November 18-22 is International Education Week! Each year we celebrate the benefits of international education and cultural exchange at schools across the country. A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week (IEW) is meant to promote programs and events that help prepare Americans for working and learning in a global environment while also attracting future leaders from abroad to come here to study and share their experiences.
You don’t have to hop on a plane to get a global perspective during IEW at Rio Salado College. We’ll be hosting a few international education events that are sure to broaden your horizons.
-Monday, November 18
Stories Across Borders: Exploring Cultural Identities Together
1–2 p.m., online, Google Meet
Step into a world of cultural exploration with "Stories Across Borders: Exploring Cultural Identities Together," a dynamic workshop during International Week. This interactive session invites participants to reflect on their own cultural identities and share their unique stories with the group. Through this activity, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how our diverse backgrounds shape who we are and how we connect with others. This workshop will offer an inclusive space for dialogue, reflection, and celebration of the rich tapestry of identities that make up our global society. Join us and contribute your voice to this powerful cultural exchange!
Presented by Reina Ferrufino, DEIB Program Manager, Rio Salado
-Tuesday, Nov. 19
Cafe Around the World
9-11 a.m., in-person, Rio Splash Pad (first floor)
Enjoy a taste of treats from around the world. Interested in learning how to make something flavorful from over the border? Come taste some delights from our amazing Cafe staff!
The Cafe @ Rio also will be hosting a holiday tamales making worship on Dec. 7 and 14. Participants will learn in a hands-on cooking workshop how to make red chile chicken and green chile pork tamales.
Click here to register in advance. This annual series is very popular and always sells out.
-Wednesday, Nov. 20
Vocational and Educational Training in the Basque Country and Germany
11am–12 p.m., online, Google Meet
Rick Vaughn, Ph., D. visited the Basque region of Spain and parts of Germany to study vocational training programs, tour industry, and attend the Hannover Messe fair. He will share and relate the incredible things he learned about how their cultures support vocational training and the kinds of things we can do here in Maricopa to begin to replicate some of those best practices.
Presented by Rick Vaughn, Ph.D., Faculty Chair - STEM Initiatives, Rio Salado College
Race and Ethnicity Abroad: Overcoming obstacles to create a global mindset
1–2 p.m., online, Google Meet
Race and ethnicity are factors that are often overlooked when considering study abroad options. Political, cultural and historical context is critical when understanding these challenges. This session will cover the "identity shift" that some will experience while studying abroad, which may include attitudes towards race and ethnicity from a different lens. Additionally, the session will recommend ways to identify and overcome these challenges, which will lead to a fulfilling experience abroad.
Presented by Dr. Lamont Slater, Faculty Chair Humanities, Religious Studies & Philosophy, Rio Salado College
-All Week
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person, Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
Learn More About International Education
Interested in exploring learning opportunities abroad? Check out some of our past stories that delve into the benefits of learning and working internationally.
- Become A Student Of The World Through Global Engagement
- How Working and Learning Abroad Can Open Up a World of Opportunities
Article by Austin Brietta