President Donna Hodge welcomed faculty, staff and students at the International Women's Day Celebration: Global Voices, Shared Strength luncheon and panel discussion in the Falcon Pub. The event, hosted by the   Office of International Education (OIE) and International Advisory Committee, was a powerful conversation honoring the voices, leadership, and impact of international women in our community. The pane, featuring international women faculty, staff and students, shared their experiences and took questions about their experiences as a member of our international community. Panelists were: Dr. Ana Mesquita-Emlinger, Engineering Technology (Brazil), Dr. Hefei Qiu, Computer Science (China), Dr. Jescah Apamo-Gannon, School of Education (Kenya/UK), Nelly Wadsworth, International Education (Philippines), Dana Gomez, MBA (Colombia), and Lisa Lech, Communications Media (Germany).

The Office of International Education hosted a Study Abroad Fair 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 2026 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. 

Our of Office of International Education (OIE) hosted Lunar New Year Celebration 2026, the year of the horse with Chinese themed food, prizes, activities, crafts and more. 

Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and Assistant Director of Study Abroad Nicole Salerno welcomed this semester's cohort of International students at their orientation in the Hammond Main Lounge. Students took part in some ice-breaker exercises and a panel discussion  before a day full of information sessions.

To celebrate International Education Week, our of Office of International Education (OIE) is holding themed days in their office as well as in our Holmes Dining Hall. The OIE is hosting Tea with OIE! with hot drinks and treats from around the world with different continents highlighted each day of the week. Chartwells Dining is curating a special international menu for each day of international week. In addition, the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library, will be  displaying a collection of maps, photographs, and texts that highlight Fitchburg State University's faculty-led study abroad locations. 

With open arms and an open heart, Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge gleamed with pride as she spoke at the International Student Welcome session on Thursday afternoon in the Hammond Main Lounge.

The Office of International Education hosted a Study Abroad Fair 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 2025 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.

Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and Assistant Director of Study Abroad Nicole Salerno welcomed this semester's cohort of International students at their orientation in the Hammond Maine Lounge. Students took part in some ice-breaker exercises before a day full of information sessions.

Yesterday 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  Winter Commencement ceremony. Faculty, staff, and host families were also acknowledged for their contributions.

President Hodge capped off International Education Week yesterday accepting the generous donation by fellow community member  Rollstone Bank & Trust. A big thank you to Rollstone Bank & Trust employees, customers, friends who donated time and energy to creating these baskets of basic necessities for our newest international students. Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and a group of students were on hand to accept the "kindness kits."