Showcasing how international education is engaging Saint Mary’s aspiring citizens of the world!

International Education Week (IEW) is an annual celebration held in more than 100 nations around the world each year to highlight the important role that international education plays in fostering global citizenship. Every year, the Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office hosts IEW to celebrate international and intercultural education opportunities on campus and around the world for SMU students, faculty, and staff.

Event Details

  • Study in The Bahamas!
    Facilitator:
    Nekisha (University of The Bahamas)
    Thinking of studying on a beautiful tropical island? Join exchange student Nekisha from the University of The Bahamas to explore exciting academic opportunities.
    Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
    Location: AT106

    Study in Colombia!
    Facilitator: Maria (Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana)
    Have you dreamed of visiting South America? Join Maria from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana to hear about their wonderful academic programs. Explore your educational future in the heart of South America!
    Time: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
    Location: AT106

    Study in Finland
    Facilitators: Katie, Ferity and Sophie (SMU)
    Consider Finland for your study abroad exchange! Consistently ranked as the happiest country in the world, Finland offers an exceptional quality of life and one of the best education systems in the world. With a wide variety of degree programs taught in English, you’ll be studying in one of the most modern and innovative countries in the world.
    Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
    Location: AT 106

    Study in France!
    Facilitator: Marie (Université Catholique de l'Ouest)
    Join Marie, an exchange student from Université Catholique de l'Ouest, to hear about the joie de vivre that comes with the opportunity to study in this beautiful part of France.
    Time: 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
    Location: AT 106

  • Mitacs Globalink Research Awards Information Session
    Facilitator:
    Reid Sutherland, Advisor, Business Development, Mitacs
    The Globalink Research Awards
    (GRA) program supports research collaboration between academic supervisors (at SMU and abroad) and a student intern. Meet Reid Sutherland to learn about the program and hear about funding and eligibility requirements.
    Time: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
    Location:Online via Teams

    Metaponto Archaeological Project Discussion Panel
    Facilitators:
    Dr. Sveva Savelli, Atticus Hagel, and Alex Phillips
    The panel will host a discussion describing archaeological excavations conducted as part of the Ancient Studies field school in Italy, and describe recent excavation progress at this Iron Age indigenous site known as Incoronata “greca” (Pisticci), an area eventually incorporated into the territory of the Greek city of Metaponto.
    Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
    Location: Burke 201

    Study in Ireland!
    Facilitator: Cian (University College Cork)
    The Emerald Isle is renowned for its beautiful universities, and as Cian will explain, University College Cork is one of the most wonderful places in Ireland to live and study.
    Time: 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
    Location: B201

    Better with Bees
    Facilitators:
    Students of Charles P. Allen High School
    Better with Bees (BWB) is a student-led club at Charles P. Allen High School focused on urban sustainability, pollinator conservation, and Indigenous knowledge. This workshop will share the story and outcomes of their Medicine Garden, Pollinator Week Kick Off, and Weather Station, and engage the Saint Mary’s University community in interactive, hands-on activities, quizzes, and discussions to explore how to create native species and pollinator friendly spaces on campus.
    Time: 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
    Location: B201

  • French Café
    Facilitators: Léa and Paris
    Whether you’re a beginner or a bit more advanced, this is a great opportunity to practice your French in a relaxed and friendly environment. Meet fellow students while improving your conversational skills. Bienvenue à tous!
    Time: 10:00 am to 10:45 am
    Location: AT106

    Ghana Field Course: Religion & Social Innovation (RELS 3800)
    Facilitator: Dr James Kwateng-Yeboah
    This session introduces the Ghana Field Course (Summer 2026), a 6-credit experiential learning program exploring how African Indigenous, religious, and cultural traditions shape social innovation in Ghana. Students will learn about the course structure (pre-departure prep, in-country fieldwork, and post-return reflection), sample site visits (Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi), safety and logistics, and how the course builds career-ready skills in non-profit leadership and intercultural communication. The session will outline eligibility, assessment, and funding pathways for interested students.
    Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Location: Loyola 298

    Study in France! Angers Program Information Session
    Facilitator:
    Dr Jean-Jacques Defert
    Would you like to study French in Angers, France, and earn academic credit towards your degree? The popular Angers Program is open to any student enrolled at Saint Mary’s in good standing. There are multiple levels of French instruction for all levels of proficiency and a variety of course offerings.
    Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
    Location: Loyola PDR (298)

    Study in Dominican Republic!
    Facilitator:
    Lisbeth (Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra)
    The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, is celebrated for its stunning coastlines, mountainous interior, colourful towns, and vibrant culture. In other words, it’s a perfect study abroad destination!
    Time: 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm
    Location: AT106

    Study in Germany!
    Facilitators: Giulia (University of Kassel), Charlotte (University of Kassel), and Felicia (Justus Liebig University Giessen)
    Germany is a land of contrasts, where medieval castles and cutting-edge innovation stand side by side. If you choose to study here, you’re perfectly based to explore vibrant cities and travel all over Europe. No wonder the nation remains one of the world’s top study abroad destinations!
    Time: 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
    Location: AT106

    Bande de Fille: Film Screening & Discussion
    Facilitators:
    Prof Shana McGuire and Dr Jean-Jacques Defert
    The Department of Languages and Cultures welcomes you to Cineclub, a group open to all film lovers at SMU. This month’s feature is an award-winning 2014 French coming-of-age drama about a teenager who navigates life in a rough Paris suburb. We invite all attendees to stay for a group discussion following the screening.
    Time: 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
    Location: L171

  • Study in Poland!
    Facilitator: Magdalena (University of Wrocław)
    Wrocław is a vibrant and historic Polish city renowned for bridges, islands, architecture, and stunning Market Square, one of the finest public squares in Europe. Join Magdalena to hear about life as a student in this marvelous city!
    Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
    Location: AT106

    Study in Japan!
    Facilitator:
    Honoka (Hiroshima University)
    Hiroshima is fast becoming one of Japan’s most popular destinations. Famous for its proximity to nature walks and expansive parks, it’s also celebrated for its unique cuisine and culinary nightlife.
    Time: 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
    Location: AT 106

    Describe, Analyze, Evaluate: A Toolkit for Critical Thinking
    Facilitator: Jonathan Shaw
    Study abroad exchanges are the perfect place to apply critical thinking skills and dispositions as you navigate a new cultural setting. This workshop will provide a ‘toolkit’ to help you see the value of applying careful analysis and judgment to everyday situations.
    Time: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
    Location: AT 106

    SMU Cultural Exploration Society Presents: Cultural Socials Night!
    Admission: $12.00
    Registration: https://forms.gle/8q2zp5CpnjfNgg679
    Cultural Socials Night is an event in collaboration with other cultural societies on campus, a place to make new friends, try out new cuisines from around the world, wear cultural attire, play lots of fun games and win prizes. So come join us to celebrate, represent & enjoy the different cultures present on campus.
    Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
    Location: McNally Theatre Auditorium

  • Study in Bangladesh!
    Facilitator: Maria (North South University)
    Explore studying in Dhaka! Maria from North South University, Bangladesh's top-ranked private university, will talk about its modern campus, dynamic curriculum, and widely-accredited business programs, all taught in English.
    Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
    Location: AT106

    Study in Japan!
    Facilitator: Shunka (Iwate University)
    Located in Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, Iwate University is far from some of the more overwhelming tourist destinations in Japan. As an exchange student, this gives you a chance to experience “real” daily life, practice your Japanese with welcoming locals, and build strong community connections.
    Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Location: AT106

    Study Abroad Drop-in/Info Session
    Facilitators: Miyuki Arai and Johnny Shaw, Global Learning Office
    So, you’ve been to some of our “Study In…” information sessions during International Education Week, and you’d like to talk about taking the next step? Come to our drop-in session, where Johnny and Miyuki will provide some information on upcoming international exchange opportunities, eligibility requirements, funding options, deadlines, and so on. There will be plenty of time for individual questions as well. We hope to see you there!
    Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
    Location: AT106 and Online via Teams

    Fika: The Lunch Date
    Facilitator:
    Johnny Shaw and Miyuki Arai, Global Learning Office
    Every Friday, the Global Learning Office hosts fika, a Swedish-inspired tradition for people to gather and enjoy a shared moment with friends and colleagues. This week, our visiting exchange students invite you to meet for a short (10-minute) film screening followed by conversation and treats.
    Time: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
    Location: AT 106

    Study in Germany!
    Facilitators: Teresa & Luca (Konstanz University of Applied Sciences)
    Germany is a land of contrasts, where medieval castles and cutting-edge innovation stand side by side. If you choose to study here, you’re perfectly based to explore vibrant cities and travel all over Europe. No wonder the nation remains one of the world’s top study abroad destinations!
    Time: 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm
    Location: AT 106