Join us in celebrating International Education Week!
International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education was first held in 2000, and today, is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide.
For members of the VCU community, we hope IEW will be an opportunity for you to learn something new, discover international opportunities in your program such as studying abroad, or meet someone from a different part of the world.
The Global Education Office organizes specific events to celebrate international diversity here at VCU, as well as recognizes events being hosted by other offices around campus.
International Education Week Schedule of Events
Friday, November 9
School of World Studies Student Research Conference
9 a.m. – 3 p.m., University Student Commons
The VCU School of World Studies, Global Education Office, and Department of History are pleased to host the 18th Annual Student Research Conference. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, graduate and undergraduate students will present 15-minute presentations on topics related to the concepts of Freedom and Independence in both their local and global manifestations. Returning study abroad participants will discuss their experiences as well as hold a panel discussion and Q/A session. Panel discussion: Noon-12:50 p.m. University Student Commons, Richmond Salon 3
Monday, November 12 – Friday, November 16
Education Abroad Ambassadors on Campus
Interested in hearing a first-hand account of what it’s like to study abroad? Look for VCU’s Study Abroad Ambassadors around campus this week who will be wearing black and gold t-shirts and buttons that say “Ask me about my study abroad.” They will be more than willing to discuss their experiences with you and provide advice about how you can benefit from studying abroad. Contact: abroad@vcu.edu
Tastes from Around the World: Shafer Court Dining Center
Each day throughout the week, VCU Dining Services will feature cuisine from a different part of the world. Look for signs in Shafer Court Dining Center to see what’s on the menu each day. Contact: geo@vcu.edu
Monday, November 12
OMSA Diversity Film Series
Becoming American: The Chinese Experience: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., OMSA
The OMSA Diversity Film Series is designed to offer films that reflect the full spectrum of issues related to multiculturalism. This week, OMSA will host a screening of Becoming American: The Chinese Experience. “In the saga of American immigration, the Chinese experience is relatively unknown. But it's a dramatic story of struggle and triumph, progress and setbacks, discrimination and assimilation.” Contact: omsa@vcu.edu
VCU Globe Open House
3 p.m., West Grace South
VCU offers a unique global education experience right here on campus. Students are invited to learn about VCU Globe, VCU's newest living-learning community. This is an exciting new opportunity for rising VCU sophomores from around the world to live and learn together on campus and engage with cultural groups locally and internationally. VCU Globe is now accepting applications. Contact: theglobe@vcu.edu
100 Years of Polish History in One Hour, presented by the Polish Student Association at VCU
8:15 p.m., Commons, Virginia Room B
It will be a subjective selection of most important events in recent Polish history. We will walk you through two World Wars, different faces of Communism, transformations in Poland and Europe, and, of course, Polish - American relations.
Tuesday, November 13
VCU Passport Fair
12 p.m. – 3 p.m., University Student Commons, Canal Room
Apply for your passport today! Representatives from the Washington Passport Agency will be on campus today to provide information, answer questions, and help you apply for your passport. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE, please be sure to visit travel.state.gov for a list of items you must bring with you to apply. Contact: vrrussell@vcu.edu
Tips for Submitting Evidence of U.S. Citizenship [pdf]
Popular Resistance to State Terror in Guatemala Guest Lecture
2 p.m., Commons, Richmond Salons III-IV
The Vice President for Diversity and Equity, College of Humanities and Sciences, Global Education Office, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and Year of Freedom host Emilio del Valle Escalante, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, as he presents on popular resistance to state terror in Guatemala. For more information, contact eihiett@vcu.edu or visit http://www.global.vcu.edu/pdf/guest-lecture.pdf.
Food and Culture in Francophone Worlds
4 p.m., Commons, Forum Room
Contact: eeroman@vcu.edu.
Event details [pdf]
Wednesday, November 14
International Education Week Fair
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rodney’s at Shafer Court Dining Center
The Global Education Office and VCU Dining Services are pleased to host the International Education Week Fair at Rodney’s inside Shafer Court Dining Center. Come sample international cuisine from local restaurants and learn more about GEO programs including VCU Education Abroad, VCU Globe, and Community Connections. Enjoy cultural performances and international music selections, too! Contact: vrrussell@vcu.edu
Thursday, November 15
International Café
12 p.m.-2 p.m., University Student Commons, Virginia Rooms B-D
Students, staff and community visitors are welcome to attend the International Café. This week we will recognize the many different cultures represented at VCU with tables displaying art, fashion, photography, and other areas of creativity. This time of socializing and refreshments offers the opportunity for international and American students to connect with each other in a casual setting. Contact: pohaney@vcu.edu
Coffee, Culture & Community
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., University of Richmond
Interested in broadening your network of international friends within the Richmond community? VCU students will have the opportunity to meet University of Richmond students. The U of R chapter of Phi Beta Delta will provide coffee, sweets and international samplings. Just provide your good company. Transportation provided. Meet in front of the Franklin Street Gym at 3:30 p.m. Contact: syoung8@vcu.edu
Friday, November 16
A Starry Night, Diwali Charity Banquet, presented by the Indian Student Association at VCU
7 p.m., Commons, Virginia Rooms A-D
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights! Enjoy beautiful performances, delicious food, and great company. All proceeds will go toward Sankara Eye Foundation. Dress to impress and enjoy dinner and performances as we come together to help eradicate curable blindness in India. Contact any executive board member to buy your ticket now! Contact: vcu.isa.eboard@gmail.com
