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April 2019

A Message From Hannah Lacina - Studying in Rome, Italy

My name is Hannah, and I’m a Junior at Saint Mary’s majoring in theology. I have been studying in Rome for two months now, and it has been an amazing and eye-opening experience! I’ve really noticed differences between the U.S. and Italy – especially with how they prepare coffee! The most interesting part has been experiencing a new language and culture. Rome has been a particularly great place for my interests in theology. Some of my favorite places in Rome that I could keep going back to are the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Villa Borghese – a beautiful park in Rome, and also the Trevi Fountain – which I wasn’t expecting to enjoy so much, but it’s much bigger than I thought and very peaceful – when it isn’t super crowded! As a group we’ve traveled to Naples and Milan and will soon be traveling to Assisi. I’ve enjoyed living at the Casa La Salle and getting to know some of the Brothers who live here. Ciao from Rome!!

Be the next student to spend a semester in Rome!
Lasallian Universities Center for Education (LUCE)
Spring Semester 2020

Program Dates: January 31 - April 26, 2020

This semester length program gives students from Lasallian universities the opportunity to study and live together at the Lasallian Universities Center for Education (LUCE) in the Generalate in Rome, while completing major, minor, and general education requirements at their home institutions. Two professors will lead the program while living at the Generalate with the students, teaching courses, and conducting program sponsored excursions.

For more information please contact Vicki McDonald, Coordinator of Study Abroad, at vmcdonal@smumn.edu.
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Congratulations to the following International Students Graduating in May

Hanchen Jiang - Music Industry
Menghan Liu - Finance & Business Intelligence & Analytics
Toan Tran - Physics/Engineering Science
Zixin Wei - Finance & Business Intelligence & Analytics
Wei Zhang - Finance
Yanjie Zhang - Finance

Best wishes from the International Center!

Student Worker Spotlight: Candace Vang

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"Nyob zoo thiab txais tos" from the International Center front desk, where you will often see Candace Vang’s smiling face. She is a junior biology pre-med major from St. Paul, who chose to attend Saint Mary's because of the close relationships she could form with professors at a smaller school. In fact, her most positive experience here is being able to grow and build relationships with friends and professors. She was also drawn to the beautiful scenery here. As you might have guessed from the opening sentence of this article, Candace comes from the Hmong culture, which she feels isn't really recognized here because most students don't know much about it. Therefore, she has the very important job of informing us about her culture. She would like Saint Mary's to know that on special occasions like the New Year, or Tet, Hmong wear traditional clothes. She adds that unlike other cultures that have a place to call home, the Hmong people do not have a home as they come from many different Asian countries. And speaking of home, Candace says that the biggest challenge she faces here is being homesick, so come on over to the International Center and make a new friend!

Study Abroad Photo Contest Results

Congratulations to our winner of the Study Abroad Photo Contest, Celeste Russell.

"Scottish October"
Killiecrankie, Scotland

"This photo was taken during a beautiful group hike along the River Garry in Killiecrankie, Scotland. When I look at it, I think of Harry and Ron's trip on the Hogwarts Express (which was filmed in Scotland!)"

2nd Place - Amanda Kintzi
"Abbey at the Cashel Abbey"
Cashel, Ireland

#2-AmandaKintzi_Abbey at the Cashel Abbey_Cashel Ireland

3rd Place - Celeste Russell
"Sunset over Barcelona"
Barcelona Spain

#3 - CelesterRussell_Sunset over Barcelona_BarcelonaSpain

Student Profile: Hongxuan (William) Ruan

We are pleased to introduce our newest international student, Ruan (William) Hongxuan, who arrived from Shanghai, China, on March 1st. Thanks to our international scholarship program and the reputation of our management program, William chose to study at Saint Mary's despite considering four other schools. It’s no surprise, then, that he will start next semester with a management major and psychology minor. Until that time, he plans to keep improving his English, going the gym, and getting his driver’s license so he can drive himself and his friends wherever they want. When asked about his experiences here, William mentioned liking the fact that people here are friendly, hospitable, and willing to accept different cultures. On the other hand, people saying “Hi” so often, talking to strangers like old friends, and ice water at restaurants surprised him. He offers future international students some advice: “Be brave to participate in all kinds of activities.” His advice comes from experience as he has participated in many activities in the short amount of time he’s been here.
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Study Abroad Short Term Programs
Spring 2020

BUSINESS 460: BUSINESS & CULTURE IN EUROPE

PROGRAM DETAILS:
  • Tour Munich, Germany; Salzburg and Vienna, Austria; and Brno, Czech Republic
  • Visit historical and cultural sites as well as prominent European businesses
  • Travel Dates: May 12 - 28, 2020
  • Course Fee: $2,550 - $2,800
For more information visit the program's webpage.
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ENGLISH 360: LITERATURE ON LOCATION

PROGRAM DETAILS:
  • Travel to England
  • Satisfy English Department British Literature requirement; General Education Literature Credit; or IGEP (New Gen Ed) CE requirement
  • Travel dates May 17 - June 1, 2020
  • Course Fee: $2,600 - $2,800
VISIT: London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, Winchester, Margate, and Glastonbury

For more information visit the program's webpage.
British Museum in London (2)

Cheers to Another Great Year in the International Center!

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Saint Mary's International Center
The Heights
Tracy Lehnertz, M.A.
Associate Dean for International Programs
Vicki McDonald, M.A.
Coordinator of Study Abroad/
International Student Services
Rebecca Vogel, M.A.
Director of De La Salle Language Institute

Molly Lohnes, M.A.
ESL Specialist and
International Center Associate