Want to learn about study abroad and engage in conversations with peers from around the world? Save the date for
Global Fall @ DePaul. Set to begin Sept. 21, the program will feature a series of events lasting two weeks that display DePaul's high quality offerings involving international engagement.
“Our goal is to engage as many students as possible, pique their interest in international education and future study abroad programs, and provide them a space to learn from their peers and faculty all over the world," says Tiffany Ho, the assistant director of Global Engagement. “We hope this program involves our university community in the culture of international education at DePaul and incites continued collaboration between our faculty and students at DePaul and abroad."
To kick off the program, “Study Abroad Week" will run Sept. 21 – 25 and consist of a series of virtual sessions designed to teach students how to plan for study abroad. Topics range from study abroad 101 to scholarships to connecting a study abroad experience to a future career. Panel sessions also will cover considerations unique to first-year students, students of color, and students by college.
Beyond information sessions on DePaul's study abroad offerings, “Study Abroad Week" will highlight international internship and service learning opportunities, as well as DePaul's
Global Fluency Certificate and the
Global Learning Experience program.
“A small number of students are studying overseas right now, and others are participating in programs virtually. We want students to prepare for future study abroad opportunities now, as well as find ways to build connections with international peers virtually," says Cara Miller, a study abroad advisor.
The second portion of Global Fall @ DePaul features “Global Conversations," a series of faculty-led online discussions allowing students to connect and reflect on the impact of COVID-19 from perspectives across the world. This portion of the program will run from Sept. 28 – Oct. 2. Participants will include students and faculty from the vast network of DePaul's international partners spanning the globe from Brazil, to Australia, India, China, Mexico, South America and Europe.
“These Global Conversations are especially important because COVID-19 has had a profound impact on international education," says GianMario Besana, associate provost of Global Engagement. “Collaboration, empathy and understanding of other cultures is now more important than ever to tackle issues that see no borders."
DePaul hosted the inaugural “Global Conversations" program in May 2020. The Global Engagement team hopes the upcoming series will serve as a sequel to the spring events. The series covered topics including the impact of COVID-19 on education, business, psychology and public policy.
“Global Conversations provides faculty and students with a space to share their academic and personal perspectives on the pandemic; noting some similarities in experiences across cultural and national borders, as well as differences in both personal and national responses," Besana says.
Those interested in participating can visit the
Global Fall @ DePaul webpage for a schedule of events and instructions for participation. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate in one or all events, based on their interests.
Questions can be directed to
globalengagement@depaul.edu.