IHP convocation inducts new students

The International Honors Program kicked off the new school year with its annual convocation Wednesday at the Ferguson Center Ballroom, welcoming 360 students - the largest group to date.

Fran O'Neal, director of IHP, said the purpose of an annual convocation is to connect students with each other, and provide them with information about the IHP.

"IHP students are in all colleges and all majors and this is a way for them to meet other students with their same interests," O'Neal said.

Judy Bonner, associate provost, and Jane Stanfield, vice president for international and global affairs, helped O'Neal welcome the students to the Capstone.

"It's important to know where you are," Stanfield said to the students. "But it's equally important to know where you are going."

Students received packages with information, while O'Neal introduced them to IHP faculty and staff, and covered the program's graduation requirements.

One very important requirement is to study at least 10 weeks overseas, O'Neal said. Study abroad options include a student exchange program, a program set up by the University, internships, service and research.

Students have the option of going abroad for a semester or for two or more summer terms, O'Neal said.

O'Neal said studying abroad is an experience students will carry with them after they have graduated.

"[Studying abroad] will help students see the world through a non-American perspective, through someone else's lenses," O'Neal said.

Angela Channell, director of overseas study, said the convocation helps students meet other students and key faculty members who can make things possible for them.

"It helps for students to see how committed we are to international education," she said. "We're here to help make their dreams reality."

Although studying abroad is a requirement, many students said they are looking forward to the opportunities ahead of them.

Desiree Maher, a freshman majoring in journalism, said she hopes to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country.

"There's no telling if I'll have this opportunity again," she said.

Kandice Harris, a freshman majoring in political science and Spanish, said she wants to study abroad to learn another culture besides her own. Harris said she may spend two summer terms abroad, instead of a semester.

"I want to see a different way of living," she said. "I'm excited."

O'Neal also honored Ron Robel, an Asian studies professor and the founding director of the IHP, who died in August.

O'Neal said he was truly a fun loving person, a professor who loved his students and a very important contributor to the international studies on campus.

For more information on the International Honors Program, visit ihp.ua.edu.