The conference was sponsored by the Australian Fitness Industry Risk Management (AFIRM) project, a 3-year study (2012-2014) funded primarily by the National Research Council.  This study involves an evidenced-based approach to develop uniform safety codes, standards, and guidelines for fitness programs and facilities in Australia. Dr. Eickhoff-Shemek has been invited to contribute to this study in various capacities including being a co-author for the major outcome of the study – a risk management manual.

To read more about Dr. Eickhoff-Shemek visit her faculty page>>

After more than two years, USF World has made a tremendous impact on faculty, students and staff, bringing new international partnerships, a greater emphasis on global collaboration, and a focus on global research. The progress report provides a review of the activities since the transition from International Affairs to USF World, as well as ideas and thoughts for expansion.

View the USF World Progress Report>>

Spring 2013 OLLI Class - Contemporary China (half of the class)

Since we started working with OLLI (USF Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) in the fall of 2011, we have provided five classes (each for 8-12 hours in 4-6 weeks) for senior citizens in the Tampa Bay community. These courses cover a wide range of China-related topics, such as Introduction to Chinese Civilization, Religious Beliefs in China, and Contemporary China.

The courses were designed in consultation with OLLI and based on the feedback of participants. The presentations (by CI Director Kun Shi) are enriched by short videos, interactive discussions, and guest speakers. During the class of spring semester 2013 (Contemporary China), the guest speakers included CI staff Wei Wei and Victor Florez, as well as USF graduate students Ke Cheng and Zhengjie Li. They shared their personal experiences and observations on various issues of China today.

Fall 2012 OLLI Class - China's Past and Present

These classes are a great learning experience both for the instructor and participants. They have increased understanding of the Chinese cultures and society, and built a bridge for mutual respect.

This summer, “Religious Beliefs in China” will be offered again on Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm, from August 14^th to 28^th, at John Knox Village. For more information and registration, please contact 813-974-8422, or visit http://www.conted.usf.edu/seniors.

USF rounds out the fifth spot on the list with 24 volunteers currently serving overseas. USF offers two Peace Corps Master’s International programs for Public Health and Civil or Environmental Engineering. The USF program in Civil and Environmental Engineering has a strong focus on sustainability and water/sanitation engineering and the program in Public Health focuses on projects in health, community development, and the environment.

“I am very proud of the large number of USF students who not only value service to our country and the world, but also recognize the advantage of combining their graduate education at USF with the global need for trained engineers and public health professionals,” says Dr. James R. Mihelcic, Director of the Peace Corps Master’s International Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

USF’s first Peace Corps volunteer took the oath in 1962 and served in Sierra Leone. Since then more than 347 USF alumni have served in countries around the globe. In 2011 USF was ranked 5th in the state of Florida and 11th in the Southeast in university Peace Corps recruitment.

“Hundreds of Peace Corps volunteers make a difference every year by combining meaningful service with graduate studies through the Peace Corps Master’s International and Coverdell Fellows programs,” says Peace Corps Deputy Director, Carrie Hessler-Radelet.

A Peace Corps Campus Representative is located in USF World to provide information and assist with the application process. For more information visit http://global.usf.edu/peacecorps.php.

View the list top ranked schools for the Master’s International Program and the Coverdell Fellows programs here http://www.peacecorps.gov/resources/media/press/2233/.

Currently, Debolina works as a Graduate Assistant in the Center for India Studies and recently graduated with a Masters in Social Work. In the fall (2013), she will start a Doctoral program in Counselor Education with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Florida where she was awarded the Robert O. Stripling Scholarship and the Grinter Fellowship. Her education costs will be completely covered through both funding sources.

Debolina has thoroughly enjoyed her time at USF, she felt right at home with the USF World and the Social Work department. “They are so helpful and open. I can speak to them about anything. Faculty and staff were very supportive when it came to my studies and educational commitments.” says Debolina. 

Debolina’s most memorable moment was the International Sash Ceremony. She loved seeing all of the other international students receive their sash. She also admired the many colors displayed by each country’s flag. Receiving her sash reminded her of her home in India. She felt appreciated by the International Services’ staff because the International Sash Ceremony was very personal to her.

During her stay at USF, Debolina has been inspired by her husband and parents. They provide her with encouragement and support to continue pursuing her dreams and although her parents live in India, she speaks to them on a daily basis. After completing a PhD in Counselor Education, Debolina plans to stay in the United States and work in a hospital setting as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor or as a professor in a University. In her spare time, she likes to paint, socialize with friends and travel. She also enjoys cooking and tasting exotic dishes. Her favorite dishes come from Ethiopia. She also enjoys taking frequent trips to the beach.

“At the University of South Florida we have identified a ‘sweet spot’ for study abroad that spans from the summer before sophomore year to the summer after sophomore year which allows students the greatest flexibility in course selection, accessibility to funding and time to be inspired by their experience and study abroad again” says Julie Ficarra, USF Education Abroad Advisor. Ficarra developed the SEAS program last summer and has used the office in the Marshall Center to promote multiple Education Abroad initiatives.  

Reaching over 2,000 students in its first year, the SEAS Program focuses on educating students on the benefits of studying abroad early in their collegiate career as opposed to the traditional ‘junior year abroad’ . Students are able to choose from over twenty-five countries and have flexibility in the duration of programs.

Since the implementation of this program, sophomore participation has grown 9.6%, almost triple that of the previous year. Administrators believe the program will continue to grow rapidly.

Ficarra emphasizes, “We believe the strength of this program is its simplicity, capitalization on strategic student affairs partnership and emphasis on in-person, peer-to-peer engagement.”

In April the SEAS Program was named one of the top five programs in the 2013 Go Abroad Innovation Awards in the Innovation in Marketing/Social Media category. The winner will be announced during the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo in St. Louis, on Thursday, May 30^th.