American School of Ulaanbaatar

Valparaiso University

Office of International Programs

Passport to Your Future

To All Interested Parents & Students:

Now is the best time to start preparing for a future in this interconnected world. By participating in Valparaiso University’s summer study abroad program, students can learn the skills necessary to be a global leader.  Our 3-week program will emphasize the ‘American Experience’, a holistic approach to learning about the United States by totally immersing each student into the American educational system and American culture. At Valparaiso University, students will be introduced to life at an American university. Under the guidance of Professor Alan Bloom, students will learn about what opportunities higher education in the US offers and how to best prepare for that opportunity. Moreover, at Valparaiso University students will experience life in the US, from a farmland to a big city! They will interact with Americans from all walks of life and visit American households to get first hand impressions of the US lifestyle. We hope that this will create everlasting friendships and help our students in their future endeavors.

Holly Singh

Director of International Students & Scholars

2010 Valparaiso University Summer Program

For American School of Ulaanbaatar (ASU), Mongolia

GS Course: July 5^th – July 24th, 2010 (~3 weeks)

Program Description

Valparaiso University’s summer program will provide its visitors from Mongolia with an introduction to life at an American university, as well as to life in the United States.  In an intensive three-week program, students will learn about the opportunities, expectations, and rewards of American higher education, they will be immersed in American culture and history, and they will become acquainted with American business and government.

VU’s summer program is designed to help students acclimate to life in the United States and to help them prepare for future enrollment at an American university.  Students will work closely with our faculty and staff in order to understand the entire higher educational process—from admissions to graduation.  They will attend class regularly with Professor Bloom to learn about life in America and will also receive instruction on how to excel in the classroom by developing good study habits and becoming skilled in the use of the library and the latest technology.  Additionally, students will attend actual Valparaiso University classes in order to aid them with the selection of a course of study.  Through the program, students will encounter a broad array of faculty who will offer their expertise in order to facilitate the students’ transition into university life.

In order to immerse students into life in America, VU’s summer program will offer an education that extends far beyond the classroom walls.  Students will have the opportunity to explore America, including a rural community, a small town and a big city (Chicago).  They will attend a wide array of cultural activities, including trips to museums, parks, concerts, fairs, and sporting events.  Students also will meet local politicians, business leaders, and American families.

Dr. Alan Bloom, Associate Professor of History Department of History, Huegli Hall 212 219.464.5299 Alan.Bloom@Valpo.edu Professor Alan Bloom has taught at Valparaiso University since 1997.  Before joining the History Department at VU, he received his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Duke University.   He teaches a variety of classes such as the American Revolution, the US Civil War, the History of Chicago, US History through Sports, and US History through Film.  He is writing a book on Chicago during the nineteenth century.  Professor Bloom recently won Valparaiso University’s Martin Luther King Award and its Research Professorship.  He is married and has three sons. Holly Singh,Director of International Students & Scholars Gandhi-King Center for Diversity and Global Engagement, Harre Union 219.464.5333 Holly.Singh@Valpo.edu Holly manages international students and scholars, maintains immigration compliance and coordinates cross-cultural programming.  Advises the Valparaiso International Student Association (VISA). Jonathan Lee, Coordinator of International Student Services Gandhi-King Center for Diversity and Global Engagement, Harre Union 219.464.5333 Jonathan.Lee@Valpo.edu Jonathan coordinates the arrival and orientation of international students, creates international programming and cultural events, and assists international students in their transition to American life. He works closely with the international student organizations on campus, including the Valparaiso International Student Association (VISA). Ariun Zorigt, President of the Valparaiso International Student Association (VISA) Gandhi-King Center for Diversity and Global Engagement, Harre Union 219.464.5333 Ariun.Zorigt@Valpo.edu Ariun is a senior student from Mongolia graduating in May 2010 with a double major in Management and Finance. Ariun has been involved in VISA since 2007. She was originally the Social Chair and now she is the current President for VISA. Ariun has been working in the Office of International Programs as a Student Ambassador from 2009—present.