From Nov. 14 to 18, Clark University will observe International Education Week with a series of panels, presentations, and social events that celebrate Clark’s rich heritage of global engagement.

A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week began in 2005 to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.

In a message to the campus community, Provost Sebastián Royo noted the challenges he faced when he left his native Spain to study in Boston 30 years ago — and said he is proud and privileged to be part of a community that “embraces the power and wonder of our global community — with curiosity, with empathy, and as a meaningful expression of our liberal education values.”

“Our international students thrive and learn, and our scholars bring new knowledge and fresh perspectives to our academic table, energizing our classrooms and labs, our residence halls, and all corners of campus,” he wrote in a message to the campus community. “What a joy it is to witness. Every day.”

This fall, 1,117 international students — undergraduate and graduate — enrolled at Clark University, representing 30% of the student population and 73 different countries.

In addition, approximately 25% to 30% percent of Clark students choose to study abroad in about 30 nations.

This year’s International Education Week celebrations include a discussion with returned Peace Corps volunteers, the launch of an affinity space for international students, a conversation with international alumni, and a Broadening Our Horizons event featuring talks by international faculty. The community also is invited to participate in International Trivia Night, Language Speed Dating, and A Taste of the World, which showcases international cuisine from Worcester restaurants.

View the full schedule of events »