“Learning Knows No Borders”

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) serves a global community of Cardinals through its campuses in Mexico, UIW–Strasbourg in France and access to more than 140 study abroad locations. These international opportunities help students engage with a diverse world, honor the dignity of every person and work toward the common good (uiw.edu).

This week (Monday, Nov. 17 – Friday, Nov. 21), UIW celebrated International Education Week (IEW) on the Broadway campus. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “IEW is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and to attract future leaders from abroad to study in the United States” (ed.gov).

The UIW Office of International Affairs coordinated various events throughout the week that showcased the diverse student body present at the Nest. The goal of these events was two-fold, to educate the community on diverse cultures and to highlight the benefits of international exchange.

“International Education Week reminds us that learning knows no borders,” shared Vice President for International Affairs Marcos Fragoso. “At UIW, we celebrate this week as a reflection of our Mission to educate engaged, global citizens. By embracing diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences, we enrich our community and strengthen our commitment to forming students who will make a meaningful impact in a world that every year is more interconnected.”

The week featured a flag exhibit, bazaar-style markets with diverse vendors and global cuisine offerings in the cafeteria. International alumni also returned to campus for a panel where they shared insights about their UIW experience, career paths and immigration journeys.

“Embracing internationalization enriches our institution in a myriad ways, most importantly by fostering intercultural fluency among our students,” expressed UIW Provost Dr. Eva Fernández. “International Education Week invites us to celebrate our global connections and reminds us of the importance of building bridges, helping us grow stronger as a community and as a University.”

UIW’s Brainpower Connection St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) also joined the fun the week prior by hosting their International Fall Festival and Open House. Attendees enjoyed a variety of games, activities, vendors and live musical performances on the SACHS campus. The evening gathered community members together to celebrate the cultural diversity of the SACHS community, as well as showcasing what SACHS can offer prospective students.

“As St. Anthony Catholic High School strives to become a global community, it is important to us that we promote an inclusive cultural environment filled with respect and a willingness to learn from each other,” said SACHS International Advisor Emily Floyd. “The International Fall Festival aimed to accomplish this goal by inviting performers that graciously shared their culture’s traditions and knowledge with our community. Vendors shared items from their countries with our students and connected with visiting families in a way that was both dynamic and exciting. We’re so thankful to everyone that participated and assisted in making this event such a success.”

Happy International Education Week!

Click here to learn more about St. Anthony Catholic High School.