Database - The World at Our Fingertips.
- The Committee recommended that a database be developed to track international
faculty and student exchanges in health care, teaching, study abroad, missions,
medical missions and research. The project began with an activities survey
of 950 MUSC faculty members. The Office of International Programs and Services
received 174 replies which were analyzed and documented. Analysis of the
174 forms which were returned showed that we have 82 faculty members involved
in some form of international exchange in more than 47 countries.
International Programs and Services.
- The Office of International Programs and Services is responsible for
facilitating and processing visa petitions, orientation, relocation, and
general assistance to international students, post doctoral fellows, researchers,
residents, and faculty. Cross cultural social programs enhance understanding
of American and international ethnic differences. The English as a Second
Language programs enable students to attain high levels of academic success
and assist family members in transition into American life. The Office
maintains a database of 423 people at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Statistically the breakdown is as follows: 75 students, 126 J-1 scholars/researchers/students/faculty,
69 H-1 researchers/scholars/residents/faculty, 134 miscellaneous permanent
residents/citizens of foreign birth, 25 visiting faculty/residents and
200 family members. The international community at MUSC are from the following
countries: Australia, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Byelarus, Cameroon, Canada,
Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, England, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Phillippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico,
Romania, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Trinidad,
Turkey, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yugoslavia.
Publicity - International Activities.
- The websites for the International Affairs Committee and the Office
of International Programs and Services have been developed. The sites are
located under the MUSC homepage, section entitled University Administration.
The International Affairs Committee site provides detailed information
about the committee, the university charge, purpose, membership and activities.
The site for the Office of International Programs and Services offers a
wealth of information for travelers, language tutorials for over 50 languages,
immigration updates, health advice for travel to foreign countries, currency
exchange rates, and much more. The International Committee is interested
in promoting cross cultural and research exchange programs. A series of
articles will appear in the Catalyst. The series began on January 30th
with an article on the International Committee, the database information
and the purpose of international exchange.
English Writing Course for Internationals.
- The Office of International Programs and Services in collaboration
with the Center for Academic Success sponsored an intensive English writing
course for internationals. The class was held August 12 - September 16,
1997. Sixteen students and research fellows participated in this exciting
new class. Students showed a 66% improvement in English writing skill.
The class will be offered again in 1998.
Funding Sources.
- Funding for international exchange in education, research, and patient
care are being detailed. Resource examples include: Office of Research
and Sponsored Programs (792-3838), Office of Research Development (792-5828),
National Institutes of Health, Fulbright Foundation, National Sciences
Foundation, local community services organizations, religious organizations.