Celebrate International Education Week Nov. 14-18

Please join us in celebration of International Education Week from November 14 to November 18, 2022. As an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week (IEW) is an annual opportunity to celebrate the benefits of global learning, international education and exchange worldwide. We will celebrate the week with a series of activities in collaboration with MCCCD International & Global Education Centers as part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. 

The Phoenix metropolitan area is a popular destination from all over the world. In 2019, 1.5 million people visited Phoenix alone and we enjoy a growing international workforce through global companies and organizations like Intel, TSMC, etc. In 2018-2019, 5,324 Arizona students studied abroad. In 2020, 22,548 international students were enrolled in Arizona colleges and universities and contributed $682 million to the Arizona economy.

Our global connectedness drives cross-cultural cooperation and collaboration by building friendships between people and partnerships between communities. Global Engagement is part of the MCCCD mission and the benefits of this mission have contributed in immense ways across the District - we are committed to serving international students from all over the world, providing international experiential learning to domestic students through faculty led Study Abroad Programs, contribute toward internationalizing the curriculum and offering valuable learning experiences for MCCCCD students, employees and community members through promoting global awareness and fostering global citizenship through education. International students not only diversify our student population providing diverse perspectives inside and outside the classroom, but they also enrich learning opportunities for our domestic students.

As a former international student of MCCCD myself, I am an advocate and product of the benefits that International Education has to offer, and I am privileged to extend my passion and servant leadership to all our students (near and far). I feel I am successful today because of the intentional work the staff of our international departments provided when I was a student. I now pay this forward. Working with our international students is not only rewarding but also impactful beyond measure - from immigration matters to global events/learning, leadership development, cultural support, Study Abroad opportunities and much more. We provide experiences for our students that help them feel connected and build meaningful relationships with our students to foster engagement, inclusion, belonging and success. Global engagement and internationalizing the experience for all community college students are key in teaching students to become successful global citizens no matter where the journey takes them upon graduation … and we all know it's a big world filled with many opportunities out there - the sky is literally the limit as proven by MCCCD faculty member and astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor.

Article by Kathleen Lueppker

Rio Salado Events

Monday, Nov. 14

9–9:30 a.m
Welcome | Keynote speaker Corey Woods, Mayor of Tempe
The mayor will kick off the week’s celebration.
Virtual

11 a.m.–1 p.m.
International Festival
Purchase an international lunch at the Rio Cafe and join us for cultural displays, fashion, and performances from around the world.
Rio Tower Amphitheater

11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch at Rio
Enjoy international lunch offerings.
Rio Cafe.

1–2 p.m.
IRC Speaker Series Part 1: Refugee 101 | Olivia Carter: Volunteer Coordinator, International Rescue Committee A glance at the work of the International Rescue Committee. Learn about its history from its founding to the incorporation of new populations and services as well as how to get involved.
Virtual
 

Tuesday, Nov. 14

Rio Salado College

11–11:30 a.m.
Cooking Demonstration: Greek Spanakopita with Cafe at Rio | Kenneth Ballas, Executive Chef, Rio Salado College
Learn preparation techniques for Greek Phyllo dough "pie" stuffed with spinach and Feta. The recipe will be sent to interested attendees.
Virtual
 

11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch at Rio
Enjoy international lunch offerings.
Rio Cafe.

1–2 p.m.
Co-Sponsorship: Play a Key Role in Welcoming Refugees and Asylum-Seeking Families in Phoenix | Amber Hartzler Larson, IRC Community Sponsorship Coordinator and Eliana Carrera, IRC Asylum-Seekers and Families Volunteer Specialist
Learn how cosponsors play a key role in helping refugees resettle into their new community and how community sponsorship advances the role of communities in the protection, resettlement, and integration of refugees and other vulnerable populations; In addition, you will learn about the IRC Welcome Center—a dynamic, 24/7 emergency shelter that gives resources to newly arrived asylum seekers and their children.
Virtual
 

2:30–3:30 p.m.
My Experience with Interpol: Protecting the World from International Crime | Former Special Agent Mike Catlett
Mike Catlett will discuss his international law enforcement experiences—including assignments to Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization). During his 40-year career in U.S. Federal Law Enforcement, his duties and investigations took him to 43 countries around the world.
Virtual
 

Wednesday, Nov. 16

9–10 a.m.
Cafe Around the World | Enjoy tasty treats from around the world.
Splash Pad (1st floor)

11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch at Rio
Enjoy international lunch offerings
Rio Cafe

Noon–1 p.m.
IRC Speaker Series Part 3: Human Trafficking 101 | Alicia Winchel, Anti-Trafficking Victim Services Supervisor, IRC
The Anti-Trafficking program at the IRC assists foreign national victims of human trafficking by providing comprehensive case management in the areas of social, legal, psychological/psychiatric, and health/medical. Join us to learn more about our program, discuss cultural humility, and broaden your knowledge on human trafficking. Our team will share their experiences of working with victims on a daily basis, present some signs and risk factors to be aware of, as well as offer resources for those interested in learning more or making a report.  Virtual

International Experiences: Lessons learned from living in Namibia | Dr. Lamont Slater, Faculty Chair of Humanities, RSC
Explore Namibia and follow Dr. Slater’s personal experience as he reflects on customs, people, history, building bridges and global partnerships, and environmental issues.
Rio Tower, Room 515
Virtual
 

Thursday, Nov. 17

11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lunch at Rio
Enjoy international lunch offerings
Rio Cafe

Noon–1:30 p.m.
Documentary: Invisible Hands
This award-winning documentary exposes child labor and child trafficking within the supply chains of the world's biggest corporations. Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Kailash Satyarthi, is an Indian social reformer who campaigned against child labor in India and whose team has liberated more than 86,000 children from child labor, slavery, and trafficking.
Rio Conference Center
Virtual
 

3–3:45 p.m.
My American Experience as a Sudanese Immigrant | Salwa Ahmed,
Student Services Specialist, RSC
Join Salwa’s journey as a Muslim immigrant from Sudan and learn how she embraced new opportunities in the USA while remaining deeply connected to her own culture.
Virtual
 

Friday, Nov. 18

11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Lunch at Rio
Enjoy international lunch offerings
Rio Cafe