International Education Week
Celebrate, discuss, and learn more about the role of international education as a powerful global force, cultivating a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world, as part of the International Education Week (IEW) celebration at Maricopa Community Colleges.
The week long series of in-person and virtual events, across all 10 colleges, is open to all students, faculty, and staff.
A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week is a yearly opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
Monday, November 13
Opening Ceremony
10-11 a.m., online
View Recording
10 a.m. – Opening Remarks
Introduction of Keynote Speaker presented by Dr. Kate Smith, Rio Salado College President
10:15 a.m. – Keynote
Jorge Mendoza Yezcas, Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix
All of Prague: Study Abroad Information Session and Student Panel
11 a.m.–12 p.m., in-person
SC140, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Learn about the Prague Study Abroad Program at CGCC and hear what it’s like to participate in Study Abroad.
International Education Office Open House / Welcome
10 a.m.–12 p.m., in-person
36N, Mesa Community College
IEW Proclamation, ISA President Welcome, and interactive craft-making to display at the Student Lounge. Light refreshments to be provided. Highlighting library display welcoming International Education Week.
Opening Ceremony at Phoenix College
10:30–11 a.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Parade of Flags and IEW Proclamation.
Cultural Performance and International Food
11 a.m.–12 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
PC Steel Pan group and international food samples.
Cultural Performance
12–12:30 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Ballet Folklórico La Llorona.
From Servant to Icon of Freedom, the Dog in 17th Century Dutch Art
12:30–1:45 p.m., in-person and online
KSC1000B, Paradise Valley Community College
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 897 5640 8716
Passcode: 242736
Professor Johnston discusses the importance and presence of dogs in art. The presentation includes visits with two therapy dogs who regularly visit students at PVCC.
International Travel as Education: Lessons Learned about Language, Deep Culture, and the Human Spirit
1–2 p.m., online
Rio Salado College
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 745 7623 9480
Passcode: 01h3MQ
Join Rio employee Kirstin Thomas, Instructional Coordinator, Library, Rio Salado College as she shares how her experiences traveling internationally have deepened her understanding of the world and the people in it. Through a series of stories, she will illustrate the educational benefits of international travel by highlighting the most edifying moments of her travels through Costa Rica, Peru, Iceland, and Indonesia.
Chinese Calligraphy
2–3:15 p.m., in-person
KSC1000B, Paradise Valley Community College
Professor Lili Kang will present on the history of calligraphy in China and guide students to write using calligraphy brushes, ink, and paper.
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–2 p.m., in-person
Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
Explore a book display highlighting books from international authors or education topics. Library Discussion Board question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?”
Music From Around the World
All week, in-person
Enrollment Center, Glendale Community College
Music, games, and social media to promote international education.
Tuesday, November 14
Cafe Around the World
9–10 a.m., in-person
Rio Splash Pad (first floor), Rio Salado College
Enjoy a taste of treats from around the world. Presented by the Rio International Education Office.
Flags for Peace
11 am–1 pm, in-person
Students will draw their own country’s flag, their parents’ country, their friend’s country, or the country they have visited or would like to visit.
Harmonizing Cultures: The Dina Preston Band Tour to Tunisia in the Digital Age
10:30–11:45 a.m., in-person and online
KSC1000B, Paradise Valley Community College
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 871 6906 8613
Passcode: 798047
Dr. Dina Preston-Ortiz and Mr. Don Ortiz will discuss a recent visit to Tunisia from both performance art and business entrepreneurialism.
Cultural Performance and International Food
11–11:30 a.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Enjoy an international food cooking demonstration from the International Club.
Cultural Performance
11:30 a.m.–12 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Enjoy Flamenco dancing!
Cultural Performance and International Food
12–12:30 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Enjoy samples of international cuisine!
Let’s Study Abroad!
12:30–1:30 p.m., in-person and online
Scottsdale Community College, LC361
Google Meet Link
Why study abroad? Learn more about the benefits and reasons to study abroad, financial resources to help, the programs offered through the Maricopa Community Colleges, and more specifically all about SCC’s program to Kent, England!
Presented by Jeff Butcher, Study Abroad Program Director, and Jen Sydow, IIE Program Manager.
Doing Business Between the U.S. and Europe With a Focus on German Speaking Countries
2–2:45 p.m., online
Rio Salado College
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 628 593 6154
Passcode: 707633
Discover how communication and knowledge of other cultures and cultural differences are the basis for success when doing business internationally. The fine nuances often decide if a partnership can be successful. Carolin Gey will talk about her experiences, spanning more than 20 years, doing transatlantic business.
Presented by the Honorable Consul Carolin Gey, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, Arizona.
Speed Language Lessons
12:30 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Learn a new language—fast.
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–2 p.m., in-person
Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
Yaqui Herbalism
6–9 p.m., in-person
KSC1000B, Paradise Valley Community College
Guest speakers Ms. Victoria Terrazas and Professor Jewell Medina Mendariz will demonstrate how common desert plants in the Sonoran desert are used in health and healing.
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
Explore a book display highlighting books from international authors or education topics. Library Discussion Board question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?”
Music From Around the World
All week, in-person
Enrollment Center, Glendale Community College
Music, games, and social media to promote international education.
Wednesday, November 15
Sweet Treats Around the World
10–11 a.m., in-person
Coyote Center, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Explore global sweetness with international desserts like baklava from Greece, pan dulce (sweet bread) from Mexico, pineapple cake from Taiwan, mochi from Japan, mooncake from China, and hopia from Indonesia and Philippines.
Mexico Faculty Development Program Info Session
10–11 a.m., online
District Office
Google Meet Link
MCCCD residential faculty are invited to apply for this program to Mexico. Faculty will have the opportunity to engage in three weeks of professional development in Mexico, including visits to key cultural, archaeological, and historical sites. There is also a focus on peer-to-peer engagement with faculty from the University of Guanajuato, thus allowing further MCCCD-Mexico relationships to be developed. Program Dates: May 13-31, 2024.
GCC Global Celebration
10 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person
GCC Center Mall, Glendale Community College
Cultural Games, Cultural Artifacts, Presentations, Cultural Performances, World Languages Demo, International Music, Fashion Show, International Teas & Snacks, and much more!
International Education Festival
10–2 p.m., in-person
Clock Tower, Mesa Community College
Enjoy cultural presentations, CCI presentations, music performances, MCC DJ, food trucks, and a fashion show.
Ways to Apply Ubuntu Philosophical Approaches in the Classroom
11 a.m.–12 p.m., online
Rio Salado College
Google Meet Link
Join by phone: (US) +1 901-308-6394 PIN: 247 122 236#
The word Ubuntu is a South African term that translates to "a person is a person through other people." This philosophy focuses on one's humanity and recognition of the "other" in their uniqueness and differences. Dr. Lamont Slater will lead a discussion on applying Ubuntu philosophical principles within the context of a classroom setting taking a "deep dive " into ways that Ubuntu can decolonize the delivery of instruction and classroom settings, and allow for deep thought and critical thinking. Dr. Lamont Slater has lived and worked in Windhoek, Namibia for four years and learned how to employ these practices during his time abroad.
Presented by Dr. Lamont Slater, Chair, Humanities, Philosophy and Religion Honors Program Director.
International Food Samples
12–1 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Cultural Performance
1–2 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Enjoy a performance from Phoenix College performing arts.
Global Dialogue: Preserving the Past, Constructing the Future
2–3 p.m., online
District Office
Zoom link
This presentation weaves knowledge from the past with the future educational and life goals of students. Diverse cultures contain rich insights and approaches that lend another perspective to addressing the complex issues of our world. Learn how we can engage in building our futures by harnessing diverse ways of knowing.
Presented by Sharon Stefan (EMCC), Dr. Niccole Villa Cerveny (MCC), and Nicholas Baker (GCC).
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–2 p.m., in-person
Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
Mexico Faculty Development Program Info Session
6–7 p.m., online
District Office
Google Meet Link
MCCCD residential faculty are invited to apply for this program to Mexico. Faculty will have the opportunity to engage in three weeks of professional development in Mexico, including visits to key cultural, archaeological, and historical sites. There is also a focus on peer-to-peer engagement with faculty from the University of Guanajuato, thus allowing further MCCCD-Mexico relationships to be developed. Program Dates: May 13-31, 2024.
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
Explore a book display highlighting books from international authors or education topics. Library Discussion Board question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?”
Music From Around the World
All week, in-person
Enrollment Center, Glendale Community College
Music, games, and social media to promote international education.
Thursday, November 16
90 Minutes Around the World
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in-person
GWCC Amphitheater, GateWay Community College
Tea and Cookies From Around the World
11:30 a.m.–12 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Cooking Demonstration: Pad Thai with the Café at Rio
1–1:45 p.m., online
Rio Salado College
Webex Link
ID: 24871068873
Password: vPjmbFxP246
Join by phone: (US) +1 602-666-0783 (toll)
Access code: 2487 106 8873
Enjoy this chef demonstration on the creation of pad thai, a traditional Thai street noodle dish. Recipes will be sent to interested attendees. Presented by Kenneth Ballas, Executive Chef, Rio Salado College.
International Fashion Show
12–1 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
International Film
1 p.m., in-person
Hacienda Room, Phoenix College
Enjoy a screening of the international film “Girl Rising” (popcorn included!). Participants will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a gift card after completing a handout of questions about the film.
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–2 p.m., in-person
Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
Intercultural Karaoke
3–5 p.m, in-person
Student Pavilion SC100, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Come sing your heart out! Karaoke singing and culture sharing organized by the Intercultural Exchange Club (IEC).
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
Explore a book display highlighting books from international authors or education topics. Library Discussion Board question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?”
Music From Around the World
All week, in-person
Enrollment Center, Glendale Community College
Music, games, and social media to promote international education.
Friday, November 17
Maricopa Colleges Global Leadership Experience: Learn Globally. Grow Locally.
9 a.m.–4 p.m., in-person
Copper Room, GateWay Community College
*Registration is required for this event: To register for this Global Leadership Experience event, please contact your college's International Education representative (listed down below)
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–2 p.m., in-person
Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
Screening of Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge / Jane Goodall: The Hope
2:30–4:30 pm, in-person
SC 102, SMCC Science Complex
Coffee and cookies
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
Explore a book display highlighting books from international authors or education topics. Library Discussion Board question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?”
Music From Around the World
All week, in-person
Enrollment Center, Glendale Community College
Music, games, and social media to promote international education.
*To register for the Global Leadership Experience event, please contact your college's International Education representative:
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Supie Senaluang, iep@cgc.edu
Estrella Mountain Community College
Tulani Garnett, tulani.garnett@estrellamountain.edu
Glendale Community College
Leonor Carrasco, leonor.carrasco@gccaz.edu
GateWay Community College
Kim Chamberlain, kimberly.chamberlain@gatewaycc.edu
Mesa Community College
Teresa Kalloch, Teresa.Kalloch@mesacc.edu
Phoenix College
Paula Chalarca-chavez, isc@phoenixcollege.edu
Paradise Valley Community College
Gordana Vincic, gordana.vincic@paradisevalley.edu
Rio Salado College
Kathleen Lueppker / Int’l Education, oie@riosalado.edu
Scottsdale Community College
Elisa Mojica, elisa.mojica.garcia@scottsdalecc.edu
South Mountain Community College
Gita Perkins, gita.perkins@southmountaincc.edu