This week, November 18-22, our system joins institutions across the globe in observing International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative created by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education that promotes the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
At the heart of our system’s International and Intercultural Education (IIE) programming is the goal of preparing diverse learners to succeed in a globalized, multicultural world while fostering connections within the community. IIE, student exchange, and study abroad strengthen our students' connections to diverse cultures and help them gain a global perspective while enriching the college experience.
During the 2022-23 academic year, more than 30,000 international students enrolled at an Arizona higher education institution. Furthermore, over 3,500 students statewide participated in study abroad programs during the 2021-22 academic year. Each year, our colleges collectively welcome an average of 600 international students from 90 countries on F-1 and J-1 visas.
Study abroad experiences provide students with invaluable cognitive and relational skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Through immersion in diverse cultural environments, students gain foreign language proficiency, intercultural communication skills, adaptability, and a heightened cultural awareness. Our system is dedicated to offering these enriching study abroad opportunitiesacross Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, empowering students to broaden their perspectives and enhance their global competencies.
This year, I am proud to share that our IIE Office worked with the Governor’s Office to issue a proclamation recognizing the annual celebration as Arizona International Education Week. Throughout IEW, our colleges will host over 40 in-person and virtual events open to students, faculty, and staff. I encourage you to consider attending one of these events to learn more about international education through experiences that highlight cultural identity, storytelling, and language.
This week, let us embrace the opportunity to broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the countless cultures that shape our world. By fostering cross-cultural engagement and promoting global partnerships, we can cultivate a more inclusive community.
Sincerely,
Steven