US. universities are actively participating in International Education Week, with Boston University hosting over 30 cultural events, the University of New Mexico engaging students with a mini soccer world cup, and UC Merced holding a film festival and workshops. Nationwide activities, such as the “Raise the Bar” event in D.C., emphasize the value of multilingualism in careers.
In a celebration of global interconnectedness and educational diversity, institutions across the United States are embracing the International Education Week with an array of engaging and enlightening activities. This initiative, jointly promoted by the US Department of State and the US Department of Education, advocates for the significant role that international education plays in fostering global competencies and relationships.
Boston University (BU) has orchestrated a plethora of over 30 events under the aegis of BU Global Programs. From November 6 to 10, the campus will be a melting pot of activities, including AI panel discussions, language games, cultural cooking demonstrations, and an international fashion show. These events highlight BU’s global presence, boasting a student body hailing from 182 nations and extensive research initiatives spanning the globe. The university’s dining halls are set to complement the cultural festivities with international cuisines, featuring dishes from the top home countries of BU’s international cohort.
Further enriching the week, BU’s study abroad programs offer students unique experiences, such as a volunteer project in Venice and food tasting in Padua. An alumni panel in Sydney will offer perspectives on international careers, while students also have the opportunity to plan their study journeys with resources for passports and information on available grants.
Concurrently, the University of New Mexico is hosting its own vibrant International Education Week. Nicole Tami, the Executive Director of Global Education Initiatives, underscores the enriching influence of UNM’s international community. The events span from a mini soccer world cup to a study abroad fair, with the intention of encouraging students to imbue their educational pursuits with international perspectives. The study abroad fair and the mini soccer world cup are emblematic of the practical and interactive approach UNM is adopting to foster international engagement.
Meanwhile, Ohio University is also commemorating 50 years of partnership with Chubu University during IEW, emphasizing the significance of global education. Interim Associate Provost for Global Affairs Gillian Ice stresses the value of international perspectives for student success in an increasingly interconnected world.
A series of celebratory events will feature a visit from Chubu University delegates, including President Yoshimi Takeuchi. They will participate in an IEW Gala and a meeting with Ohio University’s President and Provost to renew the Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership, starting with faculty exchanges, has expanded to include diverse academic collaborations, celebrated by the planting of cherry trees and the establishment of significant Japanese collections and facilities at Ohio University.
The IEW itinerary is diverse, with international dinners, workshops, film screenings, and cultural events across campus. These initiatives are designed to engage the Ohio University community with global cultures and discussions. Moreover, the IEW serves as a platform for US institutions to highlight international educational opportunities and collaboration, aligned with the initiative by the US Department of State and Education Department to recognize global education and exchange.
The capstone of the IEW events at the national level is the “Raise the Bar: Advancing Careers through Multilingual Education” event in Washington, D.C., which spotlights the importance of multilingual education in advancing careers. The event features insights from speakers like Frances Vavrus and fellowship alumni, offering networking opportunities for future educators and students alike.
Looking back at IEW 2022, the Go Global Ed Podcast remains a highlight, showcasing discussions on international education’s sustained impact. A Joint Statement of Principles issued by the US government in 2021 continues to underline the country’s commitment to international student programs and the internationalization of US education, solidifying the week’s importance.
In essence, International Education Week emerges not just as a series of disparate events but as a cohesive, nationwide celebration and reaffirmation of the value of global learning. It is a dynamic confluence where academic institutions across the US synchronously revel in the cultural tapestry that international students weave into the educational fabric, bolstering cross-cultural understanding and opening pathways for global citizenship and careers.
