The delegation of faculty members who traveled to Isra University in Pakistan in late January shared their observations and plans for this future partnership Monday in Cardinal Hall A. Faculty members presented their experiences establishing a relationship and future plans with the university.
Students and faculty members from Isra will spend six weeks at Ball State through a brand new partnership.
“Ball State has been a leader in the effort to form these academic partnerships,” said Ken Holland, director of the Center for International Development. “We currently have three in Afghanistan and two in Pakistan, we account for five of these partnerships.”
One reason for this new partnership is because of the passing of the Fulbright-Hays Act that promotes a mutual understanding between people in the United States and people from other countries. President Barack Obama has stated he wants to stabilize Afghanistan and Pakistan through the rebuilding of institutions such as universities.
Holland said the goals of the partnership include faculty and student exchanges, curriculum development, career services, research skills and strengthening entrepreneurship education.
Ray Montagno, chair of the department of marketing and management, shared his observations about Isra University. He was surprised to learn about the reach of the Internet there.
“The Wi-Fi was certainly acceptable, but they are lacking built-in equipment,” he said.
Montagno said the students and faculty interact with each other and students are enthusiastic and willing to speak up.
Jim McAtee, director at the Career Center, had the opportunity to explore the career center at Isra.
“I had the opportunity to tour their career center, and we conducted some mock interviews with students,” McAtee said.
He shared pictures from the career center, the interviews and of the convocation ceremony.
Carla Flores, a marketing and management instructor, shared her stories. She spoke about the transportation and the poverty in Pakistan.
“Many citizens perch, meaning they just hang on to the side of the vehicle,” Flores said. “The bus and truck drivers pay painters to create stunning pieces of art on the bus which was quite interesting.”
Brian Geiselhart, entrepreneurship center coordinator and instructor, closed the presentation with a montage of photos and videos from the trip that soon people can see online.
The students and faculty members that will make their way to Ball State this summer will have an academic focus in business management, English and social sciences. There will be a number of cultural events and a trip to Indianapolis and Chicago. The main purpose of the exchange is an academic focus, but they will also be introduced to the American culture.
