Wichita State News: International

Global sales is the focus of upcoming Word Trade Council event

The World Trade Council of Wichita and the Center for International Business Advancement (CIBA) will host a reception, dinner and keynote address, "Export Strategy & Success of Research Products Co. – Division of McShares Inc. and Viobin USA," at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Olive Tree Banquet Hall, 2949 N. Rock Road.

The event will feature an EMBA research project by Wichita State University students Amy Shoemaker, Mickey Hines, Saeed Cheema and John Walker, who will present their findings on "McShares Enriched Grain: Exporting Nutrition to Mexico."

Dharma deSilva

CIBA Director Dharma deSilva said the project is a unique opportunity for the participating company and students to benefit from real-world research collaboration efforts.

The keynote address, "Successful Strategies for Increasing Global Sales," will be given by Monte White, president and CEO of Research Products Co., a division of McShares Inc. McShares was a finalist for the 2009 Governor's Exporter of the Year Award.

Reservations can be made by fax at (316) 978-3698, online at www.wtc.wichita.edu or by e-mail at wtc.ciba@wichita.edu. Reservations and payment are due by Monday, Nov 16.

The cost is $25 for WTC members, $30 for nonmembers and $15 for students.

World Trade Council hosts 'Doing Business with Argentina'

The World Trade Council of Wichita will host "Doing Business with Argentina" at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Olive Tree Banquet Hall, 2949 N. Rock Road.

The event is in association with the Center for International Business Advancement at Wichita State University and AIESEC-WSU, consulate general of Argentina.

The keynote speaker will be Gustavo Martino, consul general, consulate general of Argentina in Chicago.

Reservations can be made by fax at (316) 978-3698, online at www.wtc.wichita.edu or by e-mail at wtc.ciba@wichita.edu. Reservations and payment are due by Oct. 19.

The cost is $25 for WTC members, $30 for nonmembers and $15 for students.

Student studies abroad to benefit from the international market

Junior Jana Riddick traveled to Austria last fall to study abroad for a year.

"Being an international business major, I think it would be crazy not to study abroad," she said. "It shows employers that I am able to adapt to different surroundings and cultures."

Riddick said international business offers a global perspective, which she believes is beneficial, especially with the economic problems many countries have.

Riddick came to WSU because of the "great business program."

"I was really interested in business throughout high school," she said. "But I also enjoy learning and experiencing different cultures, so I thought international business would be a good fit."

For her study abroad, Riddick attended Fachhochschule Wiener Neustadt, in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The school only offers business and engineering courses, and the majority of her classes were marketing.

Vienna is 30 minutes away from her college town by train, so she could go to a big city if she needed to and travel easily around Europe. If her classes were cancelled, she could fly to Ireland on a whim.

She said Wiener Neustadt is a small town that has a "typical college atmosphere."

She stayed in the dorms at Fachhochschule with other exchange students. Her roommate was Chinese, and she studied with students from Sweden, Poland, Canada and Spain.

Riddick wants to travel between the United States and Europe, spending a few weeks at a time on each continent as a consultant.

She said her dream job would be "helping companies succeed in international markets."

At WSU, Riddick is a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and is involved with the Student Ambassador Society.

She helps the admissions office with recruitment events, such as Senior Day. She and other SAS members give tours, hold student panels and give their viewpoint of WSU.

In spring 2008, Riddick was vice president of selections, which oversees the application process for new members.

"I joined SAS as a way to give back to the university and help promote WSU," she said.

Riddick will be back for her senior year in fall 2009. After she graduates, she hopes to continue to the master's program at WSU.

Scholarships help first generation student climb academic ladder

When Ana Lazarin came to the United States from Mexico, she was a frightened 13-year-old who couldn't speak English.

By the end of her first year of school in Ulysses, Kan., she had a 3.8 GPA. In December 2008, she earned her bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Wichita State University.

Today, she continues at WSU working on her master's degree in counseling.

Alicia Martinez Newell

"I remember her being a little shy and reserved," said Alicia Martinez Newell, program coordinator for WSU's Office of Multicultural Affairs. "But [I] saw a light in her and knew that this young woman was going to go far in life no matter where she went."

Lazarin now works within the College of Engineering as the director of programs to broaden participation in engineering.

She's been in that position since July and aiming to recruit minority students into the engineering program. She arranges campus visits and tours, as well as off-campus activities at local schools.

"I really love what I've been doing," she said. "It's rewarding when students say they are touched just by my story."

Lazarin's story begins in Mexico. She said her family didn't have much money, so her dad and brothers spent a lot of time in the United States working as farmers trying to do better for the family.

She stayed behind with her mother and grandmother. It was tough going in both places. Her parents didn't have an education, so they had to work harder to provide for their family. Her two brothers dropped out of school to earn extra money.

While the men provided financial support, it was Lazarin's grandmother who provided the inspiration.

"She had huge expectations of me," Lazarin said. "She would always tell me that I was going to be someone in life."

Lazarin said it was that encouragement that kept her from ever wanting to quit school.

It also was that encouragement that made it so difficult for her to leave her grandmother behind when Lazarin and her mother joined the rest of their family in the United States.

"Leaving my grandma behind was so sad for me," she said. "I promised her that one day I would come back to Mexico and bring her my college diploma."

Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

A year after Lazarin left Mexico, her grandmother started to succumb to Alzheimer's and died a few years later. Lazarin couldn't return for a visit or even for her funeral.

She wasn't a U.S. citizen and feared not being allowed back into the country.

"For me, that was the hardest thing," she said. "It inspired me even more to finish my college degree."

Now, she has her education and citizenship.

Since Lazarin was an immigrant student, she couldn't apply for financial aid the way many traditional students do. She wasn't eligible for federal grants or student loans, but because of her good grades, community service and leadership involvement, she was the recipient of several scholarships.

"Ana has a gentle way of prodding and encouraging that brings out the best effort of that person," said Newell. "She is a natural leader with a quiet strength."

"I was blessed with scholarships and people that believed in me," Lazarin said.

Those scholarships and additional help from her family paid the way through her undergraduate education. After she completes her master's degree, she plans on returning the generosity by helping her family.

"My parents have always told me that they're proud of me and support me in anything I want to do," she said. "I want them to think all the sacrifices of coming to the United States were worth it."

Even though Lazarin has faced many obstacles for a 23-year-old, she remains positive and cheerful about her future and even her past.

She began to laugh as she started to tell a story about a time when she was a waitress in high school. She said her English was improving, but it still wasn't good. She knew the words on the menu. She could take the customers' orders.

Then one day a customer asked her for some tap water.

She didn't understand what he wanted, so she asked him to repeat it. He told her again he wanted tap water. Then Lazarin decided that if she didn't recognize the term, it wasn't on the menu, so the restaurant must not serve it.

She told the customer they didn't have tap water.

"I was so embarrassed," she said.

But she just chalks it up to one of many lessons she's learned since coming to the United States.

"We just have to go through some embarrassing moments and difficult times," Lazarin said. "But here we are."

Scholarship competition unites American, international students

The Office of International Education at Wichita State University is sponsoring a fun scholarship competition that brings American and international students together.

The event will be 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4, in Charles Koch Arena.

Teams, made up of one American student and one international student, will make paper airplanes and throw them at a specified target during the competition.

The first and second teams to hit the target will win scholarships.

For more information please go to www.wichita.edu/goingglobal.

2009 Global Economic Outlook set for Feb. 26

The World Trade Council of Wichita Inc. is hosting a reception and dinner for the 2009 Global Economic Outlook event at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Olive Tree Banquet Hall.

Dan Meyer, Grant Thornton LLP audit partner, will discuss economic prospects, including the impact of the credit crunch on doing business globally.

His presentation includes insights from Stephen Chipman, CEO of Grant Thornton Greater China Management Co., Stephan McGee, director of Grant Thornton's Global Finance Services and other Grant Thornton partners.

To make reservations for the event, send a fax to (316) 978-3698, go to www.wtc.wichita.edu or e-mail wtc.ciba@wichita.edu.

Please make reservations with payment before Monday, Feb. 23.

Reservations not cancelled 48 hours in advance will be billed.

The event is $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers and $15 for students.

2009 Global Economic Outlook is sponsored by WTC, which is affiliated with the Wichita State University Center for International Business Advancement and the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. Grant Thornton LLP is also a sponsor.

International student deals with tough application process

International students suffer from a difficult application process, expensive tuition and language barriers, but Cecilia Martinez didn't let hardships stop her from studying at Wichita State University.

Her mother was sad to see her go. Martinez said in Paraguay students don't travel internationally very often.

"You still live with your parents when you're in the university," she said. "You live in the same city all of your life."

Martinez grew up in Asuncion, Paraguay, and she knew before coming to America that she wanted to study English.

"My goal was to learn English, and then go back," she said. "But I saw a great opportunity for me."

Her tuition stress was lessened because of an agreement between Paraguay and Kansas, Martinez said. International students in Paraguay are given the opportunity to pay in-state tuition in Kansas.

"I saw that it would not be too expensive to stay," she said.

However, her visa process was no less painful than for other international students. U.S. embassies look for proof that a student will come back to their home country, Martinez said, and not stay in America illegally.

"When I applied, they asked for grades, bank statements, whether I had a house," she said.

When she was accepted to WSU, she went to the U.S. embassy to prove her admission, and they gave her a four-year student visa, which is very rare, she said.

Her next problem was money. The value of currency in Paraguay is low compared to American money, Martinez said.

During her first year of college, her father and grandmother supported her financially. From then on, she got a job and scholarships to pay tuition and bills.

"It's a headache to get scholarships for international students," she said.

International students are limited to working on campus, unless they are given special permission, or they use a cooperative education program.

"Everything is really regulated," she said.

When she thought about transferring to the University of Kansas, Martinez was offered a position at the WSU Office of International Education. She also works as a resident assistant in the Wheatshocker apartments to pay for her expenses.

"It was so perfect," she said. "Obviously it was a sign that I had to stay here."

Martinez is getting her bachelor's in communication with an emphasis in integrated marketing communication. She wanted to combine advertising, writing and graphic design into her major, which led her to IMC. She also wants to get a master's in international relations.

"My long-term goal is to be an ambassador representing my country," she said.

After she completes her degree, she wants to work in an international organization such as the United Nations or the World Wildlife Foundation.

As a member of the Cultural Ambassador Program at WSU, Martinez is able to act as a diplomat for her country in college.

The ambassadors give presentations about their home countries to schools.

"People love it," she said. "The questions you get are amazing."

At Beech Elementary School, children were shocked when Martinez told them Paraguay didn't have a Wal-Mart or a Popeyes Chicken.

"I love doing it because I'm pretty sure I'm the only person from Paraguay they will ever know," she said. "We may be the only way they get to know about our countries."

CIBA-WTC hosting 'Doing Business with Mexico'

The World Trade Council of Wichita and the Center for International Business Advancement at Wichita State University, in sponsorship with Spirit AeroSystems, will feature a day seminar "Doing Business with Mexico" from 1-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23.

"Doing Business with Mexico" will be held at the Olive Tree Banquet Hall, 2949 N. Rock Road.

Registration begins at noon, and lunch is at 12:15 p.m. The seminar starts at 1 p.m.

The seminar and networking luncheon is an overview and update of current issues of relevance in doing business with Mexico under NAFTA.

The World Trade Council is affiliated with the Center for International Business Advancement at Wichita State University.

Cost for the event is $60.

To make reservations with payment before Oct. 21, go to www.wtc.wichita.edu, fax (316) 978-3698 or e-mail wtc.ciba@wichita.edu.

You can also send in your reservation to World Trade Council of Wichita Inc., CIBA, Barton School, CH 034, Wichita State University, 1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0088.

Reservations not canceled 48 hours in advance will be billed.

The afternoon program will focus on practical, hands-on familiarization with all aspects of NAFTA, covering current issues, problems, practices and emerging trends to succeed in doing business with Mexico.

Wichita State's international appeal remains strong

The Wichita State University campus boasts the most diverse student body in Kansas.

International students make up about 10 percent of the student population and account for approximately 30 percent of the university's tuition, according to Vince Altum, associate director of marketing, recruitment and admissions in the department of international education.

Since enrolling its first international students in 1917, WSU has seen a steady increase including an explosion of growth in the early 1980s.

Out of more than 14,500 students attending WSU for the 2008-09 school year, almost 1,400 are from countries outside the U.S.

A recent poll administered by the Office of International Education found that 93 percent of international students chose WSU because it was the university that contacted them first. WSU is able to reach students in such an efficient manner because of its steady work in communicating with international agents and by processing applications as quickly as possible.

Altum and the international education department are motivated by the belief that the presence of international students truly adds to the university and the community.

"International students are important (to the university) because they bring diversity to the Wichita State campus," he said. "International students have the opportunity to learn more about the U.S. when they are here and Americans, in turn, have a chance to learn a little bit more about other cultures and perspectives."

One international student who has explored this opportunity is Arvin Cruz, a 30-year-old graduate student from Manila, Philippines. He has been at WSU for seven years studying chemistry and plans to earn his master's degree in December 2008.

Cruz was drawn to WSU because it offered his field of study, replied quickly to his application, is situated in the Midwest, which offers low cost of living, and he wanted to see a new culture, having already visited major U.S. cities on both coasts.

To his surprise, Cruz immediately noticed the diverse international student population on campus and felt welcome after several positive encounters with friendly people in the area.

"I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect because I heard about people having prejudices," Cruz said. "But I've never experienced any racism here, and I've encouraged more Filipinos to come to WSU."

One of the ways Cruz has delved into American culture is through his involvement with the WSU Cultural Ambassadors Program. As an ambassador, he visits area public schools to share with students about Philippine culture and his experiences living and studying in the U.S.

Altum believes that CAP promotes cultural understanding and allows Americans and international students to learn a great deal from each other.

"It is important to remember that many international students have already learned a lot about American culture before they even came to the U.S.," Altum said. "International students, therefore, have a leg-up on many Americans who may have never studied another language or really gotten to know someone from another country.

"The Cultural Ambassador Program at Wichita State helps to bridge that gap by having some of our international students act as ambassadors in the community."

Cruz considers the ambassador opportunity to be a highlight of his time at WSU. In fact, he has adapted to American culture so much that he was surprised to feel somewhat disoriented when he returned home to the Philippines for a visit. When Cruz graduates in December, he plans to remain in the U.S. and apply for jobs in his field.

In order to continue recruiting a wealth of international students like Cruz, Altum has three goals for WSU in the coming years: grow the international undergraduate population at a manageable rate, continue to better diversify the international undergraduate population and target up-and-coming markets such as China and Vietnam.

International student shines in the Student Activities Council

Freshman Sandra Bilson wants to be a part of programs and events that reach out to the campus community. For that reason, she joined the Wichita State University Student Activities Council.

"The SAC reaches out to the whole campus," she said.

Bilson has been a member of SAC since spring 2008 and is now the family committee chair, responsible for directing and leading members and planning family events such as the annual Family Carnival, which takes place Oct. 4 this year.

According to Nancy Loosle, assistant activities director of the SAC, Bilson's position allows her to have an effect on what events happen for students, faculty and staff, and their children.

"This is such a vital part of the mission of SAC since we have so many students who have children and grandchildren," she said.

The family committee plans events that are geared toward WSU students, faculty, their families and the Wichita community. The events are fun for children and parents, and usually include a craft project or prize giveaway.

Bilson was more than willing to take on the chair's responsibilities. She especially enjoys seeing children smile, and said seeing people having fun makes her happy.

Loosle has worked with Bilson for four months and was immediately impressed with her organization, initiative and intelligence.

"She has quickly stood out as a leader-in-the-making in SAC," she said. "She has a great future as a leader on this campus."

Loosle also said that Bilson relates well to others, takes her responsibilities seriously and works hard, sometimes with very little direction.

"At first, I was shy and drawn back a little," Bilson said. "But the SAC brought out the leadership qualities hidden inside me."

Bilson wants to be a role model for the community and share what she has learned and the skills she has developed with the community, but she says she's still learning.

Bilson came to Wichita from Ghana, West Africa, to major in nursing and pre-med. She chose WSU out of a number of schools because of the wide range of international students she discovered attended the university.

"I thought the environment would be very friendly and welcoming," she said.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Bilson plans to go to medical school.

"I've always loved kids," she said. "I want to be a pediatrician."

Bilson said she is inspired and driven to succeed by her faith in God and her father, a doctor, whom she also described as a "man-of-all-trades."

After completing her education in the United States, she wants to return to Ghana to be a doctor like her father, who passed away last November.

"They need a lot of help back home," she said.

Fun for all at the WSU Family Carnival Oct. 4

Bring your family and friends out for a fun-filled day at Wichita State Saturday, Oct. 4. From 1-4 p.m. there will be inflatables, games, a clown, face painting, international food fest and much more.

For more information, contact the Activities Office at (316) 978-3495 or visit www.wichita.edu/sac.