RALPH J. BUNCHE
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS CENTER
2218 Sixth Street NW
Washington, DC 20059
IN THIS ISSUE
  1. Faculty Abroad Spotlight
  2. Center Highlights
  3. Coming Up
  4. Congratulations to Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick
  5. Reflections from Abroad
  6. HU Bison Abroad Office
  7. Student Opportunities
  8. Faculty Opportunities
  9. Partnering with the Bunche Center
FACULTY ABROAD SPOTLIGHT
Faculty Development International Business Program: Pacifica Alliance Peru & Colombia with the HU School of Business
Written by Michelle Morris
Program Assistant for the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center
Opportunities for faculty to continue their learning and research abroad are bountiful. Oftentimes accessing these opportunities requires a bit of innovation and leveraging of inter-institutional relationships, as Dr. Anthony Wilbon, Assistant Dean for Administration and Associate Professor in the School of Business , would advise. This past summer, Dr. Wilbon participated in the Faculty Development in International Business (FDIB) program with peers from institutions all over the U.S. for two weeks to Peru and Colombia.
 
The FDIB program is part of a larger government push to increase and promote the nation's capacity for international understanding and competitiveness. The Department of Education established 17 nationally designated Centers for International Development and Research or CIBERs, intended to connect universities across country by providing opportunities for U.S. faculty to engage in business, academic and governmental visits, cultural experiences and university presentations in an international location. Participating faculty members, as well as business professionals, gain firsthand knowledge of how business is conducted in a particular region of the world and the opportunity to network with overseas counterparts.

George Washington University is the only institution in the D.C. Metro region that is one of the 17 national CIBERs. In effort by the University of Miami, administrators of the Pacific Alliance Peru & Colombia FDIB program, to increase diversity within the faculty lineup, partner CIBERs were called upon to help recruit faculty from MSIs to the programs. The cooperative relationship between Howard and GW’s Schools of Business helped make Dr. Wilbon’s participation all the more possible.

The two week long trip took faculty to Lima, Bogota, Cusco, Cartagena and Medellin where they took part in numerous strategic site visits to local corporations involved in local industries of import such as mining, textile and fishery as well as to universities and local government offices. The fast pace of the program allowed participants the platform to build research collaborations, study the local economy, its culture and to have discussions about the impact of the socio-political climate on innovation in the various cities. An intelligent combination of business and communal exploration left participants with more than just potential research opportunities, but also first-hand insight into how the various entities and institutions have progressively transformed the economic makeup of the region and where U.S. institutions can be of support. 

Dr. Wilbon shares these insights:
“You get a very good appreciation for these countries and how progressive they are. If you haven’t been to places like Lima or Bogota, you have a skewed perspective of what they are and have to offer. However, going to visit you find out how progressive and metropolitan they actually are. They have a lot of... innovation and in some ways are ahead of us in regards to businesses in agriculture and mining. [They gave us some] good insight on how they do business and how we can collaborate with them... [as well as insight on connecting] with small businesses and how to establish relations with local governments in order to achieve this.”

It is not unusual for SoB faculty members to participate in programs of this type. In fact, Dr. Wilbon is not the first representative from the SoB to participate in an FDIB program. The SoB is highly supportive of providing its faculty with opportunities to continue their professional development and research initiatives abroad. Previous destinations include, Egypt, other parts of the Middle East, South Africa and China.

Dr. Wilbon encourages all of Howard's faculty members to seek out these types of professional opportunities. There are many research grants sponsored by the government that are available and some of the ways to access these opportunities is by leveraging the partnerships between institutions affiliated with their respective school or department. He would also have you know that the FDIB program is open to all disciplines. If you are interested in joining the FDIB and would like to know more, visit:  http://us-ciberweb.org/ .

In the aftermath of his summer excursion to South America, Dr. Wilbon saw immediate results of the networking he had done on the program. This December, the SoB has planned upcoming trip for its students to Colombia. The SoB is well known for its annual study tours and has had recurring trips to the following regions: China, India, Brazil and Cuba. Prior to participation in a study tour, students are expected to do a case study on a local company throughout the semester and are given the opportunity to visit said company and present their findings to them directly. Oftentimes, students have been able to secure internships with these companies after they graduate and many have been motivated to pursue an advanced degree in their country of interest. 
CENTER HIGHLIGHTS 
On Oct. 31 st , the Bunche Center was honored to welcome six distinguished leaders from Colombia to Howard University for an enlightening discussion on the current post-conflict situation of Colombia. The panel featured 4 mayors of predominantly Afro-Colombian cities and two NGO leaders who work to supported elected officials of African descent who were invited to the US on a special International Visitor Leadership Program by the US Department of State.  Afro-Colombians were disproportionately affected by the 60+ year civil war and as such in order to achieve a sustainable peace and a stronger Colombia, Afro-Colombians must have access to better education and increased employment opportunities. We look forward to supporting these efforts through collaboration with local governments in Colombia and Colombian universities.
We were honored to host the Embassy of Cuba on Saturday, October 28th, as they convened the Cuban community of the US in their annual meeting. Approximately 150 gathered to hear, among others, the Cuban Foreign Minister, Mr. Bruno Rodriguez, as he announced for the first time, new migration policies for Cubans and Cuban-Americans that will make travel to Cuba and access to a Cuban passport for Cuban descendants easier. It was an historic day for Cuba and Cubans around the world and it happened at Howard University! 
Last month, the Bunche Center, in collaboration with the Black Professionals in International Affairs, hosted the 3rd Annual BPIA Career Expo. This event brought students, young professionals and veterans of international affairs together to share information and expand their networks. BPIA is an independent group that is based in Washington, DC but has members all across the U.S. and the world. If you would like to learn more about BPIA visit http://www.iabpia.org/.


Teaching English abroad has long served as a pathway for the continued international education of American citizens. On October 5th, the Bison Abroad Office in conjunction with JET Programs, Learning Enterprises, and CIEE hosted a workshop outlining how to become an English teacher abroad. If you are curious about this topic and would like some of the resources that came out of this presentation, please email bunchecenter@howard.edu

One of the major barriers to students wanting to study abroad is how to finance their international experience. In efforts to address these concerns, the Bison Abroad Office organized a student-led panel where study abroad alumni spoke directly to their peers about the methods they used to afford study abroad. The general consensus was that studying abroad is a priceless experience that far outweighs the programmatic costs. If you are seeking financial resources for an international experience, stop by the Bunche Center, visit our website, or email studyabroad@howard.edu.
Study abroad is a life-changing experience. Translating how the world has shaped one's academic, personal and professional goals is an invaluable experience that we encourage our students to share. The Bison Abroad Office created a platform for seven, successful returnees to share their journeys with, not only their peers, but the community at large. Each presentation was captured via Facebook Live. Click on the links below to watch.
Ralph J. Bunche Center Lecture Series:
Russia 101

During this academic year the RBC Lecture Series: Russia 101, will feature speakers/presenters on Russia through the lens of various subjects and disciplines. We launched the series in September with Dr. Theresa Sabonis-Helf of the National War College discussing “Energy in Russia and its ‘Near Abroad.’” She engaged students and others on the intricacies of energy diplomacy in and surrounding Russia and its implications for the region. Also in September, we welcomed Mr. Terrell Starr, Senior Reporter for The Root and Fulbright Fellow to Ukraine. Mr. Starr offered a unique perspective on “Russian Supremacy” and discussed the ways in which, over the years, Russia has mastered the art of ethnic division to maintain power.
Next in the Series....

Wednesday, November 15
Krista Goff, Kennan Center Title VIII Fellow, Assistant Professor, Uni. of Miami
“Nested Nationalism: Slow Violence and Ethnic Conflict in the (post-) Soviet Caucasus.”
Past Presenters:
Dr. Teresa Sabonis- Helf
"Energy in Russia & Its 'Near Abroad'"
Terrell Starr
"Russian Supremacy"
Dr. Alissa Ballard
" Humans vs. Machines, Theatricality vs. the Everyday: Theories of Theatre as World in Modernist Russia"
CONGRATULATIONS DR. FREDERICK
Dr. Frederick to Receive Kaufmann Award
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) has recently announced that Howard University President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., will be honored with the Fritz Kaufmann Champion Award at the 2017 FEA Scholar Gala for his advocacy of international education and study abroad at Howard University. We congratulate Dr. Frederick on receiving this honor and appreciate his unwavering commitment to international education.
COMING UP...
Howard in Colombia | CET Academic Programs

CET is proud to partner with Howard University on this program. Coming to you Fall 2018.

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cetacademicprograms.com
REFLECTIONS FROM ABROAD
READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE
Do you enjoy reading our wonderful Faculty and Student stories and reflections? If so, be on the look out for a new and improved Bunche Blog. Our new site is coming to you with more stories, videos and photos from our amazing Bison Abroad. Want to be a contributor? Email michelle.morris@howard.edu for more.

In the meantime, please check out some of our past content at:

!!UPDATES!!
December 1:  Official Spring 2018 Pre-departure Orientation * Mandatory * RBC, 1 st  floor, 9:00am- 12pm.  A Session on Title IX Abroad will take place at this time and is also required.
The application for the Summer and Fall of next year open January 2018 .
Are you considering study abroad, but would like to learn more from a HU Bison Abroad alumn? Click on the link below to be paired with a peer mentor. Have questions? Email studyabroad@howard.edu.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Internships. Scholarships. Fellowships.
Full-Time Summer Internships | IES Abroad | Study Abroad

Explore our full-time, eight to 10-week summer internships abroad in one of 11 international cities or in Chicago or New York.

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www.iesabroad.org
Internships at AFSA

AFSA is located at the corner of 21st and E Street NW. It is two blocks from the George Washington University campus, directly across from the Department of State, near the Foggy Bottom Metro stop on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines.

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www.afsa.org
Foreign Affairs Information Technology (IT) Fellowship...

What is the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (IT) Fellowship Program? Funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Washington Center (TWC) for Internships and Academic Seminars

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www.twc.edu
Volunteer Internships

The Council on Foreign Relations' Internship Program offers outstanding volunteer opportunities for college students and graduate students focusing on international relations and who are pursuing a career in foreign policy or a related field.

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www.cfr.org
APSIA Online Graduate School Fair

Thinking about Grad School? Searching for an international career in the private, public, or non-governmental sector? Whether you've just started your search or have a shortlist in mind, representatives of APSIA's top international affairs and...

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app.brazenconnect.com
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young...

CBYX participants spend eight weeks studying German at the Carl Duisberg Centrum language school in one of three locations: Cologne, Radolfzell, or Saarbrücken. Participants are placed at the appropriate level, based on their German language...

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culturalvistas.org
Travel Grants

IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants are made possible by the generous support of private donors. Lead funding to launch the program has been provided by Santander US. IIE Generation Study Abroad Travel Grants will be made available for U.S.

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www.iie.org
Do you know a student or several students who would benefit a fully-funded, 6-week intensive summer program centered on international affairs and internationally focused careers? We encourage you to connect them with the Rangel Summer Enrichment Program! The application for the Summer Enrichment Program will open next week on October 17, 2017 and close February 1, 2018.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FACULTY
International Faculty Development Seminars | CIEE

CIEE International Faculty Development Seminars (IFDS) provide faculty and administrators with access to rich academics, diverse intercultural experiences, and innovative approaches to learning and problem-solving that enhance syllabi,...

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www.ciee.org
IES Abroad Teaching Grants | IES Abroad | Study Abroad

We are offering two teaching grants for faculty members from full member consortium schools to teach at select IES Abroad programs. Candidates should be prepared to teach one course for a semester or in a summer program. Please note adjunct...

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www.iesabroad.org
Find Programs

The Fulbright Specialist Program sends U.S. faculty and professionals to serve as short-term experts at academic and other institutions abroad. They assist host institutions, including universities, non-governmental organizations, think tanks,...

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exchanges.state.gov
ACLS American Council of Learned Societies

ACLS is a private non-profit federation of national scholarly organizations dedicated to the advancement of humanities.

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www.acls.org
Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program

An innovative fellowship program for African institutions in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda to host an African-born scholar to work in projects in research collaboration, graduate student teaching/mentoring and...

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www.iie.org
Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship Program

The Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship Program provides grants to institutions of higher education to fund faculty to maintain and improve their area studies and language skills by conducting research abroad for periods of 3 to 12...

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www2.ed.gov
PARTNER WITH US
How can YOU partner with the Bunche Center?

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  1. Become a contributor to our newsletter.
  2. Request to reserve our facilities.
  3. Submit your proposal to us online.
  4. Contact BuncheCenter@howard.edu for further inquiries.
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