Wright State to celebrate international education and study abroad opportunities Nov. 1–8

Wright State will celebrate International Education Week, Nov. 1–8 with several events and a reception honoring two faculty members and a student for their dedication to international education.

Wright State University students can paint pumpkins, learn about resources to support their well-being, explore anime and celebrate Día de los Muertos and a Hindu holiday during International Education Week, Nov. 1–8.

International Education Week is organized by Wright State’s University Center for International Education as part of a national effort by the U.S. Departments of State and Education.

Mani Chintakunta is a computer science graduate student at Wright State.

“International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide,” said Michelle Streeter-Ferrari, director of the University Center for International Education. “The week of events celebrates Wright State’s efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.”

Over 1,600 international students from 67 countries enrolled at Wright State this fall, with the largest intake of new international students this fall in Wright State’s history.

“Our largest intake of new international students on campus has been undergraduate students, which has really enriched our campus community and life,” Streeter-Ferrari said.

The University Center for International Education has supported students who participate in the study abroad program by offering a $500 scholarship to each participant this year.

Kendall Goodrich is chair of the School of Supply Chain Management, Marketing and Management.

The University Center for International Education will honor the recipients of the 2024 International Education Awards at the International Education Reception on Nov. 7:

Global Citizen Award: Mani Sankar Chintakunta, a computer science graduate student who has helped enhance the experiences of students, faculty and staff while demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and support. Chintakunta has worked in the offices of the Department of Biological Sciences and the University Center for International Education and serves as a resident assistant in campus housing.

International Student Advocate Award: Kendall Goodrich, Ph.D., professor of marketing and chair of the School of Supply Chain Management, Marketing and Management. Goodrich is known for his support of international students and faculty members who teach and participate in research abroad.

“Dr. Goodrich has been a very strong international education advocate who has supported faculty and students,” said Wakiuru Wamwara, Ph.D., professor of marketing. “His care, counseling and support of our international students, programs and faculty are exceptional.”

Dane Thor Daniel is a professor of history at the Lake Campus.

International Education Award: Dane Thor Daniel, Ph.D., professor of history at the Lake Campus. Dane was honored for his excellent contributions to international education for underrepresented students at the Lake campus. Over the last decade, he has led numerous international educational trips, promoting global learning and cross-cultural understanding.

“Students at Lake Campus from various backgrounds took such opportunities to learn foreign languages, to enjoy different cultures and to promote American culture during the interaction with international peers,” said Weisong Wang, Ph.D., associate professor of electrical engineering.

Daniel is the founder and chair of the International Education Committee at Lake Campus. He has helped faculty to form specialized international educational programs, such as an agriculture program in Panama, actively recruits international students and has organized dozens of cultural and international events.

International Education Week schedule:

Friday, Nov. 1, 1–4 p.m., Student Union Apollo Room: Harvest of Well-Being, featuring a panel discussion of international students, campus resources that support well-being, pumpkin painting, food and coffee.

Tuesday, Nov. 5, noon–2 p.m., Student Union Atrium: Dia de los Muertos, with live mariachi music, games and food, hosted by Wright State’s Latino Center.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, noon to 2 p.m., Student Union Apollo Room: Anime Odyssey, learn about anime and study abroad opportunities.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 3 p.m., Student Union Atrium: International Education Reception, by invitation only.

Friday, Nov. 8, 5–10 p.m., Student Union Apollo Room: Festival of Lights. A major festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, Diwali, or the festival of lights, symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Learn more about international education at Wright State at wright.edu/international-education.