Bloomfield College Participates in International Education Week

By Alicia Cook

From Monday through Friday of last week, November 14-18, Bloomfield College helped students around campus celebrate International Education Week (IEW) with daily events and interactive learning opportunities that promoted global education and international exchange.

IEW in the United States is a joint initiative between the U.S Department of State and the U.S Department of Education.

Bloomfield College encouraged its entire student body, comprised of over 30 different nationalities, to take part in the week-long event. This is the 14th year the Department of State has had this in effect, but the first year the College has participated.

Bloomfield College kicked off International Education Week with a documentary, Crossing Borders, in Franklin Residence Hall. The 70-minute film is designed to heighten students’ awareness of hidden preconceptions; support the development of intercultural empathy and critical thinking skills; and create dialogue between students of different cultures.

On the 15th, IEW participants at the College took a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

On the 16th, the College welcomed Diplomat in Residence, Usha Pitts, to campus. Pitts met with students interested in foreign or civil service jobs, sharing tips with them as well as various fellowships and internships through the State Department.

On the 17th, the College announced its three winners of the photo contest. The goal was to capture, through photography, how they view internationalization. Third place went to Minwhan Rieu, a freshman and education major. Kenneth Lamons ’18 took second place and first place went to Gabriella Citriniti ’18, who is currently studying biology at the College. All three winners were awarded cash prizes.

On the 18th, the College hosted an International Food Festival with local international cuisine from Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant and Mediterranean Fine Cuisine of Montclair, Custodi Caterers in Nutley, and Eun-Ha-Soo Catering in Palisades Park.

“A lot separates all of our different cultures,” said Jamilah Moudiab, International Admission and Student Services Coordinator. “Yet, if you put a plate of good food on the table, you will bring people together. Food speaks every language.”

All IEW events were offered free to Bloomfield College students. Peter Jeong, Vice President for Global Programs and Professional Studies, sponsored the entire event.

“This was the first time Bloomfield College celebrated IEW, which is very important because we hope to expand the International Program,” said Jeong. “It was good publicity for our campus and program. It was a great event for everybody.”

Bloomfield College is an ideal destination for international students looking to study in the United States. Located just 15 miles from New York City, the campus provides the security of small town with easy access to New York.

View Photos.

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