During International Education Week, celebrated Nov. 18 to 22 this year, the University’s Global Engagement Office has organized a week of special events to enhance global awareness among WCU students and community members. All are free and open to the public, fostering a global environment on campus and promoting intercultural exchange.

The Country Expo kicks off the week on Monday, Nov. 18, from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM in Sykes Student Union Ballrooms. International students will showcase the cultures and traditions of their home countries and study abroad alumni will be on hand to discuss their experiences. Campus partners will highlight scholarship opportunities for international education, tips and tricks for an international experience on a resume, and more.

Special Events Highlighting Global Education and Intercultural Exchange

Throughout the week, several information sessions and unique cultural events emphasize the transformative power of international education. These include:

• Artist-curated Prints Exhibition and Talk by Mexican Artist and Academic Luis Verdejo: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2:00 PM, E.O. Bull Center. Luis Verdejo will exhibit his monotype prints and discuss his creative process, techniques, and the inspiration behind his work. He is hosted by Dr. Daniela Johannes (Languages and Cultures) and David Jones (Art + Design).
• Mexican Scholar and Poet Tania Favela: Poetry Reading & Workshop: Thursday, Nov. 21, 3:00 PM, Mitchell Hall 102. Tania Favela will give a bilingual poetry reading and co-lead a workshop with Verdejo exploring the fusion of poetry and visual art and guiding participants to create their own poems. The event will be moderated by Johannes (Languages and Cultures) and Nancy Pearson (English).
• Through Our Eyes: A Journey in Greece: Thursday, Nov. 21, 3:00 PM, Global Engagement Center Multipurpose Room, Mitchell Hall, 4th floor. Created by students who studied abroad in Greece, this documentary-style film takes the audience on an inspiring journey, showcasing Greece’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture through the eyes of WCU students.
• Publishing with Students after Studying Abroad: Thursday, Nov. 21, 10:00 a.m., Zoom event (Meeting ID: 813 721 5539  |  Passcode: 376415). After publishing a book with 24 students called Journeys to South Africa (Peter Lang 2023; read more about the book here), Dr. Victoria Tischio (English) shares her experiences about the process of developing the study abroad experience into a book. She will also facilitate a workshop where attendees can brainstorm their own approach to publishing with students after international education experiences. For more information, contact Tischio by email with any questions at VTischio@wcupa.edu.

In addition to these events, Francis Harvey Green (FHG) Library has arranged several special events. Each day, from 3:30-5:00 PM, enjoy “Tea and Tales from Around the World” at the second-floor help desk, with different international tea selections representing various regions.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, engage with members of a “human library” in which individuals will act as “human books” to be on loan to “readers.” The objective is to create a safe space for people to converse about topics that are difficult and controversial and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices through a conversation with those they would not normally meet. The event will take place from 2-4:00 PM in FHG Library Room 252.

International education advances cultural understanding and the protection of cultural heritage while also preparing individuals to work in a global society. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of the University’s efforts to promote programs that prepare students for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. Find more about International Education Week here and Visit the University’s Global Engagement Office for more information.

Learn more at WCU. Enrolling more than 17,000 students, West Chester University is the largest institution in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Founded in 1871, the University is a comprehensive public institution, offering a diverse range of more than 200 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in more than 50 fields of study.