Last night, the Office of International Education (OIE) and the Fitchburg Indian Student Association observed Diwali in the Main Lounge of Hammond Hall. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights with its variations also celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, 
and knowledge over ignorance". The event, including dinner, dancing and an educational portion, Dustin Hodge, husband of President Donna Hodge, represented her for the Felicitation Ceremony, and joined staff members for the   lighting of the Dias.

Economics, History and Political Science Department Professor Joshua Spero Introduced Dr. Klaus Hegemann, Professor of International Business Administration and International Relations at Rhine-Waal University  in Kleve, Germany who spoke about Expanding the Rhine-Waal University-Fitchburg State University Partnership in the Falcon Hub.

After introductions from Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli and Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth at today's Board of Trustees meeting, three of our students who took part in our International Education programs shared their experiences with the Board members. Sky Goba (Communications faculty-led program in Greece), Kervins Blanc (Peace Studies faculty-led program in Ireland), and Gabriel Rivera (semester abroad at the University of Valencia, Spain) were interviewed by Matthew Bruun, Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs. 

Dr. Alexander Brand, Professor of International Relations, one of the three dignitaries visiting the Fitchburg State University campus from Rhine-Waal University in Kleve, Germany, presented German Perspectives on the US Elections in the Falcon Hub. Faculty, students, staff, & administration gathered to hear this unique perspective on our election cycle.

This evening, President Donna Hodge welcomed a delegation from Rhine-Waal University in Kleve, Germany at a reception at the Iver Johnson House - the president’s residence. There are a  a series of events planned for the visit. Fitchburg and Kleve have been sister cities for more than 30 years, and the two universities have also partnered on international degree programs.

This afternoon, our Office of International Education honored students who've come to Fitchburg State University from abroad, as well as Fitchburg State University students who took advantage of our Study Abroad Program. Students were honored for, and shared their life changing experiences and received medals to wear during tomorrow's  Undergraduate Commencement ceremony. Faculty and staff, who volunteered for the Study Abroad Program were also acknowledged for their contributions.

the Office of International Education sponsored an International Night last evening, where we celebrated our cultural heritage through food, presentations of dances, music and traditional garb. Food tasting stations included cuisines from Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and India. Attendees were treated to performances by Anne O'Connell's Irish American Step Dancers, members of the Dance Club performing a K-Pop inspired dance, a musical performance by Harana,  and a presentation of traditional apparel.

The Office of International Education hosted a Study Abroad Fair this afternoon in the Hammond Main Lounge. Students had the convenience of asking about the many study abroad opportunities available to them here at Fitchburg State University in one location. Programs available in 2024 include; Peace Studies in Ireland, Eat, Speak Italian and History Program in Verona, Italy,  Rhetoric in Greece - Communications Program, Nursing Program in Costa Rica, Arts and Game Design Program in Japan.

For some of our International Students, this is their first time experiencing snow.