How Segregated is Your City?

I stumbled across this post from Fast Company.  It shows striking maps of racial composition of the forty largest US cities. 

The maps say a lot about life in the United States. 

Two Upcoming International Events - University of Missouri

Two upcoming events at the University of Missouri:

First, tomorrow is International Day.  There are events scheduled throughout the day. 

Second, next Monday, Oct. 4, the International Center is co-sponsoring a session (with MU Student Affairs and the MU Graduate School) that features a very interesting speaker from the University of the Western Cape (South Africa).

Please share these announcements, and I hope you can attend.

Social Media -- and Study Abroad

In my last post, I shared some recent readings on social media.

Jason Kinnear shared this post, called How the Internet Screwed Up Study Abroad.

This piece doesn't provide a holistic balanced view of the benefits and challenges of using social media to support study abroad programs.  However, it's worth reading and thinking about.

Recent Readings on Social Media

I've been thinking a lot recently about social media, and how we might apply this approach more effectively in higher education and at MU's International Center. 

I'll have more to share in the future -- but here are two pieces I'm reading that might be of interest.

First, a recent book by Brogan and Smith, called Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation and Earn Trust.   This work invites a paradigm shift for me on what we could be doing with social media to support the Center's mission.  In fact, it challenges me to re-think my approach to building and sustaining relationships in general.

Second, a brief blog post on how organizations manage social media on the Web Strategist blog.  It really sheds new light on real -- and desired -- organizational culture.

New Global Development Site

If you're concerned about global development issues, check out this content-rich website just launched at the Guardian, in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

The data warehouse alone is worth your time.  They also provide powerful info-graphs.

UK Universities in Tough Economic Times

Universities in the US can learn from how our partner (and competitive) institutions are responding to significant cuts in public funding.

The latest report released by Universities UK is definitely worth reading. 

MU Study Abroad Fair Today

Stop by MU's Study Abroad Fair -- 11 am - 3 pm today at the Memorial Union.  Faculty members, staff, students, parents -- and all interested in dozens of incredible learning opportunities around the world are welcome. 

The fair is organized by Matt Pourney and our great study abroad staff at the International Center. 

If you're thinking about study abroad this Spring, Summer, or somewhere down the line, check out our website, and stop by the Fair (details and directions).

Things You Should Know about (International) Student Names

I stumbled upon this post at EverythingESL -- a blog about teaching English as a second language.

As classes at Missouri hit full stride, it's good for faculty, staff and students to appreciate the cultural distinctions revealed in student names.

This post (and attached comments) offer some helpful background.