At Northeastern, International Education Week celebrates diversity, cultural exchange

Students play games at Campus Crossroads as part of International Education Week on Nov. 14, 2017. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Benny Lewis, the self-described “technomad language hacker,” who claims that anyone can learn to speak a new language in as little as three months, will reflect on the power of multilingualism on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m. in 20 West Village F.

The event will serve as the centerpiece of International Education Week at Northeastern, an annual celebration of diversity and cultural exchange on campus and beyond.

The Office of Global Services is hosting the program in coordination with several other university departments, including Career Services, Campus Crossroads, and the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service.

Luchen Li, dean of the Office of Global Services, extolled the virtues of IEW, saying that “we’re trying to make our students, faculty, and staff even more aware of the fact that Northeastern is a global university.”

He noted that Northeastern’s 11,000 international students from 140 countries worldwide “enrich our community and enhance our learning dynamics.”

In his State of the University address earlier this month, President Joseph Aoun noted that Northeastern is “building a global university system.” In addition to the university’s diverse student community, Northeastern has launched regional campuses across North America, and Northeastern students engage in experiential learning opportunities in 136 countries.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. According to IEW’s website, the program is part of their “efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.”

Northeastern’s program kicked off on Monday with an opening ceremony in the Curry Student Center Ballroom and will conclude on Friday with a men’s hockey game at Matthews Arena. Over the next three days, the university will host a range of fun and educational events and activities, giving attendees the opportunity to write Haikus, play baseball, try food from around the world, and more.

Here’s a snapshot of some upcoming events:

Communicating strategically

As part of this virtual workshop on Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., international students will have the opportunity to work with alumni to shape their authentic voices while exchanging career tips and building their professional networks.

Language workshops

Interested in practicing your Japanese? Join a native Japanese speaker and fellow students for an hour of Hindi practice on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in 405 Ell Hall. That’s also the location for an Italian workshop on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. and a French workshop on Friday at 4 p.m.

#LOVEBOSTON service project

Want to give thanks while showcasing your cooking skills? As part of this #LOVEBOSTON interfaith service opportunity, make and serve dinner to the senior citizens of Morville House in Boston on Thursday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Email k.firoza@northeastern.edu to sign up to volunteer.

 Knowledge Casino

Test your knowledge of the world by participating in several casino-style games on Thursday at 7 p.m. in 318 Curry Student Center. Come play blackjack, Fortune Wheel, and Blind World while enjoying cotton candy, popcorn, a themed photo booth, giant Jenga, and more.

Baseball practice 

Learn the rules of baseball from the varsity team on Friday at 4 p.m. in Cabot Cage. Then try hitting and throwing with the Huskies. Registration is required.

For a complete list of events, visit https://www.northeastern.edu/ogs/events/category/event/