November 13-17 is International Education Week! International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. This initiative is dedicated to promoting the benefits of international education and cross-cultural exchange worldwide. On this week we celebrate learning without borders. Education is a global good: we have so much to learn from each other. Where would we be as a species without a worldwide exchanging of ideas? From science to the culinary arts, from advances in engineering to the flowering of literature, students of the world spread their knowledge like seeds in the wind.
The Maricopa Community Colleges will be celebrating International Education Week with a week-long series of in-person and virtual events across all 10 colleges (including Rio Salado College). These events are open to all students, faculty, staff, and the community at large. Find out more about what MCCCD is offering during International Education Week here. You can find out about the events happening at Rio Salado below.
Go Around The World With Rio
Rio Salado College will be honoring the globe-spanning spirit of International Education Week with special events and in-person culinary delights! The Cafe at Rio will be offering international lunch options all week long, and will also have a special treats tasting and cooking demonstration during the week (see details below).
Monday, Nov. 13
International Travel as Education: Lessons Learned about Language, Deep Culture, and the Human Spirit
1–2 p.m., online
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.
Tuesday, Nov. 14
Cafe Around the World
9–10 a.m., in-person
Rio Splash Pad (first floor)
Enjoy a taste of treats from around the world. Presented by the Rio International Education Office.
Wednesday, Nov. 15
Ways to Apply Ubuntu Philosophical Approaches in the Classroom
11 a.m.–12 p.m., online
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. Slater 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.
Thursday, Nov. 16
Cooking Demonstration: Pad Thai with the Café at Rio
1–1:45 p.m., online
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.
Stamp Your Learning Passport
Interested in learning more about international education and the benefits of studying abroad? Check out this globe-trotting pair of stories:
- Become A Student Of The World Through Global Engagement
- How Working and Learning Abroad Can Open Up a World of Opportunities
Article by Austin Brietta