IPSS: A stepping stone for future careers
17 students from the Monterey Institute are training and preparing to head off around the world as part of the International Professional Service Semester (IPSS) program.
As participants in IPSS, they will be working as junior professional staff members for 6 months with international organizations like the UN and the U.S State Department. The students will also receive credits toward their degree for completing an academic project related to their job assignment.
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MontereySTART: New Platform for Micro-Philanthropy Launched
Monterey Institute students are known worldwide for their ingenuity and practical approach to addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems. It is now easier than ever to support student projects through the newly launched micro-philanthropy platform MontereySTART.
Four projects are currently featured on MontereySTART and they reflect the diverse interests and talents of the Monterey Institute student body:
Oil Worker to Conservationist
Just a few years ago, Alfhild Aspelin (MAIEP '12) had no interest in environmental work. So the fact that she is now at the Monterey Institute pursuing a MA in International Environmental Policy is quite amazing.
Alfhild was working in Norway as an oil surveyor. Her job was to make sure operations were carried out as planned for the installation of equipment used in offshore oil production.
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Alumnus Michael Seaman’s Interesting Job at Monterey Bay Aquarium Makes Front-Page News
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has always been environmentally conscious, but this year they are stepping up efforts to reuse and recycle. As highlighted in a front-page story in the November 29 edition of the Monterey Herald, their search for a qualified expert to spearhead those efforts led them to Michael Seaman (MAIEP ’10), a graduate of the Monterey Institute’s International Environmental Policy program.
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41 Students from 17 Countries Attend Annual Cross-Cultural Retreat
It’s hard to think of a more inspiring setting for a day of structured intercultural activities than the natural beauty of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in the fall. Every year Professor Peter Grothe invites students in his popular course in intercultural communication—as well as students from all degree programs at MIIS—for an all-day retreat in Big Sur.
Peace Corps Event Fills Irvine Auditorium for Celebration of 50 Years of Service
On Saturday, October 8, an estimated three hundred people gathered at the Monterey Institute’s downtown campus to participate in a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. The day began with a screening of the film “An American Idealist: The Story of Sargent Shriver” and continued with panel discussions about the early years of the Peace Corps and the impact of service on careers. After an international tea and coffee reception, guests filled the Irvine Auditorium for a sold-out lecture by renowned author and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Paul Theroux.
Adam Fullerton: Conservation from Washington D.C. to Ecuador
"These projects motivate me to work again on community-based conservation programs."
This summer, as a fellow with the Center for the Blue Economy, Adam worked on sea turtle conservation with Conservation International in Washington D.C. He also visited Ecuador to learn about lobster conservation efforts. Watch this video to learn more about Adam's work.
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Alyssum Pohl: Dream Internship at the World Wildlife Fund
"I had my dream internship handed to me on a silver platter."
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New “International Friendship Program” Has Successful Launch
The Monterey Institute of International Studies has launched the MIIS International Friendship Program, matching incoming international students from various degree programs with enthusiastic local families. The program provides a unique opportunity for students and local families to share their cultures and backgrounds with one another and learn something new. The local families are not expected to provide students with a place to stay, but rather to invite students to explore life outside of the campus.
Information Fair Helps New Students Get Established in Monterey
Local businesses and student service providers offering everything from food and transport to banking and recreational opportunities introduced themselves to new and returning students at the Monterey Institute’s second annual Student Information Fair on Wednesday, August 24. The event drew a steady crowd of new and returning students and was a great success, connecting students, many of them new to the Monterey Peninsula, to service providers in the local community.
