International Education Week 2023
International Education Week (IEW) is coming this November 13-17 to SRJC! Each year, IEW gives us an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide, and to develop a broader understanding of different cultural perspectives. IEW is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education.
SRJC's participation in IEW is part of the national effort to prepare American students for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the U.S. This fall, SRJC and Sonoma State University are once again collaborating to offer expanded IEW programming for both campus communities! Events will be offered in-person or via Zoom.
Schedule of Events
All events are FREE and open to both the SRJC and SSU community. Check this page frequently for more details, coming soon!
SEXUALITY & SEX EDUCATION IN Germany
Presented by Nathan Gerdes
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: SSU, ARTS 102
Description: Join SSU's Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) for a conversation about sexuality and sex education in Germany. Sonoma State University is the only CSU campus to regularly host an FLTA. This year, SSU is happy to host Nathan Gerdes from Germany.
Una Visita a Torino, Italia - A Visit to Turin, Italy
Presented by Cathy Balestrieri Burton, SRJC Italian/Spanish Instructor, Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana, and Giovanna Bagnato, SSU Faculty Volunteer - Visiting Scholar from the University of Turin (Italy).
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Description: In this hour session, participants will practice a little Italian, have a short photographic tour of Torino, with historical and cultural highlights, and a brief presentation about an overview of Italian wine, with a specific focus on the Torino area.
IEW Kickoff + Language Bites
Presented by SRJC/SSU International Students
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Zoom Recording, Mandika/Wolof Slides
Description: Join us for a live premiere of our IEW Kickoff Video! What is IEW? What international programs and services do we offer? What events are happening throughout the week? We will answer these and other questions! Join us this week for International Education Week (IEW) as we embark on a journey to explore the international education and how it impacts our students’ experiences. After the video premiere, we will jump into Language Bites where participants can get bite-sized introductions to various languages. Let's come together to celebrate the profound advantages of international education and exchange, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse global cultures and languages.
SRJC Study Abroad
Presented by Jessica Layton, SRJC Photography Instructor, Art Department
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Zoom Recording
Description: Learn about upcoming opportunities to study abroad in Ireland in Summer '24 and London in Fall '24. Sonoma State University's rep will also attend and review their study abroad opportunities for students who transfer.
Drag Race: Germany Screening
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: SSU, Darwin 107
Description: Hallo, hallo, hallo: You heard right! We are thrilled to announce German queens on campus brought to you by RuPaul's Drag Race: German-style. Come, bring your nails, hair, hips, heels, friends, snacks and drinks for a fun night full of Königinnen des Drags (Queens of Drag) and German culture. The show will be streamed in its original language (German) but with English subtitles – 'cause reading is fundamental.
GoGlobal! SSU Study Away Fair & International Market
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: SSU, Seawolf Plaza Transportation provided! If you would like a ride, please email international@santarosa.edu.
Description: Are you curious about studying abroad? Want to spend a semester or year in another country or state? Stop by the Go Global! SSU Study Away Fair & International Market to learn more about program options and study away opportunities! Talk to representatives from the programs and hear from study away alumni! There will also be yummy food, activities, and a book sale/swap! Donated books will go to Better World Books.
SRJC Latin Dance Class
Presented by SRJC Dance Educator, Jolene Johnson
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: SRJC, 640 Analy Village
Description: Students who attend will learn the basic history of and movements for merengue, bachata, and salsa. All students who participate will leave with a better understanding of the genres and have some dance moves to use for future social settings.
Sustainability in Germany
Presented by Anna Sophie Karcher, German Exchange Student at SSU
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: SSU, ARTS 102 (German 101 class)
Description: Join SSU's German exchange student for a conversation about sustainability in Germany.
Crazy and Funny Translations from English to Spanish and Vice Versa from Signs and Popular Movie Titles
Presented by Dr. Araceli Osorio, SRJC Spanish professor, World Languages Department
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Description: Learn why some translations from English to Spanish and vice versa are very challenging and why sometimes the only tool you have is to find the closest equivalent or explain the main concept to get the correct meaning. Learn some recommendations to get a better English to Spanish translations and vice versa.
SSU African Dance Workshop
Presented by Philip Agyapong
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:40 PM
Location: SSU, Physical Education Building 1
Description: Global Perspectives in Dance (DANC 271) is intended to give the student a broader perspective of how dance reflects and shapes cultural values. This course looks at differences and commonalities in dance forms across the globe and examine why people dance, who dances, where, when and how they dance, audience/performer relationships, movement forms, and roles of dance in their culture. All dance ability levels welcome! Join us to learn African Dance from a guest speaker, Philip Agyapong, who is a dance teacher and researcher from Ghana who currently lives in California. At the University of Ghana, he earned his dance education by studying African dance forms from the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Ga-Adangbe, Ewe, Fon, Akan, and Dagomba in West Africa. Philip earned his first dance faculty position in 2014 at the University of Ghana, where taught for a few years before relocating to California. He currently teaches African traditional dance forms (both theory and practice), African popular dance, and contemporary African dance in tertiary institutions across the Bay Area. Philip’s knowledge in dance, choreography, and performance can further be attributed to his practice with dance companies such as Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, Yameci Dance Company, African Music and Dance Ensemble, and Afro-Urban Society. He is also the founder of African Live Art, an online educational platform that connects instructors of African knowledge in art forms, history, architecture.
Snapshot: Francophone Presence in the United States
Presented by Professor Elyse Petite
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Description: Do you know French is the fifth most common non-English language spoken in U.S. households? Whether you are a member of a Francophone community, a language enthusiast, or simply curious about the rich diversity in the United States, join me on Zoom to learn more about the presence of Francophone communities in the United States.
Coffee & Culture: LIVE
Presented by SSU and SRJC international students
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Zoom Recording
Description: Come and listen to a roundtable of our international students discuss their experiences studying in the United States and compare the cultures in their home countries!
International Faculty and Staff Reception
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: SSU Overlook Transportation provided! If you would like a ride, please email international@santarosa.edu.
Description: Come and meet faculty and staff from other countries, hear about their journeys to SSU/SRJC, and enjoy delicious wine and refreshments!
Sign Languages Around the World
Presented by SRJC World Languages Faculty: Don Bangs, Dolph Rehkop, and Sara Stallard
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: SRJC Doyle 146
Description: Come learn about the origins of sign language in the United States and the relationships between American Sign Language and other sign languages around the world. Discover inspiration for career advancement or volunteer work with educational programs serving Deaf people around the world.
Friendsgiving Dinner
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: SRJC Polly Hall, Great Room
Description: Join the SRJC International Club for a special Friendsgiving Dinner! Let's exchange cultures and build community. We will explain the history and origins of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, discuss the cultural traditions that are celebrated on this day, and encourage students to share their own traditions around the holidays. Please RSVP here by November 12th!
SRJC Doyle Library Display
Celebrate International Education: Come to the SRJC Libraries to learn more about International Education Week (IEW) events using books on display from our collections.
Zoom Information
For Zoom events, please ensure your account is updated to the latest version prior to attending: Instructions Here
Flex Credit
Instructors may be able to request FLEX credit for participating in IEW events. After attending, login to your Faculty Portal to submit your flex verification: 1) Select “Instructor Flex” for the current semester, 2) At the bottom of that page, select “Flex Verification Form,” 3) Under “select flex activity type” click "Menu of Activities,” 4) Look for "FF:26: DEIAA Theory and Practice." Faculty and members of the IEW committee may enter up to 9 hours!
We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to all of the presenters, as well as the planning committee members who helped make this week possible: Becky Alvarez, Katie O'Brien, Hope Ortiz, and Araceli Osorio. We'd also like to thank the SRJC Public Relations department and the SSU Office of the President for their special contributions to our promotional video.
Past Schedules
View event flyer (please email us for an accessible version).
Monday 11/14
- 12:00pm, Zoom, IEW Kickoff Video Premiere: Join us for a live premiere of our IEW Kickoff Video! What is IEW? What international programs and services do we offer? What events are happening throughout the week? We will answer these and other burning questions! (Zoom Recording)
- 7:00-8:30pm, Tauzer 951, Master Dance/Drumming Class with African Diaspora Artist: Come Join Us to celebrate the Wonder and Beauty of West African dance, our Dance Master Tyehimba Kokayi has studied from some of the Best West African Dancers and Drummers from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and more!
Tuesday 11/15
- 12:00-1:00pm, Zoom, Language Bites: Join us for a "taste" of other languages like French, Mandarin-Chinese, and Khmer. Meet international students who will share their native language in Zoom breakout rooms.
Wednesday 11/16
- 11:00am-1:00pm, Bertolini Quad, SRJC International Club Tabling: Learn more about the International Club at SRJC! They will be tabling at Club Day - drop by and find out how you can get involved!
- 12:00pm-1:00pm, SSU Ballrooms, Let's Talk about Race in France: Rejecting Race and Ethnicity Surveys in the Hexagon: Presented by SSU's Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA), Annabelle Alibert.
- 1:00pm-2:00pm, Zoom, Interesting Facts about the French and Spanish Languages: Presented by SRJC World Languages Faculty: Rocio Menendez, Mai Nazif, Elyse Petit, and Araceli Osorio
- 1:00pm-2:00pm, Zoom, F-1 Employment Workshop: Learn how to find an on-campus job, an off-campus internship, and work authorization to earn $ in the U.S. Presenters: Jamie Longnecker, Lauralyn Larsen, Becky Petrow (Zoom Recording)
Thursday 11/17
- 1:00pm-2:00pm, SSU IH 107, Life in Germany: A presentation about geography, political structure, education and transportation systems, and the way of life in Germany. A report of the first-hand experience of Laurin Ritter, visiting Semester at Sonoma student from Germany.
- 5:00pm-7:00pm, Bertolini SAC, International Faculty & Staff Reception: Join us for our 1st annual IEW Reception for international faculty and staff! Come and meet your international colleagues while enjoying delicious food and drink accompanied by special cultural performances and guest speakers. Wine donated by SSU's School of Business and Economics.
Friday 11/18
- 1:00pm-2:00pm, Zoom, Study Abroad Presentation: Come learn about the various opportunities to Study Abroad including Barcelona in Fall 2023 and many programs through SSU for transfer students (Zoom Recording)
- 4:30-7pm, Sebastopol, IEW Friendsgiving: The SRJC International Club is planning a "Friendsgiving" dinner field trip. Food and transportation provided. You can also bring your favorite traditional dish to share!
Weeklong Events
- SRJC Multicultural Museum Exhibit: Enjoy a vibrant display of art and artifacts from other countries, provided by SRJC international students and staff.
- SRJC Doyle Library Display: Check out some especially curated written works by international authors arranged by SRJC Librarians. On display Nov. 7th-28th in the 2nd Floor Lobby.
- Study Abroad Stories: Check out or join the Instagram campaign #USJapanStudyAbroad and #JapanUSStudyAbroad to see the experiences of Japanese and American students studying abroad. Sponsored by EducationUSA!
View PDF schedule (please email us for an accessible version).
Monday 11/15
- 12:00pm-12:30pm, IEW Kickoff Video Premiere: Join us for the premiere of our International Education Week promo video, featuring SRJC and SSU students, faculty and staff. Explore our programs and learn how international education can benefit your life! (Zoom Recording)
Tuesday 11/16
- 12:00pm-1:00pm, Language Bites: Ever wondered what konichiwa means? What about feliz cumpleaños? Join us for a taste of some foreign languages like Japanese, Spanish and German. Meet international students who will share their native language in Zoom breakout rooms. (Zoom Recording)
- 1:00pm-2:00pm, SRJC Study Abroad Presentation: Learn about the opportunities to study abroad in 2022: Summer in Ireland, Fall in London. Presented by: Kerry Loewen, Dean of Arts & Humanities at SRJC. Jacqueline McGhee, English Faculty at SRJC (Zoom Recording)
Wednesday 11/17
- 5:00am-8:00am, Link, Education USA Sub-Saharan Africa Virtual Fair: Prospective international students can visit up to 60 U.S. colleges and universities, including SRJC and SSU, at the Education USA Sub-Saharan Africa Virtual Fair.
- 11:00am-11:50am, Zoom, What does it mean to be German? Three visiting students from Germany will interview SSU students and collect their responses to the question what it means to be German. They will record these responses in a brief video. These videotaped responses will be followed by a conversation where the German students respond to questions from SSU students. This cross-cultural interview will provide insights into their experiences growing up in Germany as Germans with multi-ethnic backgrounds, inviting participants to make connections to their own cultures and upbringing. Presented by: Yasemin Schünemann, Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at SSU, Gamze Can, CSU IP student & German Peer Language Facilitator at SSU, Lydia Bobb, exchange student & German Peer Language Facilitator at SSU
- 12:00pm-1:00pm, Gather, SSU Study Abroad Fair: Thinking of transferring to Sonoma State?! Check out all the Study Away opportunities you will have as a Seawolf! You can even use your Financial Aid and apply to Study Away for your first semester as an SSU student!
Thursday, November 18
- 3:00pm-5:00pm, Dance Workshop: Presented by Grace Ballou, SRJC student from Cote d'Ivoire. Check out her Instagram for inspiration! Zoom Recording
- 4:00pm, Zoom, What do Zambia and the United States Have in Common? Both Can Be Dangerous Places to Give Birth! Presented by: Austin Meyer The program begins with a short film, “With Grace,” that tells the moving story of 34-year-old Grace as she sets out to deliver her baby in rural Zambia, a country with one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world. The film offers a moving glimpse into the difficulties of childbirth that millions of women and girls face around the world. After the viewing, filmmaker Austin Meyer will share his experience in making the film and the lessons it might hold for us.
Friday, November 19
- 10:00am-10:50am, Zoom, The integration of Turkish guest workers in Germany: Presented by Yasemin Schünemann, Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at SSU. SSU's Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Yasemin Schünemann discusses the German guest worker program from the 60s that majorly shaped Germany's society until now. The presentation gives insight into the historical and economic impacts on welcoming foreign workers who did not only help to build the German economy but who decided to stay in Germany, too. As first-hand impressions, two Turkish immigrants answer questions about their migration journey and the question of feeling at home.