Oct. 26 marks the start of International Education Week (IEW) events at Bryant University, an annual celebration of international education and cultural competency, featuring a series of activities highlighting the value of study abroad and offering education on various cultures and traditions.
IEW programming offers over 16 programs and events this year, including a guest speaker featuring Andy Stoll, a social entrepreneur and global citizen who, drawing on his experiences traveling the world, speaks on the importance of cultural competency as a leadership skill for the 21st century. Stoll's presentation is scheduled in collaboration with Bryant’s Day of Understanding organizers and the University's Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.”
Some highlights from IEW include:
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Fireside Chat Global Learning, Global Experiences: three International Business seniors discuss how the IB Program is jumpstarting their global careers, moderated by Professor Jacqueline Saslawski, J.D., IB Program Director
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A Study Abroad Experience with the International Student Organization: Participants have an opportunity to learn about each other’s about study abroad experiences and the experience of an international student.
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Language Is the Roadmap to a Culture: A space for English as a Second Language speakers to share the many ways that their native language reflects its culture and how that influenced learning English—an interactive way to practice cultural competency.
The IEW is the result of collaborative efforts among multiple departments on campus, says event organizer Emily Collins Garcia, Coordinator for International Student Integration at the PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Student help, including marketing assistance provided by Anya Ha ’22, a Communication major who is attending Bryant remotely from Russia, also has been an important contribution.
Additional hosting offices include:
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International Affairs, Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
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International Business Association
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International Student Organization
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PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion
The OISS calls International Education Week "an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide." A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, "the IEW is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.”
Accessible events and programming
Because of the pandemic, “event accessibility was a top priority for our planning this year,” said Garcia. Events are taking place through Nov. 11 to help students participate in between their studies. Some events are offered in hybrid format, some are completely virtual.
An outline of events is available on Bryant Engaged and the Bryant Events Calendar. IEW events are open to Bryant community members.
If you have questions about the IEW program contact Emily Collins Garcia at ecollinsgarcia@bryant.edu
