This week is the U.S. Department of State’s International Education Week, but the Wolfpack will be celebrating for the entire month. There are multiple opportunities in November to learn about international education.
“In today’s world, you cannot solve a problem by one person or by one country,” said Bailian Li, the vice provost for International Affairs. “It’s collaborative in nature.”
NC State used to hold these events during the State Department-sponsored International Education Week, but eventually decided that there were too many events for just one week.
“The U.S. Department of State has been celebrating International Education Week for a number of years now to spread the word about international education and its importance across all institutions of higher education across the country,” said Megan Winzeler, communications specialist for the Office of International Affairs.
International Education Week serves to inform students about how to participate in Study Abroad and other opportunities for international learning, as well as to teach about the benefits these experiences provide those involved.
“With International Education Week or Month, we’re going to benefit those students who have never heard about [Study Abroad] or have no interest, so that it engages them to make them think ‘wow, I can do that too,’” Li said.
Paola Guadarrama, a senior studying design studies, took classes abroad in Florence, Italy for two summer sessions.
“I do think [Study Abroad] is something that’s pretty valuable,” Guadarrama said. “It kind of changes your perspective on the world to be a global citizen. I met a lot of people all over the world. I made a lot of friends from different countries. So yeah, it was definitely worth it.”
Tomorrow, the U.S. Department of State will be hosting its 12th annual NC State Passport Fair. There, students can sign up for a passport and receive a headshot without having to leave campus.
“The Passport Fair is a very convenient way to get your passport on campus,” Winzeler said. “Normally, it takes five to six weeks, you have to make an appointment and a lot of times they don’t have appointments available in Raleigh, so you have to drive outside the city to get an appointment.”
Normal passport registration fees apply, as well as a $5 fee for the photo. However, there are no additional costs to sign up for a passport at this event.
“You can show up, get your photo taken, get your documents processed with the Department of State, and then your passport will be mailed back to you in two to three weeks,” Winzeler said.
Anyone intending on studying or vacationing abroad is encouraged to attend.
Friday, students can participate in a game based off of the TV show “The Amazing Race.” The event is free.
The game will include several challenges with an international theme, and any students or faculty are encouraged to participate.
