Marian’s International Education Week
Marian University had its annual International Education and Cultural Appreciation week from November 18-22, at Clare Hall in the Dining Commons. This event was organized by the Global engagement office here at Marian.
The event is celebrated throughout the
U.S. it is a joint program between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. You can learn more about it here. The Global Engagement Office (GEO) wanted to be more inclusive as Marian has such a diverse campus. Marian has added cultural appreciation in recognition of the many cultures represented on its campus. The theme this year was “explore.”
According to Rhonda Hinkle, the executive director of the global engagement office, Marian knows education is a powerful tool for creating connections and promoting cultural understanding, which are key components of GEO’s work. Engaging with Diversity and Global Learning is a high-impact practice, which affords students opportunities for deeper, more engaged learning.
Its goal is to encourage students to explore opportunities to study abroad for American students, explore exchange programs for international students to come to the United States, explore fields of study that need minds interested in STEM, explore the minds that are changing the world after having been part of a U.S. exchange program, explore languages and cultures new to them, and explore all opportunities international education offers.
“It helps Marian to better prepare students to become transformative leaders for service to the world,” said Hinkle.
The program will be used as a source to help students learn about study abroad opportunities and the benefits of studying abroad as well as learning about different holidays and cultures. GEO supports study abroad, international students, global partnerships, and cultural awareness/ understanding. This week provides a way to draw attention to different study abroad opportunities (programs and internships), as well as celebrate our international students.
According to Hinkle, the Intercultural Research Symposium had to be cancelled due to some technological issues that prevented the development of the research posters.
This week is used to raise awareness, celebrate cult
ure, and help global engagement. Marian has been able to provide passport photos to help U.S. students get a passport.
“We’ve recognized international students and what they bring to our campus and country,” said Hinkle.
Through collaborations with Languages and Cultures, Marian has celebrated Noël en Novembre which helped students to learn more about how Christmas is celebrated in France and explored photography and international internships in Germany. Through their co-sponsorship with the Asian Student Association (ASA), Marian had a Henna Night, where students were able to learn a bit more about the South Asian art of henna or mehndi and students had the opportunity to create their own art.
According to Hinkle, through collaboration with Dining Services and University Ministry, they were able to try some global fusion entrees and a Spanish Language Mass, providing food for the stomach and for the soul.
These collaborations with student groups and campus departments all serve to celebrate its vibrant, diverse community as well as the global opportunities available to Marian’s students.
