Travel Abroad

Circle K International at SUNY Ulster

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Circle K international logo

We have a new club here at SUNY Ulster, Circle K International.

It started with Key Club.

Key Club is a Kiwanis sponsored program for high schools throughout the world. Each chapter partners with a local Kiwanis Club member.

Through service and volunteering students learn leadership skills, build character, and gain hands on knowledge of what personal and social    responsibilities are thereby making a positive impact on their community.

However, fear not…If you missed out on Key Club…there is Circle K International!

Circle K International, also known as CKI, began in 1936 as a Kiwanis Club service project. This provided opportunities, to qualifying young men, to acquire a college education through scholarships and/or employment assistance. Soon after it began, the group began to incorporate community service as a part of their activities. Consequently, this is when colleges began to show more interest in participating.

Today, there are more than 11,000 collegiate members, at over 500 campuses throughout the world and is now open to everyone.  CKI SUNY Ulster has 11 active members including president, Shaye Witkus, Vice President, Muhammad Shabbir, Secretary, Elyssa DeWitt, and Treasurer, Stephanie Sensini.  It is a student-led club chartered by Kingston Kiwanis Club member and SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees Vice Chair, Bill Spearman.

Key Players

Mr. Spearman is a 1969 graduate of SUNY Ulster and original participant in Circle K club here at SUNY Ulster. In its heyday, the club held dances, car washes, arranged basketball games between faculty and students, and other forms of fun! They also participated in fundraising and service projects throughout the community. Sadly, the SUNY Ulster Chapter faded away in the early 1970’s.

Now, through the hard work, dedication, and advisement of Meg Sheeley, Coordinator of Campus Life, and Bill Spearman, Circle K International has a Chapter here at SUNY Ulster! It took two long years of paperwork and recruitment but they did it. Meetings began in the Fall of 2019 and the Charter was officially approved on February 13, 2020.

Benefits

CKI SUNY Ulster is intended to broaden student opportunities through personal contact with business and professional leaders throughout their communities. This helps in developing leadership skills, civic responsibility, and fellowship. CKI Treasurer, Stephanie Sensini, seemed very excited to talk about volunteer opportunities, working with others, and her desire to study abroad after graduation. One of the many benefits of CKI is its geographical outreach. The organization is worldwide. Because of her participation in Circle K Stephanie is making connections that can help her achieve her goals for her future.

Local Connections

CKI SUNY Ulster is currently working with Ten Broeck Commons in Lake Katrine. They provide companionship to residents. In addition they also host games and activities as well. They participate in community events like the Rosendale Pickle Fest and the upcoming Kiwanis Kingston Classic. However, the club is still in its early stages. They are branching out into the community to find more service opportunities.

Circle K International meets every Monday at 10:45am in the Dining Hall. Please come and be a part of their fresh start here at SUNY Ulster. If you have any questions Meg Sheeley, sheeleym@sunyulster.edu, is always ready to help you get answers!

SUNY Ulster Nursing Students and Alumni Study Abroad in Durban, South Africa

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SUNY Ulster students and alumni pose with members of a South African village

From March 9-17, 2019, a group of nine SUNY Ulster nursing students and alumni traveled to Durban, South Africa with Dr. Ellen Tangney, Associate Professor of Nursing, for a study abroad opportunity. While they were there, they visited fellow COIL collaborating students at Durban University of Technology (DUT), traveled to nearby health clinics, met traditional village healers, and visited a few of the local attractions!

SUNY Ulster students and alumni with Auntie Connie and Elliot Makhathini
SUNY Ulster nursing students and alumni meet Auntie Connie and DUT Nursing Professor Elliot Mqansa Makhathini at DUT Pietermaritzburg campus.
Students and alumni at a South African radio station
The group participates in a radio talk show with host Ingelosi Engenamaphiko, discussing the integration of traditional healers in western medicine.
SUNY Ulster students and alumni participating in a Zulu dance
The travelers are entertained and educated on Zulu dance.
Dr. Dudu Sokhela, DUT, Dr. Ellen Tangney, SUNY Ulster, Professor Elliott Makhathini, DUT, and SUNY Ulster Nursing Student Chelsea VanKleeck outside a clinic
Dr. Dudu Sokhela, DUT, Dr. Ellen Tangney, SUNY Ulster, Professor Elliott Makhathini, DUT, and SUNY Ulster Nursing Student Chelsea VanKleeck outside Cato Ridge rural clinic.
Students and alumni hand out bags at a South African clinic
SUNY Ulster students and alumni at a South African clinic. People walk 2-3 hours to arrive at this clinic, which has a western medical doctor, nursing, homeopathy, and chiropractic services.
Students and alumni pose in front of Cato Ridge in South Africa
SUNY Ulster travelers at Cato Ridge, South Africa.
Students and alumni eating dinner at their bed and breakfast
The group prepared and enjoyed an African-style beef stew with the assistance of Lillian, the B&B cook.
Students, alumni, and Durban locals in front of the Nelson Mandela capture site
The travelers visit the Nelson Mandela capture site in Howick, South Africa.
Students, alumni, and Durban locals at a picnic table by the Indian Ocean
SUNY Ulster students and alumni join Durban friends for an evening meal by the Indian Ocean.
Students and alumni in front of sea creatures at the Ushaka Marine aquarium
Before leaving for home, the travelers visit Durban’s Ushaka Marine.
Students and alumni pose on airplane steps
The group heads back home!

Study Abroad with SUNY Ulster in 2019!

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Benbulbenmount in Sligo, Ireland

It may still be 2018, but that’s no reason not to get excited about what next year will bring! And what could be more fun than having an exciting trip to look forward to? This spring and summer, SUNY Ulster has two study abroad opportunities, one to South Africa and another to Ireland! Read on to learn more.

Explore Durban, South Africa with NUR 254

Are you interested in seeing South Africa, particularly through the lens of the country’s healthcare system? If so, be sure to sign up for this trip, running during Spring Break from Friday, March 8 to Saturday, March 16, 2019. This trip, which is open to students, alumni, health and human services professionals, and the community, allows participants to work with nursing students from the Durban University of Technology in South Africa.  SUNY Ulster Nursing Professor Dr. Ellen Tangney will lead and instruct the course.

The class will include:

  • An opportunity for students to connect with Durban University of Technology’s
    nursing student culture first hand
  • A visit to psychiatric clinics to view local mental health services
  • A visit to Community Health Clinic Centers
  • A visit to traditional healers and health practitioners who practice a holistic
    approach to healing
  • A day visit to deep rural clinics
  • A service learning component and the opportunity for all participants to act as
    international ambassadors

Those interested are encouraged to register soon, as seats are limited. For more information on the trip, travel guidelines, or to reserve your space, visit www.sunyulster.edu/durban or contact Christopher Seubert, Academic Travel Program Coordinator, by phone at (845) 687-5134 or by email at seubertc@sunyulster.edu.

Visit Ireland with ENG 206 Topics in Literature

Get ready to explore the Emerald Isle from a literary point of view with this trip in June and July! Experience a hundred years of Irish literature as it spans “The Three Arts:” Prose, Poetry, and Drama. The trip runs from June 21-July 3, 2019. SUNY Ulster Professor of English Nicholas Haines will lead and instruct the three-credit course. In addition to students and alumni, the program is open to all community members, veterans, and adult learners.

Participants will be learning about the history and works of Irish authors over the last 100 years, such as Yeats, Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Roddy Doyle. There will also be visits to a number of historical attractions throughout the country, including Sligo, Galway, Limerick, and Dublin. Participants will tour a variety of cultural destinations including the Trinity College Library, Sligo Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, and Bunratty Castle.

Included in the cost of the class is transportation to and from SUNY Ulster and the airport, airfare, shared accommodations including breakfast, some site fees, and the three SUNY Ulster credits. Registration for the class in now open. For more information, visit www.sunyulster.edu/ireland or contact Chris Seubert, Program Coordinator of Academic Travel, by phone at (845) 687-5134 or email at seubertc@sunyulster.edu.

Experiencing Korea’s Gwangjang Market (광장시장) Through Studying Abroad

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Flags flying on the ceiling of Gwangjang Market

☆ On the second day after my arrival, I visited Gwangjang Market, Korea’s first permanent market. Gwangjang Market is a very popular tourist attraction located in Seoul. You can find clothes, blankets, handmade crafts, and a large variety of food options. Shown in the picture is the entrance to the market, and it’s a rather pleasant and welcoming one with all of the different countries’ flags dispersed across the ceiling. There were also staff members in red shirts who spoke different languages and were ready to assist tourists from different countries. I found this to be a really cool foreign experience, and I would recommend it to any traveler/tourist! Be warned that if the weather is hot outside, the market will feel a bit confined. ☆

You can learn more about Gwangjang Market by visiting http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu.

Nikki Gould, an Advertising & Graphic Design major at SUNY Ulster, is spending the summer semester studying abroad at the International Summer Campus program at Korea University. 

SUNY Ulster COIL Scholarship Recipients Travel To Mexico!

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COIL students from Mexico greet SUNY Ulster students

SUNY Ulster Students Travel to Mexico!

During the week of March 16th, 2018, SUNY Ulster students Kia Ward-Fashion Design Major, Kailey Campbell-Human Services Major, John Bove-Independent Studies/Fashion Major, and Natasha-Pico Aulicino-Business and Entrepreneurship Major all traveled to Obregon, Sonora, Mexico (the second largest city in northern Mexico) as recipients of the Sheldon COIL Academic Travel Scholarship!

Group of students and staff posed holding "Welcome Sign" for SUNY Ulster students arriving at airport in Mexico.

The Students Arrival!

The recipients were welcomed by students, professors, and staff of Universidad de la Salle NoroEste! The recipients had already met some of these students when 25 of the ULSA students traveled to SUNY Ulster to meet their COIL collaboration team in October 2017.

Large group of students sit around a rectangular cafeteria table smiling at the camera.

Young male SUNY Ulster student speaking at the front of a classroom during a presentation. Group of students in classroom sitting in desk arranged in an oval in deep discussion.

SUNY Students In The Classroom.

The SUNY Ulster students spent their week in Mexico attending classes and presenting projects to the Universidad de la Salle NoroEste classes they had COIL-ed with previously. The time outside the classroom was spent sightseeing and making lifetime friends with their host families! This was a great opportunity to dive deep into the wonderful and diverse Mexican culture, as well as utilize global citizen skills as ambassadors of SUNY Ulster.

Three female students posed to resemble the large owl mural they are standing in front of.

Group of nine smiling students posed in front of wall of Mexican artifacts. Photo of eight students and one staff member posed closely together smiling. Twelve students smiling on the sidewalk in Mexico. A group photo of students and staff posed in a classroom setting.
A huge thank you to all the hardworking individuals who helped to make this trip a possibility!