News

International Education Week (IEW) is back!

This annual week-long celebration of the benefits of international education and exchange will be held the week of Monday, Nov. 18, and Lehigh University’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) has several exciting and enriching events in store!

“At Lehigh, ‘global’ is very important; it’s part of everything we do at the university,” said Cheryl Matherly, Vice President and Vice Provost for International Affairs. “International Education Week is our time to celebrate the accomplishments of our community, and we’re looking forward to having you come and join us.”

Karin Fischer, senior writer with The Chronicle of Higher Education and one of the most prominent international education reporters in the nation, will be delivering the IEW keynote remarks on Tuesday, Nov. 19. She will discuss how global politics are shaping international education and the impact of globalization on higher education.

That’s just one of many events planned for IEW. We will also host our annual Flag Parade, an IEW kick-off celebration, our annual Friendsgiving dinner, the Together We Climb awards recognizing Lehigh faculty and staff who have supported our international students, and much more.

Visit here to view a special IEW opening video from Cheryl Matherly!

IEW is an annual initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education celebrating the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

“We’re very proud of our diverse community of international students and scholars,” Matherly said. “We are proud of our students who take advantage of international learning opportunities to advance their own studies, and also to have an impact in the communities in which we work. Additionally, our faculty are engaged in globally-important research, and we’re proud to be able to support that work and activity.”

Visit global.lehigh.edu/IEW or see below for more details about a few of the individual IEW events:

• Paint and Decorate your Lehigh Presence with the Iacocca Institute (Monday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in RBC Atrium) — Attendees will decorate their own Alebrijes (small figurines from Mexican culture) with paint and decorations according to their history and experience at Lehigh. Participants will be able to take their paintings as well as souvenirs from Guatemala home with them. Iacocca Institute staff members from Mexico, Guatemala, Liberia, and Botswana will also share their food and traditions.
• Annual Flag Parade (Monday, Nov. 18, at 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., beginning at Coxe Hall) — Students will march throughout the Lehigh campus carrying a flag for a country that holds meaning for them, including where they were born, where they studied abroad, where they have family, or where they’ve traveled. The parade will depart Coxe Hall, walk through campus, and end at the UC Flagpole, led by members of the Marching '97 band.
• IEW Kick-Off Celebration (Monday, Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Global Union in Coxe Hall) — Join the international clubs and organizations of Lehigh to learn about the diverse cultures represented on campus. Clubs will be hosting tables to display food, art, info, or games that represent their country or culture. Come for prizes, food, performances, and other giveaways!
• Karin Fischer Keynote Remarks: “Globalization's Impact on Education: Insights from a Leading Journalist” (Tuesday, Nov. 19, 4 to 5 p.m. at Linderman 200) — Karin Fischer  will discuss the impact of globalization on higher education and how global politics are shaping higher education. Described as "one of the most astute observers of international higher education," Karin has written for The Chronicle of Higher Education for 20 years and writes about international education, including American colleges’ activities overseas, the globalization of the college experience, study abroad, and more.
• Study Abroad on Lehigh’s Dime (Tuesday, Nov. 19, 5 to 6 p.m. in Christmas Saucon 201) — Learn about study abroad opportunities and funding opportunities. Hear from students who have received Lehigh funding to participate in LU Abroad Experiences.
• Kites Around the World (Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Building C, Classroom 210 & Lounge Area) — This is your chance to relive childhood memories and make new ones with friends! Learn about the history of kite making and its cultural significance around the world, and express your own heritage through kite making and decorating. Kite materials and international snacks will be provided! This event is co-sponsored by the College of Education.
• Global Health Speaker: Sandra Boakye (Wednesday, Nov. 20, 3 to 4 p.m. in HST 211) — Join us for an inspiring and eye-opening session with Sandra Boakye, a seasoned public health professional from Ghana and a PhD student in Population Health, as she delves into the transformative impact of drone technology on healthcare delivery in developing countries. Discover how Zipline’s groundbreaking drone delivery system is overcoming logistical challenges to provide life-saving medical supplies, from vaccines to emergency blood deliveries, in some of the most remote and underserved regions.
• Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Community Town Hall (Thursday, Nov. 21, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the LTS Circle and via Zoom) — Join the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity for a Community Town Hall highlighting "HEDS Diversity & Equity Campus Climate Survey" results and the latest Insight into Diversity HEED Award. Dr. Donald Outing, Vice President for Equity and Community, will be leading the Town Hall. We will be taking questions in advance via this form and will get to as many questions as time permits.
• Friendsgiving (Thursday, Nov. 21, 5 to 7 p.m. on HST 3rd Floor) — International students, faculty, and staff are invited to join OISS for a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. Come celebrate what you are thankful for this year!