Wright State to celebrate International Education Week amid surge of new international students

Wright State will celebrate International Education Week Nov. 1–5 with events in the Student Union.

Cultural and study abroad events, a presidential award and a Hinduism festival of lights highlight this year’s celebration of international education at Wright State University.

International Education Week will be held Nov. 1–5 at the Student Union and comes during a surge of new international students at Wright State. About 450 new international students enrolled this fall, with the largest growth coming in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

International Education Week Schedule:

Monday, Nov. 1, 1 to 2 p.m.
Cultural Convo kickoff
Pathfinder Lounge, Student Union

Tuesday, Nov. 2, noon to 2 p.m.
Study abroad open house
E190 Student Union

2 to 3 p.m.
Boren virtual workshop
Learn how to apply for this National Security Education scholarship

Thursday, Nov. 4, 2 to 3 p.m.
President’s International Education Award Ceremony
Pathfinder Lounge, Student Union

Friday, Nov. 5, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Diwali
Apollo Room, Student Union

Wright State’s Diwali celebration will feature dancing, singing, speeches, food, a fashion show and a photo booth.

Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

The Diwali event will feature dancing, singing and speeches as well as food, a fashion show and a photo booth. Organizers and sponsors of the event include the Indian Student Association, the International Student Association, the University Center for International Education and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Diwali is special to us because it not only blends cultures at Wright State but puts Wright State on the map in celebrating one of the biggest events on campus,” said Joy Wanderi, associate director of the University Center for International Education.

Durga Lalitha Sheetal Sreepada Venkata, a graduate microbiology and immunology student, said the Diwali event will give students, faculty and staff a chance to interact outside the classroom and have a little fun.

“This is a great opportunity for our international students to not feel homesick,” Venkata said.

International Education Week comes as Wright State prepares to launch COIL — Collaborative Online International Learning. COIL can virtually link classrooms in two or more countries, enabling students to complete assignments that meet shared learning objectives.

Expanding offerings through COIL is designed to help Wright State reach more nontraditional students, increase study locations with institutional partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and expand international education in more diverse academic areas such as science, technology, engineering and math.

Wright State plans to have at least two COIL programs in place by the fall of 2022.

For more information about International Education Week, contact askucie@wright.edu or visit wright.edu/international-education.