UB celebrates International Education Week

UB’s International Education Week (IEW) celebration has been an annual tradition since 2001, and it will continue this year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

While events will take place virtually, and will be expanded over the coming two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving break, IEW will continue to showcase the rich cultural diversity of the campus community while providing an opportunity for a fun week of learning and exploration.

“Global Education. GloBULL Connections” takes place Nov. 9-20 with a variety of exhibitions, workshops and presentations designed to expose members of the UB community to the diverse perspectives of other cultures; increase community members’ cross-cultural awareness, curiosity and knowledge; and highlight the university’s international programs and outreach.

The celebration is particularly relevant at UB. With more than 7,000 international students, the university ranked No. 23 among 2,700 accredited U.S. universities in international enrollment, according to the Institute of International Education’s 2019 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. UB has exchange agreements with more than 80 institutions in more than 30 countries.

“Amid the many difficult challenges of this year limiting international exchange and causing hardship for our international students, International Education Week affords an opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon the benefits of internationalization for UB, our students, faculty and the broader community,” says John Wood, interim vice provost for international education. “Our virtual program this week and next will highlight some of the ways UB is a richer institution by virtue of its diverse and inclusive community, international programs and global engagement.”

Some highlights of UB’s International Education Week celebration:

Nov. 10

• 2020 China Town Hall: Local Roundtable Discussion: 3-4 p.m., Registration required.

Wood will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on international students at UB, and then will join a roundtable discussion moderated by World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara President Craig Turner.

The China Town Hall program, organized nationally by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, features leading China experts from around the country in a conversation on U.S.-China relations. It is presented at International Education Week through a partnership of UB’s Confucius Institute and the World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara.

Nov. 11

• International Speed Friending: 7-8 p.m. Click for Zoom link.

Connect with others, practice conversatin skills and learn new insights about UB from both domestic and international students.

Nov. 13

• Unity Through Diversity: Harmony in Metal, Stone, Silk and Bamboo: 7-8 p.m. Click for Zoom link.

Mei Han, director of the Center for Chinese Music and Culture at Middle Tennessee State University, will introduce Chinese instruments in the center’s collection and highlight their historical and cultural significance through stories and live performance.

Nov. 17

• China Town Hall: Economics and Trade: 7-8 p.m. Registration required.

Nov. 19

• Buddhism and Martial Arts: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Click for link

The presentation by Erin Markle, founder and president of the Gold Summit Martial Arts Institute in Buffalo is part of the Great Lakes Chinese Consortium Lunchtime Lecture Series.

• Local Panel Discussion: The Local Impact of COVID and Trade with China, 3-4 p.m. Registration required.

Jessie Poon, professor of geography, will be the presenter. The session is part of the China Town Hall program.

Ongoing events during the week include voting in the annual GloBULL Gallery exhibition of testimonials and photos taken by UB students studying abroad; the “UB GloBULL Beats international Spotify playlist; and International Tea Time, where U.S. and international students join up for conversation, friendship and fun.

The full schedule of events, including Zoom links, is available online.