For the first time, DU is participating in the seventh annual International Education Week Nov. 13–17 by providing students with information about study abroad and offering food from a variety of regions throughout the world.
The joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of State demonstrates the value placed on international education at the highest levels of the government.
Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings issued an online invitation for colleges and universities to participate in this year’s events, writing, “More than ever, success in the world depends on what you know, not where you live. Technology has leveled the playing field and ‘flattened’ the world.”
DU’s internationalization office says that by commemorating international partnerships this week, the University can raise awareness of students’ international opportunities while celebrating the diversity of heritages within the DU community. Last year DU hosted 75 scholars — including faculty, researchers and post-doctoral fellows — from 33 countries, according to Michael Elliott, International Student and Scholar Services director. DU’s diverse community also includes degree-seeking students from 85 countries.
Not only does the University enroll students from throughout the world, since 2004, the Cherrington Global Scholars program has enabled 1,245 DU students to study abroad for an academic quarter at no additional cost.
Elliott says international students “contribute immensely to enriching the classroom discussion, academic ideas, research and instruction and the cultural experience” at DU.
Students can learn more about DU’s study abroad opportunities on the Driscoll Bridge Nov. 14–16 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. daily. The campus residence dining halls will feature more international dishes throughout the week.
“International education is essential as it not only promotes global citizenship but prepares one to be sensitive and respectful of those with different religious and cultural beliefs and political view points,” says law Professor Ved Nanda, internationalization vice provost. “It also prepares one to be an effective leader in one’s profession as well as a responsible citizen in one’s own country.”