Saint Michael’s College celebrates annual International Education Week with art, talks, and more

Every year, Saint Michael’s College celebrates International Education Week, highlighting its dedication to embracing the value of human connection, cross-cultural understanding, and global citizenship. 

The week is an initiative by the U.S. Department of State, and Saint Michael’s is just one of many institutions around the nation that hold celebrations. This year, the celebration is planned for Nov. 18–21.

Students hold flags of the world.

The College places a priority on international education in a variety of ways through its Institute for Global Engagement: more than one hundred study abroad programs are offered; the Freeman Foundation partners with Saint Michael’s to award scholarships for academic internships in Asia; the college is designated as a top producer of students accepted into the Fulbright program, which is an international academic exchange program facilitated by the U.S. Government; and students can obtain a certificate of study that prepares them for joining the Peace Corps upon graduation.  

In addition, Saint Michael’s College welcomes international students from many countries, including some refugees seeking asylum as Vermont is a sanctuary state with a growing population of New Americans.  

Professor Jeffrey Ayres, Director of the Institute for Global Engagement

The Institute for Global Engagement provides opportunities throughout the year — like International Education Week — for students to develop a global mindset and form cross-cultural connections. According to Institute Director, Professor Jeff Ayres, International Education Week at Saint Michael’s further highlights the importance of a liberal arts education in the 21st century. 

“Many of these types of events are helping all of our students build up global and intercultural competencies to be not just leaders and civically engaged, but to get a job in a diverse, globally influenced workforce,” Ayres said. 

Rosemary Yargici, Director of International Student and Scholar Services at Saint Michael’s, says the week also provides opportunities for students of all backgrounds to engage with one another. 

“We want our students to excel wherever they go,” Yargici said. “We want to empower them with values that go beyond their professional skills.”   

What’s happening during International Education Week 

From art, food, and tips on how to get into the foreign service, to talks on countries struggling with gender equality and how developing countries combat climate change, the week’s events run the gamut between fun opportunities for connection and deep reflections on humanity and interconnectedness. 

Art & Food 

Anyone can contribute to a cooperative art installation called “Roots and Wings” that celebrates origin and how people are all connected. The project will be available in Alliot during lunch hours each day throughout the week.  

On Tuesday evening, ancient foods of the world will be available to try in the Durick Library. The event fosters appreciation of ancient and regional cuisine as well as agricultural practices which, along with trade, helped shape civilizations and the exchange of ideas.  

Panels & Presentations 

Judge Anisa Rasooli, a former nominee to the Supreme Court of Afghanistan, will discuss the importance of female judges in fragile states as well as the education and justice challenges faced in Afghanistan in a presentation on Wednesday evening. 

Michelle Kayser ’08 speaks to students about U.S. State Department foreign service jobs during a visit to Saint Michael’s College in 2023.

Saint Michael’s College alumna Michelle Kayser ’08 is a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State. She will be available at a table during lunch on Monday in Alliot to answer questions and later will lead an information session providing guidance about career and internship opportunities with the State Department in the foreign service and civil service. 

During the International Student Panel on Tuesday, four current international students from various classes will discuss the intricacies of going to college abroad. They will answer questions about what they faced and what they gained from an education in the U.S. and at Saint Michael’s that they will take back with them to their home country.  

Current senior Maggie Frøland ’25 from Norway will lead a discussion with visiting speaker Amy Hepburn, who raises capital for organizations addressing climate change in the private sector. The two will discuss innovative solutions to persistent global issues, particularly in developing countries attempting to reduce carbon emissions. This discussion happens Monday evening and is part of the Institute for Global Engagement’s Global Issues Lecture Series.  

Conversations 

Available throughout the year, the French and Spanish conversation tables will be open in the dining hall during their regular times on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, to offer foreign language students and international students an opportunity to converse.  

The monthly International Coffee Hour, which gives domestic students a chance to meet international students, will happen during the week. 

How events like International Education Week set Saint Michael’s students apart 

As countries’ economies and challenges become more tightly woven, the demand for global competency in the job market increases. Saint Michael’s creates graduates who can meet the demands of the moment and the future. 

Rosemary Yargici

“The problems facing the human community demand human cooperation — international cooperation,” Ayres said. Whether it’s climate change, the threat of nuclear proliferation, or communicable disease, Ayres said solutions will require people across the world to work together.

“We have these programs, and we put amazing professionals out into the workforce, but they also come with this strong ethical leadership component,” Yargici said. Yargici added that the College’s three Institutes – focused on global Engagement, the environment, and equity and justice – come together to help students become well-rounded citizens before they graduate.  

“You can graduate with a business degree or philosophy [degree], but you also come with this set of experiences that will really shape you to be a leader in whatever you do, not only professionally, but personally,” Yargici said. 

To learn more about the Saint Michael’s College Institute for Global Engagement, click here.>>