UB celebrates International Education Week

UB’s International Education Week celebration has been an annual tradition since 2001, and this year the university will showcase the rich cultural diversity of the campus community with a week of cultural displays and exhibitions, workshops, presentations, food and more.

“Global Education. GloBULL Connections” takes place Nov. 12-16 on the North Campus nand aims to expose members of the UB community to the diverse perspectives of other cultures; increase community members’ cross-cultural awareness, curiosity and knowledge; and highlight the university’s international programs and outreach.

The celebration is particularly relevant at UB. With more than 7,200 international students, the university ranked 21st last year among 2,700 accredited U.S. universities in international enrollment, according to the Institute of International Education. UB has exchange agreements with more than 80 institutions in more than 30 countries.

“It is particularly fitting for a highly internationalized university like UB to observe International Education Week, for it is the occasion to celebrate our university’s global diversity; the contributions of our many international students, scholars and faculty; and the exceptional opportunities for international learning and global engagement available at UB,” says John Wood, interim vice provost for international education. “The celebration is enriched through campus partners across the university that contribute programming to IEW that engages both domestic and international students and faculty in compelling and valuable ways.”

UB’s International Education Week celebration includes more than 25 events that are free and open to the public. Some of the highlights:

Nov. 12

• Inclusion and Engagement of International Students in the Global Liberal Arts: Luncheon Panel, noon to 1:30 p.m., 120 Clemens Hall. A panel of faculty and students will discuss the challenges and opportunities for inclusion and engagement of international students in the global liberal arts.

Nov. 13

• GloBULL Gallery: Photo Exhibition, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Union Lobby. This display of testimonials and photos taken by UB students studying in all corners of the world shows the wide range of study abroad programs offered at UB, and the impact the experience has on students.
• UB’s Fulbright Scholars Panel: Panel, 4-5 p.m.; reception, 5 p.m. 107 Capen Hall. Learn about Fulbright programs at UB and hear personal stories about the impact of the grants on the recipients.
• Consulate General of Canada: Visas, Employment and More. 5-6 p.m., Student Union Theater. Representatives from the immigration section of the Consulate General of Canada will discuss the process of immigrating to Canada via the Express Entry program and opportunities to work in Canada.

Nov. 14

• World Bazaar: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Union lobby. Celebrate the differences — and often-surprising commonalities — of people and cultures from around the world through food, performances and experiences. Performers include members of the Sikh Student Association, Indian SA, Asian American Student Union and Organization of Arab Students.
  
• Peace Corps Information Session: Education Programs: 3 p.m., 107 Capen. This education-focused information session will provide details about Peace Corps volunteer experiences and Peace Corp service, and tips for the application process.

Nov. 15

• International Coffeehouse: 7-9 p.m., 210 Student Union. Meet people from different countries and backgrounds while enjoying snacks, refreshments, Kung Fu bubble tea and a ball pit.

Nov. 16

• Amazing Chinese Opera: 7 p.m., Lippes Concert Hall, Slee Hall. The Confucius Institute of Chinese Opera at Binghamton University will present scenes from the operas “The Hu Village,” “The Monkey Tree,” The Drunken Royal Concubine” and ”On Golden Beach,” as well as selections of Chinese classical and folk music. The event is sponsored by the Office of International Education and UB’s Confucius Institute.

A full schedule of events is available online.