Newsletter

Frank wearing cultural garb while presenting to young students

Global Voices in the Classroom: IEI Student Presents to Orono Middle Schoolers

Intensive English Institute(IEI) students have successfully continued their presentation series for the Social Studies classes at Orono Middle School.This ongoing collaboration serves to integrate global perspectives into the middle school curriculum, allowing Orono students to engage directly with individuals from diverse international backgrounds. The IEI participants prepare and deliver talks focused on their home countries, […]

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Two students sitting at booth table, presenting cultural information

Culturefest 2025: A World of Cultures Unites on Campus

Our 38th annual Culturefest held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, was another success. We had more than 100 participating students represent the culture, food, and traditions of over 30 countries. More than 1,000 people were in attendance from the University and local communities. It was a wonderful celebration of international talent and tradition! Enjoy the […]

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Group photo of international alumni at coffee hour

International Student Coffee Hour: Homecoming Edition 2025

This fall marked the first time that the Office of International Programs (OIP) and the International Student Association (ISA) participated in the 91¸£Àû Homecoming celebration. On Friday, October 24, 2025, OIP & ISA hosted a special alumni edition of the International Coffee Hour, bringing together current and past 91¸£Àû students for an afternoon of connection […]

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Picture of students on Fogler library steps.

OIP Hosts the 2025 USAC Summit

In October 2025, the University of Maine’s Office of International Programs had the pleasure of hosting the annual University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Summit. We welcomed 55 international educators, including USAC’s central office leadership, 18 resident directors from USAC programs around the world, and education abroad colleagues from USAC affiliate universities in the United States. […]

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Poonam and Subrata Ghosh posing for photo

Subrata and Poonam Ghosh Giving Back

Originally published in the University of Maine Foundation’s Legacies newsletter. Subrata Ghosh came to Orono to study for an MBA at 91¸£Àû after completing hisundergraduate degree in mechanical engineering in India. Like many other Black Bearsbefore and since, Subrata recalls renting an apartment on Mill Street and walking tocampus on frigid February mornings. That ultimately […]

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Kannan Sockalingam '00, '02G with his wife Visa and their two kids

Gratitude Corner: Kannan’s Story

Kannan Sockalingam ’00, ’02G was an involved international student at 91¸£Àû while working on his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering. Two decades after graduation, Kannan remains involved with his alma mater by serving on the OIP Advisory Board and through his philanthropy. His friendships from his student days at 91¸£Àû remain strong. Last […]

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