Frequent Flyer

Application Deadlines

Sustainability in Panama, October 31

The deadline for the U of A Faculty Led: Sustainability in Panama study abroad program has been extended. Learn about this January intersession program and apply at: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/sustpanama.

Faculty-Led and Rome Center Priority Deadline, November 1

U of A summer programs have a priority application deadline of November 1. There will not be an extended deadline for programs that fill, so get your application materials in soon! More information about these programs can be found on our website http://studyabroad.uark.edu.

Spring External Programs Deadline, November 1

The deadline to submit all application materials, including the credit pre-approval form, is November 1. Students with questions should contact Brian Poepsel (bpoepse@uark.edu) or schedule an appointment to finalize their application materials by calling our office (479-575-7582).

Please note: this applies only to paperwork required by the U of A Office of Study Abroad. External Program providers have their own application deadlines

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Informational Meetings

WCOB Ireland Info Meeting, October 22

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm in WCOB 240

Professor Charles Leflar from the Walton College invites you to an informational meeting on this summer’s business study trip to Ireland.  The study abroad program will provide students with insights into Irish culture and history as well as international business and the economic environment in the European Union. University College Dublin will serve as host to the program with several excursions planned to multinational companies and destinations outside of the city. Please come find out more about this opportunity or visit the website http://studyabroad.uark.edu/wcobireland.

United Kingdom Study Abroad Info Meetings, October 22

11:45 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch with Engineering Students, BELL 3162- Upchurch Conference Room
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm: Open Meeting Hours, Office of Study Abroad

Gloria Vicary will be on Campus on October 22 promoting study abroad programs in England and Ireland. She represents several UK universities and is an excellent source of information for studying and living in the UK.

Universities and programs represented include: University of Essex, University of Limerick, University of York, University of Bristol, and Foundation for International Education Internships.

Puebla Info Meetings, October 23 & 27

4:00 pm in JBHT 207

In summer 2015, this program will offer students several options: a Spanish language/Mexican culture option at the Intermediate and Advanced levels; or an immersion experience that integrates field practicums in the student’s choice of Health Care, Business, or Education, with intensive coursework in Spanish for Special Purposes with a corresponding emphasis. Students who complete the program will receive 6 hours of intermediate or advanced Spanish credit. Stop by to learn more!

You can also visit the website at: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/puebla.

Japan Study Abroad Info Meeting, October 28  

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm in Old Main 420

Want to find out what study abroad opportunities there are in Japan? Come to this meeting and learn about the summer, semester, and yearlong options available to you, as well as more about all of the funding sources. See you there!

Frequent Flyer

Scholarship Deadlines

Gilman Scholarship Deadline, October 7

This October 7th deadline is for spring 2015 programs and early applications for summer 2015 programs. The scholarship is for students who are either currently receiving a Pell Grant or are Pell Grant eligible. For more information or to apply, go to http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program or contact our office at 479-575-7582!

Office of Study Abroad Scholarship Deadline, October 15

This application is open to all U of A students studying abroad during the spring 2015 term. Depending on the duration of the program, award amounts vary between $200 and $800. To be eligible, students should have a 3.0 GPA. This scholarship application can also be used for the College of Engineering Study Abroad Grants and College of Education and Health Professions Study Abroad Grants.  For more information or to apply, go to http://studyabroad.uark.edu/funding.

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Informational Meetings

Community Development: Business Project Info Meetings, October 6, 7, 8
Vietnam, October 6 WCOB 343 from 11:30am – 1:00pm

Belize, October 7 & October 8 WCOB 432 from 11:30am - 1:00pm

Join the business college for pizza and discussion about the service-learning initiatives in Vietnam and Belize.  The info meeting for Vietnam will be Monday, Oct. 6, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in WCOB 343. The info meetings for Belize will be Tuesday, Oct. 7, and Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in WCOB 432.  Faculty from the business college will present information on the business projects offered in Vietnam (Oct. 6) and Belize (Oct. 7 & 8) and be available to answer questions regarding the overall program.   There will also be free pizza served! Please come find out more about this opportunities or visit the websites at Belize: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/belize and Vietnam: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/vietnam.

Classics in Greece Info Meeting, October 7

KIMP 416 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Do you want to immerse yourself in Greece’s history, art, culture, cuisine, topography, language and literature?  If so, this is the study abroad program for you. Professors Daniel Levine and George Paulson invite you to an informational meeting on this summer’s study tour to Greece. Please come find out more about this opportunity or visit the website http://studyabroad.uark.edu/classicsingreece.

Education Abroad: Ireland Info Meeting, October 9

Grad Ed 343 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm

The College of Education and Health Professions will hold an informational session Oct. 9 for education majors interested in a study abroad trip to Ireland in the summer of 2015. The trip will highlight similarities and differences between the Irish and American education systems, while evaluating the impact of culture and history on education. Students will be immersed in the Irish education system through interactive visits to primary and secondary schools in Limerick. Please come find out more about this opportunity or visit the website http://studyabroad.uark.edu/eduireland.

External Program Provider, SIT, Campus Visit, October 9

Hotz Hall from 11:30am – 1:00pm & Au Bon Pain from 1:30pm – 3:30pm

SIT Representative Blake Hart will visit campus on Thursday, October 9, to discuss opportunities to study abroad with SIT- the School for International Training (http://studyabroad.sit.edu). Each program offers opportunities for independent research and cultural immersion. They are a leading provider for the U of A for programs in Africa. Blake will be at a table in the Hotz Hall lobby from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM and then you can find him from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Au Bon Pain, free coffee for students who’d like to meet and discuss program options.

International Business in Ireland Info Meeting, October 13

WCOB 240 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Professor Charles Leflar from the Walton College invites you to an informational meeting on this summer’s business study trip to Ireland.  The study abroad program will provide students with insights into Irish culture and history as well as international business and the economic environment in the European Union. University College Dublin will serve as host to the program with several excursions planned to multinational companies and destinations outside of the city. Please come find out more about this opportunity or visit the website http://studyabroad.uark.edu/wcobireland.

Tanzania Info Meeting, October 14

SCEN 502 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Join the faculty leaders to learn more about earning 6 credit hours (two of three: ANTH, BIOL, HUMN) and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure educational experience in Tanzania summer 2015. Safari across the Serengeti during the great wildebeest migration! See fossils and stone tools eroding from the ground at Olduvai Gorge! Chase wild chimpanzees at Gombe National Park – and stay at Jane Goodall’s camp there! Snorkel the coral reef that fringes the island of Zanzibar! Please come find out more about this opportunity or visit the website http://studyabroad.uark.edu/tanzania.

Study Abroad in Medieval History Info Meeting, October 16

Old Main 420 from 4:00pm - 5:00pm

The Medieval and Renaissance Studies program is offering interested students two ways to travel abroad with U of A faculty this summer.  Both options offer 6 hours credit in Medieval History.  Medieval England will be in Durham and London during summer session 2. The “Renaissance in Rome” will be the focus of 2 of the new courses offered at the Rome Center this summer during summer session 1. Please come find out more about this opportunities or visit the websites at Medieval England: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/medievalengland and Rome Center: http://studyabroad.uark.edu/romecampus.

Announcing the 2014 #HogsAbroad Photo Contest!

The Office of Study Abroad is now welcoming entries for the 2014 Photo Contest!  U of A students may submit photos from 2013-2014 study abroad programs. Photographs will be selected from several categories, so there are many opportunities to win! Grand Prize recipients will have their photos displayed during International Education Week (November 17-21, 2014). See the details below.

Submission Deadline: November 7, 2014

Available Categories: People, Places, Events, Miscellaneous, Study Abroad Selfie, #HogsAbroad

Notes and Restrictions:

• You must have ownership of the photo.
• By submitting a photo, you agree to allow the Office of Study abroad to use the photo for promotional materials, website images, etc.
• Each student may submit only ONE entry per category.
• You are only eligible to win once.

How to enter: Submit photos online at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/contest. Email questions to studyabr@uark.edu.

Bridging Cultures, Building Understanding: Studying Abroad in the Middle East

Interview with Lauren Kardos of Amideast (http://www.amideast.org/)

Tell me about the AMIDEAST Mission.

Amideast is one of the only study abroad organizations that focuses on the Middle East. Amideast is working to enhance cross cultural understanding. The program focuses on Arabic and intercultural learning so students can build connections and share them at home in the US while also sharing their American culture with Arabic students.

Where can you study abroad with AMIDEAST?

Jordan

Morocco

Oman

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes and we really try to offer scholarships to students who are need based.

Semester- two separate scholarship opportunities

1. Need Based-  $500-$5,000 for semester
2. Blog Abroad- every two weeks you submit a blog post and its $1,000 off of the tuition cost

Summer- Only need based scholarships

What majors are these programs developed for?

Mainly International Studies, Arabic, History, Anthropology, Political Science, but we have had students from medial or science backgrounds who were interesting in language specialties.

How are classes set up?

Semester- Each student is required to take 2 Arabic classes. The other 2 or 3 classes can be chosen from the other classes offered at the Amideast Center.

Summer- For students who are interested in Intensive Arabic. Two classes are offered teaching the Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Arabic.

No Arabic experience is needed before departure but classes do go up to Advanced Arabic.

How are students introduced into community life?

Cultural dialogue sessions are a great way to meet local university students. They meet 5-6 times a semester and focus discussions on politics, cultural issues etc. In addition, each student is introduced to a language partner who can help with homework and is a great way to exchange cultures.

Do you have excursions?

During the semester there are three large excursions while in the summer there are 1-2 depending on the length of the program. 

What is the service learning program?

Semester- 3 credit class in Morocco and Jordan 
Students are placed in local nonprofits that are aligned with their majors or interests. Students volunteer for 6 hours a week and then in class learn about nonprofits in their host country which enhances their intercultural communication and knowledge of working in a foreign workplace.

What does housing look like?

In Jordan and Morocco students live with host families. In Oman students share apartments with other Amideast students close to the University Campus. Most meals are included in host families and for Oman breakfast and lunch is included during school days. All other meals are the student’s responsibility.

What was your personal experience studying abroad in Jordan, Lauren?

Academics

I majored in Middle East Studies and International Affairs during a spring semester and then extended to stay for the whole summer. Throughout the semester I was enrolled in International Relations in the Middle East, Contemporary Islamic Thought, two Arabic courses and the service learning course.

Service Learning

I worked in the Jordanian Women's Union which offers divorce services and support for Jordanian women. My role was helping with research for the United Nations program and also helping out with outreach through social media.

Community Engagement

I met a lot of my friends through Amideast and my language partner. Some of the professors introduced us to other students as well. I was able to meet a lot of Jordanian friends

Housing

I lived with a host family and loved the cultural experience.

One piece of advice…

To go with the flow and don’t get frustrated because the perception of time is very different in the Middle East. The best word to know is “insha’allah,” it means “if god wills it.” That encompasses the culture. The lifestyle is relaxed and chill so don't expect to have everything scheduled. Just take opportunities that present themselves because it’s a really hospitable culture as well. Always go and adventure!

To learn more about studying abroad with Amideast, visit http://www.amideast.org/.

Good-for-You Baked Goods & Chocolate: A #hogsabroad Student Internship in Belgium

Imagine reaching for a piping hot biscuit or taking a forkful of crisp, flaky piecrust, knowing that each delicious bite will lower your bad cholesterol, raise your good cholesterol, and maybe boost your metabolism to burn more calories. Sound too good to be true? It gets better: how about savoring a chocolate bar that promotes heart health and combats fat? Sarah Mayfield, an honors food science senior with a second major in biochemistry, is working with Andrew Proctor, University Professor of Food Science, to make this dream a reality.

Sarah Mayfield uses a texture analysis machine to check consistency of CLA-rich shortening

She has spent more than five months making shortening and, more recently, chocolate with a new soy oil that Proctor produced that contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

“The CLA-enriched soy oil has anti-obesity, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, and anti-arthritis properties, and it’s cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat,” Sarah Mayfield said.

A recent University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture study that fed CLA-enriched feed to obese rats demonstrated its health benefits: in 30 days, total serum cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol were reduced by 50%, and a fat-burning gene was activated.

Given today’s obesity epidemic and the economic potential – soybeans are a $2-billion-a-year-crop in Arkansas – the search is on at the university to produce CLA-rich food products with soy oil. And that’s where Sarah Mayfield comes in.

In the lab, Mayfield assembles the ingredients for her latest batch of shortening. The recipe is simple: melt together the fats, which include regular and CLA-enriched soy oils, then cool them in a cold-water bath while stirring with a kitchen hand beater. The combination of cooling and stirring causes the fats to crystallize and form a semi-solid substance that looks exactly like the shortening in your kitchen pantry. “So crystalline structure, rather than a high concentration of saturated fats, is responsible for the texture,” Mayfield explained.

Nearby, a tray is filled with more than 70 shortening samples in plastic containers, each marked with different percentages of CLA-enriched and regular soy oils. Later in the afternoon Mayfield will ship them to the University of Ghent in Belgium, where she will spend the summer subjecting the samples to a battery of tests.

“We’ll be looking at viscosity, hardness, color, and we’ll use X-ray crystallography to look at the crystal structure,” Mayfield said. “We’ll also use the DSC – differential scanning calorimetry – to see how much solid fat is in there. You don’t want it to be too low, or it would melt at room temperature.”
In addition to testing her shortening samples, Mayfield will work in the University of Ghent’s Cacaolab to develop chocolate bars and a chocolate paste that use a combination of CLA-enriched soy oil and the customary palm oil to provide the fat.

Once Mayfield returns to campus in fall 2014, she will study the oxidative stability of the shortening and chocolate over time.

“Fats go bad because they oxidize,” she said. “This leads to rancidity and off odors and flavors.”
Unsaturated fats oxidize faster than saturated fats, so this test will be an important final step. Mayfield also plans to start baking with the CLA-enriched shortening and regular Crisco, then compare the baked goods for crispiness and hardness.

“I’ll probably start with something simple, like pie crusts, that are easy to analyze,” she said. It’s a good bet that when Mayfield’s ready to taste test her baked goods and chocolates, she’ll have no problem finding volunteers.

Mayfield received an Honors College International Research Grant, a State Undergraduate Research Fellowship, a Bumpers College travel grant and support from the University of Ghent.

Photo by Russell Cothren
Article courtesy of the Honors College A+ Magazine: http://honorscollege.uark.edu/A+.php