BU is highlighting programs, cultural centers, global research, and international education that contribute to its diverse fabric during the annual International Education Week. Courtesy of Global Programs

Student Life

Annual International Education Week Goes (Mostly) Virtual This Year

A look at some of the many events on tap

International travel may be largely curtailed at the moment, a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped BU’s celebration of annual International Education Week (IEW), which runs this year from Monday, October 26, through Monday, November 2, featuring dozens of (mostly) virtual events. The week will highlight University programs, cultural centers, global research, and international education that contribute to the diverse fabric of BU.

IEW is a joint initiative of the US Departments of State and of Education that celebrates the benefits of international education and the exchange of ideas and cultures. It began in 2000, and today is observed across the United States and in over 100 other countries. 

Willis G. Wang, vice president and associate provost for global programs, says he is happy to see so many schools and colleges, student groups, and University offices plan events for IEW this year despite the current semester’s challenges. “We are especially heartened to bring together the BU community to celebrate our enriching diversity and global mindset,” Wang says. “Perhaps now more than ever, we can all take something from these events and discussions. We hope participation in IEW leaves our community feeling more informed, inspired, and connected with our varied global engagements.”

Amanda Miller, Global Programs managing director of strategy and communications, says a lot of thought was put into selecting events that were worth asking students to log on to yet another Zoom or virtual event, since Zoom fatigue has become a real thing as the pandemic continues. “They really needed to speak to an interest or a need of the student,” Miller says. 

Here are five events we thought sounded especially interesting:

1. Chat on race and diversity in the U.S.

Cohosted and copresented by BU Diversity & Inclusion, this topic was suggested by international students who come from less diverse cultures than they encounter here, says Miller. The talk will open with Alana Anderson, Diversity & Inclusion director of programs, delivering a brief history of race in the United States.

2. Italian Women Who Made a Change: the Veneto Case in a Global Perspective

Hosted by Elisabetta Convento, director of the BU Study Abroad program in Italy, this event will explore some exceptional yet little-known women from the Veneto region of Italy who helped drive major changes in Italian society.

3. Interviewing in the U.S.

Join staff from the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) and the Center for Career Development for a chat designed to help international students understand the job search process in the United States. They’ll talk about sharpening your interview techniques, familiarize you with how the interview process works here, and offer advice on how to assess your skills and international experience to answer tricky interview questions.

4. Virtual Global Dinner Club

The Marsh Chapel virtual Global Dinner Club is a chance to come together, learn how to cook on a budget, and watch some great cooking demonstrations from other diners. This group, which meets weekly, thrives on diversity and is open to people of all nationalities and religions.

5. Basics on applying for US lawful permanent residence

Hosted by ISSO, this event will share information on the various options for applying for US permanent residence (aka green card). Elizabeth Goss, the founding partner of the immigration law firm Goss Associates, will give an overview of the process as well as the most typical potential ways nonimmigrants can stay in the country.

BU’s celebration of International Education Week continues through Monday, November 2. Find a full list of events here.