Celebrating international education
Photos courtesy of Callie Miller and Center for Global Programs and Services November 15, 2024
UD dedicates week to celebrating global education, study abroad and international students across campus
As an international student at the University of Delaware, Atheer Almubarak found that proudly sharing her Saudi Arabian culture and customs was an essential part of her global education.
“Rather than feeling ashamed, international students should view their unique heritage as an opportunity to enrich the cultural tapestry of the University community and beyond,” Almubarak wrote in her submission to the 2023 International Student Essay Contest. “By 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 University of Delaware vibrant and enriching environments for all.”
While Almubarak’s story, “The Beginning of Improvement,” took home first place in the 2023 International Student Essay Contest category for English Language Institute (ELI) students, members of the University’s global community each have an important story to share. Whether this story begins at UD or at one of the University’s 100+ study abroad locations, global education is a cause for celebration.
International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Education, 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.
With UD’s 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 UD’s extensive global opportunities.
The University will kick off the festivities on Friday, Nov. 15. with a special reception at International Coffee Hour. A beloved campus tradition, International Coffee Hour is UD’s 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.
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 Facult-TEA time 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.
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 iHouse Culture Night, organized by the UD 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 “Global Stewardship and Storytelling,” focusing on best practices for photography, videography and ethical storytelling abroad. Then, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the “Be Well Abroad” webinar will provide tips and strategies for students to support their mental, physical and emotional health while abroad.
Other highlights of the week include performances from the Resident Ensemble Players, titled “Rough Crossing, immigration and career activities for international students and scholars, and a Thanksgiving Dinner for UD’s international community on Sunday, Nov. 24, to wrap up the week-long celebration.
For the full calendar of events, visit the IEW at UD web page and follow along @UDGlobal on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Share your favorite moments using #IEW2024.
About the Center for Global Programs and Services
The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the University of Delaware is home to the operations of UD 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’s scholarship, research, and service missions. Focused on a student-centered approach, CGPS provides expert advising and a wealth of global engagement opportunities to the UD campus community, including the weekly International Coffee Hour in the fall and spring semesters.
Follow and engage with @UDGlobal on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates on everything global happening at UD.
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