Nathan Howard ’25

Editor

From Sept. 18-24, 2022, the College of the Holy Cross celebrated International Education Week, a worldwide event celebrating the benefits of international education. According to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, International Education Week is a “joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education,” with the goal of promoting “programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.” Many colleges and universities celebrate international education week to promote international culture and exchanges that promote diversity as well as discovery. Specifically at Holy Cross, International Education Week is sponsored by the Office of International Students, the Provost’s Office, the Office of Study Abroad; the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the Center for Religion, Ethics, and Culture; Campus Ministry; as well as multiple campus partners. Furthermore, International Education Week is traditionally celebrated in November, but according to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, “At Holy Cross, we start the fun in September!”

When explaining the importance of International Education Week for Holy Cross, Mirabelle Tseng, Assistant Dean of International Students, and Christopher D. Van Booven, Assistant Director of the Office of Study Abroad, discussed the 100 visa students, as well as U.S. students who completed their previous education abroad. Furthermore, Assistant Dean Tseng and Assistant Director Van Booven stated that “When you also consider that many other students, faculty, staff, and administrators also have ties to countries around the world you can see that Holy Cross is becoming quite a global community. During International Education Week, the campus will welcome (or welcome back) international students and celebrate the richness that people and cultures from around the globe bring to Holy Cross.” In celebration of International Education Week, Holy Cross hosted numerous events, including the Campus Reception for International Students, where members of the Holy Cross community were able to enjoy international foods in the Hogan Ballroom, as well as a panel discussion by international students and students returning from study abroad programs titled, “Welcome to My World: Taking the First Step.” Both of these events were held on Monday, 9/19. On Tuesday, 9/20, the McFarland Center for Religion, Ethics, and Culture, hosted a lecture in Rehm Library where Rev. T. Nishaant, S.J., an International Visiting Jesuit Fellow at Holy Cross for 2022-2023, was the guest speaker. Rev. T. Nishaant’s lecture was titled “The Oppression and Resilience of India’s Musahars”, where he discussed the culture and marginalization of the Musahars under India’s caste system. Furthermore, Rev. T. Nishaant also explained possible solutions to the generations of injustices committed against them. Rev. T. Nishaant currently teaches a course at Holy Cross in the Sociology and Anthropology Department titled “Social Stratification in India.” In addition to these events, the College hosted numerous other activities throughout the week including international film discussions and international board game nights.