What better topic for Fairfax University of America to honor than international literacy in our world. As an institution of higher learning that serves a diverse student population from all corners of the planet, we see firsthand the positive impact increased education and literacy has on the futures of our students, graduates, and their families. It is a “Game Changer” that empowers the individual to aim higher. Proficient reading and writing skills are the building blocks to successful countries and their citizens. Supporting literacy causes has permeated the culture of FXUA throughout the years as our students and staff have become literacy ambassadors in the USA and overseas through volunteerism in the community and serving as teachers of the English Language to non-native speakers. It is a cause FXUA truly embraces and celebrates.

Although International Literacy Day officially happened on Saturday, September 8, 2018, the message of promoting improved adult and child literacy rates across the globe continues throughout time. Historically, UNESCO picked September 8th as the official day to shine a light on issues surrounding literacy in our world. 1966 marked the year that began UNESCO’s recognition of International Literacy Day. The day became quickly aligned with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals program that was adopted in 2015 to highlight the changes and improvements in worldwide literacy development. UNESCO has been central to the cause of improving global literacy since 1946 and promotes International Literacy Day in partnership with charitable organizations, governments, local communities, and literacy experts worldwide. Literacy has extended its reach to not only the written word, but digitally now to accommodate the technological advancements that are part of every society today. The world is changing and so is UNESCO’s focus with its global literacy program.

In the United States of America, September is deemed as National Literacy Month. So the Literacy focus of September 8th has been extended all month long to promote reading and comprehension throughout this country. The United States has an adult literacy (aged 15 years and higher) rate of 99%. Empowering those in need of increased literacy for the digital age in our community is a goal FXUA has chosen to embrace. In support of global literacy for all, Fairfax University of America’s Student Union will be collecting used books and videos in good condition to donate to Northern Virginia Family Service. Supporters can place their donations in the bins around campus to benefit literacy in our area. It’s the little things that make a difference and promoting literacy is the business of education. However one decides to recognize the cause of Literacy during this month, may they be inspired to touch a life with the gift of reading and understanding.

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Often students do not give much consideration to internships during the fall semester, often thinking that they only happen in the summer time. However, many organizations and companies offer unpaid and even paid intern positions throughout the year!

Applying for internships includes almost the same procedure as applying for a regular job- application, networking, writing a resume, and even a cover letter.  It might seem tough, but it is worth it! There are so many companies in the DMV area that are looking for fresh, enthusiastic and bright minds like yourself whom they are willing to teach new skills (and even pay for it!)

Fall might be less competitive in the DMV area as you are only competing against the students that attend school in the area where the organization is located. Come summer, you are competing with the world!

The employer usually posts an internship 7 to 10 weeks prior to the internship start date. So, if you are dreaming of landing your internship this September- mid-July is the time to start applying.

Here are some suggestions before you start applying:

1. Identify a minimum of 10 companies where you wish to intern.

Research the companies where you want to work and review their websites. You can even contact the Human Resources Department to possibly speak or meet with someone in their desired field.  It is all about creating opportunities.

2. Prime Your Resume.

Be sure to include your current internships, prior positions in your resume, and your LinkedIn profile. If you didn’t have any internships, you should have a compelling story detailing what you have been doing.

3. Determine Your Availability during Fall Semester.

Most FXUA students can take on about 10-20 hours of internship work a week with a 12-credit hour course load. Be realistic about your workload, class schedule, and internship timeline.

4. Get Letter of Recommendations and Identify Your Professional References.

Start looking at what companies you’ll be applying to for a fall internship and whether or not they require a letter a recommendation or just professional references. Ask current or former employers if you can list them as a reference. If they’re unsure what to write, give them a template. And if you don’t have an employer or manager to ask, try emailing a professor instead.

5. Leverage Your Network.

Do you happen to know anyone that already works at your dream company? Do you have a friend that knows someone that works there? Any connection, even if it’s a third-party connection, is better than no connection.

6. Ask About Full-Time Positions

There are usually no guarantees that an internship will lead to a permanent position at the company. However, asking about opportunities to join the organization on a permanent basis once you land the position or even during the interview is more than fine. In fact, it gives the company to consider the possibility of hiring you full-time or even creating a new position for you if your performance and skills set are outstanding.

Need help putting together a resume, cover letter, or general career and internship tips? Schedule an appointment with the FXUA Career Center career@viu.edu today!

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The magazine shows how truly global the FXUA network is, with spotlights on students, alumni and staff from countries around the world. Whether you are interested in education, business or even popular culture, you will find exciting stories in University Magazine. The inaugural issue of the magazine is now available on campus. Pick up your copy today and start your FXUA journey!

Interested in contributing to the magazine? Have a story idea you’d like to share? Contact us at magazine@viu.edu.

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This year’s theme, Innovations at the Intersection of Language, Learning, and Culture, intends to frame educational experiences as ideally meeting the needs of diverse students, their communities, and the various stakeholders who can benefit from high-quality, socially responsive language programs.

 To register for the conference, visit the following web address: http://fxua.edu/sed/about-school-of-education/cllc/registration.html

Important Dates

• Deadline for abstract submission: December 23, 2013
• Notification of acceptance: January 24, 2014
• Submission of papers (for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings): May 23, 2014
• Early registration: From November 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014

           ($10 for students, $30 for non-students)

• Regular registration: Begins March 1, 2014

           ($20 for students, $50 for non-students)
*On-site registration is possible on the day of the event.

We look forward to seeing you at the Conference!

For more information on the FXUA School of Education, please visit www.viu.edu/SED. Questions can be directed to Kevin J. Martin, Director of the School of Education, at kevin@viu.edu.

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Bullying might bring to mind an older kid demanding your lunch money, but bullying today takes many forms.  With the advent of and proliferation of online environments and smart phones, bullying extends beyond the classroom into the virtual realm.  The anonymity and lack of direct consequences in cyber bullying has contributed to the increase in bullying outside of the classroom.  This form of bullying can easily be missed by adults who are not tuned in to what their kids do virtually.

Regardless of the forms that bullying can take, communities need to notice and address bullying when it arises.

What can you do?

• Be aware of bullying and the various forms that it can take (physical, verbal, and relational)
• When you see bullying, address it
• Learn more about bullying and the consequences
• Raise awareness for others
• Be a role model for others

Some Useful Resources

• The Pacer Center’s National Bully Prevention Center 
• StopBullying.gov
• AFT’s Share My lesson Bullying Prevention Collection 

The post October is Bullying Prevention Month appeared first on FXUA Blog.

This wall calendar is available now! See some of our wonderful diversity as you travel along with our multicultural students to different countries every month. These students represent each continent and many of FXUA’s programs from MBA to ESL both on-campus in the USA and online. The calendar also features the dates of American holidays, as well as many celebration days of various faiths and independence days of countries around the world.

You can find a behind-the-scenes look at FXUA Calendar 2014.

It can be a truly special keepsake for you and your family or friends. Come travel around the world with the FXUA Calendar 2014!

Fairfax University of America – Let’s Build the Future Together!

The post Brand New FXUA Calendar 2014 Inspires Everyone! appeared first on FXUA Blog.

President in a park in the center of Tokyo

The past month has been a whirlwind of travel for Dr. Isa Sarac, President of Fairfax University of America. Dr. Sarac visited several Asian countries, where FXUA has a wide range and business, academic and collaborative interests with local institutions and organizations.His first stop was in Tokyo, Japan, which has recently won the bid to host the 2020 summer Olympics. Dr. Sarac enjoyed his trip to both Tokyo and Kyoto city, where he met with EducationUSA representatives, as well as seeing magnificent historic towns, cityscapes, hot springs and beautiful traditional arts.

 President with Mr. Uchral at Royal Academy

   President with a group of Mongolian alumni

Our president’s three-week trip to Asia was both fascinating and extremely productive for Fairfax University of America, expanding collaborations and giving FXUA students the best possible experience. As the President prepares for his next trip abroad, we look forward to hearing more about his travels!

The post FXUA President’s Trips to Asia: Adventure & Collaboration appeared first on FXUA Blog.

Captial English Academy (CEA) was formed to serve the non-native English speaking community throughout the Washington, DC area.  The focus of the programs are on job-readiness, providing interactive English-skills and hands-on computer training. CEA describes its puspose as being “workforce-driven” in order to allow for its students to have the ability to excel and prosper in the United States and to connect students to the path to success.  With courses including basic ESL, accent reduciton and basic computer skills, CEA is well poised to provide the skills necessary for success.

Participants in the session will learn about what makes CEA an industry leader in quality curriculum development and its unique focus on student success.

This event is open to all FXUA students as well as community members who might be interested in learning more about FXUA and GLN.

To learn more about participating in the Voices from the Field Series, please contact Mr. Kevin Martin at kevin@viu.edu and follow us on social media @SEDatFXUA.

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The School of Education at FXUA is proud to announce the inauguration of the “Voices from the Field” speaker series. Join us on September 19th, 2013 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm where we will host a discussion on “Taking Advantage of Service-Learning Opportunities for Teachers” with our guest speaker Mika Hama, Director of Program Evaluation at The Global Language Network (GLN).

GLN’s mission is to provide opportunities to learn any language at a minimal cost. With quality faculty, curriculum, and exposure to languages and cultures, GLN empowers individuals and communities in the Washington, DC area through the gift of language. Participants will learn about what makes GLN effective as a non-profit organization and insights into managing an organization.

This event is open to all FXUA students as well as community members who might be interested in learning more about FXUA and GLN.

To learn more about participating in the Voices from the Field Series, please contact Mr. Kevin Martin at kevin@viu.edu and follow us on social media @SEDatFXUA.

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Focusing on the need for the humanities and social sciences (languages, music, art, history, political sciences, anthropology, sociology, and many more) provides students with a well-rounded education.  The report suggests that K-12 education with a focus on the humanities and social sciences provides a well-prepared and participatory citizenry.  Through a shared partnership between K-12 education and higher education, there will be the emergence of a “true teaching network—from kindergarten through higher education—[that] will collect and share new methodologies, new discoveries, and new student needs” (25).  Through these partnerships, teaching methodologies will be dramatically improved, and teacher training programs can learn from the on-the-ground needs expressed by primary and secondary teachers.

The need for STEM education is indeed important in developing and improving both the current and long-term economy, but what is likely needed is a balance of the humanities and social sciences with STEM education.

Check out the video

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