UAlbany Named "Gateway" to U.S. Culture, Academic Life for International Students

UAlbany was one of eight universities selected by the Department of State and the Institute of International Education (IIE) to assist in preparing students for their graduate studies in the U.S.

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 14, 2009) -- The University at Albany is introducing about 40 international Fulbright graduate students to U.S. culture and academic life as a host for the 2009 Fulbright Gateway Orientation Program. UAlbany was one of eight universities selected by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE) to assist in preparing students for their graduate studies in the U.S. Students will pursue master's and doctoral degrees at universities across the country at the end of the UAlbany orientation, which runs August 2-6.

"We are honored to be selected as a Fulbright Gateway site and pleased to welcome these bright, engaged students to our campus," said President George M. Philip. "This is an important opportunity for the University community, as well as our visitors, to interact with and learn from contemporaries with different backgrounds and perspectives."

"This is the first time UAlbany has been selected as a Fulbright Gateway site, and they're doing a great job," said Carl DeAngelis, Director of Enrichment at the Institute of International Education and 1985 UAlbany alumnus.

Through lectures, workshops, panel discussions, group projects and tours, UAlbany will provide students with a head start on American culture, including its academic and governmental systems. Orientation sessions will discuss graduate student life, focusing on stress management, legal rights of non-citizens, physical and mental health and wellness, practical matters such as banking and housing, and engaging in the community. Students will also learn about the U.S. higher-education system, academic integrity and research techniques.

UAlbany will also introduce students to the city of Albany, New York's state capital, fostering further understanding of American culture and government. UAlbany�s Office of International Education is coordinating the local arrangements for the Gateway Program.

�Hosting a Fulbright Gateway Orientation gives us a wonderful opportunity to contribute to national educational outreach efforts, and to show representatives of many different countries the attractions of our university, city and region,� said Ray Bromley, UAlbany's Vice Provost for International Education.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) as part of its flagship Fulbright Program, the Fulbright Gateway Orientation provides an overview of Fulbright goals and traditions and aims to instill a Fulbright identity among grantees. The program also cultivates survival skills for graduate study and an understanding of current U.S. social issues to assist grantees in developing successful intercultural communication in their host communities.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government�s flagship international exchange program and is supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. Since 1946, it has provided more than 294,000 participants from over 155 countries with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

For more news, subscribe to UAlbany's RSS headline feeds

Educationally and culturally, the University at Albany-SUNY puts "The World Within Reach" for its 18,000 students. An internationally recognized research university with 58 undergraduate majors and 128 graduate degree programs, UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as public policy, nanotechnology and criminal justice. With a curriculum enhanced by 300 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers. For more information about this globally ranked University, visit www.albany.edu. For UAlbany's extensive roster of faculty experts, visit www.albany.edu/news/experts.shtml.