Webster University Celebrates International Education Week Nov. 15-19

International Education Week (IEW) is an annual nationwide celebration of international education and exchange that will take place Monday, Nov. 15 ;through Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. It is an opportunity to “celebrate the benefits of education and exchange worldwide," per the U.S. Department of State (iew.state.gov). Colleges and universities across the country, as well as embassies, international organizations, and businesses, host globally themed events and activities throughout the week. IEW began in 2000 as a joint initiative through the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education with the goal to foster and celebrate international experiences.

In alignment with Webster University’s global mission, and celebrate its international community, a number of events will be held at Webster campuses during IEW 2021. All faculty, staff and students are welcome to participate in the programming.

WINS Partner Events: Many institutions within the Webster International Network of Schools (WINS) are celebrating International Education week with on-campus and virtual activities. Check out the “WINS-IEW Corner” at the end after scrolling through Webster’s activities to see what’s on offer across the WINS partner network!

Note: This listing may be updated as more events or added or existing events are revised.

Monday, Nov. 15

Summer Study Abroad Warm Up: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., EAB Lobby 2nd Floor. Sponsored by the Office of Study Abroad.

Stop by this information table to learn about Summer 2022 study abroad opportunities. Drink some hot chocolate with the Office of Study Abroad staff and start thinking about what you will be doing during the warmer days of summer. Now is the perfect time to plan. Free sunglasses will be given out while supplies last.

Main Audience: St. Louis area students, faculty, and staff

Tashkent Campus Lecture on Human Rights in International Relations, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. (Tashkent Time) and Nov. 17, 12:30 p.m. (Tashkent Time). Sponsored by Webster Tashkent.

Due to the time of the event, it will be primarily offered to the Tashkent Campus and Webster international campuses.

Webster Tashkent will have two members of their faculty give talks on international relations as part of International Education Week. Join Professor Mladen Mrdalj on Nov. 15 for a lecture on human rights in international relations and Professor Rakhimov will lead a session on globalization on Nov. 17. Both sessions will be available on Zoom. Contact Lobarkhon Shermatova lshermatova@webster.edu at the Tashkent Campus for details on how to join.

Main Audience: Webster Tashkent and international campus students, faculty, and staff

Tuesday, Nov. 16

Free Boba Tea, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (CST), EAB First Floor Entrance. Sponsored by the Confucius Institute and the Office of Study Abroad.

Take a break and stop by this event to sample boba milk tea, a delicious tea that originated in Taiwan and is well-known throughout many countries in Asia. Learn about what is new at Webster with Chinese language, Chinese cultural programming, and study abroad to Asia.

Main Audience: St. Louis area students, faculty, and staff

Wednesday, Nov. 17

Global Food Tour Lunch Series: Dutch Food, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (CST) in Marletto’s. Sponsored by Webster Dining Services, Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs, and the Office of Study Abroad.

Experience the Global Food Tour, a semester-long lunch series in Marletto’s that features foods from Webster international campus and partner locations. This week Dutch food is on the menu-similar to what you would find in Webster Leiden! Get your food passport if you do not already have one. Earn stamps for each international food you try and enter a raffle at the end of the semester.

Main Audience: St. Louis area students, faculty, and staff

International Language Tables (Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Japanese), noon CST, EAB Commons. Sponsored by the Department of Global Languages, Cultures and Societies. Sponsored by the Department of Global Languages, Cultures and Societies and the Office of Study Abroad.

Come and practice your language skills and meet new people! Languages will include Spanish, German, French, Chinese, ESL and Japanese. There will be fun, hands-on activities and games that will engage participants. Refreshments including some sweet dessert treats will be provided.

Main Audience: Webster St. Louis students

Virtual Lunch and Learn: Webster's International Campus and International Partner Programs: 12:30 - 1 p.m. CST on Zoom. Sponsored by the Division of Global Education.

Learn about study abroad and faculty mobility opportunities at Webster’s international campuses and on international partner programs during this virtual session. Staff from the Division of Global Education will give a brief presentation and provide time for questions.

Main Audience: U.S. students, faculty and staff.

Tashkent Campus Lecture on Human Rights in International Relations: Nov. 17, 12:30 p.m. (Tashkent Time). See full description under Nov. 15 entry above.

Virtual Tai Chi Sessions: Nov. 17 at 11-11:30 a.m. and Friday, Nov. 19, at 12-12:30 p.m. via Zoom. Sponsored by the Confucius Institute and the Office of Study Abroad.

Tai Chi and meditation are ancient Chinese healing arts for holistic purposes, especially to improve cardio-vascular functions as well as reducing stress and anxiety. Master Violet Li will lead simple yet soothing exercise and meditation during International Education Week to bring tranquility to your busy life during the beautiful fall season!

Main Audience: All Webster students, faculty, and staff

Hispanic Cooking Class for Webster Staff, 4-5 p.m. in ISB 174 (ISB Cooking Lab). Sponsored by the Department of Global Languages, Cultures and Societies and the Webster Staff Alliance. RSVP required. Space is limited.

Learn to prepare an authentic tortilla soup recipe. Professor Graziella Postolache, in the Department of Global Language, Cultures and Societies will be your guide. Spots are limited to 10 people so make sure to register by Nov. 17 to worldview@webster.edu.

Main Audience: Webster St. Louis staff

Peace Corps Presents: ‘Happy National Education Week! Education Volunteers Story Slam.’ 4:30 p.m. (CST).

Attend this national session in celebration of International Education Week hosted by the Peace Corps. Discover the benefits of Peace Corps service from returned Volunteers. Hear stories about the challenging, rewarding, and inspirational moments from returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Ask questions about service through a mix and mingle after the event.

Note: The Peace Corps will be holding this event on a virtual platform. Please register to ensure that you receive access to join the event. For more information on Peace Corps events during IEW, click here.

Main Audience: Students at Webster U.S. campuses

Webster Speaks ‘Broken Promises: The Immigrant Experience in America,’ 7-8 p.m. CST on Zoom, Sponsored by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office.

Join Vincent C. Flewellen, Webster's chief diversity officer, as he talks about hot-button immigration issues with Betsy Cohen, executive director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project; Arrey Obenson, president and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis; and Sal Valadez, a board member of the Hispanic Leaders Group of St. Louis. Registration is free and open to the public.

Main Audience: US students, faculty, and staff

Thursday, Nov. 18

Summer Study Abroad Virtual Information Session, 12:30-1 p.m. CST over Zoom. Sponsored by the Office of Study Abroad.

Attend this session hosted by the Office of Study Abroad to learn about the different study abroad opportunities available in Summer 2022. From learning about global governance structures in Geneva to arts and social engagement in Leiden to Africana studies and Dance in Ghana, there are some wonderful programs available. An overview of programs will be provided as well as information on the application process, funding, and scholarships.

Main Audience: Webster students

Tashkent Campus Lecture on Media- Magazines in the Age of Specialization, Nov. 18, at 12:30pm (Tashkent Time). Due to the time of the event, it will be primarily offered to the Tashkent Campus and Webster international campuses.

Webster Tashkent will have a member of their Media Studies faculty give a talk on media foundations as part of International Education Week. Join Professor Johan Claasen on Nov. 18, The sessions will be available on Zoom. Contact Lobarkhon Shermatova lshermatova@webster.edu at the Tashkent Campus for details on how to join.

Main Audience: Webster Tashkent and international campus students, faculty and staff

Friday, Nov. 19

Meet the Artist Workshop: Italo-Venezuelan Visual Artist Rodrigo Figueredo, 11 a.m. (Central European Time), Zoom. Sponsored by Webster Geneva

Italo-Venezuelan visual artist Rodrigo Figueredo will give a presentation about his work, which is concerned with social and political evolutions of world affairs and defending human rights. The Meet the Artist Lecture and Podcast Series consists of artist talks, panel discussions, and classroom demonstrations, that support the Global Citizenship Program curriculum and liberal arts mission of Webster University in Geneva. It gives an opportunity to local professional artists, art professionals, academics, and Webster alums to speak to the Webster community about their work.

Main Audience: Webster Geneva and international campus students, faculty and staff

Virtual Tai Chi Sessions Friday, 12-12:30 p.m. via Zoom. See full description under Nov. 17 entry above.

Greece Bicentennial Virtual Lecture Series: “The Junta and Rebirth of Democracy” 5 p.m. (Athens time)/9 a.m. (CST). Sponsored by Webster Athens.

The lecture will talk about the period of dictatorship in Greece and the brave university students who barricaded themselves in the Polytechnic university in Athens demanding for “Bread, Education, Freedom.” On Nov. 17, 1973, the dictator ordered the military tanks to break down the walls of the Polytechnic university and several students were killed. This was the beginning of the end of the dictatorship and his regime fell shortly afterwards. Every year there is a large demonstration in the streets of Athens commemorating this event. For more information on how to join the talk, contact Dina Skias at Webster Athens (skiasd@webster.edu).

Main Audience: All Webster students, faculty and staff

Webster University Film Series: El planeta (a U.S./Spain coproduction set in Spain), 7 p.m. (CST), Winifred Moore Auditorium. Sponsored by the School of Communication and the Webster University Film Series. Admission is free for Webster students and $6 for faculty/staff.

El planeta (Amalia Ulman, 2021, Spain/USA, 82 minutes). The experience of being poor is badly represented in cinema — by its nature you need access to a lot of resources to make a film, and those attempting to depict poverty generally have little or no experience in the way of life. Amalia Ulman’s joyous debut feature, El planeta, feels more lived-in, wherein a mother/daughter team (Amalia and her real-life mother Ale) grift, deceive, perform wealth, live outside their means, and are in a constant cycle of buying and returning — all the while facing eviction and being unclear on where their next meal will come from. A much-anticipated entry at Sundance and New Directors/New Films this year on account of Ulman’s cache in the multidisciplinary art world — in 2016 she was called “The First Great Instagram Artist” by Elle Magazine—El planeta is a funny and deadpan debut by someone who, with any luck, has a long and fruitful career ahead of them. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Main Audience: St. Louis students, faculty and staff

Language Teaching Workshop — Beyond the Communicative Approach: Language Teaching and Learning in the Post-Method Era, 7-8:30 p.m. CST on Zoom. Co-sponsored by the Confucius Institute and Beijing Language and Culture University.

What does a language classroom in the Post-Method Era look like? How can 21st-century skills be integrated into language learning? This talk will provide an overview of post-communicative pedagogies, offering various concrete examples to foster deeper and creative learning in language classrooms at all levels. The presenter will showcase students’ meaningful project-based learning and products in real-world contexts. The learning outcomes will demonstrate how projects help learners develop language skills while engaging with other disciplines and acquiring information through diverse perspectives and multimodal meaning-making in the 21st century. Participants will (i) acquire practical ideas for facilitating meaningful connections between content and language learning and (ii) gain insights into the strategic steps and modules to integrate project-based learning into their language curriculum.

Main Audience: Webster and Beijing Language and Culture University faculty and Chinese teachers in the St. Louis area

WINS - International Education Week Corner

Fontbonne University’s International Festival (Fontbonne staff and students), Tuesday, Nov. 16, in the Dunham Student Activity Center

Each year, Fontbonne hosts an international festival on campus during IEW with live music, dancing and celebrations from around the world. Fontbonne’s international students host many different tables with food from their home countries. This event is free for Fontbonne students to attend, celebrate IEW and learn about study abroad opportunities. Webster staff attend and host a booth with information and giveaways to support study abroad through WINS.

Virtual Activities through SUNY Geneseo and other Rochester Area Universities (Open for all to join!) Various from Nov. 15-19:

rocyourglobalfuture.com/roc-international-education-week/

These institutions are focused on becoming a global citizen, reflecting on going abroad going abroad and study abroad and your career. Events will allow for conversation, reflection and engagement with students in the Greater Rochester Area. This group is excited to announce we will have a signature event with a keynote speaker, below, listed along with other activities.

Monday, November 15

• Traveling Sustainably at Home and Abroad
  4–5 p.m.
  Make smart travel decisions that can reduce your carbon footprint! This interactive session will give tips that you can use to travel with a peace of mind.
  Presenter: Hugh Anderson, Senior Study Abroad Advisor, SUNY Cortland

Tuesday, November 16

• Travel as a Political Act: A Conversation with Rick Steves, 5-6 p.m.
  The global pandemic has caused a reckoning of global challenges, shedding light on racial and social disparities in every fabric of society, such as healthcare and climate change. Now more than ever, we need globally minded leaders to rise to these global challenges. Steves will highlight how international travel is more than just site seeing and trying new foods, but an opportunity for students to be Global Citizens and make a positive difference in the world.
  Interpreting will be provided.
  Co-Moderators: Jen O’Neal, Predeparture and Reentry Programming Coordinator, Hobart and William Smith Colleges; Aleta Anthony, Director of Operations, University of Rochester

About Rick Steves
Rick Steves is a popular public television host, a best-selling guidebook author, and an outspoken activist who encourages Americans to broaden their perspectives through travel. But above all else, Rick considers himself a teacher. He taught his first travel class at his college campus in the mid-1970s — and now, more than 40 years later, he still measures his success not by dollars earned, but by trips impacted. Rick is the founder and owner of Rick Steves’ Europe, a travel business with a tour program that brings more than 30,000 people to Europe annually. Each year, the company contributes to a portfolio of climate-smart nonprofits, essentially paying a self-imposed carbon tax. He also works closely with several advocacy groups and has been instrumental in the legalization of marijuana in states across the US. Rick spends about four months a year in Europe, researching guidebooks, fine-tuning his tour program, filming his TV show, and making new discoveries for travelers. To recharge, he plays piano, relaxes at his family cabin in the Cascade mountains, and spends time with his son Andy and daughter Jackie. He lives and works in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington, where his office window overlooks his old junior high school. Read more about Rick Steves here.

Wednesday, November 17

• Envisioning the Future: Goal-setting for Study Abroad
  7-7:50 p.m.
  COVID-19 has put many things on hold, but our ability to plan for our future is limitless. This session will focus on planning and setting goals for study abroad experiences, including a discussion of common benefits of study abroad.  Time will be spent exploring our personal, academic, and career goals and sharing with one another.  Come prepared to learn, discuss, and engage with fellow students committed to broadening their cultural and educational horizons.
  Presenters: Roseanne Diflorio, Study Abroad Advisor, RIT; Sam Cardamone, Director of Study Abroad, SUNY Geneseo

Thursday, November 18

• International Service with Peace Corps
  2:30-3:30 p.m.
  Students will learn about meaningful opportunities to go abroad after graduation with the Peace Corps. Through Peace Corps’ two-year program life-defining experiences, volunteers get the chance to fully integrate into a host country community, where they live and work on projects related to education, health, economic development, environment, agriculture and youth development. Volunteers sharpen their skills in the field and are challenged with new opportunities, and go to work every day excited by the opportunity to make change. This session will cover our available programs, benefits and commitment, the requirements, and how to apply.
  Presenters: Teckla Persons, Peace Corps Recruiter
• Post-baccalaureate International Fellowships and Scholarships, 4-5 p.m.
  This session will discuss post-baccalaureate fellowships and scholarships for students seeking to go abroad after they graduate. Some of the programs covered will include US Student Fulbright, Schwarzman Scholarship, Boren Awards, Critical Language Scholarship, Congress Bundestag/DAAD, Princeton in Asia,, and the UK scholarships like Marshall, Gates Cambridge, and Mitchell among others.
  Presenter: Dr. Michael Mills, Director of National Fellowships and Scholarships, SUNY Geneseo

Friday, November 19

• How Study Abroad will Help You Get a job
  10-11 a.m.
  In this workshop you will learn how to communicate the value of your study abroad experience to potential employers. We will discuss techniques to highlight your study abroad experience in your personal branding, resume, cover letter and interviews and share specific examples.
  Presenters: Jenny Sullivan, Director of Education Abroad and International Fellowships at RIT; Stella Plutino Calabrese, Director of Global Education at St. John Fisher College

IEW Events and Activities from other WINS partners:

Ball State University’s Rinker Center for Global Affairs is hosting a series of information sessions on culture and international exchange

Central Washington University (CWU) will celebrate with activities on campus and a number of virtual information sessions for CWU students

Goucher College’s Global Education office is featuring a series of events this week

Kent State University is offering a slate of on-campus and virtual sessions

Northeastern University’s Global Experience Office has a series of informational events on campus

Sacred Heart University is hosting activities throughout the week

Saint Louis University’s Center for Global Citizenship recognizes International Education Week

Transylvania University will be hosting International Bingo and Scavenger hunts, and featuring international food all week in the campus cafeteria

Tuskegee University will celebrate International Education Week on campus

Central Washington University (CWU) will celebrate with activities on campus and a number of virtual information sessions for CWU students