Ball State has received a grant for the second year in a row to host 20 undergraduate students from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to learn about journalism and the media in the United States.
"The goal is for them to learn about new media in journalism and learn about U.S. culture and people and to meet Americans, both faculty and students," Mary Spillman, an assistant professor of journalism, said.
The official program is the study of the United States Institute for student leaders on new media and journalism. The grant comes from the U.S. Department of State.
"It helps us build a relationship with the state department and sort of helps pave the way for that good experience of working with us and setting that up for the future," Susan Smith, an assistant professor of telecommunications, said.
The students are living on campus in Studebaker West for four weeks during this summer and will take part in lectures, workshops and cultural activities. The focus is split between academics and immersion into the culture.
The students have never been to the U.S. before and will see more than just Muncie. The group will go to places like New York and Washington, D.C. The schedule is not concrete yet.
Not only are faculty involved in this program, but Ball State students also take part in helping it to go smoothly.
"I really help to make sure that things are scheduled and serve in any way to help these students learn what they need to learn," said Sarah England, a graduate assistant in the public relations department.
England will assist with planning events for the students such as bowling or taking them to the movie theater and said it is important to bring in students from different countries.
"The more you interact with people from other cultures, the more they learn about you and it's great to learn new things because it makes you well rounded," England said.
The coordinators have high expectations for the program as this is the second year the university has received the grant.
"I would say my number one expectation is that they leave the U.S. having learned something about new media and journalism and also learning about our society," Smith said. "I hope they carry home something from here that they are going to be able to use in their future endeavors."
The experience will be beneficial for both those in the U.S. and the students coming from overseas.
"It is an opportunity to learn a lot more about the U.S. and it's usually important for faculty and students to learn about other areas of the world that we aren't necessarily familiar with," Spillman said.
The program has a focus on media and its relationship with politics in this country.
"A lot is integrated into the curriculum and events we arranged so they have a better idea," Spillman said.
The students will learn about social media, newswriting, reporting, video, still photos and law and ethics.
England said the students can learn from the faculty and other American students that they will meet.
"I know that part of the reason they are coming is to learn and go to seminars and lectures and learn about the U.S.," she said. "I hope they go beyond gaining academics and learn overall what the U.S. is all about and what the people in the U.S. are all about."
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