About IEW

IEW is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. The week is dedicated to enhancing international awareness across Boston College campus as well as to  reinforcing the importance of the exchange of students and scholars across borders. 

Initiated in 2000 by the US Department of State and the Department of Education, International Education Week emphasizes the importance of increasing knowledge and awareness of the world's cultures, peoples and languages, and affirms the critical role the international education plays at Boston College.

International Education Week Calendar

Monday Events

Tuesday Events

Wednesday Events

Thursday Events

Friday Events

Week Long Events

International Photo Exhibition: O’Neill Library Level One Gallery
"The World Through Our Eyes" International Photo Exhibition, returns this year to feature international photography from across the BC community.

Sponsors: Office of International Students and Scholars, Boston College Libraries

WorldWide Book Drive - OLAA: During the week of November 5-9, the Organization of Latin American Affairs will hold a book drive through WorldWide Book Drive. We have already begun asking professors and libraries to donate any textbooks they have. The books that we collect have to be from 2007 or more recently (in essence, no older than five years). Please drop gently used textbooks off to be donated in an effort to combat illiteracy around the world. The book drive will be held for the entire week and its purpose adds to the mission of International Education Week.

Center for International Higher Education Graduate Student Roundtable
Campion 202 12:00pm-1:30pm

What are the trends and challenges of international higher education?
What does internationalization mean other than studying abroad and international students? The Center for International Higher Education hosts a roundtable discussion about key trends of international higher education, that include the growling global interest in higher education in post-conflict societies, liberal education, international scholars, and the growth of branch campuses overseas. Pizza will be served. RSVP is not required to participate in this event.
Sponsor: Center for International Higher Education

International Studies Lunchtime Lecture Series
McGuinn 223 12:00pm-1:30pm

Lecture by Erik Owens, Associate Director of Boisi Center.  Lunch provided, RSVP isp@bc.edu for event.
Sponsor: International Studies Program

International Scholars Reception
Connoly House 3pm-5pm

International Scholars, Faculty, and Researchers are all invited to a reception in their honor. This will be an ideal time for International Scholars to meet one another as well as members of the BC community. Scholar's families and their BC faculty sponsors are also invited. Refreshments will be served. RSVP required to bcis@bc.edu by October 31st.
Sponsors: Office of International Students and Scholars, Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculties

Study Abroad: Myths and Realities
Higgins 300 4:30pm-6:00pm

In this panel discussion students will learn the truth about common study abroad myths.  The key topics to be covered include: affordability and finances, academics, “Who can go abroad?”, and the overall experience.  The panel will feature International Study Advisors from OIP who are seasoned experts.  This event is recommended for first and
Second year BC students.

Refreshments will be served.
Sponsor: Office of International Programs

Living and Working Abroad with Greg Stoller
Devlin 112 7:00pm-8:00pm

Lecture with CSOM professor Gregory Stoller about Living and Working Abroad.
Sponsor: Office of International Students and Scholars

Mind Your Manners: International Business Etiquette for the BC Student
Fulton Honors Library 7:00pm-8:00pm

In a globalizing world, it can be difficult for American businessmen and women to understand the customs of all the cultures that they interact with. To expose BC students to the cultural differences they may encounter and better prepare them for the future, AHANA Management Academy is hosting an international business etiquette event. Listen to speakers who have worked or interned abroad compare business customs, speak to members of different culture clubs, and learn about opportunities abroad with the Office of International Programs!
Sponsor: AHANA Management Academy

Robert Ross: "The US Pivot to Asia and US/China Relations"
Fulton 511 7:00pm-9:00pm

This talk will examine trends in U.S.-China relations since the recent emergence of greater tension in East Asia.  It addresses the sources of China’s seemingly contentious behavior and the Obama administration’s growing effort to respond to the rise of China.  It considers the implications of both Chinese policy and the American response for U.S.-China cooperation on global security and economic issues and for long-term stability in East Asia.
Sponsor: Office of International Students and Scholars

The Monsoon Diaries
Higgins 300 8:30pm-10:00pm

SEASA has invited Calvin Sun the creator the popular website and blog the Monsoon Diaries. (http://monsoondiaries.com/) He and his friends have traveled throughout the world, film-making on a bare-bones budget. One of his first trips was to Southeast Asia and this is what he will be highlighting in his talk. He is also very active in the Asian American community serving on the Board of Directors for the East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU), a national 501(c)(3) non-profit and the oldest and largest ethnic-interest collegiate organization in the country.
Sponsor: Southeast Asian Students Association

Global Citizenship in American Higher Education: 4 Perspectives
Campion 139 12:00pm-1:30pm

What is "global citizenship" and what does this mean--if anything--for American higher education today? Please join us for insights into this question from the perspective of 4 graduate students who completed research on this topic during Summer 2012. Altogether, their work explores the relevance of education for global citizenship for schools of social work and medicine, as well as in the contexts of Catholic higher education institutions and liberal arts colleges.

Sponsor: Center for International Higher Education

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: Student/Alumni Voices & Insights
Gasson 301 3:00pm-4:45pm

Organized by the GISA's Education & Service Team, this event brings International & local students/alumni who will share their experiences/perspectives. Students/alumni representatives will present their current research/thesis or their experiences in the international community.

RSVP (gisa@bc,edu) recommended but not required.

Refreshments provided and interesting learning guaranteed!

Sponsor: GISA

Study Abroad: University College Cork, Ireland
Fulton 220 4:00pm-5:00pm

Freshmen and Sophomores are invited to join this information session to hear more about the study abroad program at the University College Cork in Ireland.  The event will include special guest, Marita Foster, International Education Officer at UCC.  The info session will include details on academics and courses, housing,  activities, and student life.

Sponsor: Office of International Programs

Making the Most of Study Abroad: Internships, Goal Setting & Résumés
Boston Room, Corcoran Commons, 4:30pm-6:00pm

Come meet BC study abroad alum, Boston area employers and staff from the Career Center for a panel discussion during the Boston College International Education week. You will learn firsthand about maximizing your time abroad through internships and cultural experiences, what current employers are looking for in the world of global experience, how best to talk about your time abroad during job interviews and how to list your experience on your resume. The session will start out with an introduction from an OIP staff member, followed by a panel discussion with question and answer period and a breakout working group session for practical advice on resume building and interview skills.

Co-Sponsored by Career Services and OIP
RSVP:  Eaglelink  https://bc-csm.symplicity.com/students/

International Food Night
BC Dining Halls 4:30pm-8:00pm

BC Dining Services will be serving a variety of foods from around the world for dinner in Corocoran, McElroy and Stewart.

Sponsor: BC Dining

International Studies Lunchtime Lecture Series
McGuinn 226A 12:00pm-1:30pm

Lecture by Prof. Matt Sienkiewicz, CO/IS faculty member.  Lunch provided, RSVP to isp@bc.edu for event.
Sponsor: International Studies Program

Why students from China are studying abroad at a younger age
Campion 139 12:30pm-2:00pm

The number of Chinese students studying abroad is increasing rapidly and we can see from the trend in past years that children start studying abroad at a younger and younger age. Through analyzing this phenomenon--studying abroad at a younger age, Fang Shi, a visiting scholar in the Lynch School, will show you the factors affecting Chinese students study abroad. Professor Karen Arnold, will give the introduction to this presentation.

Sponsor: Office of International Students and Scholars, Lynch School of Education

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: Faculty/Staff Voices & Insights
Devlin 008 5:00pm-6:45pm

Organized by the GISA's Education & Service Team, this event brings International & local faculty/staff from across BC to one place where they will share their diverse experiences/perspectives.

This is a great opportunity for everyone to learn about the faculty/staff representatives' views on things happening around the world that 'need attention'. Participants will also learn about faculty/staff representatives' current research, especially as they pertain to education and the international arena.

RSVP (gisa@bc.edu) recommended but not required.

Refreshments provided and interesting learning guaranteed!

Sponsor: GISA

CHRIJ Migration film Series: Tony and Janina's American Wedding
East Wing 115A, Newton Campus 5:00pm-7:00pm

This film follows a Polish-American family through the red tape of the current U.S. immigration system as a deportation separates the family across continents, telling the untold human rights story of post-9/11 that every undocumented immigrant in America faces today.

Refreshments to be provided.

Sponsor: Center for Human Rights and International Justice

Club Culinaire- French Cooking
Voute Hall 3rd Floor Lounge 7:00pm-9:00pm

The Maison Francais will be cooking French food in Voute! RSVP required to alkandidem1@gmail.com

Sponsor: Maison Francaise

China, Japan, and the Senkaku Islands-ICBC
Cushing 332 7:00pm-8:00pm

BC professors Nicole Barnes, Franziska Seraphim and potentially one other participant will be speaking on a panel about China, Japan and the Senkaku islands.

Sponsor: International Club of Boston College

Isshinryu Karate Workshop-Japan Club of Boston College
O'Connel House 8:00pm-10:00pm

During this event, JCBC will be working with Alessa Natale to host an Isshinryu Karate workshop. Alessa, currently a Boston College junior, has studied the traditional Okinawan style of Isshinryu Karate for 12 years and currently holds  the rank of Nidan (or 2nd degree black belt) in that style. As a member of the FIST (Future Instructor Special Training) Group at her dojo, Alessa is well qualified to share the art of Isshinryu to the rest of the BC community. We hope to show BC students the many health and mental benefits of karate.
RSVP Required at http://tinyurl.com/BC-karate-workshop

Sponsor: Japan Club of Boston College

Learn to Pronouce Chinese Names
Maloney Hall 250 12:00pm-1:00pm

Do you interact with Chinese students on campus and wish you could try to pronounce their names properly? Here is your chance to learn! Please join Boston College graduate students Qianhui  “Maple” Xu (College of Advancing Studies) and Yaqin “Lydia” Liu (Carroll School) as they introduce you to Chinese pronunciation and help you gain a new appreciation of the Chinese language.   This event is open to all BC students, faculty and staff. Lunch will be provided.  Please RSVP to Susan Shea at sheasc@bc.edu by November 6th. Sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars

BC Alumni Going Beyong the Heights: A Panel on International Social Work
McGuinn 521 4:00pm-5:00pm

Sponsored by the Graduate School of Social Work

Passport to your future: International Education in Healthcare
Cushing 411 4:30-5:30

The School of Nursing offers three summer opportunities to travel and study about international healthcare.  Join faculty members  Rosemary Byrne, Melissa Sutherland, Colleen Simonelli and Rosanna DeMarco as they share information about programs in Ecuador, Switzerland, and Viet Nam.  

Sponsor: Connell School of Nursing

Summer Abroad Programs Information Session
O'Neil 247 6:00-8:00

Open to all students, this info session will include an overview of BC’s summer courses abroad.  Each summer the Office of International Programs sponsors over 25 Boston College courses throughout the world. Come to our info session to hear about the exciting opportunities available to you this summer and how to apply.

Sponsor: Office of International Programs

Dating and Hooking-up from an International Perspective- ICBC
Higgins 310 6:30pm-7:45pm

Professor Kerry Cronin will give a lecture on the hook-up culture and place an international spin on it.

Sponsor: International Club of Boston College

Conference by Maximilien Novak: The Convergence between Music and Literature in 19th Century France and Germany
Gasson 307 7:00pm-8:00pm

The Convergence between Music and Literature in France and Germany (19th century)
Sponsor: Maison Francaise

Creole Cuisine; L'Association Haitienne
Yawkey Center- Murray Function Room 7:00-9:00

L'Association Haitienne at Boston College will once again host our annual Creole Cuisine event. In this event, we open our country up to the Boston College Community and allow them to sample our rich culture, music, tastes, arts, and most importantly food! This event was a big hit last year so this year we are again raising the bar to make this event a success. Last year we had various students perform and we had the internet sensation Haitian Jonas as our guest performer. We do expect that he will be returning again this year. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has fun, learns something new, and most importantly, that everyone is fed!

Sponsor: L'Association Haitienne

Bringing the World Home:  Perspectives and reflections from Faculty and Administrators on Nicaraguan Immersion experience
Gasson 305 6:00pm-7:00pm

You may know what happens when students go on a service or immersion trip, but what happens when faculty and staff step outside their comfort zone? Come and find out from faculty and administrators who went to Nicaragua. Refreshments will be provided.

Sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars

International Studies Lunchtime Lecture Series
McGuinn 223 12:00pm-1:30pm

Lecture by Prof. Peter Krause, IS/PO faculty member.  Lunch provided, RSVP to isp@bc.edu for event.

Sponsor: International Studies Program

Weekly graduate discussion series
Connors Family Learning Center 12:00pm-1:00pm

Talk by Dean Joe Burns about the history of Boston College. Graduate international students only. RSVP to bcis@bc.edu
Sponsored by the OISS, Office of Graduate Student Life, and the Connors Family Learning Center

The impact of the elections on US foreign policy with Professor Marc Landy and journalist from THE WORLD
McGuinn 121 3:00pm-4:30pm

The impact of the elections on US foreign policy with Political Science Professor Marc Landy and Jason Margolis, journalist from THE WORLD (BBC, PRI, WGBH)
Sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: Cultural Event
Higgins 300 3:15pm-5:00pm

Organized by the GISA, this event brings a Chief Guest to the stage. A great way to close the IEW. RSVP required to gisa@bc.edu by November 5th. More details to come.
Entertainment guaranteed!

Sponsor: GISA

Caribbean Culture Club: Island Market
Gasson 100 7:00pm-12:00am

Island Market will be an event in which we set up tables around the perimeter of Gasson 100 and each table represents a typical market stall found in the Caribbean. There will be other countries represented by their own clubs: Cuban America Student Association will have a table for Cuba, Dominican Association will have a table for the Dominican Republic, Organization of Latin American Affairs will show the general hispanic culture in the Caribbean, as well as African Student Organization and Chinese Students Association which will show their ethnicity's influence in the Caribbean as well. There will be music at the event that showcases songs that are representative of each country. There will be an opening dance performance to open the "dance floor" in the center of the room later in the evening.

Sponsor: Caribbean Culture Club