International Education Week, a joint effort from the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Education, is “an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.” All around the country, organizations such as schools, embassies, businesses, and more will hold events to celebrate the benefits of international exchange.

From November 15th through the 19th, 2021, NOVA will take part in this celebration with a series of events organized by the International Education Week Committee, which is spearheaded by Dr. Twyla Jones.

Some of the events in which NOVA staff, faculty, and students can participate include:

• Cultural Poster Sessions – These sessions offer opportunities for participants to display the cultures of their countries, fun facts, geographic points of interest, and more.
• Student Voices on Activism – A panel of students discussing the importance of activism and education.
• Study Abroad – A session for students with information about study abroad opportunities, including the Gilman Scholarship, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and the Boren Fellowships.
• ACLI Conversation Café and Cultural Exchange – An opportunity to share cultures, languages, and deepen international awareness.
• Local Food Pantry – Students, faculty, and staff can make donations to a local food pantry.

“My favorite events are the cultural poster sessions,” said IEW committee member and International Student Advisor Absera Abraham. “The creativity of the students, and the opportunity for them to display pride in their countries, is wonderful. Sometimes attendees even dress up in traditional attire, and I just love that.”

“For me,” said Jennifer Stangland, committee member and Program Coordinator for the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program, a U.S. Department of State sponsored international exchange program administered by NOVA in cooperation with the NOVA-led Community College Consortium, “the best part of International Education Week is the opportunity for interaction between the international students and other members of the campus community. They may not always have that chance, especially in light of the pandemic.”

“IEW is a way,” added Abraham, “for people to be part of something larger than themselves, something even bigger than a national scale.”

If you’re interested in learning more about IEW or attending an event (or two), visit NOVA’s IEW site.

Additionally, if you're interested in learning more about the CCI Program please contact the NOVA CCI Team at CCCIP@nvcc.edu and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at eca-press@state.gov.