GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

1. Internship at Beacon Consulting Group

An Internship at Beacon Consulting Group, Inc.

Beacon Consulting Group, Inc., is a full service federal government relations consulting firm representing human service, youth development, healthcare, and cultural non-profit organizations throughout the United States. The firm helps clients work effectively with Congress and the Executive Branch to develop favorable public policy. An internship at Beacon offers many opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the legislative process. Responsibilities include, attending congressional hearings, researching federal grant opportunities, and help on special events. A minimal amount of administrative work may be asked of a Beacon interns. Applicants should have excellent interpersonal and writing skills and a strong interest in domestic politics. This internship is unpaid; however, Beacon interns will receive a stipend for transportation and midday meal costs. Please send resumes and cover letters to the attention of Jennifer Wohl: jwohl@beacon-group.net

2. Internship at AARP

The AARP Office of Academic Affairs (located in the Penn Quarter) has an opening for an intern to serve as Special Assistant to Harry R. Moody, Director of Academic Affairs, in his one-year assignment as Staff Director for the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO). LCAO is a 15-year old advocacy collaboration of 60 major national organizations in the field of aging. During the period June 1, 2009 through May 31, 2010, LCAO will be hosted by AARP, with AARP carrying responsibilities for meeting agendas, logistics, direction, and record-keeping.

The internship will provide the student with experience in the political process and in the ways that organizations work together to advance political agendas. The intern will provide support to the LCAO Staff Director, including activities such as: logistical arrangements in preparing for monthly LCAO meetings; follow-up with LCAO member organizations as they develop official letters submitted to Congress and U.S. government agencies; background research on aging policy issues; liaison and administrative support for LCAO committees (e.g., health care, long-term care, community services, etc.); taking official notes and minutes for LCAO meetings; other assignments as given by the Staff Director.

The intern serving in this role should be either a graduate student or an upper-level undergraduate, with a strong interest in policy development, politics, communications and government lobbying. Superior writing skills and strong organizational skills are indispensable, as well as ability to work in a self-directed way. The position offers many opportunities for professional education and growth under the direction of the Staff Director (a former professor of gerontology). Hours for the internship are flexible, but ideally, we are seeking full-time for the summer of 2009 (35 hours a week) and part-time for Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 (10-20 hours a week). Interns at AARP must be enrolled in a degree program during the entire period of their internships. This internship position pays $15-20 an hour, based on education and experience.

Interested students should e-mail a cover letter and resume to internships@aarp.org

3. International Rescue Committee Volunteer

CALL FOR ESL VOLUNTEERS

The International Rescue Committee is looking for volunteers to tutor resettling refugees in the DC-Metro Area.

The IRC has resettled over 20,000 refugees in the greater DC area since 1975, and helps newly-arrived refugees become self-sufficient and lead successful lives through your valuable contributions such as ESL tutoring.

Tutors will help refugees and their families improve their English, thus assisting them in applying for jobs and beginning a formal education. Without English-language skills refugees are often isolated from the community and unable to find work. ESL tutors will make a profound impact on the lives of refugees by helping them during this very important transitional period. Your assistance with ESL will help refugees not only become able to communicate effectively with co-workers, employers, and neighbors but also contribute significantly to their new community.

Please help refugees in their endeavor to become productive members of society By Volunteering and Teaching. If interested in volunteering with the IRC, please contact:ESL intern Blaine Ferrari, blaineferrari@gmail.com

4. Senior Survey

*Complete the UM Graduation Survey before graduation day*

All students who have applied for graduation for May 2009 are asked to complete the University Graduation Survey. As you are about to embark on a new life's adventure, we are writing to ask that you share your future plans by completing a brief 7 to 10 minute survey at www.GradSurvey.umd.edu.

*Reasons to complete the survey: *

1. The collected information (will remain confidential) is used todemonstrate the success of our graduates to your college Dean, future students, prospective employers, and the public at large through ranking reports.

2. Starting this summer a summary of results will be made available through a searchable database on our website at www.CareerCenter.umd.edu. Imagine if you had this type of tool available when you were exploring career and major options?

3. *Win $100!* By completing the survey you will be entered into a raffle to win 1 of 2 Apple Store gift cards. Refer a fellow prospective graduate to the survey and receive additional entries into the raffle. *

*How to complete the survey: *

1. Complete the survey prior to graduation online at www.GradSurvey.umd.edu <http://www.gradsurvey.umd.edu/>. NOTE: You will need your University ID found on the front of your ID card. Please accept in advance our thanks for your participation. Best wishes for success in your future endeavors! And remember, it is never too late to visit the University Career Center at 3100 Hornbake Library, South Wing

University Career Center and The President's Promise

**Refer a fellow classmate and increase your chance to win the raffle. You have the option to refer other seniors to this survey. When you refer someone (classmate 1) you are entered again into the raffle. When classmate 1 refers 3 more classmates both you and classmate 1 will receive 3 more submissions into the raffle and so on. Only those who complete the survey are counted as a referred person.

5. Study Abroad Updates

Get it Done! REQUIRED Paperwork

If you are going abroad Fall or Summer 2009 on a non-UM program, you must meet with a Study Abroad advisor and begin the Permission to Enroll form. If you are going on Maryland-in-London or Maryland-in-Rome, you must meet with a Study Abroad advisor and fill out a Course Selection form. These forms are due May 1.

German Academic Exchange Service – Young Ambassadors

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is recruiting students to serve as Young Ambassadors Program. Young Ambassadors are undergraduate students from North America who have recently studied in Germany and are interested in promoting study and research in Germany at their home institutions. This year, DAAD has 20 spots available for students from all over the US to help demonstrate to their peers what makes Germany such a unique and attractive destination for study abroad.

DAAD Young Ambassadors participate in a weekend training seminar in New York in late August and are responsible for organizing at least one event per semester on their campuses to promote study in Germany. Additionally, they will collaborate with their universities'
study abroad offices and other German institutions in their areas to inform their fellow students on educational and research opportunities in Germany. There are short profiles of the Young Ambassadors on the DAAD website, and they are available for email inquiries about their
respective German host universities, study abroad programs or about life as a student in Germany as general.

Applications must be received by Friday, June 5, 2009.

Although students may apply directly to DAAD to become a Young Ambassador, special preference will be given to candidates nominated by their university's study abroad office. (Only one student should be nominated per college or university.) If you want to be considered for nomination by the Study Abroad Office, email us at studyabr@umd.edu and let us know!

Complete program information, including application and nomination forms, is available at www.daad.org/?p=ambassadors

If you have any additional questions about the program or application process, contact Ms. Brid Schenkl at schenkl@daad.org or (212) 758-3223 x218

It is Not Too Late – Just Go Away to China Fall 2009!

The Education Abroad Network, one of Maryland’s partner programs, has extended the deadlines for Fall 2009 study abroad for two of its China student abroad programs:

Fudan University in Shanghai - Deadline extended until May 15, 2009

University of International Business and Economics in Beijing - Deadline extended until May 31, 2009

These programs in China cater to students looking for a truly integrated study abroad experience. Highlights of these programs include:

Off-campus accommodation with local Chinese flat-mates where students are living within local Chinese communities.
Part-time internships with an extensive list of local placement partners including law firms, fashion houses, and advertising and design firms.
Courses taught in English and Mandarin with local and/or other international students in attendance.
Access to all courses at UIBE and Fudan for students fluent in Mandarin.
Resident Directors and Student Liaison Assistants who are citizens or permanent residents of China.
A full week orientation in Beijing plus semester excursions to sites such as Inner Mongolia and Xi'an.

For further details, please visit the http://www.educationabroadnetwork.org/ or contact Sarah Wayne via email at sarah.wayne@educationabroadnetwork.org or call Toll Free at 1.800.585.9658 (M-F, 9a-5p ET).

GOT PHOTOS?

You went abroad, you had a blast, and now you have thousands of photos to showcase your experience. What better way to share your time overseas than to see your photos included in brochures, newsletters, websites and more?! The Study Abroad Office is looking for a variety of student photographs to use in marketing materials - they only key is that the pictures should be visually engaging and a high resolution. If you have any photos you would like to share, please e-mail them to Kellie Corcoran (corcoran@umd.edu) and include the location of the picture.

Plan Ahead! Winter 2010 is Coming

Applications for Winter 2010 study abroad programs will be available May 1 – October 7, 2009. Check out the fantastic opportunities to explore places like Belize, Australia, Costa Rica, South Africa, Italy, Cameroon, and India. You can earn credit for major, minor, even CORE requirements! Why sit around at home in January? Just go away!

State Department Town Hall

Janice L. Jacobs, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, invites students to participate in a Town Hall meeting on Student Visas and Students Abroad at the U.S. Department of State. This is an opportunity for international students to ask questions about traveling home or working in the U.S. and for American students to get advice on traveling abroad. All students are welcome to attend!

Assistant Secretary Jacobs will be joined by David Donahue, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, and Michelle Bernier-Toth, Director of the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management. They look forward to spending an hour with you on Friday, May 15 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm.

If you’re interested in attending please send your contact information: name, date of birth, and either driver’s license or passport number to Adriana Gallegos at GallegosAM@state.gov .

Want International? Go to Langley Park Day 2009!

Just next door to campus is the diverse community of Langley Park, which includes residents from El Salvador, Guatemala, Cambodia, Columbia, Cote d’Ivoir, Germany, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Vietnam. Enjoy foods from around the world, cultural performances, and the chance to hear welcoming words in scores of languages. Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm, at the Langley Park Community Center, 1500 Merrimac Drive, Langley Park, Maryland. For more information, email actionlangleypark@yahoo.com or call 301-405-4005.

Become a Fan!

Want to stay in the loop about everything going on with Study Abroad? Become one of our many fans on Facebook! Get the latest information about upcoming events, meet globally-minded students, hear about our new programs...don't be left out of the Study Abroad loop, become a fan today!

Tweet With Us!

Do you twitter? If so, become a follower of UM Study Abroad! We'll keep you in the loop and give you the latest information on programs, deadlines, scholarships, special programs and more! Let's tweet!

6. Discussion of Homelessness

TWO CENTS, a panel on homelessness in the U.S.

Maryland PIRG, along with co-sponsors Circle K, OAS, and Project Humyn, is pleased to present: TWO CENTS, a panel on homelessness in the U.S.

Please join us as we discuss the factors that lead to homelessness, as well as solutions to the problem.

WHO: Featuring,
Two Homeless Speakers, The National Coalition for the Homeless: "How I Became Homeless" & "A Day In The Life of a Homeless Person"
Susan Kirk, Executive Director of Bethesda Cares: "Ways We Can Solve The Problem on a Local Level"
Tom Hucker, Maryland State Delegate: "Ways We Can Solve The Problem in the Political Arena"

WHERE: 0105 Jimenez Hall
WHEN: Tuesday, May 5th from 6 to 8 PM

7. Steny Hoyer Town Hall Meeting

STENY HOYER TOWN HALL MEETING FOR CLEAN ENERGY

WHAT: Join us for a Town Hall Meeting with Majority Leader, and Congressman from MD District 5, the Honorable Steny Hoyer. As Majority Leader, Hoyer is one of the most powerful and influential politicians in the country. Come and hear about his position on comprehensive climate legislation in 2009, and take the opportunity to further the conversation. We will show him a broad diverse constituency that supports strong climate legislation!
WHEN: May 11th, 6:30-8:00 PM
WHERE: Baltimore Room of Stamp
HOSTED BY: UMD for Clean Energy, CCAN, the MD Student Climate Coalition, MD League of Conservation Voters, Clean Water Action, and Environment MD

RSVP HERE: http://www.chesapeakeclimate.org/hoyerthm

Check out our Facebook Event!: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=73022105368

Questions? Want to Help Plan? Contact Matt Dernoga at mdernoga@umd.edu

8. Wild and Crazy Terps Day

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

What: Wild and Crazy Terps Field Day

When: Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

1:00 - 4:00pm

Where: Chapel Field

Who: All Undergraduates

Wild and Crazy Terps Field Day is one of the University's most popular spring traditions. Brought to all undergraduates by the Student Government Association, Terps Field Day gives students the opportunity to compete with their classmates. With a wide range of events, Terps Field Day has a game for everyone and everyone is invited to play!

Just a highlight of the many events you can expect to see at this year's Field Day:
1. Slip and Slide
2. Class vs. Class Tug-of-War
3. Balloon Shaving/Tossing/Sitting
4. Maryland EXTREME Twister
5. Pizza Eating Contest
6. The Testudo Challenge

So come, have fun, and get a FREE T-SHIRT!

Be sure to join the Facebook group. Tell your friends to join as well!

The newsletter is sent out on Fridays to all current University of Maryland students who have declared and been accepted into the GVPT major. Only information relevant to academic and extra-curricular opportunities for these students will be sent through the newsletter. The government advising office reserves the right to edit and review all submissions to the GVPT newsletter and deny any submissions at their sole discretion.

If you would like to submit information or announcements, please email ADVISING@gvpt.umd.edu. Only those submissions which are denied or delayed will be contacted further.