In-person Country Expo and Study Abroad Fair Return
For the first time since fall 2019 (pre-pandemic), WCU will once again host the in-person Country Expo and Study Abroad Fair. Events this year coincide with International Education Week, held November 8 through 12, and are coordinated with the University’s Global Engagement Office.
The week will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Country Expo on Monday, November 8, at 11 a.m. in Sykes Student Union Ballrooms. Our own WCU international students will showcase their home countries, sharing information, traditions, and more. Visit with students who hail from France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, as well as Albania, Bolivia, Cambodia, India, Jordan, Malawi, and other countries (subject to students’ availability). The expo wraps up at 2 p.m.
Two new elements this year:
- Envisioning Your Global Career is a new event in collaboration with Amanda Machonis from the Career Development Center. In a roundtable format, representatives from the Global Studies minor in the Political Science Department and the Career Development Center discuss how students can pursue a global career during and after their time at WCU. Two morning sessions on Thursday, November 11, in Sykes Room 115.
- Global Issues Contest, an event from the Global Studies minor. Professors Linda Stevenson and Peter Loedel took students in the program to Philadelphia over fall break to visit with refugees. Loedel led the University’s efforts to develop this minor as well as the first Pathway Certificate Program on global awareness.
The complete International Education Week schedule:
Monday, November 8
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Sykes Student Union Ballrooms
Country Expo (see above)
Tuesday, November 9
- 11 to 11:30 a.m. • Virtual
National Student Exchange Information Session, hosted by the Global Engagement Office. Register here: https://cglink.me/2f3/r1293924. - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Sykes Ballrooms
Global Taste: Come and taste different foods from around the world while enjoying live music. Hosted by Sykes Student Union and Student Activities.
Wednesday, November 10
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Sykes Ballrooms
Study Abroad Fair: The Global Engagement Office offers opportunities for WCU students to learn about studying, volunteering, interning, and teaching abroad. Speak with representatives from WCU programs as well as partner programs.
Thursday, November 11
- 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. • Sykes Room 115
Envisioning Your Global Career (see above) - 2 to 2:30 p.m. • Virtual
National Student Exchange Information Session, hosted by the Global Engagement Office. Register here: https://cglink.me/2f3/r1293990. - 3 to 4 p.m. • Sykes Room 255
Human Rights: Local Responses to Global Issues for Refugees and Immigrants Creative Expressions Contest Winners: This event is the culmination of a Global Studies creative expressions contest by WCU Global Studies and Political Science students. Winners of the contest will read or perform original expressions of their reflections on local responses to human rights issues. Prizes will be awarded during this session.
International Education Week (IEW) is an annual celebration across the globe to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of their effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. West Chester University has been participating for the past five years.