BU considers itself a global university, and this is clearer than ever this year: students from 182 countries applied for admission to the Class of 2027, the University now offers more than 80 study abroad programs, and students and faculty conduct research in more than 75 countries.
These are just some of the achievements that will be celebrated during International Education Week (November 6-10), an annual nationwide initiative of the US Department of State and the US Department of Education to highlight the importance and impact of international education.
Each year, colleges and organizations across the country host events to celebrate global interconnectivity and scholarship. BU is no different—this year, the University is holding more than 30 in-person and virtual events, planned by various schools, departments, and campus organizations. The celebration is organized by BU Global Programs.
“Once again, we are looking forward to a wonderful International Education Week at Boston University, celebrating international education, global research, and diverse programming,” says Willis Wang, associate provost for Global Programs. “We are thrilled to have a wide range of events available across the University—including online, in person, and at several of our BU Study Abroad sites—and applaud all schools, colleges, centers, and groups for helping us build community on a global scale.”
Among this year’s events are a panel discussion on the global consequences of generative AI (Monday, November 6), a fun tongue twister language event hosted by BU’s Center for English Language & Orientation Programs (November 7), a cooking demonstration in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, led by BU Sargent Choice Nutrition Center (November 8), a Hockey 101 workshop led by BU’s two Terrier ice hockey coaches, Jay Pandolfo (CAS’96), men’s squad, and Tara Watchorn (Sargent’12), women’s team, complete with free skating on the Agganis ice and complimentary pizza (November 8), a conversation about trauma-informed global social work, led by the BU School of Social Work Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health (November 9), and an international fashion show (November 9).
Campus dining halls will also offer a unique international menu each day this week, featuring dishes from the top-10 home countries of BU international students and scholars.
But that’s not all. Many of BU’s Study Abroad programs will also be celebrating, with a volunteer project planned at a Venice climate change organization, a food tasting in Padua, Italy, and a BU alumni panel in Sydney, discussing what it’s like to live and work in Australia.
“We’re thrilled to see so many events and the wide range of events being hosted across the University,” says Pamela DeCoste, Global Programs marketing and communications assistant director, who cited specifically a passport photo pop-up event on November 7 cohosted by BU Study Abroad, the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, and Global Programs. The photo event is an opportunity for students to get a free passport photo taken and printed, ideal for students planning to study abroad in the coming months or traveling for pleasure. The pop-up will also have BU Study Abroad ambassadors and staff on hand to answer any study abroad questions.
“Processing times are up significantly for new passports and passport renewals,” DeCoste warns. “We encourage students to plan ahead now.” She also mentions that BU students can apply for a grant to receive a free passport here.
Find a complete list of BU’s International Education Week events and registration details here.
