International Education Week
Welcome from Provost Brent Carbajal
Ongoing Events
Study Abroad Photo Contest
Students submitted photos Nov. 3-15 for the Education Abroad Annual Photo Contest.
Voting is open to the WWU community Nov. 16-23. Check out all the photos on the EdAbroad Facebook page and submit your votes by liking your favorite photos!
Education Abroad Photos
All EdAbroad photos are featured in MABEL: Multimedia Archives Based Electronic Library. Check out all the amazing places our students have studied!
Western Abroad Information Sessions
Learn everything you need to know about study abroad through WWU through a virtual Western Abroad 101 Information Session!
Blog: Studying Abroad as an Underrepresented Student
Open Doors Report Released
The latest report on international students studying in the U.S. and the number of U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit is released on Monday, 11/16.
Open Doors® is a comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars studying or teaching at higher education institutions in the United States, and U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit at their home colleges or universities. This survey of international exchange activity in the United States is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IIE.
To learn more about Open Doors and the latest trends in international student enrollments, and the numbers of U.S. students going abroad, visit the Open Doors website. View some WWU statistics below.
Huxley Goes the Distance for Racial Equality 5K/25K
Nov. 1-30
Join Huxley and WWU alums for the inaugural Huxley Goes the Distance for Racial Equality 5K/25K, bringing awareness to racial inequality while raising funds to support scholarships for WWU BIPOC Huxley students.
Fellowships Abroad
Review the Fellowships presentation and if you are interested in more information, complete this interest form.
Graduate School 101: In the USA & Abroad
Recording
WWU presentation on Graduate School in the USA and Abroad.
Monday, 11/16
Changing the Face America Presents to the World
7:45-9:15 am
CIEE Summit: Changing the Face America Presents to the World: Strategies to Diversify Diplomacy
A panel of alumni from programs that prepare students for careers in the foreign service will offer their reflections and recommendations for diversifying diplomacy, and study abroad.
Explore Business Programs Abroad with ISA
9 am
Ready to explore the world? Learn about your options with ISA, how to take the next step and find the program that's right for you!
Perspectives from the Global South: Education, Democracy, and Equity after COVID-19
9-10 am
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the intricate inequality that characterizes local and global access to education. From the perspectives of the Global South, this panel will look at the challenges of equality and the possibilities of a promising future in a post COVID-19 world, with a strong focus on education, equity, and sustainability within modern democracies.
Presenters: Imraan Buccus, Alla Korzh
Managing Risk & Liability
10-11:15 am
CIEE Summit: Managing Risk & Liability in a COVID World
A moderated panel discussion exploring not only the impacts and issues of coronavirus in international education, also the opportunities that could be on the table for us all as the world adjusts to a new normal.
Fulbright is in Your Future!
11 am-12 pm
Join five faculty Fulbright alums to talk about their Fulbright experience, including application process, planning to embark on a Fulbright, how to make the most of your experience, and your return to Western. This panel includes time for Q&A.
The Fulbright Scholar Program is alive and well, so join us for planning for your future Fulbright!
Presenters: Brian Bowe, Bidisha Biswas, Sondra Cuban, Arunas Oslapas, and Mart Stewart
Hosting Scholars at WWU
3 pm
Join visiting scholar Dohun Kwon from South Korea as he shares his perspectives and helpful tips for prospective visiting scholars.
Presenter: Dohun Kwon, Visiting Scholar
Study Abroad Alumni Career Panel
5-6 pm
Wondering how you can leverage your time abroad for your career? Join four recent AIFS alumni to learn more about how study abroad has impacted their professional lives and tips for getting started in their fields. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions to the panelists and gain resources for their job search.
Presenters:
- Nadia Hucko: Student Accounts Advisor, Hult International Business School (Education)
- Rachel Mihulka: Senior Account Executive, Zeno Group (Public Relations/Communications)
- Alex Landry: Admissions Counselor, University of Tampa (Education)
- Julianna Zieno: Associate Trademark Attorney, Bayramoglu Law Offices LLC (Legal)
Tuesday, 11/17
Education Technology Innovations
8-9:15 am
What is the best use of online learning in a cross-cultural academic experience? How does one recognize characteristics of effective online learning? How should we consider incorporating online learning into International Education and Exchange experiences going forward?
Explore STEM Programs Abroad with ISA
9 am
Ready to explore the world? Learn about your options with ISA, how to take the next step and find the program that's right for you!
SIT Graduate Institute Webinar - MA & Certificate Programs
9-10 am
Are you interested in SIT Graduate Institute's MA in International Education (global or hybrid programs), MA in TESOL, MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership & Management, or our Graduate Certificate in International Education? This event is designed for prospective students to learn more about the program design, curriculum, and application process.
Presenters: Mary Kay Sigda, Maira Tungatarova
Post Election Update
10-11:15 am
CIEE Summit: U.S. Post Election Update - Opportunities for Reengagement
Presenter: Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States
The COVID Blues: Solitude and its Consequences
10 am
With lockdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions, it’s no surprise that measures to contain and reduce the spread of COVID-19 have affected mental health and human interactions. Join us to discuss the effect the pandemic has had on our society collectively and the possible long-term consequences on our wellness and mental health.
Presenters:
- Thomas Barnay, Ph.D, Professor in Economics at Université Paris-Est Créteil (France)
- Amy Kleine, MA, Assistant Director of Health and Wellness at Syracuse University in Florence
Expedition Mongolia: Climate Change and Nomadic Herders
1-2 pm
Join Western professors Dr. David Sattler and Dr. Jim Graham on a virtual expedition to magnificent Mongolia, the land of Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Empire. We’ll visit some of the most remote areas on Earth to discover how climate change is impacting the lives of nomadic herders. We’ll see spectacular video and images of the famous Gobi desert and Altai mountains, and learn about the culture of those who herd camels, goats, and reindeer. Throughout our journey, we’ll gain new insights as to how human activity is altering the land that for generations has sustained people in this stunning East Asian country.
Presenters: WWU Psychology Professors Dr. David Sattler and Dr. Jim Graham
Wildlands Studies Info Session
5 pm | Zoom Meeting ID: 594 029 6230 Passcode: 2j1G16
Learn about upcoming programs.
Wednesday, 11/18
Explore Communication Programs Abroad with ISA
9 am
Ready to explore the world? Learn about your options with ISA, how to take the next step and find the program that's right for you!
The Growth of Remote/Virtual Internships
10-11:15 am
CIEE Summit: From Reaction to Action: The Growth of Remote or Virtual Internships in the Age of COVID-19
World Issues Forum
12-1:20 pm | Facebook
Genocide Today – The Uyghurs in China
Presenter: Dr. Ellen Kennedy, Executive Director, World Without Genocide
Study Abroad Financial Planning & Scholarships
1 pm
You can afford to study abroad! Join USAC to talk about how to plan financially for your study abroad experience, how to look for and apply for scholarships, and how to think creatively about funding your time abroad.
Applying to SIT Study Abroad 101
1-1:30 pm
Join the Admissions team for an introduction to the SIT Study Abroad application process. We will discuss SIT's plans for upcoming semesters in the time of COVID-19, options for study abroad, steps to apply, the Independent Study Project, scholarships and financial aid, and more!
Korean Cooking Class
12 pm
Join Dohun Kwon, visiting scholar from South Korea as he teaches how to make delicious Korean food! You may remember him from Western C.A.R.E.S when he taught how to make bibimbap. Come for the recipe and stay for the laughs as we take a much-needed lunch break and learn about culture through food.
Presenter: Dohun Kwon, WWU Visiting Scholar
Thursday, 11/19
Opportunities for Exchange Visitors to the U.S.
8-9:15 am
CIEE Summit: Professional & Cultural Exchange - Opportunities for Exchange Visitors to the U.S.
Hosting International Students Abroad
10-11:15 am
CIEE Summit: Hosting International Students Abroad During a Pandemic: Learnings and Implications for the Future
USAC 101 Info Session
2 pm
Students can learn more about USAC program options and how to pick the best program for them.
Careers in International Education
11 am-12 pm
The field of International Education encompasses formal and non-formal educational programs around the globe and includes participants ranging in age from pre-school to life-long learners. In this session, you will learn about the breadth of the field, skills used by professionals in International Education, and the kinds of jobs that are available. Time will be provided for you to get practical answers to your questions about breaking into the field, and you will leave with a clear understanding of next steps and resources for planning your career development.
Presenter: Sora Friedman
State of Diversity & Inclusion in International Education
11 am-12 pm
Join Diversity Abroad as we discuss the state of Diversity & Inclusion in International Education
Presenters:
- Lily Lopez-McGee, PhD, Director for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs
- Malaika Serrano, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion, Worldstrides
- David Wick, PhD, Associate Professor, Monterey Institute of International Studies
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Study Abroad
4 pm
Come to this session to learn more about Scholarships & Financial Aid for Study Abroad. Live Q&A to follow the presentation.
Presenters: Hannah Nevitt, Education Abroad and Molly Paterson, Financial Aid
Being a Woman Abroad
4-5 pm
Join AIFS staff and recent alumni as they share their experiences of being a woman abroad. Panelists will offer tips for being successful while abroad and recount how they successfully handled challenges in their experiences. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and have access to additional resources.
Friday, 11/20
Movie Matinee
8-9:30 am
CIEE Summit: Movie Matinee - World Premier Screening of Andre Robert Lee's Latest Documentary, 'The Road to Justice'
Film maker: André Robert Lee
Explore Summer Programs Abroad with ISA
9 am
Ready to explore the world? Learn about your options with ISA, how to take the next step and find the program that's right for you!
Outgoing Study Abroad Student Statistics 2019-20
- 17% Exchange
- 16% Faculty-led
- 56% Study Abroad
- 11% Non-credit Experience
Study Abroad Destinations 2018-19
- 38% Europe & United Kingdom
- 24% Asia
- 9% South America
- 8% Central America
- 8% Oceania
- 7% Africa
- 5% North America
- 1% Other
Incoming International Student Statistics 2019-20
- 80% F-1 Visa: Matriculated Undergraduate & Graduate Students
- 20% J-1 Visa: Exchange Students
International Scholars & Faculty Origin 2019-20
- 64% Asia
- 17% North America
- 9% Europe
- 8% Middle East
- 4% Africa
International Students 2018-20
247 International & Exchange students came to Western from 51 countries, contributing valuable and diverse perspectives to our campus and community.
International Student Economic Contribution
The economic contributions of international students are in addition to the immeasurable academic and cultural value these students bring to our campuses and local communities.
During the 2018-19 academic year, international students in Washington state contributed $956.1 million to the economy. WWU international students contributed $10.3 million.
For a more detailed analysis, access NAFSA's International Student Economic Value Tool.
Support for International Students
International students have faced great adversity this past year, due to finances affected by the pandemic and immigration challenges.
To support international students with financial challenges, please consider donating to the International Student Support Fund. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated!
Kendrick Jackson
Sociology and Human Services
Career Goals and Aspirations: Social or non-profit work
Study Abroad Program: CIEE Arts + Sciences in Cape Town, South Africa, Fall 2021
"This opportunity of studying abroad is something that I didn't see coming for me, as a student of multiple marginalized identities. While abroad, I hope to make a positive impact in the community, to continue to invest in my education through adding diverse experiences to it, and to fully experience my trip that I am incredibly grateful to be taking apart of."
Support Study Abroad Scholarships
To support WWU student study abroad scholarships, consider donating to the Education Abroad office scholarship fund.
Neal Digre
University of Oslo International Summer School in Norway
“….the extensive Norwegian landscape and immense sky made me feel incredibly small and insignificant until I realized that, as a member of the international community, I can break down mountains — mountains that still separate many countries of the world — through friendship, peace, and an open-mind.”
