International Education Week ‘23 offers opportunities for international and cultural awareness
Contact: Nicol Tinsley
VCU Global Education Office
(804) 828-6463
nctinsley@vcu.edu
Richmond, VA (November 9, 2023) —Virginia Commonwealth University will celebrate International Education Week from Nov. 13 - 17, 2023, as the Global Education Office recognizes the university’s efforts for globalization throughout the school. International Education Week is a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, and is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative was first held in 2000, and today is celebrated in more than 100 countries across the world.
The theme of the week this year is “International Education is the Future,” which shines the spotlight on how international education is continuously forging us into the future.
"This year's theme addresses international education and the future, and the events that we have planned at VCU reflects this theme,” said Jill Blondin, Ph.D., associate vice provost for global initiatives. “We want to celebrate globally-engaged individuals and the many ways in which they play a part in making our community and the world a better place."
The Global Education Office will host a series of events throughout the week to celebrate VCU’s global initiatives. These activities and events will bring awareness to global engagement and internationalization efforts at the university. The scheduled events offer a wide variety of engagement, including a reception and information session for students, staff and faculty interested in learning more about the new L & L Friendship Scholarship Fund that will assist with study abroad funding; a reception celebrating VCU international scholars who provide valuable contributions to the university in the area of research; and a panel discussion with globally-engaged VCU alumni who will discuss their experiences and encourage student interest in the global workforce.
More information can be viewed regarding 2023 International Education Week in VCUNews.
Scheduled events and activities for International Education Week include:
VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series
The VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series consists of virtual advisor-led workshops, focused on topics relevant to the university’s F-1 students. During IEW, there will be four workshops on the following topics:
- Nov. 14, 9 a.m. - Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) This workshop is intended for students who are graduating at the end of the current semester.
- Nov. 15, 10 a.m. - F-1 Travel
- Nov. 16, 3 p.m. - Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Nov. 17, 10 a.m. - Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Register for the workshops
Coffee and Conversation with Phi Beta Delta
Tuesday, Nov. 14
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
W. Grace St. Center, 912 West Grace St.
3rd floor, Room 3126
Phi Beta Delta is the honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. Speak with members of the society, and find out how the organization can help you during your time here at VCU!
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Showcase
Tuesday, Nov. 14
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Student Commons, Virginia Room B
Pompeii Virtual Tour
Tuesday, Nov. 14
1:30 - 2:30 p.m., EST
Zoom registration
Take a virtual tour of the extraordinary excavation site of Pompeii, led by Sant'Anna Institute archaeology faculty!
ELP Tea Time with Rodney the Ram
Wednesday, Nov. 15
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
W. Grace St. Center, 912 West Grace St.
3rd floor lounge
Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and great conversation with old and new friends as we celebrate International Education Week! Rodney the Ram will make a special appearance to help celebrate our international students. All are welcome for this fun-filled time of connecting with each other.
Rams Around the World: International Alumni Meetup (Virtual Event)
Wednesday, Nov. 15
Noon - 1 p.m.
Zoom
Register
Tap into VCU’s global alumni community with this Rams Around the World webinar. Join internationally-located and global-minded alumni to meet, network, and hear from fellow Rams about their unique career paths and life abroad. Includes networking breakout rooms and a question and answer session with a panel of global alumni.
VCU Alumni Panelists:
Aisha Kamara - foreign affairs officer at U.S. Department of State
Oscar Kemp - Fulbright English teaching assistant - Uganda
Jada Moss - assistant general counsel at The Brookings Institution
Razmila Razaak - program coordinator, Global Outreach
Budgeting While Studying Abroad
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 3 p.m.
W. Grace St. Center, 912 West Grace St.
3rd floor, Room 3126
This event is designed for VCU students preparing for a study abroad experience during the winter break or spring semester to learn more about how to prepare and stick to a budget while abroad.
L & L Friendship Fund Reception for Students, Faculty, and Staff
Wednesday, Nov. 15
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Student Commons, Richmond Salons II & III
Come out to celebrate the announcement of the L & L Friendship Fund, established to help students with demonstrated financial need study abroad. Study abroad returnees will speak about the impact of their global learning experiences, and Global Learning staff will present an information session about the new fund and ways all students can access study abroad affordably. Light refreshments will be served.
Boren Scholarship Info Session
Thursday, Nov. 16
2:15-3:15 p.m.
National Scholarship Office
701 W. Grace Street, Room 1210, or via Zoom
Join the National Scholarship Office and Boren Awards representative, Michael Saffle, program director, for this workshop on the Boren Awards application's national security question. While Boren has a broad definition of national security (including food insecurity, global economies, public health, and more), students are expected to have a narrow one that aligns with their skills and interests. Saffle will offer advice on how to approach this essay question and help workshop participants think about their own answers.
J-1 Scholars Reception
Thursday, Nov. 16
3:30 - 5 p.m.
Student Commons, Richmond Salons III & IV
A reception will recognize the scholars attending VCU on a J-1 visa. The occasion will feature Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, who will speak about the accomplishments of the scholars and contributions they make to VCU.
Attendance to this event is by invitation, and those interested may RSVP for the event.
Tour of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for English Language Program Students
Thursday, Nov. 16
Noon -1 p.m.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Level three English Language Program students will tour the Virginia Museum of Fines Arts and have the opportunity to share their experiences, cultural perspectives and thoughts about selected works of art from the permanent collection at the VMFA. Students will be accompanied by Jane Nucup, immigration advisor.
Study Abroad and Career
Friday, Nov. 17
Noon - 12:30 EST
Instagram Live @Santannainstitute
View an interview with Chad, Jenny and Paula, Sant’Anna alumni with successful career stories after their impactful study abroad experiences. Learn how their study abroad in Sorrento, Italy changed their life and influenced their future job opportunities.
Several of the scheduled events require registration to attend. Those interested in attending are encouraged to sign up for any events with registrations.
Learn more about the university’s celebration of International Education Week and scheduled events and activities.