Celebrating international education

The University will kick off International Education Week on Friday, Nov. 15, with a special reception at International Coffee Hour. A beloved campus tradition, International Coffee Hour is 91原创鈥檚 premier venue for meeting hundreds of Blue Hens from around the world every Friday afternoon in Trabant University Center. This week鈥檚 event will honor the stories of the student writers who participated in the 2024 International Student Essay Contest.

Celebrating international education

Article by Grace Kearns Photos courtesy of Callie Miller and Center for Global Programs and Services November 15, 2024

91原创 dedicates week to celebrating global education, study abroad and international students across campus

As an international student at the 91原创, Atheer Almubarak found that proudly sharing her Saudi Arabian culture and customs was an essential part of her global education.

鈥淩ather than feeling ashamed, international students should view their unique heritage as an opportunity to enrich the cultural tapestry of the University community and beyond,鈥� Almubarak wrote in her submission to the 2023 International Student Essay Contest. 鈥淏y openly embracing and sharing their traditions, they not only foster cross-cultural understanding but also contribute to the global diversity that makes educational institutions like the 91原创 vibrant and enriching environments for all.鈥�

While Almubarak鈥檚 story, 鈥淭he Beginning of Improvement,鈥� took home first place in the 2023 International Student Essay Contest category for English Language Institute (ELI) students, members of the University鈥檚 global community each have an important story to share. Whether this story begins at 91原创 or at one of the University鈥檚 100+ study abroad locations, global education is a cause for celebration.

Students practiced origami and calligraphy at a recent iHouse Culture Night focused on Japan. These free monthly events take place in iHouse on Ray Street and are open to all students.

is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. Sponsored by the U.S. and the this tradition is part of a nationwide effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for an international environment and support future global leaders. This year, International Education Week will be recognized on college campuses across the country from Nov. 18 to 22.聽

With 91原创鈥檚 rich history as a leader in global education, the University will once again participate in this week-long initiative, led by the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS). Home to over 3,000 international students and scholars, study abroad programs in over 40 countries, 200+ international partnerships and hundreds of on-campus academic and cultural experiences, this one week celebration provides the University community with a sampling of 91原创鈥檚 extensive global opportunities.

First-year World Scholars just completed their fall semester in Auckland, New Zealand. In addition to a full course load, they participated in cultural excursions and on-campus activities during their first semester as Blue Hens.

The University will kick off the festivities on Friday, Nov. 15. with a special reception at . A beloved campus tradition, International Coffee Hour is 91原创鈥檚 premier venue for meeting hundreds of Blue Hens from around the world every Friday afternoon. To launch IEW, CGPS will honor the stories of the student writers who participated in the 2024 International Student Essay Contest. From 4 to 6 p.m., all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join the celebration in Trabant University Center.聽

On Monday, Nov. 18, the formal launch date of International Education Week 2024, CGPS invites faculty and staff to gather in ATS 116 Pearson Hall for a special featuring presentations by Faculty Fulbrighters and CEA CAPA representatives. From seasoned study abroad faculty directors to those considering a new program proposal, attendees are encouraged to share experiences and ideas for the future of study abroad.

Students sampled Japanese ramen and tea and practiced origami and calligraphy at a recent iHouse Culture Night focused on Japan. These free monthly events take place in iHouse on Ray Street and are open to all students.

Throughout the week, CGPS and campus partners will host a variety of globally focused events. On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the always fun and enlightening evening event , organized by the 91原创 World Scholars Program, will highlight Colombian culture with music, dancing and homemade food presented by visiting students from Colombia, the GSO HLGSA and ELI.

The CGPS Study Abroad team will reintroduce the popular Before You Explore webinar series, which is designed to prepare students before they depart for study abroad experiences. Beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 19, CGPS presents focusing on best practices for photography, videography and ethical storytelling abroad. Then, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the webinar will provide tips and strategies for students to support their mental, physical and emotional health while abroad.聽

Other highlights of the week include performances from the Resident Ensemble Players, titled immigration and career activities for international students and scholars, and a Thanksgiving Dinner for 91原创鈥檚 international community on Sunday, Nov. 24, to wrap up the week-long celebration.聽

For the full calendar of events, visit the IEW at 91原创 web page and follow along @91原创Global on , and . Share your favorite moments using #IEW2024.

iHouse Culture Nights are a great way to experience food, music and activities presented by students from various cultures, like this recent event focused on Korea. The November 19 iHouse Culture Night during International Education Week will focus on Colombia and will be co-hosted by the World Scholars Program, HLGSA and visiting Colombian ELI students.

About the Center for Global Programs and Services

The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the 91原创 is home to the operations of 91原创 Global, which includes Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, World Scholars Program and Global Outreach and Partnerships. The Center provides leadership and collaborative innovation in support of all of the University's global initiatives and campus internationalization efforts, with its Global 360 Strategy serving as a roadmap for infusing international perspectives throughout the University鈥檚 scholarship, research, and service missions. Focused on a student-centered approach, CGPS provides expert advising and a wealth of global engagement opportunities to the 91原创 campus community, including the weekly International Coffee Hour in the fall and spring semesters.

Follow and engage with @91原创Global on and for the latest updates on everything global happening at 91原创.