Penelope Pynes, Associate Provost, International Programs

This year (November 12-16) marks the thirteenth annual International Education Week (IEW).  Since November 2000, our U.S. Departments of Education and State have celebrated International Education Week. U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, describes the IEW as an ideal opportunity to encourage our students to become globally competent and globally successful through international education and international engagement. Indeed, IEW is a great occasion to celebrate all things international on U.S. campuses.  

Capitalizing on our strengths as a diverse and inclusive engaged community, UNCG is an ideal environment for personal and professional growth necessary for success in today’s world. I encourage us all to take advantage of the various international/intercultural activities, events and curricula that lead to an enhanced cultural self-awareness, a deeper understanding of the world at large, and a desire for lifelong learning. During each IEW at UNCG, we offer a variety of events designed to highlight opportunities for global engagement and directed at students, faculty and staff so that everyone can take advantage of such opportunities throughout the year.

If you are on campus, be sure to drop by the Elliott University Center during the week to vote on your favorite study abroad photo and learn more about international opportunities offered here at UNCG. While there pick up an IEW button with the national flag of your choice. This year, we’d like to invite the UNCG community to wear something international on Friday, November 16, the culmination of the week’s events, to show the international breadth of our campus. Be sure to ask someone about their international experience this week!

See the following link for a list of IEW activities: http://www.uncg.edu/ipg/iew2012.pdf