Tag Archives: IIE

Bring the World to Your Home: Share Thanksgiving Dinner with International Fulbrighters!

bordeTREATEDpavocolBy Ron Harvey—The Institute of International Education (IIE) cordially invites you to host one or more Fulbrighters for dinner this Thanksgiving.

Hosting international Fulbrighters is an unforgettable opportunity to network with graduate students from all world regions, foster mutual understanding, and demonstrate Midwestern hospitality. If you will have space at your table and are interested in hosting this November 27, please take a moment complete the following survey by Friday, November 7.

Thanksgiving Home Hospitality, Thursday, November 27

With your consent, Fulbrighters will also be given the opportunity to bring to the meal a prepared dish that is traditional to their home country.

IIE Midwest will contact you no later than Wednesday, November 12 to confirm your guest list. Note that it may not be possible to place Fulbrighters with every home host, so applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FUTURE. IIE Midwest is also pleased to inform you that the Fulbright Foreign Student Enrichment Seminar will be returning to Chicago this March 19-22, 2015 for the first time since 2012.

The Seminar brings over 140 Fulbrighters from around the world to spend four days in the city. As in previous years, you will be invited to host a small group of Fulbright Foreign Students for dinner at your home or at a local restaurant. You will receive a formal invitation in January 2015, but we encourage you to save the evening of Friday, March 20 on your calendars for the home hospitality event.

Please contact IIE Midwest at midwest@iie.org or at +1.312.254.3208 for more information about either of these opportunities.

Chicago welcomes international Fulbrighters at the National Ukrainian Museum

Seventy-three Fulbrighters participated in the 2014 Fall Welcome at the National Ukrainian Museum of Chicago

Seventy-three Fulbrighters participated in the 2014 Fall Welcome at the National Ukrainian Museum of Chicago

Board members Kari Burnett and Cristina Sisson at the reception table

Board members Kari Burnett and Cristina Sisson at the reception table

By Elio Leturia—OVER SEVENTY PARTICIPANTS among Fulbright students and scholars, alumni association members and Institute of International Education (IIE) representatives enjoyed a luncheon and tour that showcased another ethnic Chicago neighborhood: Ukrainian Village.

The 2014 Fall Welcome event took place last Saturday October 11, 2014 at the Ukrainian National Museum.

Anna kkkkkk from the Ukrainian National Museum welcomes the participants. Next to her, Ron Harvey, Chicago chapter president and Maria kkk, who also guided the museum's tour

Anna Chychula from the Ukrainian National Museum welcomes the participants. Next to her, Ron Harvey, Chicago chapter president and Maria Klimchak, who also guided the museum’s tour

It was beautiful sunny fall day. Ron Harvey, president of Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and 12 board members of the chapter welcomed all the participants, starting at 11 am. “There are 30 nationalities in this room,” Harvey said.

Participants shared a unique Ukrainian buffet.

Participants shared a unique Ukrainian buffet.

There were also vegeterian options to choose from

There were also vegetarian options to choose from

A delicious luncheon which consisted of different Ukrainian treats, were offered at the main room of the museum where a Ukrainian fashion show “A Century of Embroidered Fashion” that depicted 90 clothing pieces was being exhibited. These gowns, American produced, were all hand-embroidered with complex designs, the same way Ukrainians use in their typical clothing. There was also a piece that showed embroidered men’s ties.

Students and scholars sharing the luncheon before the museum tour

Students and scholars sharing the luncheon before the museum tour

This was the first Chicago Chapter activity for most of the student participants, which were given our Chicago Trivia game to learn Chicago facts, such as the Chicago River that runs backwards, the meaning of the Chicago flag, the nicknames for our “Second City,” among others.

The museum showcases an array of artifacts in its different rooms

The museum showcases an array of artifacts in its different rooms

Then, Anna Chychula and Maria Klimchak from the Ukrainian National Museum offered a tour of their installations where they have displays of typical embroidery, Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs,) traditional folk costumes, Bandura (national instrument of Ukraine) and also historical objects displayed at the Cossak Rook that contains paintings and swords, and different artifacts from the 1800s.

Recently arrived Fulbrighters talk with current students and alumni, exchanging their own experiences

Recently arrived Fulbrighters talk with current students and alumni, exchanging their own experiences

According to its website, the museum collection that started in 1952, “consists of over 1,140 artifacts including those related to traditional folk arts, agricultural tools, artwork, musical instruments, trophies” and hosts a library with over 20,000 titles.

Photos: Maria Klimchak, Elio Leturia

Fall Welcome: Next stop, Ukrainian Village

ukrainian
By Cristina Sisson—THE CHICAGO CHAPTER OF THE FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION and the Institute of International Education (IIE) invite you, your family, colleagues, and friends to attend the 2014 Fall Welcome.

We would like to welcome you to Chicago and its many cultural neighborhoods.  Join us on October 11th at the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago, located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Ukrainian Village. The museum houses special collections of art and memorabilia tracing the history of Ukrainian migration to Chicago. Guests will enjoy a light lunch catered by the local favorite, Shokolad, followed by a guided tour of the museum. Following the event, guests are invited to visit the many diverse local landmarks within walking distance of the museum. We hope to see you there!

WHEN Saturday, October 11th, 2014

TIME 11 am.-2 pm.

WHERE Lunch at 11:30 am, at Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago,  2249 W. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612

COST Students and Scholars, free; Guests of Visiting Students and Scholars, Fulbright Association members and guests, $25 (includes lunch and museum entrance/tour)

HOW TO GET THERE CTA Bus Routes: Four routes have stops within walking distance of the museum:
49 (Chicago & Western)
50 (Damen & Chicago)
65 (Grand & Oakley
66 (Chicago & Oakley)
CTA Blue Line: The closest stop is 1.5 miles east of the museum at Chicago.
Metra: The closest stop is 0.6 south of the museum at Western Ave.

PARKING Street parking is available as well as metered parking. Check signs for permit parking.

RSVPs are required. Please RSVP (by Tuesday, October 7th, 2014) using the online form HERE.

The PayPal link (if you wish to pay online) appears once you have submitted your RSVP.

For questions or concerns, please email fulbrightchicago@gmail.com.

Consul General of Japan offers reception to Fulbrighters

Ron Harvey talking to the attendees

President Ron Harvey welcoming the attendees. At the table, Hon. Masaharu Yoshida and Dr. Bruce Douglas.

By Elio Leturia—IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN the bonds of the Chicago Fulbright community and thank the Fulbrighters who made their Fulbright in Japan, on June 11, 2014 the Consul General of Japan, Hon.  Masaharu Yoshida and his wife Mrs. Miho Yoshida hosted a reception at their beautiful home in Evanston.

Dr. Bruce Douglas and Ms. Masaharu

Dr. Bruce Douglas and Mrs. Miho Yoshida

Besides the Fulbrighters who did work in Japan, members of the board of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association participated in the event.

“I want to offer this dinner to thank the Fulbright Association,” Consul General Yoshida said while also acknowledging Dr. Bruce Douglas, who was a Fulbrighter to Japan in two successive Fulbright professorships, in 1959-1960 (Okayama) and 1960-1961 (Tokyo.)

Jessica Smith from University of Chicagoand Dr. Patti Powell, chapter board member and Director of Master's Degree Programs in Special Education Trinity Christian College

Jessica Smith from U of Chicago Graduate Student Affairs office and Dr. Patti Powell, chapter board member and Director of Master’s Degree Programs in Special Education at Trinity Christian College, enjoying the delicious meal.

Among other participants to the reception were representatives of University of Chicago and North Dakota State University. Fulbrighters from other states such as Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa were also in attendance.

Evie M. Myers from University of North Dakota and Mary Ellen Schmider, National Fulbright Association Board Member

Dr. Evie M. Myers from North Dakota State University and Dr. Mary Ellen Schmider, National Fulbright Association Board Member

The event started with a reception and moved to a sit-down dinner. After the Consul General welcome and speeches from Dr. Douglas and Dr. Ron Harvey, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association, the Consul opened the floor for an informal discussion in which attendees commented about their experiences, ways to encourage more scholars/students to apply for Fulbright and how we can better promote international understanding.

Dr. Marilyn Susman (center) board member of the Chicago Chapter, at the dessert table

Dr. Marilyn Susman (center) board member of the Chicago Chapter, at the dessert table

Dinner consisted of an exquisite buffet of Japanese delicacies.

The Chicago Chapter wants to sincerely thank the Consul General and his wife, and also the Vice Consul, Ms. Ayako Yamada, who organized this beautiful event.

Consul of Japan Yoshida Masaharu

Consul General of Japan Masaharu Yoshida talking to Consul Koji Kaneko. In the back, Brooke Noonan, Director of Graduate Student Affairs at University of Chicago

IIE Midwest director Megan Spillman and Jenni Schneiderman

Institute of International Education Midwest director Megan Spillman and Jenni Schneiderman, director of membership of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association

Baha’i Temple Tour and Spring Farewell Luncheon this May 3rd

Bahai temple

There are only seven Baha’i temples in the world. The only one in North America is in Wilmette, Illinois

By Ron Harvey—IT’S SPRING AGAIN! The Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter and the International Institute of Education (IIE) invite you to attend our Spring Farewell Event: Baha’i Temple Tour and Farewell Luncheon!

DAY Saturday, May 3rd, 2014

TIME 11:30 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m.

WHERE The Baha’i House of Worship, 100 Linden Ave Wilmette, IL 60091, 847-853-2300

Buffet lunch at Reza's Restaurant

Buffet lunch at Reza’s Restaurant

Next, we shall go to Reza’s Restaurant in Andersonville in Chicago for a 2:00 p.m. buffet-style luncheon. Meat, vegetarian, dairy, and gluten-free options are all available at the buffet! Reza’s Restaurant, 5255 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL, 773-561-1898

COST FREE for current visiting Fulbright Students and Scholars. Adult guests and family members, Fulbright Association members and Fulbright Alumni are $25 each. You may pay via PayPal after submitting this form, or at the event using cash, credit card, or checks.

RSVP by Wednesday, April 30th, 2014 using this form.

We want to bid fond farewells to the visiting Students and Scholars who will soon be returning to their home countries. The farewell gathering provides an opportunity for Fulbright Association members of the Chicago Chapter to say ‘thank you’ to our guests, and for visiting Fulbrighters and alumni to affirm friendships as well as academic and professional connections which will last for years.

The Baha’i Temple Tour is from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Attendees will have approximately 30 minutes to wander the grounds and gardens and to take photos after the tour ends.

If you are a visiting Fulbright Student or Scholar who will be returning home before the new academic year begins in 2014, please indicate this on the RSVP form. The Chicago Chapter would like to give you an informal “Certificate of Completion” for you to take home. We regret that we can only give these to event attendees and cannot be mailed.

HOW TO GET THERE For the Baha’i Temple, The Purple Line Linden stop is just 6 minutes away. For Reza’s Restaurant, The Red Line Berwyn stop is only 7 minutes walk from the restaurant.

Plan your trip using the CTA Trip Planner: www.transitchicago.com

We are also offering motor coach transport for up to 56 people from the Chicago Loop to the Baha’i Temple, and then to Reza’s. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RETURN TRANSPORTATION.

The motor coach will leave the Loop at 10:30 a.m. from the parking lot near Columbia College at Wabash just south of Congress, very close to many CTA transportation options. It is VERY important that you and your guests (if any) show up for the motor coach on time! If you need to cancel, PLEASE E-MAIL fulbrightchicago@gmail.com IMMEDIATELY!

Please indicate the number of seats you want for the motor coach on the RSVP form.

PARKING Paid and free street parking are available at both the Temple and Reza’s.

If you have already RSVP and would like to pay now using PayPal, please click HERE. use one of the links below.

We look forward to seeing you at the event! If you have questions about the event, please email fulbrightchicago@gmail.com.

International Fulbright dinner celebrating St. Valentine’s Day

Dr. Ana Gil-García hosted a dinner with Fulbright students and friends to celebrate St. Valentine's Day

Dr. Ana Gil-García hosted a dinner with Fulbright students and friends to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day

ON FEBRUARY 14, 2014, Valentine’s Day, Ana Gil-García, a Fulbright Chicago board member, hosted a dinner for four Fulbright students currently attending graduate schools in diverse higher education institutions in Chicago.

Ly Hoang Ly (Vietnam), Mia Alkaff (Indonesia), Mukhayyo Mukhayyo (Uzbekistan), and Paninee Tepnarim (Thailand) enjoyed a variety of dishes of Mediterranean flavors, and desserts from India and Pakistan. At the dinner, Fulbright fellows shared their personal stories on the meaning of Valentine’s Day at their respective countries and what rituals and traditions are involved in the celebration of the day of love and friendship.

The dinner was organized by the Institute of International Education (Midwestern Regional Office) of Chicago. Similar events with host families, especially Fulbright alumni serving as hosts, are scheduled in the near future.

2013 Winter Holidays Reception and Dee Sarelas Service Award Ceremony hosted by DePaul University

2013HolidayInvite

By Ron Harvey—THE FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION Chicago Chapter, the Institute of International Education (IIE), and DePaul University invite you, your family, colleagues, and friends to attend our end-of-year Winter Holidays Reception and 2013 Dee Sarelas* Fulbright Service Award Ceremony.

WHEN Friday, December 6th, 2013
TIME 6:30 to 9 p.m.
WHERE DePaul University, Lincoln Park Campus
Cortelyou Commons
2324 N. Fremont St. Chicago, IL 60614

Cortelyou Commons is accessible from the sidewalk from Fullerton or Belden Aves.

A full buffet-style dinner will be served which includes salads, entrees with vegetarian options, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and desserts. Beer and wine are available at a cash bar. Entertainment will be provided.

COST This event is FREE for current visiting Fulbright Students and Scholars. $30 for Alumni, each adult family member, and/or guest(s). You may pay at the reception using cash or check. We also accept credit card at the reception or online via PayPal plus a $2 credit card fee. You may pay though PayPal payments after you RSVP using the form below.

RSVP by December 1, 2013 using the form HERE or by copying and pasting the link below into your browser:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bCLYAzBt4OGOs2Oah8WfhPvdYVI3OnvMkm5pjaVDJVc/viewform

PARKING is available at the DePaul Sheffield parking garage just west of Cortelyou Commons. Attendees are responsible for their own transport and parking.

The CTA Fullerton Red/Brown/Purple Line stop is one block west of Cortelyou Commons. See www.transitchicago.com to plan your trip.

* The Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award is named after a founder of the Fulbright Association Chicago Chapter: Aphrodite (“Dee”) Edith Floros Sarelas, an early Fulbrighter to Greece.   A Chicagoan dedicated to interacting with and nurturing Fulbrighters in the Chicago area community, Dee is remembered for her wit, empathy, and vivacity in bringing people across cultures together.  The Dee Sarelas Fulbright Service Award has been established in her memory. We honor a local person for their outstanding work promoting the vision of Senator Fulbright.

Please join us in honoring Dee and the Fulbright legacy. We look forward to seeing you at our 2013 Winter Holidays Reception!

Celebrate International Education Week at the Hull House; then to Pompei

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK, the Fulbright Association-Chicago Chapter, University of Illinois-Chicago, and the Institute of International Education (IIE) invite you, your family, the Consular Corps of Chicago, friends and colleagues to join us for a tour of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.
WHEN Sunday, November 17, 2013
TIME 12:00 p.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m.
WHERE Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, The University of Illinois-Chicago, 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60607

Please RSVP via the online form HERE or using the direct link below.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGEzYm42bVlSZlRKTkR6b2J4UWJEVnc6MA

The tour includes a brief lecture by Dr. Perry Duis who is an expert on Chicago history and a professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago. After the tour, we shall make a short walk into Little Italy for an early-afternoon luncheon at Pompei restaurant starting at 2:30 p.m.

Pompei Restaurant
1531 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607

COST This event is FREE for current visiting Fulbright Students and Scholars. Guests of Visiting Students and Scholars, Fulbright Association members and guests, $20 (includes lunch and tour)

You may pay online after you submit this form, or at the event via cash, check, or credit card.

RSVP by Friday, November 15, 2013, using the form HERE.

Transportation and Parking Attendees are responsible for their own transport and parking.

CTA Blue line to the UIC-Halsted station.
CTA Bus Route 8 at the Halsted and Polk Street intersection.
Paid street parking available. Paid parking lots nearby.

Plan your trip via www.transitchicago.com

If you have questions about the event, please email
fulbrightchicago@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Welcome to Chicago; welcome to Pilsen. RSVP now!

Colorful Pilsen mural. Photo by Adam Jones

Colorful Pilsen mural. Photo by Adam Jones

Pilsen, postcard before 1914.

Pilsen, postcard before 1914.

THE CHICAGO CHAPTER OF THE FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION and the Institute of International Education (IIE) invite you, your family, colleagues, and friends to attend the 2013 Fall Welcome.

Let us welcome you with an informal lunch at Simone’s, a unique local bar, in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, located on Chicago’s near south side. Then, join us for a walking tour of the Pilsen Historic District. The neighborhood was historically the first-stop for American immigrants from Bohemia (Czech Republic) and more currently from Mexico.  We hope to see you there!

WHEN Saturday, September 28th, 2013

TIME 11 am.-2 pm.

WHERE Lunch at 11 am. at Simone’s, 960 W 18th Street, Chicago, IL 60608.  Tour leaves from Simone’s at 1 pm.

COST Students and Scholars, free; Guests of Visiting Students and Scholars, Fulbright Association members and guests, $15 (includes lunch and tour)

HOW TO GET THERE CTA Blue line to the UIC-Halsted station. CTA Bus Routes 8 or 18 have a stop 2 blocks from Simone’s at the Halsted and 18th St. intersection. Also CTA Pink Line, get off at 18th St. and walk to Simone’s (a mile going west.)

PARKING Street parking on 18th Street or Halsted Street walking distance of Simone’s.

 RSVPs are required. Please RSVP (by Tuesday, September 24th, 2013) using the online form HERE

After you RSVP, please pay online to reserve your spot: http://tinyurl.com/2013FallWelcomeFulbright

For questions or concerns, please email fulbrightchicago@gmail.com.

Good luck on your way back home! 2013 Spring Farewell was celebrated in Greektown

The first group of participants pose at the rooftop of the museum

The first group of participants pose at the rooftop of the museum

THE NATIONAL HELLENIC MUSEUM  and the Parthenon Restaurant in the Greektown area of Chicago were the spots chosen this year to celebrate the accomplishments of the Fulbright students in the Chicago area that have completed their programs and are getting ready to leave for their countries of origin.

The second group gathers at the first floor for a talk.

Participants gather at the first floor for a talk.

More than 70 participants among Fulbright students, alumni and guests got together at 11 a.m. at the new Hellenic Museum site for a tour of the facility. The museum, whose mission is to showcase and celebrate the contributions of the Greek and Greek American communities, was inaugurated 16 months ago, in December of 2011.

The second floor exhibit area of the Hellenic Museum

The second floor exhibit area of the Hellenic Museum

The new museum (the original was founded in 1983) is hosted in a contemporary and beautiful 40,000 square-foot building that features a library, several exhibition halls, and archival research center, and oral history center and different classrooms. There is also a rooftop (that can be rented for events) that has a magnificent view of the Chicago skyline.

Participants observe the historical photographs of the exhibit

Participants observe the historical photographs of the exhibit

After the museum tour, a delicious Greek buffet was awaiting at The Parthenon Restaurant

After the museum tour, a delicious Greek buffet was awaiting at The Parthenon Restaurant

The participants were divided into two groups to tour the museum.

Every year in late April, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association and the Institute of International Education organize the Spring Farewell event in an ethnic neighborhood.

Participants can try on clothing used by the the Greek immigrants

Participants could try on clothing used by the the Greek immigrants

Certificates of completion are awarded to the Fulbright students who came to the Chicago area universities to pursue, generally, a master’s or PhD degrees. Last year, the Swedish neighborhood in Andersonville was chosen with a visit to the Swedish American Museum.

However, the Fulbright scholars, who generally are professors and researchers, are also invited to share the accomplishment of the students.

After the tour, a delicious Greek buffet was offered at the Parthenon Restaurant, right across from the Hellenic Museum where everybody had a chance to share moments of conviviality, celebrating the Fulbright spirit.

The second group listens to the tour guide, a passionate descendant of Greek immigrants

The second group listens to the tour guide, a passionate descendant of Greek immigrants

At the third floor of the museum, participants participate with interactive programs

At the third floor of the museum, participants participate with interactive programs

Fabiënne Zuijdwijk, Marilyn Susman and Martón Sicklos

Fabiënne Zuijdwijk, board member Marilyn Susman and Martón Sicklós

Chicago Chapter Board member Don Garner and his daughter at the Oral History archive

Chicago Chapter Board member Don Garner and his daughter at the Oral History center

Participants at the Oral History archive

Participants at the Oral History center

Marcial Escudero and his girlfriend right before the tour

Fulbright scholar Marcial Escudero and his girlfriend right before the tour

Participants listening to the tour guide at the rooftop

Participants listening to the tour guide at the rooftop

It was a beautiful spring day for the 2013 Fulbright student farewell.

It was a beautiful spring day for the 2013 Fulbright student farewell.

The Greek buffet at The Parthenon Restaurant, right across from the Hellenic Museum

The Greek buffet at The Parthenon Restaurant, right across from the Hellenic Museum

Students share a delicious lunch at the Parthenon Restaurant right before getting their Fulbright Association certificates of completion

Students share a delicious lunch at the Parthenon Restaurant right before getting their Fulbright Association certificates of completion

Alexandra de León receiving her Certificate of Completion right after lunch at the Parthenon Restaurant. With her, Ronald Harvey, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association.

Alexandra de León receiving her Certificate of Completion right after lunch at the Parthenon Restaurant. With her, Ronald Harvey, President of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association.

Another Fulbright student receiving her Certificate of completion at the Parthenon Restaurant

Eva Borjas receiving her Certificate of completion at the Parthenon Restaurant

A group photo of the students who attended the event and got their certificates.

A group photo of the students who attended the event and got their certificates. No, they are not possessed; that’s the flash on their eyes. So many cameras shooting at the same time.

Ten Fulbright Association Chicago chapter board members attended the Spring Farewell: Heidi Rockwell, Kari Burnett, Regina Mamou, Marilyn Susman, Elio Leturia, Ana Gil García, Cristina Sisson, Thomas Ahleman and Ronald Harvey. Not pictured, Jason Romano and Don Garner.

Ten Fulbright Association Chicago chapter board members attended the Spring Farewell: Heidi Rockwell, Kari Burnett, Regina Mamou, Marilyn Susman, Elio Leturia, Ana Gil García, Cristina Sisson, Thomas Ahleman and Ronald Harvey. Not pictured, Jason Romano and Don Garner.

Photos by Ron Harvey and Elio Leturia