My Trip to UDESC, University of Santa Catarina, (Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina), August 1-6, 2010

Louise Fleming

The university people were wonderful (see below) but first my day of birding and sightseeing. Prior to my coming, I had emailed Tony Alano, the university representative who takes care of visitors, and asked about bird watching. I bird wherever I go. I knew that I would not be able to figure out species by myself (different continent, different hemisphere). He graciously found a rafting business in Caldas da Imperatiriz. The day was chilly (50s F) and I didn’t want to get wet, so we all took a walk. Then we drove up the road to the historical Hotel Plaza Caldas. They employ a biologist who has landscaped for wildlife. It is forest and lawn, but all dedicated to wildlife habitat. It is very lovely and we saw lots of birds!!! Below is a picture Tony took of a toucan.

Florianopolis is an island in the state of Santa Catarina. It is a large city, but surrounded by 40 beaches. By day three, however, temps were in the 40s F. I had to buy a scarf to stay warm. Below are pictures of Florianopolis and me, all bundled up.

I certainly learned a lot about their programs at UDESC. I met wonderful faculty and students. Faculty and students are doing very exciting research and extension (service) projects. I am amazed at the students. They are idealistic and articulate. In Brazil, people who receive an education are supposed to give back to the community. These students and the faculty who lead them are doing that!! I can hardly wait to go back. Tchau.

Off to England: AU Faculty and Students Experience and Study London Schools.

Six teachers from Ohio, working on their masters degree at Ashland University, together with four family members (three husbands and a mom), and I took off to London, England on June 29 not just to tour one of the most global cities in the world, but also to study the classrooms and school systems. It was a fascinating and memorable two-week tour. Some of the pictures capture the sights and moments.

At Buckingham Palace.

A most knowledgeable beefeater gives us a tour at the Tower of London.

Always a magnificent sight, the Tower Bridge in London.

There was time for group as well as individual tours. Many of the participants visited other parts of Europe (Paris, Ireland, Scottland). I will be inviting them to share their experiences as well.

Taiwan: Ashland University President Finks visits Taiwan

Our visit to Taiwan coincided with a visit from Ashland University President, Fred Finks.  We met up with Ashland University alumni, current AU doctoral student student, Jesse, and another AU faculty member, Nate Myers.  Nate is a visiting professor this summer at Providence University in Taichung. 
Dinner was hosted by President Finks at Kanpei BBQ restaurant.

Never-ending platters of meat were brought to the table for us to barbeque.

Here's the president as chief bbq master.

The next day we visited Kang Chiao Bilingual School in Taipei.  AU and
Kang Chiao have a partnership relationship.  The school is located in a beautiful setting overlooking Taipei.  In Fall 2010 Kang Chiao will expand to two campuses when a state-of-the art elementary campus will open.   The school offers an International Program that prepares its graduates to attend university abroad.   The setting, campuses, programmatic offerings, and diverse faculty are impressive.  Click on the link above to learn more about the school.  AU will send up to two student teaching interns to teach at the school in Taipei per semester affording them a unique and challenging teaching opportunity.  Students from Kang Chaio have access to reserved undergraduate spaces and scholarships. 




This is hard to see--the flashing sign said "welcome guests
of Ashland University."

A summer sports camp was going on. 

    

The school has a beautiful setting in the mountains overlooking Taipei.

Also, the elevator doors close really, really quickly. 

President Finks and Principal Charlie Chang. 

The staff at Kang Chiao took us out to a wonderful lunch.  Then we hopped on the high-speed rail back to Taichung to make an official visit to National Taichung University.  On the way to meeting with administrators, we stopped of for a visit to class.  The president was able to seamlessly participate in the dance.  Very impressive.

The president's dance partner was my frequent conversation partner and tutor, the lovely Yeon Joo Kim.