Livingstone College News Service

The U.S. Departments of Education and State have a joint initiative, International Education Week (IEW) that not only celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide, but each year in November, permits educational institutions the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their diversity.

The week of Nov. 18-22, Livingstone College joined many around the world in an opportunity to highlight the value of global and cultural competencies and promote programs that help campuses develop global skills for success in the 21st century. With more than 40 international Presidential Scholars, the Honors Program hosted a plethora of activities that promote global awareness and kinship. Programs included Model United Nations, financial literacy for international students, storytelling with Livingstone’s international alumni, parade of international flags and even a soccer match competition.

“Dr. Simon’s financial literacy presentation was eye-opening,” Masa Simovic of Montenegro said. “The actionable information discussed the importance of having a US bank account, told us about forms and procedures needed to be completed by the IRS, and so much more invaluable knowledge of this country’s rules. I am looking forward to learning more in January.”

As there are more people crossing borders to pursue education, students like Robert Osei of Ghana have come to realize international education can unlock not only opportunities, but friendships and potential to build bridges. During the student soiree event, international students displayed their culinary skills with home dishes such as Jollof rice and kelewele with other students.

“These events will be memorable even after we graduate from here,” Osei said. “I am very grateful for this opportunity to share a piece of home with others and feel a part of something larger than myself.”

As faculty, staff, and students joined the many events, a transformative power of embracing connection, celebrating diversity, and learning from and alongside people who have different life experiences, fostered the development of open minds and collaborative work for global awareness.