Saint Mary’s University recently celebrated the successful completion of our 15th annual International Education Week (IEW), a vibrant showcase of the university's truly global reach. While the week is commemorated in more than a hundred nations and territories around the world, it resonates deeply here at SMU, which is known for being a trailblazer in the internationalization of higher education in Canada.
This year’s event included no fewer than 22 events, hosted by students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members. According to Miyuki Arai, Director of the Global Learning Office, the celebration fits naturally with the university's culture. “International Education Week feels particularly special here at SMU, where internationalization and intercultural learning are so deeply woven into our institutional ethos,” she said.
Student Perspectives
More than half of this year’s sessions were led by students. A total of 14 visiting international exchange students—along with outbound and returning Saint Mary’s students—held sessions highlighting opportunities for SMU students to reciprocate their visits. These presentations showcased destinations including The Bahamas, Japan, France, Colombia, Germany, Bangladesh, Poland, and The Dominican Republic.
Faculty Highlights
Faculty members also took the stage to highlight global research and international field courses. Dr. Sveva Savelli (Ancient Studies) presented alongside students Atticus Hagel and Alex Phillips. The trio described their recent archaeological excavations of an Iron Age indigenous site known as Incoronata “greca” (Pisticci) in southern Italy. They shared how their work is uncovering the early history of interactions between the indigenous people of the region and Greek settlers who began to colonize the area almost 3,000 years ago. (Learn more about upcoming field courses here)
Dr. James Kwateng-Yeboah (Department for the Study of Religion) held a session to introduce the new Ghana Field Course (Summer 2026). This 6-credit experiential learning program explores how African Indigenous, religious, and cultural traditions shape social innovation, offering an incredible opportunity for Saint Mary’s students to visit Africa and develop career-ready skills in non-profit leadership and intercultural communication. Dr. Kwateng-Yeboah also treated participants to a delicious meal of jollof rice and kelewele, a delicious Ghanaian dish of spiced, fried plantains.
For students hoping to improve their language skills while immersed in French culture, Dr. Jean-Jacques Defert (Modern Languages) hosted a session outlining the long-running Angers Program. He explained how students can earn academic credit while their language proficiency—and croissant intake—soars, with multiple levels of instruction available.
A perennial favourite returned to IEW this year: the students of Charles P. Allen High School’s "Better with Bees" club, led by Mr. Christopher Hall. Focused on urban sustainability and Indigenous knowledge, the group shared the story of their medicine garden and weather station. They engaged participants in interactive, hands-on activities to explore how to create native species and pollinator-friendly outdoor spaces.
Once again, International Education Week served as a powerful opportunity to reflect on Saint Mary’s global reach, and how the Global Learning Office continues to promote amazing study abroad opportunities for the entire Sant Mary's community.
More information
Visit the Global Learning webpage to learn more about SMU’s international mobility opportunities for students, staff, and faculty, and be sure to check the SMU Events calendar to find out about events hosted by the Global Learning office.
