Music Therapy

I know many international students who came to study in US are mostly majoring in Business and Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information System. I am not sure if they are only interested in business or science. Or, they don’t know any other art majors.

For those who are great in music and would want to study and work in a challenging field, here is a great program called “Music Therapy” you may consider. I came across to interview Dr. Nicki S. Cohen and Mr. Joseph Pinson, the professors from Texas Woman’s University for my Digital Video class. Here is the video I put up to document what Music Therapy is and how this profession can help others.

Tags: academic program, education, music therapy, video

American Roommate Can Ease Your Culture Shock

Since day one I left my home country and came to US, I told myself that I had to learn and experience as much as I could about US culture in my college life. The first thing in my mind was to live with someone I didn’t know of, and knew American culture very much. Living with an American roommate in a dorm was the way to go. If you ask me again, it is still highly recommended.

I know that it sounds tough to some international students as culture shock will make them anxious and confused. When I was still in Ames, Iowa, I knew many of my Chinese friends who would rather live and hangout with other Chinese than American. Just because they couldn’t accept the American culture, food, etc. On the other hand, they were so proud that they had learned enough English in high school. There wasn’t a need for them to get to know more about American culture and the language.

In my opinion, it was such a stupid move as nobody would ever learn enough. If they were too proud of themselves, they would just be a frog in a well. I was glad that I didn’t know enough English in my Chinese high school to communicate with any English speakers back then. I still remembered that my Chinese friends teased my poor English because I flunked the English placement test and had to take ESL class in my first semester. Their innocent acts really motivated myself to study harder. When I lived with my American roommate, I gotta learn a lot of English and American culture from her and the girls on the same floor.

Throughout many years of living with different roommates, I was lucky that 90% of them were good, and they were Americans. If you really want to get over culture shock quicker, find an American roommate and learn from him/her.

Tags: culture shock, roommate

Is the economy downturn affecting international students studying US?

Everyday, we watch the news, read the blogs and listen to podcasts, gather with coworkers and friends, everybody is talking about the same topics – economic recession, job loss, hiring freeze, unemployment rate, saving tips, economic downturn survival tips, etc. The economic crisis affecting many industries is no longer a new topic. As an international student, do you or other international students concern the economy recession? Will less students study abroad US?

According to the Data Tables for Open Doors 2008 International Students, “623,805 international students studied in the U.S. in 2007/2008, up 7 percent compared to the previous year.” The financial contribution of international students is around $15.5 billions. The numbers of the foreign student enrollments from the top leading seven countries are India, China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Taiwan and Mexico.

Although the enrollment numbers have increased last academic year, the statistics can’t guarantee whether there will be more international students coming in 2008/2009 due to the economy downturn.

On the other hand, what concerns me is whether the company will sponsor CPT (internship for international students,) OPT (work authorization to international students after graduation,) and H-1B (working visa). In early March, I attended a job fair sponsored by UTD Career Center. It is no surprise that there were less than 10 companies out of hundred who were willing to hire CPT, or international students (I must say it clearly.) Among those companies, they were mainly hiring computer engineers, electrical engineers, etc. As for a website and graphic designer like me, it sound frustrated. However, I still have hope in ATEC/EMAC as the growing of emerging media and social networking, we may innovate new businesses to change the world in the years to come.

Tags: economy

My 1st Henna by Sumaiya Mehreen

My 1st Henna Art

Sumaiya Mehreen, a very talented Indian graphic artist, who was showing off the ancient Indian Henna Art at Women’s Center Conference Room in McDermott Library in International Week 2009. It has been a great experience to see how Sumaiya skillfully and creatively drew the floral arts on the ladies’ hands. I must say that I love this temporary decorative flower tattoo on my hand.

AL: Annis Leung, the ESL blog host
SM: Sumaiya Mehreen, the Henna Artist

AL: Hi Sumaiya, may you introduce yourself?

SM: My name is Sumaiya Mehreen. I am a Henna artist, a graphic designer, a website designer, and a blogger.

AL: A blogger? Are you in ATEC major?

SM: I actually graduated from UTD last year (2008) and did my MFA in Arts and Technology.

AL: Sumaiya, how long have you been doing Henna?

SM: Umm… I don’t really remember when I started it, but first time I did professionally was at fifth grade. We were doing the school fundraiser

AL: What do you mostly draw?

SM: For personal preference, I like flowers. I notice that I do those design more. This is more Indian style henna. There are also African and Arabic styles.

AL: What is the difference between Indian, Arabic and African Hennas?

SM: The design motifs that are used are different in different cultures. The Indian Henna is sort of what I am doing. It is very intricate on the entire hands, and the lines are thinner. There are lots of details. Indian Henna, sometimes you can see birds. Arabic Henna, the design is more loose and floral. There won’t be animal and people. African Henna is more geometric, more squares and triangles, not as flowery like Indian, but comes out with thicker lines.

AL: How long will the Henna last?

SM: This one will probably last for a week. It will get a little darker. Once it dries, and she washes this (Henna) off, it will leave the orange-brown stain. And, that will get darker the next two days. But, in a week or so, it will start fading. In a week and half, it will probably be all gone. But it varies from person to person depending on the skin type and how absorb of the skin.

AL: Do you do Henna as freelance?

SM: Yes, I do freelance. I usually do bridal henna for Indian weddings, and workshop like this or session like this at the International Office here. I also volunteer events, but it would depend on the event and the people I know. If for individual, it usually depending on the design, is like $5 per hand and up. I do have a blog. It is TheHennaBlog.blogspot.com… easy to remember.

AL: How much do you charge for the bridal Henna?

SM: Oh, yes. Bridal Henna is so different. It is $150 and up. Coz’ for Indian weddings, like hands both sides until the elbows, arms, and legs up to their knees. Depending on how much they do it, it runs from $150 to $300.

If you would like to experience this unique Indian culture – Henna art, please visit The Henna Blog.

Tags: art, Culture

International Potluck Dinner

The celebration of International Week 2009 is over finally. It was great that I went to couple of events. One of them was International Potluck Dinner, sponsored by Residential Life. The purpose of the potluck was not only to encourage students to bring in food representing their cultures and share with other fellow students, but also made new friendships with different cultures in the gathering.

Food: Arabic – Baklava, TexMex – Tortilla Soup, Indian – Rice Pudding

Tags: Culture, food, international

Spring Break

The semester has gone halfway already. This week I decide to give myself a break from the informative topics as spring break has come. It is time to leave the computer and have some fun. Let’s go check out what others have been doing during the break. Before, that, I would want to give you a brief background of Spring Break.

what is Spring Break?

Spring Break, or March Break, is usually a week-long recess between mid-March and early-April for students. Some would take this opportunity to catch up readings, papers and projects while some would take some time-off or travel else where.

Let’s watch what the students have done in their spring break…

Tags: fun, relax, spring break

On Campus Housing

When it comes to student housing, foreign students may find a hard time to determine what is suitable for them. There are several choices – hosting family, dormit0ry, on-/off-campus apartment, fraternity and sorority.

As a new student, I highly recommend that new foreign students live in on-campus housing. Dormitory and university apartment are the most popular choices because they are affordable, safe, walking distance to campus. Student can make new friends with other students, experience the American culture, adjust to college life, and learn native English through the native speakers.

Dormitory

It is also called residence hall which offers a wide range of floor plans, occupancy rooms, and prices. Rooms are usually furnished or unfurnished, and pre-installed with internet, phone line and basic cable TV services. Amenities may probably include kitchens, bathrooms, computer labs, study lounges, laundry centers, recreation areas, parking spaces, etc. Some dormitories require students to join the meal plans. However, I think this can ease your burden of cooking your own meal. Some halls may offer different types of community – coed, female-/male-only, freshman, graduate, international, or American – to fit your needs. Roommates are assigned.

Freshman Residence Hall at University Village at UT Dallas

On-Campus Apartment

Like dormitory, apartment also provides a wide range of floor plans, occupancy rooms, and prices. However, it is more like a housing unit with bedrooms, full bathroom and full-equipped kitchen. It may be furnished or unfurnished depending on the communities. Internet, phone and cable TV jacks may be installed, but probably not the services. Occupancy are usually from 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom. Residences may have their own bathrooms or share with one other. Amenities in the unit may include refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer/dryer, etc.

Freshman Apartments at University Village at UT Dallas

Waterview Park Apartments

Tags: apartment, dormitory, student housing

International Week 2009 @UT Dallas

International Week 2009 is coming along after spring break between Monday, Mar 30 – Friday, Apr 3 at UT Dallas. Here is the list of programs

Passport to to World

Monday, March 30
12:00-2:00pm
Galaxy Rooms Student Union (SU)

International Potluck Dinner

Monday, March 30
6:00pm
Phase 8 Clubhouse (Orange Circle 8 )

Diversity Dinner Dialogue, “Cultural Traditions”

Tuesday, March 31
5:30-7:30pm
McDermott Suite (MC)
*Registration Required

Henna by Sumaiya

Wednesday, April 1
11:00am-2:00pm
Women’s Center Conference Room, McDermott Library (MC)

Cricket Tournament

Wednesday, April 1-Friday, April 3
9:00pm-1:00am
Softball Field

Study Abroad Booth

Thursday, April 1
10:00am-2:00pm
Student Union (SU)

International Talent Show

Thursday, April 2
7:00pm
UT Dallas Conference Center (CN)

World Beats Dance Party

Thursday, April 2
9:00-11:30pm
Galaxy Rooms, Student Union (SU)

International Library Display

Monday, March 30-Friday, April 2
First floor, McDermott Library (MC)

Tags: Events, international

Things NOT to bring to US

I have recommended what you should pack in your luggage. This post is going to tell you what NOT to bring to avoid the trouble when entering US Customs.

source: http://www.sxc.hu/

1. NO fresh fruit and vegetables – not even from your countries, planes or airports before entering Customs. I have seen an officer leading a trained dog to detect any traveler’s hand-carry bag for fruits.
2. NO plants – flowers, seeds, etc.
3. NO insects
4. NO meat – fresh, dried, or canned are prohibited.
5. NO animals, or animal/wildlife products
6. NO disease agents, cell cultures, or snails
7. NO soil
8. NO large amounts of cash – to avoid being stolen; few hundred dollars – couple thousands should be enough. For tuition, it is recommended to bring money orders, cashier’s checks or traveler’s checks to deposit to the local bank.
9. NO 240V electronics, unless used with 120V adapter.

For Carry-on Baggage

1. NO water – you can put 1-2 bottle water in your checked bags in case you need them.
2. NO liquids, gels and creams in the bottle OVER 100ml or 3.4-oz; must be packed in one-quart clear, plastic, zip-locked bag
3. NO nail clipper, scissors, knives, or razors

For more information, see Customs Declaration Form.

Tags: cash, food, Things NOT to bring

Things to bring to study abroad US

1. Legal documents
   • valid passport, I-20
2. Cash
   • US$500-2000 emergency funds, with some $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills suggested


source: http://www.sxc.hu/

3. Clothing
   • Top – tee, shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, tank top, bras, scarf, jacket, coat
   • Bottom -  jeans, pants, skirts, underwear
   • Formal – suit, dress
   • Foot – socks, shoes for causal, formal and exercise
4. Personal/First Aid Medicines
   • a basic first-aid kit – pain killer, alcohol wipe, antibiotic ointment, band-aid, etc.
   • personal medicine for asthma, allergy, diabetics, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.
5. Toiletries
   • Mouth – toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
   • Face – facial wash, facial cream, shaving cream, razor blades, cotton swap tips
   • Hair – hair gel, shampoo, conditioner
   • Body – shower gel, body lotion,  perfume/cologne, deordorant
6. Personal items
   • hair dryer, hair brush, nail clipper, towels, tissues, sanitary pads
7. Bedding
   • blanket, sheets, pillow and pillow case


source: http://www.sxc.hu/

8. Electronics
   • cell phone, laptop computer, digital camera, iPod / MP3 player
9. Stationery
10. Backpack / school bag
11. Food
    • snacks – chocolate, crackers, bottled water
12. Kitchen stuff
    • a set of silverware, knife, chopsticks, bowl, plate, rice cooker (my personal preference)
13. Travel adapter plug sets – with different legs and 120V~240V compatible

Tags: I-20, Things to bring