MPTC Students in Germany June 2, 2014

It was a busy day for the students traveling in Germany today. It began with a lot of bustling pots, pans, cutting boards and knives as German and American students worked together to create a traditional German meal. On the menu was Wiener Schnitzel, White Asparagus with Hollandaise,  Roasted Potatoes, Braised Mushrooms in Cream and Fried Bread Dumplings.

After hours of work the final meal was served...

In addition to a great meal Fr. Corinna Haake, an instructor from the Peter Behrens Schule and German wine expert, introduced the students to the basics of wine selection and tasting.

Next on the agenda was a tour of the local Phungstadt Brewery, a traditional German brewer which was established in 1831. The students learned the history of the art of German beer brewing as well as how it is produced today. After the tour, students sampled different beers and snacked on traditional German cold cuts and sausages. Certainly after this day, no one went home hungry.

For more information and more photos, please visit the International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Facebook page or International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Flickr album.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to move on to Italy this week!

Germany Updates May 30, 2014

This past weekend, students participated in a number of different activities with their host friends and families. Many attended Schlossgrabenfest 2014 (say that 10 times really fast) which is a large music festival at the Graben Castle in the center of Darmstadt. Others toured downtown Frankfurt with its many shops, street performers and international cuisine. My hosts and I attended a wine festival just south of the city in Zwienenberg where we also visited a local vineyard.

Tomorrow the American and German students will be preparing a meal together at the Fredrich Liste Schule, a college similar to MPTC. The cuisine will of course be German.

For more photos and information visit the International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Facebook page or International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Flickr album.

 Stay tuned for many more activities to come!

Students Arrive in Germany!

Students enjoyed their first full day of fun, food and tours in Darmstadt, Germany! Culinary Arts Instructor James Simmers shares that students had a busy day touring a German garden with its own grill house, a castle built in the 12th century in Mount Tannenberg, and even the Lufthansa Training Center! 

It's already a very enjoyable and educational program, and students are even staying with host families in the Darmstadt region as part of our ongoing German exchange.

Check out pictures on the International Education Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/internationalmptc (updated regularly!).

 

FREE Income Tax Returns!

Yet again, Moraine Park students are helping out the community through service-learning!

Moraine Park Technical College accounting program students are providing free income tax assistance. This is a great service-learning project that allows students to take what they learn from their accounting class and apply it to situations in their community.

Income must be $51,000 or less

Items you need to bring to have your tax returns prepared

·         Proof of identification (picture id)

·         Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration

·         Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return

·         Current year’s tax package if you received one

·         Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers

·         Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

·         A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available

·         Bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit

·         Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)

·         To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

·         If claiming the Homestead Credit for the State of Wisconsin, an original renter’s certificate signed by the landlord.

Dates for FREE income tax returns:

On the Fond du Lac campus

Room O-213/214

Thursday, February 20 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, February 27 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, March 6 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, March 13 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, March 27 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, April 3 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, April 10 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, April 3 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

Thursday, April 10 from 2:00 p.m.– 5:00p.m.

It’s tax time and we are ready for YOU!

Study Abroad in Summer 2014!

Ready to see the world and experience new cultures? Would you like to live in another country for the summer? This summer, MPTC students can live abroad and earn 6-8 college credits through our partnership with the Illinois Consortium for International Studies & Programs (ICISP). Month-long study abroad opportunities for the summer include Costa Rica, China, Austria and France.

Costa Rica: Students will receive seven semester hours of credit in Spanish language (all levels) and Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica. The Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica class consists of lectures and discussions accompanied by field trips and activities designed to engage students in active learning and discovery. There will be additional optional excursions to La Fortuna Waterfall and Isla Tortuga.

Costa Rica is just one location where MPTC students can spend the summer and earn college credit!

Austria: Students can earn college credit in topics ranging from International Business to Photography at Salzburg College, a private college for English-speaking students. At the college, students attend classes taught in English by Austrian professors. Classes are small and allow for a close relationship with the instructor. The instruction in this program will entail classroom instruction as well as field trips and immersion experiences.

China: The program includes a four-week stay in residence halls at Xian International University, as well as classes on culture and the Chinese language. Students will also participate in exciting field trips while earning college credit.

France: Students will study in Dijon, France, located at the crossroads of Europe. Capital of gastronomy and gateway to the prestigious vineyards of Burgundy, Dijon is exceptionally rich in history and art. Heir to the splendors of the glorious court of the Dukes of Burgundy, the city boasts numerous monuments, museums, and architectural jewels including churches, cathedrals, and private residences dating from the Middle Ages.

Students: Did you know you can earn college credit in France this summer or fall?!

Applications for summer opportunities will be due in early February, so get started soon! There will also be opportunities to spend the entire fall semester abroad while earning MPTC credits. Locations for Fall 2014 will include those listed above as well as Spain, England and Ireland. For more information, contact International Education at international@morainepark.edu. 

Students Helping Boys and Girls Club!

Learn how MPTC students are dramatically impacting their community through service-learning! Don't forget to watch the video!

Professor Marla Pearce asked her team building and problem solving class to find a problem in the community and solve it. This team went above and beyond helping the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson.

The group named their team "scope" because they looked into a problem and how to solve it. The "problem" they decided to tackle was the lack of funds and supplies at The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson. Sue Bliese is the director of The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson and was very helpful in working with them by giving the group information. Sue informed the students on what they needed in terms of supplies. The group took the information they were told and brainstormed on how they could help.

The first thing they decided to do to help solve this problem was have a donation drive. The group had a three week drive that was from October 1st- October 18th. To raise awareness of our drive they created and printed out flyers that each group member distributed throughout their neighborhoods and towns. The drop-off locations for any supplies that people wanted to donate were at Jimmy's Restaurant, Walgreens and Associated Bank all located in Jackson.

From the donation drive they received many donations from pencils to furniture and recreational activities. Individually they went out into the community to gather up anything they could. The group managed to get a brand new flat screen TV, couches and chairs, $60 in giftcards, cleaning supplies, snacks, two Foosball tables, an air hockey table and about six-seven big buckets full of miscellaneous toys and other items.

On October 18^th the group all met together at the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson and brought all of the donations there.

Click on the video to see the reactions from the children when the MPTC students revealed the donations they collected!
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWU0gKx4BSQ#

Team Scope did a great job solving a problem in the community!

International Education in JAMAICA!

MPTC students just returned from our first study abroad, service-learning trip to Jamaica! Students worked with the Blue Mountain Project in rural Jamaica, and the collaborative program included students and faculty from Moraine Park, Madison Area Technical College, and Red Rocks Community College. During the 10-day program, students installed solar panels, worked on literacy projects with children in Hagley Gap, and worked in health clinics. Students stayed with local families and enjoyed learning about Jamaican culture.

Nursing students conducted blood pressure clinics, conducted home visits, and shared information on health topics at schools in rural Jamaica. MPTC students Liz Rohde (left) and Kassie Anderson (right) are pictured with Hagley Gap community members and Madison College student Lindsey James. 

MPTC students Meghan Stubbe and Kristy Sparacio worked in both education and nursing. The students are pictured with children from the Hagley Gap Basic School.

MPTC student Hannah Miller worked in renewable energy. She is pictured with Madison College student Scott Donovan. The students were excited to install solar panels.

Students and faculty were excited to share information about renewable energy! MPTC students Kristy Sparacio and Meghan Stubbe, as well as instructor Amy Patterson, attended this presentation at Minto Primary School. Troy Wanek from Red Rocks Community College facilitated the work in renewable energy throughout the week.

The group was excited to bring donations to the Blue Mountain Project from the MPTC Multicultural Club and Hillside Dental Associates. Thank you to these groups for their support! International Education would also like to thank the Rotary Club of Beaver Dam for their scholarship donation to assist one student with the travel costs. The wonderful support from the Moraine Park community has been very much appreciated!

To see more pictures and learn more about study abroad opportunities, visit the International Education Facebook page!