This is the second of a series of three articles about NC’s IEW 2023 activities.
Niagara College recently concluded its vibrant celebration of International Education Week (IEW) 2023, involving students, faculty, staff, and partners from around the world to engage in a week filled with meaningful activities.
From November 20 to 24, a partnership between NC’s International Student Services and Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) presented a food and culture fest to students. Simultaneously, NC’s Global Engagement team offered two webinar series tailored to staff, faculty, and global partners, providing valuable insights on the impact of international education.
The Global Learning Series invited global partners as well as staff and faculty to five virtual workshops and attracted over 130 participants from 13 different countries. The series successfully connected Niagara College with its global partners, fostering the exchange of ideas on international education.
“Diverse perspectives and insights were shared during the learning series,” said NC’s Senior Director, Global Engagement, Holly Catalfamo. “This knowledge exchange has enriched and strengthened the bonds within our global educational community.”
NC’s Vice-President, International, Sean Coote, launched the webinar series on November 20 with insights on Lessons in Leadership for Global Education. Drawing upon a 30-year journey at NC, Coote shared invaluable experiences related to key leadership aspects.
“As a leader, it is crucial to figure out why people would want to follow you,” said Coote. “Reflecting on this is particularly important for educators and anyone in the field of education who holds a leadership role or aspires to be a leader. We play a significant role in inspiring minds and fostering partnerships around the world.”
The series continued November 21, focusing on Working with Industry Partners: Applied Research in the Classroom, led by Manager, Business Development, David DiPietro. The session highlighted Course-Based Research, a strategy used at the College to enhance student learning and engagement with course material, allowing them to graduate with soft skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
On November 22, the theme was Gender Mainstreaming in Education with Teaching and Learning Specialist, Maureen Souply, which emphasized the importance of gender mainstreaming in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The following November 23 session was titled Communicating Effectively is the Key to Success with School of Business and Management Studies Professor, Monique Finley. The session aimed to showcase how communication must be adapted to fit a person’s Behavioural Style to help establish relationships and earn trust as a key to success.
The series concluded on November 24, with the theme Putting Sustainability into Action at Niagara College and Beyond, led by Manager of Sustainability, Taryn Wilkinson, and School of Environment and Horticulture Professor, Katie Altoft. The session highlighted the importance of institutional sustainability and showcased how students are gaining sustainability skills and competencies to be job ready.
NC’s IEW 2023 successfully celebrated diversity, cooperation, and the transformative power of international education, leaving participants inspired and enriched with valuable insights.
About IEW:
International Education Week, celebrated since 2000 and recognized in 80+ countries, symbolizes the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that unites individuals, educational institutions, associations, businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations across Canada to highlight the significant importance of international education.
