International Education Week Symposium recap

On Thursday November 21, 2024 the office of Global Engagement hosted the International Education Week Symposium in the Mellon Board Room.

International Education Week logo from https://iew.state.gov/

Students and community members came together to explore the theme “Beyond Borders: Learn, Share, Connect.”

Ayaka Nishino presents on “YOLO”

Presenters included keynote speaker Feyisola Akintola, MBA-MSUS ‘16, a Chatham alumnae and community-minded leader.  Feyi shared how looking beyond borders can open up opportunities and create community. She is currently pursuing a doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh in Education Policy and Social Change.

Keynote speaker, Feyisola Akintola, MBA-MSUS ‘16 shares her experiences and advice with the Chatham community.

Haley Drass 25’ and Sarina Brevli 25’ shared lessons learned from their internships abroad during the Poster session.

Poster session 

Undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students also presented TEDxTalk style speeches ranging in topics from cultural insights to overcoming challenges during an experience abroad.

Julia Garfinkel, ‘26 shares her speech on overcoming unexpected challenges. 

At the conclusion of the symposium, attendees voted on their favorite student presentation. Exchange student Chihiro Maeda’s speech on “Cultural Insights” and MSUS student Nat Burgeff’ s speech on “Stepping out, Moving forward: How leaving my comfort zone transformed my life” were the top voted. Congratulations!

Exchange student Chihiro Maeda, shares Cultural Insights she’s had while studying in the United States. 

Nat Burgeff, MSUS 26’ shares how leaving her comfort zone transformed her life.