International Education Week
International Education Week (IEW) is November 13-17, 2023. This week 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 It is an effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.
This year’s theme, “International Education Is the Future” explores the many ways that international education is driving us into the future.
Below are events that will be held throughout the week at VCU, and we encourage all to come out and participate in the various activities.
Note: Several of the events require registration and RSVP to attend.
VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series
The VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series will consist 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.
912 West Grace St.
3rd floor, Room 3126
Come out to hear all about Phi Beta Delta, 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 while navigating your time here at VCU!
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!
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Showcase
Tuesday, Nov. 14
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Student Commons, Virginia Room B
Come learn about all the ways you can spend your spring break or summer abroad on a group program guided by VCU faculty!
ELP Tea Time with Rodney the Ram
Wednesday, Nov. 15
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
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
12 p.m. - 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.
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.
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
12 - 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: https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83712120714.
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), they expect students 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.
Register to attend
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J-1 Scholars Reception
Thursday, Nov. 16
3:30 - 5 p.m.
Student Commons, Richmond Salons III & IV
A reception will be held recognizing 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.
This event requires an invitation and RSVP to attend.
Tour of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for English Language Program Students
Thursday, Nov. 16
12 -1 p.m.
VMFA, 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.
Thanksgiving Dinner for International Students
Thursday, Nov. 16
6:30 p.m.
STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St.
A Thanksgiving celebration will be held for international students to experience a traditional meal and connect with other VCU students and community members.
Students are welcome to register to attend this special dinner.
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.