUR SUMMER ABROAD IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Study Political Science and International Studies in beautiful picturesque Eastern Europe. Spend time in the pritine city of Prague and University of Ceske Budejovice. Ceske Budejovice is the capital city of South Bohemia in the southern Czech Republic. Surrounded by arcaded Samson’s Fountain and the Town Hall with 3 spires. Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the a Vltava River. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. Students will visit mayors, politicians, and diplomats to learn more about US-Czech diplomatic relations
Make a Payment – TBA
Course Options:
Students have the opportunity to earn and must be enrolled in 6 credit hours with their home institution. Students can choose from the following:
INTS 2130 – Introduction to International Studies
POLS 1150 – World Politics
POLS 4031 – Selected Topics in Political Science: EU/Mercosur – Trade, Legal and Political Aspects (KPH/EUTLP)
Eligibility:
Students should possess at least a 2.5 institutional GPA at the time of application, with no active disciplinary record. All students must be fully admitted to the institution, and at least 18 years of age by the program departure date.
Dates of Program:
June 7 – June 27, 2020 (Summer Minimester 1)
Program Cost:
$4210
Includes: Round-trip airfare to Czech Republic; all regional and local transportation; lodging for the duration of the program; some meals; classroom access; tour and excursion fees; and a medical travel insurance plan.
Additional Costs: Georgia Southern tuition & fees for 6 credit hours of course enrollment; books and supplies; additional meals beyond those included; incidental and personal expenses.
Example Excursions and Activities:
- Tour Ceske Budejovice an Ceska Budejovice City Hall
- Visit home of the Budweiser Budvar, Ceske Budejovice
- Meet the Major of Hluboka and visit Hluboka Castle
- Day trip to Ceska Krumlov, Trebon, and Praha
Application and Payment Schedule:
Program Application and $500.00 Program Deposit: Due TBD
1st Program Payment of $2,500.00: Due TBD
2nd Program Payment of $1,250.00 + $35.00 Mandatory travel insurance fee: Due TBD
Refund information:
Once accepted to the program, all deposits and program payments are non-refundable.
Have questions or need more information? Please contact:
Dr. Jose de Arimateia da Cruz, Program Director, Department of Art –jdacruz@georgiasouthern.edu
Office of Global Engagement: stdyabrd@georgiasouthern.edu
ISO Wins Organization of the Year and Best Advisor 2018-2019!
CONGRATULATIONS ISO!
The International Student Organization on the Armstrong Campus won Student Organization of the Year 2018-2019 at this year’s Nick Mamalakis Emerging Leaders & Awards Reception Banquet.
Their advisor, and OIPS Staff Member, Sara Nobles, also walked away with the Adviser of the Year award for 2018-2019. Sara works as the International Student Coordinator for the Armstrong Campus.
ISO hosted many impactful events this year, including Mardis Gras, Lunar New Year Celebration, Holi, and SO MUCH MORE!
OIPS is so proud of everyone involved and can’t wait to see what is in store for next year!
International Award Ceremony 2018
International Education Week 2018 concluded with the annual Global Partners Zone International Award Ceremony. The International Award Ceremony recognizes students, faculty and staff that stood out in the international community at Georgia Southern. Whether it was for their community building skills, leadership legacy, or even their passion for advocating for and helping international students, the recipients of the following awards have truly made a lasting impact in Georgia Southern and the international community.
The ceremony took place on November 16 from 12:00-1:00pm in the Ogeechee Theatre on the Armstrong Campus.
Congratulations to our award recipients!
See the list of awards, descriptions, and recipients below:
International Student Leadership Award
- Student must be international (F, J, or H visas; granted asylum)
- Student is an active member in an extracurricular student/professional on-campus organization(s) and has contributed to the success of the organization’s programs and development
- Student is not required to hold an official position, but must make measurable contributions to the organization(s); leadership position preferred
- Student demonstrates philosophy of diversity, inclusion, and engaging with people from different backgrounds
- Student can be a short-term or degree-seeking student
- Student has balanced his/her studies and extracurricular activities well
- Criteria: 3.0 GPA; must be in good immigration and academic standing; undergraduate or graduate student
Recipient 2017: Ekanayake Mudiyanselage Nipuna Ambanpola
Recipient 2018: Darnel Howlett
Global Community Building Award
- Student can be international or domestic
- Student exhibits leadership and solidarity by welcoming and helping new international students adjusting on campus
- Student acts as a mentor or leader for international students; international students look to this student for assistance and guidance
- Student demonstrates philosophy of diversity, inclusion, and engaging with people from different backgrounds
- Criteria: 2.5 GPA; must be in good immigration and academic standing; can be a short-term or degree-seeking student
Recipient 2018: Yearim Yang
International Student Overcoming Obstacles Award
- Student must be international (F, J, or H visas; granted asylum)
- A) Student was previously doing poorly academically on campus, might have been considered an academically at-risk student (this is determined by the person nominating, e.g. a professor or advisor) who has significantly brought up his/her grades and improved class/semester performance; or
- B) Student was having difficulty integrating into campus life, was formerly disengaged and withdrawn, who has become more involved with peers in activities and/or organizations around campus and is having a more enjoyable life on campus
- Criteria: 2.5 GPA, must be in good immigration and student standing; can be a short-term or degree-seeking student.
Recipient 2017: Karuna Mary Bollam
Recipient 2018: Nhien Lê
International Student Academic Distinction Award
- Student must be international (F, J, or H visas; granted asylum)
- Student has been an academically successful student by maintaining consistently high grades, demonstrating knowledge by class participation, assists classmates in understanding class concepts
- Student contributes to their field by attending conferences in field of study, assisting a professor in research, presented or working towards presenting research, and/or published/co-published research, etc.
- Student is self-motivated and driven to succeed academically and professionally
- Criteria: 3.2 GPA, must be in good immigration and student standing; must be a degree-seeking student.
Recipient 2017: Iva Šćepanović
Recipient 2018: Darnel Howlett
International Student Advocate Award
- Must be a faculty/staff member at Georgia Southern University
- F/S can be international or domestic
- F/S exhibits leadership and solidarity by welcoming and helping new international students adjusting on campus
- F/S acts as a mentor or leader for international students; international students look to this student for assistance and guidance
- F/S demonstrates philosophy of diversity, inclusion, and engaging with people from different backgrounds
- F/S makes intentional efforts to engage and include international students
- F/S has made a measurable impact on campus for international students through mentorship, programming, advocacy, and/or improving campus environment
Recipient 2017: Kristin R. Kasting Karam
Recipient 2018: Dr. Dorothée Mertz-Weigel