UF PhD Student Represents Nepal at United Nations Human Rights Summit

 

Ashra Kunwar, a PhD student in Environmental Sociology at the University of Florida, recently represented Nepal at the 19th International Youth for Human Rights Summit held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. She was the only Nepali delegate and speaker at the event, which brought together Nobel Peace Prize laureates, permanent UN representatives, global activists, artists, and leaders of international organizations.

From the UN stage, Kunwar addressed urgent issues facing Nepal, including the impacts of...

Global Fellows Program Supports International Residency Professor Christopher Scanlon
08/18/25

Christopher Scanlon, D.M.A., Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Florida College of the Arts, recently returned from an impactful guest artist residency at the Festival Internacional de Música Alfredo de Saint Malo in Panama City, Panama, from July 20–26. His participation was made possible by a Global Fellows award from the UF International Center (UFIC).

During his residency, Dr. Scanlon significantly contributed to the festival, performing as a featured soloist with Panama’s prestigious National Youth Concert Band. He provided intensive educational experiences for young musicians through trumpet masterclasses, private lessons, orchestra sectionals, and chamber...

Hanyu Luo - International Student Council
08/18/25

Hanyu Luo is an undergraduate student from Chongqing, China, a vibrant city known for its mountainous landscapes and spicy hotpot. At the University of Florida, she is majoring in Food Science through the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, with plans to double major in Statistics. Hanyu is passionate about the intersection of food, health, and data, and she’s especially interested in how scientific research can be applied to improve public well-being. Before coming to UF, Hanyu attended an international high school in China, where she was exposed to both Western and Chinese educational systems. Since arriving in Gainesville, she has immersed herself in volunteer work, joined...

Aiming Big and Putting Students First Podcast
08/04/25

Episode 10: Double Your Impact Without Doubling Your Workload

with JILL BLONDIN (Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Virginia Commonwealth University)

 

Uncertainty on the global stage doesn’t have to stall study abroad or international student programs. Jill Blondin, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University, shares her leadership approach to keeping doors open, even amid shifting politics and compliance challenges. In this episode, Jill discusses how VCU is working to double international student enrollment through bold strategy, data-informed decisions, and programs that put students...

Patrick Reakes Appointed Interim Dean of UF Libraries
08/04/25

Source: Communication.uflib.ufl.edu

Effective July 21, Patrick Reakes will serve as interim dean of the George A. Smathers Libraries following the retirement of Judy Russell, who served as the first Dean of University Libraries for 18 years.

“Judy left a really strong tradition of having high-quality Libraries for UF, and I want to make sure we keep moving forward with that legacy. The flagship university should have flagship libraries,” said Reakes.

Reakes has been senior associate dean of scholarly resources and services since...

‘Man versus machine’ up for debate at the International Internship Conference
08/04/25

Source: The Pie

By Maureen Manning

The 2025 International Internship Conference (IIC), recently held in Minneapolis brought together global leaders in higher education, industry, and government to explore the intersection between technology and international experiential learning.

Attendees from across the globe gathered to engage in sessions that ranged from employer site visits to focused panels and social receptions. Delegates included international internship providers, faculty, government...

A first Attempt: UF in Italy-Automotive Industries to Urban Planning
08/04/25

On June 1, 2025, in Parma, Italy, 20 University of Florida Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering students and an ESSIE faculty member and an ESSIE administrator all arrived and settled into their accommodations in the city center to begin their exciting exploration of UF in Italy- Automotive Industries to Urban Planning. The month-long program incorporated a two-week transportation course taught by UF ESSIE’s Dr. Lily Elefteriadou and a 4-week project course led by UF ESSIE’s Ms. Nancy McIlrath.   On June 2, a holiday in Parma, the group was given an orientation about the program, the city and the culture.  They then took a walking tour of the city and had their first Italian style...

Psychologists introduce third path to a ‘good life’ — one full of curiosity and challenge
08/04/25

Source: UF News

By Karen Dooley

 

New research suggests that psychological richness — a life of perspective-changing experiences — may matter just as much as happiness or meaning.

 

For centuries, scholars and scientists have defined the “good life” in one of two ways: a life that is rooted in happiness, characterized by positive emotions, or one that is centered on meaning, guided by purpose and personal fulfillment. But what if there is another, equally valuable path — one that prioritizes challenge, change and curiosity? 

This third dimension, which may result in a...

Dean of Jeonbuk National U. Graduate School in Korea Visits UF

 

Dr. Seong-Min Kim, Dean of the Graduate School at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) in Korea, visited the UF International Center to discuss potential academic collaborations and graduate-level exchange programs.

Dr. Kim, also a professor in Bioindustrial Machinery Engineering, emphasized JBNU’s focus on agricultural research and expressed interest in strengthening ties between the two institutions. He was welcomed by Dr. Michael Kung and host faculty member Dr. Won Suk (Daniel) Lee.

Get to Know Us! - Taylor Bryla
07/21/25

Taylor Bryla is the Coordinator of International Scholars Program (ISP), one of the Office of Global Learning’s signature student engagement initiatives. 

Taylor was raised right here in Gainesville, but her education and appetite for international experiences took her on a journey far and wide before she settled back down in her hometown. “Even back then, I feel like I was dying to see something new.” Taylor attended FSU, a “very controversial” choice to make when you come from a family of UF grads in Gainesville. She studied International Affairs and Spanish, received her TEFL certification, and had an amazing time studying abroad in Valencia, Spain.

After undergrad,...

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