IEW Archives

2023 | Fall Term | Monday, Nov 13 - Friday, Nov 17
Celebrating international education and exchange, International Education Week (IEW) is an initiative of the U.S. Dept of State and the U.S. Dept of Education.

International Education Week – Kick-Off Event
Monday, Nov 13 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Center for Student Services Lobby | Appetizers Provided
Join the Caltech International Offices as we celebrate International Education Week (IEW) with hors d'oeuvres, an overview of international education mobility trends, and a presentation by undergraduate Andrew Zabelo on his short-term language study abroad experience at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland as an Amasa Bishop Study Abroad Fellowship awardee.

Common Threads of Communication
Tuesday, Nov 14 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Hameetman Multipurpose Room | Lunch Provided
Growing up in Germany, the United States, and South Korea and having worked in the Bahamas, Iraq, and Kuwait in addition to extensive world travel cemented a desire for a career where cross-cultural communications are used to grow relationships to create positive impact. Hear Caltech Assistant Director of Fellowship Advising & Study Abroad (FASA), Elizabeth Nugent's account of how her interest in STEM and her degrees in linguistics and international relations led her to serving eight years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a logistics officer around the world and how she applies those lessons to her work with students at Caltech.

The Cambridge Chronicles: Tales of Tea, Tutors, and Tunes
Wednesday, Nov 15 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Hameetman Multipurpose Room | Lunch Provided
Did you know the original inspiration for Caltech's undergraduate houses comes from the University of Cambridge's 31 colleges in the United Kingdom? Learn about the academic rigors while exploring the campus culture, including how much the average Cambridge student drinks (tea), how many of the tutors are like the Tudors, and how many tunes the tolling church bells can carry. Chronicled by Tanmay Gupta, a senior from Malaysia & India, who studied abroad at Cambridge last fall in a moment that felt like it was out of the movie Inception - studying abroad while he was already studying abroad here in the United States.

Mapping Corals: Reef Restoration and Citizen Science in French Polynesia
Thursday, Nov 16 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Hameetman Multipurpose Room | Lunch Provided
Coral reefs are vital for marine biodiversity, coastal protection, and supporting human livelihoods globally. Caltech undergraduate student Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan conducted research in collaboration with the reef restoration non-profit Coral Gardeners in Mo'orea French Polynesia, mapping the shallow-water reefs and participating in community service on the island. Come and see her amazing photos while learning about her international research and volunteerism. Rupa was the recipient of a Caltech Student-Faculty Programs SURF and a Caltech Y ACT award.

The Caltech Heritage Project – Institutional + International History Memorialized
Friday, Nov 17 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Hameetman Multipurpose Room | Lunch Provided
Historian of Science and International Affairs, Dr. David Zierler, will describe the meaning and goals of institutional history, and how his focus on the humanity behind scientific research led to the creation of the Caltech Heritage Project. Caltech is a gathering point of scientists from all over the world emphasizing the international character of science in the 21st century. Indeed, Caltech's greatness rests on its ability to attract the best minds the world over, and in turn, train the best to continue in their science albeit in the United States or abroad. The Caltech Heritage Project documents this international history of science.

Galapagos – Islands of Wonder and Beauty
Monday, Nov 14 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Hameetman Multipurpose Room
Professor Rob Phillips led undergraduate students on a spring break field research trip to the Galapagos Islands – an extraordinary natural geophysical laboratory for studying the timeline of evolution that led Charles Darwin to new understandings of life on Earth. View stunning images of biodiversity, from white-tipped sharks to blue footed boobies, as students begin their trip in Ecuador and explore the archipelago off the coast to spend a week learning science under the mentorship of an Ecuadorian naturalist. Presented by Dr. Rob Phillips, the Fred and Nancy Morris Professor of Biophysics, Biology, and Physics.

Snowballs in the Desert: Studying Climate Transitions in Namibia
Tuesday, Nov 15 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Hameetman Multipurpose Room
Geology graduate student, Dustin Morris, shares their experience working in Namibia over three field seasons to study the extreme climate record found in the beautiful Naukluft Mountains. Come for majestic shots of sand dunes and the Kalahari mountain zebra, and gain an appreciation of how geologists piece together the record of Earth's climate and sea level through deep time.

Behind the Book with Gaia Vince - Climate Migration
Tuesday, Nov 15 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Recording
In "NOMAD CENTURY: How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World" (Flatiron Books, 2022) science journalist Gaia Vince breaks down the effects global warming will have on emigration, which will force billions from their homes as countries become increasingly uninhabitable. Join Tapio Schneider, Caltech Theodore Y. Wu Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering, in a pre-recorded conversation with Gaia Vince as they discuss her book. Presented by Caltech Public Events.

Mentoring STEM Pathways in Puerto Rico
Wednesday, Nov 16 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Hameetman Multipurpose Room | PPT Slides
Solving the world's most pressing problems requires inclusive representation from all cultures in STEM education and careers. A new generation of Puerto Rican students seek pathways to STEM fields to address the aftermath of hurricanes and earthquakes that have devastated their Caribbean island. With financial support from a Caltech Y ACT Award, graduate student José A. Lasalde-Ramírez traveled to San Juan to mentor four first-year University of Puerto Rico students as they attended their first conference of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and shares their experiences in this presentation. Sponsored by ISP, Caltech Y, CCID, and Student-Faculty Programs.

SURFing in Iceland
Thursday, Nov 17 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Hameetman Multipurpose Room
Undergraduate student, Yi Lin, shares her experiences and perspectives on research and culture from her 2022 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at the University of Iceland. What began as a summer of doing research turned into an 11 – week adventure in one of the most seismically active countries in the world. While helping to develop a near fault ground model to reduce earthquake damage, Yi became part of her own research as she was woken up by earthquakes that led up to an epic volcanic eruption. From getting lost on idyllic hikes to navigating the Reykjavik social scene, Yi shares her personal experience of being alone for the first time in a new country and ultimately how the culture and landscape of Iceland renewed her perspective on what it means to have a happy, fulfilling life.

Women, Life, Freedom: Students on the Frontline of Iran's Uprisings
Friday, Nov 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Hameetman Multipurpose Room
People of Iran, and supporters around the world, unite under the slogan "Women, Life, Freedom" for equal rights, bodily sovereignty, and an end to state oppression. Sparked by the death of Mahsa Jina Amini who died in state police custody in September 2022, growing national and international protests demand regime change in Iran. The mass movement has been met with repression by the Iranian government in the form of violence, gaslighting, and internet blackouts. In this talk, Caltech Iranian students share how it feels to watch and protest from afar, with a mixture of sadness, hope, fear, and guilt. They provide their perspectives on current events, the historical context, the role and impact of students in this ongoing movement, and what you can do to help. Presented by Caltech graduate students, Arian Jadbabaie, Shirin Shivaei, Termeh Bashiri, and Yasamin Jalalian.

Advocating for International Education
Zoom Recording | PPT Slides
Global learning leads to a more engaged and welcoming United States, more responsive and participatory government, and a more secure and peaceful world. Organizations like NAFSA, IIE, and the Presidents' Alliance advocate for policies that foster the exchange of ideas, create a commonsense immigration process, support the evolution and improvement of democratic institutions, and encourage enlightened global engagement. Erica Stewart, Director of NAFSA's Advocacy & Media Outreach, will share NAFSA's advocacy efforts, and show us how we can speak out for students, scholars, and policies that matter to us! Greg Fletcher, Program Director for the Caltech Y, will discuss student-led opportunities and programs to get locally and globally involved in volunteer and advocacy programs. For additional resources, Click Here to Get Informed and Get Involved

Advocating for Social & Economic Inclusion in Brazil
Zoom Recording | PPT Slides
While back at his hometown of Florianópolis, Brazil during the pandemic, graduate student Eduardo de Veiga Beltrame was struck by the shared set of challenges between Brazil and the United States. The year 2020 drew his attention towards educational inequalities, marginalized communities, violence, wildfires, and volatile political climates. He recognized his very fortunate position juxtaposed to the economic struggle and anxiety others around him were experiencing. What could he do about it? How could he leverage his position as a graduate student in the United States to help improve conditions in Brazil? He found an avenue for doing that through the Vilson Groh Institute, a non-profit organization from his hometown built on decades of work in marginalized communities providing cultural, educational, and community projects, and providing basic support to people in need. In this session, Eduardo will share his path in advocacy and his hope for the future. He will be joined by Tainara Lemos das Neves, the educational program director of the Vilson Groh Institute. Together, they will share a vision for tangible solutions to the thorniest problems of Brazilian society through civic and technological education, social and economic inclusion, and a shared set of values. If interested in a preview, Eduardo also recently published an article about his experiences.

Advocating for Animal Welfare in Kazakhstan
Zoom Recording | PPT Slides
When graduate student, Altyn Rymbek, learned of animal mistreatment in her home country, she vowed to be part of the solution. Being far from home, she joined an animal rescue organization in Kazakhstan that is working to change animal welfare laws in the country and to educate youth to respect and care for animals and pets in the hopes of changing the culture from within. Altyn volunteers remotely and helps to build partnerships with local U.S. animal rescue and welfare organizations to learn from their experience. In this presentation, Altyn will share her personal journey in advocacy and address current governmental practices for controlling the animal population in Kazakhstan and in many developing countries as well as what advocates are doing to make a better world for our animal friends.

Advocating for International Students & Scholars in the United States
U.S. travel bans, both pre-pandemic and during the pandemic, hindered academics from study, research, and critical scientific collaborations. As travel halted, advocacy and activism grew in support of international students and scholars. Online communities sprouted across social media platforms to share concerns about discrimination and lack of opportunity, as well as to navigate personal mental health challenges. Hear how some international scholars found their voice to advocate for change. This moderated panel features Dr. Valeria Barra, Caltech Research Software Engineer, Dr. Carmen Falcone, postdoctoral scholar at UC Davis, and Dr. Valerio Francioni, postdoctoral scholar at MIT.

Advocating for Academic Freedom in Belarus
Zoom Recording | PPT Slides | Advocacy Resources
Following a 2020 presidential election marred by accusations of electoral fraud, there have been widespread protests across Belarus supporting democracy that have been met with a violent crackdown by authorities. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch cite "harassment and intimidation resulting in mass detentions and criminal cases against peaceful protesters." Government repression in Belarus has targeted universities with the expulsion of students and the firing of professors that participate in peaceful protests. Academics and students face detention, criminal charges, and imprisonment with many forced to flee the country for their own safety. Graduate student Alena Buinskaya shares her personal experiences advocating for democracy in Belarus and ways the local academic community can get involved. Advocacy information available at the Belarus Freedom Forum.

International Education Advocacy
Monday, Nov 16
Global learning leads to a more engaged and welcoming United States, more responsive and participatory government, and a more secure and peaceful world. Organizations like NAFSA, IIE, and the Presidents' Alliance advocate for policies that foster the exchange of ideas, create a commonsense immigration process, support the evolution and improvement of democratic institutions, and encourage enlightened global engagement. Learn about their advocacy efforts, the economic value of international students in the U.S., and how you can take action and make a difference.

No Passport Required: Virtual Travel Experiences
Tuesday, Nov 17
When travel is out of reach, we can still feel the excitement of travel and learn about the world around us through photos, stories, videos, and courses - all available at our fingertips to enjoy at our own pace.

Coming to America - The International Spouse Experience
Wednesday, Nov 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PST | Zoom Recording
Members of the Caltech International Spouses Club (CISC) share their personal stories of accompanying their spouses to the United States and to Caltech. They will speak about the challenges and the humorous side of cultural adjustment and how they found their unique ways to grow their own paths and contribute to the local community. Presented by CISC president Ameya Joshi and CISC members Dalia and Nidhi.

Behind the Consular Curtain
Thursday, Nov 19 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PST | Zoom Recording | Presentation Slides
Immigration attorney, Avi Friedman, will provide insight into the processes behind visa decisions, with a focus on the international students and scholars (postdocs, faculty, staff). Learn about current issues at the Department of State, including administrative processing, denials, and revocations, and how to overcome these issues.

International Education Roundtable Discussions
Friday, Nov 20 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PST
International Offices staff and the GSC International Student Committee (ISC) will host virtual discussion circles on the site, wonder.me. Topics will include: Travel, Student Advocacy + Leadership, F-1 and J-1 Student Employment Options, and Scholar Employment (postdoc, green card, etc.). This session is designed to address questions from international students and scholars.

Celebrating and promoting international education and exchange, International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to recognize the global exchange environment between the United States and other countries.

Global Things: Traveling the World with Textiles
Monday, Nov 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
Explore the history of global textiles from the 15th to the 19th centuries, when textiles were traded internationally more than any other manufactured product. Hear the stories of those textiles as they moved round the world and of the presenter's own travels to museums and archives across the world to research them. Presented by Dr. John Styles, Searle Professor of History and historian from the Victoria and Albert Museum and the University of Hertfordshire England.

Educated on the Border
Tuesday, Nov 19 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
Undergraduate student Antonio Monreal takes us on his personal journey from Juarez, Mexico across the border to El Paso, Texas in search of educational opportunities. Overcoming challenges of language, cultural adjustment, discrimination, and poverty, Antonio shares his success gained from a lot of hard work and some lucky breaks.

Nuclear Diplomacy - How States Make Peace Despite the Atom
Wednesday, Nov 20 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
In 1953, U.S. President Eisenhower gave a speech to the UN General Assembly titled, "Atoms for Peace." The initial optimism of this new nuclear-powered world soon gave way to the fear of nuclear proliferation and mismanagement of radioactive materials. In a series of technical and diplomatic feats, nations around the world have managed to keep the spread of atomic material in check. The first of such historic agreements, signed in 1963 between the US, UK and USSR, banned the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, and in doing so, paved the way for bigger and bolder international treaties. This is the story of the precious-yet-precarious nuclear diplomacy. Presented by undergraduate student, Damien Bérubé.

International Inspirations and Challenges: Engineering Space Origami
Thursday, Nov 21 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
Caltech alum and JPL scientist, Dr. Manan Arya, will talk about how the Japanese art of paper folding inspires the design and advancement of unfoldable structures technology. He will also discuss the unique challenges of being a Canadian national working at a national lab and the international nature of the field of origami engineering.

SURFing in South Korea
Friday, Nov 22 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
Undergraduate student, Will Overman, shares his experiences and perspectives on research and academic culture in South Korea from his 2019 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at the Institute for Basic Science near KAIST in Daejeon.

Advocacy from Within: An International Student's Experience in America
Monday, Nov 12 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
What does it mean to be an international student? Hear one student's account of navigating academic exchange, U.S. immigration hurdles, and societal micro-aggressions. Join graduate student Ana Lobo in a conversation about immigration, advocacy, rights, and cultural identity in the U.S. today.

Studying in Denmark: Secrets of the 3rd Happiest Country in the World
Tuesday, Nov 13 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
Denmark is a stark contrast to Southern California. The weather is cold, cloudy, and wet. The public transportation system works. The drinking age is 16. You get taxed for the emissions your car produces. Listen to Caltech undergraduate Sophus Shackford share stories of academia and hippie communes from his four-month study abroad near Copenhagen.

Dish and Discuss: A Mathematical Journey through Africa
Wednesday, Nov 14 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Bechtel Dining Room
Since 2011, Caltech's Von Karman Postdoctoral Instructor, Dr. Franca Hoffmann, has been involved with Supporting African Mathematics Initiatives (SAMI), a UK-based charity that works to address access to and quality of mathematics education in Africa. SAMI currently works in Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda and supports a wide variety of projects crossing education, research and global development. Come hear how Dr. Hoffmann became involved in STEM outreach in Africa. Hosted by Caltech Center for Diversity.

Empowering Developing Communities with Medical Technology and Training
Thursday, Nov 15 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
Caltech undergraduate students George Daghlian and Michael Yao co-founded AtriaConnect, a nonprofit organization that empowers developing communities with low-cost medical technology and the training to sustain it in practice. AtriaConnect has launched a project in Haiti and is expanding to Armenia. Fellow undergraduate, Ramya Deshpande, joined AtriaConnect as a student volunteer to grow the organization's online platform to connect physicians in low-income communities to specialist expertise across the world. Come hear Ramya, George, and Michael share what inspires them to do this important work.

Chasing Glaciers: An International Quest for Answers
Friday, Nov 16 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
Growing up in the foothills of the French Alps, Caltech postdoctoral scholar Flavien Beaud developed a passion for exploring mountains and a scientific curiosity for the stories mountains can tell us. His career has brought him to Switzerland, Canada, and the U.S. in the study of glaciers and how erosion and climate change are a global concern.

Economic Impact Analysis of Immigrant Entrepreneurs Across America
Monday, Nov 13 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
At the intersection of immigration policy and economics sits immigrant entrepreneurship research, an emerging study of the origins, motivations, activities, outcomes, and impacts of foreign-born individuals who need to navigate an immigration system to start a business. How can we measure the economic impact of foreign-born startup founders across the United States? Undergraduate Damien Bérubé shares his research and his hope to better inform policy.

Inspirations + Transformations: My Journey from Cairo to Caltech
Tuesday, Nov 14 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
As a young child growing up in Egypt, graduate student Ahmed Soliman was inspired by Dr. Ahmed Zewail, the first Egyptian to win a Nobel Prize in science. Little did he know that one day he would meet Dr. Zewail at Caltech and transform into a scientist himself. He will share how he overcame challenges with language and education and his inspiration from meeting Nobel Laureates at Caltech as the building blocks of his career in science. Come hear Ahmed's story, and you will be inspired, too.

LIGO-India Gets Green Light
Wednesday, Nov 15 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
India will join the LIGO global network with its own Laser Interferometer for gravitational waves. The addition of the Indian interferometer will allow for studies of Einstein's gravity in unprecedented ways. The project is expected to motivate and inspire young scientists in India to explore new technologies. Dr. Rana Adhikari, Professor of Physics, will explain the benefits of this partnership for India, for Caltech, and for science.

Einstein and Internationalism
Thursday, Nov 16 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
Internationalism in science and politics constituted one of Albert Einstein's major concerns. He was an early supporter of the League of Nations. His views on this subject distinguished him from most of his nationalistic colleagues in the academic world. Presented by Dr. Diana K. Buchwald, Professor of History, Director and General Editor of Einstein Papers Project.

Clean Water for Nepal - Updates from the Field
Friday, Nov 17 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Avery Library
Members of Caltech's Engineers Without Borders (EWB) traveled to Nepal to design a desperately-needed water filtration system for a village. Presented by undergraduate students Katherine Guo, Anushka Rau, and EWB mentor Dr. Gordon Treweek.

From Chile to Chilly: A Student's Journey to Antarctica
Monday, Nov 14 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
The waters surrounding Antarctica play a crucial role in global climate change. Join graduate student Zachary Erickson on his journey across Drake Passage, home to the roughest, most dangerous waters in the world, and into the surprisingly politically turbulent waters of the international Antarctic Treaty System.

International Elections and Voting
Tuesday, Nov 15 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
Professor Michael Alvarez takes us on a journey across political and geographical lines to understand voting behaviors and elections around the globe. From voter confidence in Latin America to post-election forensic tools in Eastern Europe to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Dr. Alvarez leaves no chad hanging.

Global Passions Pursued
Wednesday, Nov 16 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
Did you know? Caltech offers opportunities for students to travel the world for research, advocacy, personal growth, and adventure. Join Kit Chinetti, Eric Moseley, and Phillip An as they tell tales from Astronomy's GROWTH summer research project in the United Kingdom, the SURF Exchange Program in Iceland, and the Caltech Y's ACT Award to Ghana and Kenya.

STEMulating the Future Generation of Scientists in Mexico
Thursday, Nov 17 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
Caltech graduate students lead STEM workshops for high school and college students in Mexico through Clubes de Ciencia Mexico, a non-profit focused on expanding access for Mexican youth to high quality STEM education. An international network of mentors links prominent young scientists with students interested in STEM fields. Presented by David Angeles Albores, Heather Curtis, and Porfirio Quintero Cadena.

Changing the World, One Toilet at a Time
Friday, Nov 18 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
Caltech's award-winning research team shares how they are helping solve an important sanitation problem in the developing world. They will talk about how their solar toilet project is growing to include field-testing in India, China, and South Africa. Hear the research and inspiration behind their success. Presented by graduate students Clement Cid and Cody Finke.

Geophysics in the Land of Fire and Ice
Monday, Nov 17 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
Dr. Mark Simons, Professor of Geophysics, led students and faculty on a visit to Iceland – an extraordinary natural geophysical laboratory for studying tectonic plates, volcanic unrest, and glaciology. Dr. Simons will talk about the collaboration with the University of Iceland and the ongoing collapse at Bardabunga volcano that started erupting on August 16, 2014 – the first day of the Caltech field trip.

Traveling with Purpose
Tuesday, Nov 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
Dr. Pamela Bjorkman, Professor of Biology, has been studying HIV in the lab at Caltech since 2005. In summer 2012, she visited India and spent time with HIV-positive women and others who are at risk. "This is the reason that I'm doing the HIV research," she says. "It's to actually do something that might make a difference."

Global Narratives
Wednesday, Nov 19 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
Brian Brophy, Director of Theater Arts at Caltech (TACIT), introduces the idea behind a new Caltech course, Global Narratives, available in Winter 2015. The "global narrative" emphasizes the need for international exchange and intercultural engagement. Through HD video conferencing, the class will connect students in two parts of the world in real-time. With a focus on storytelling, performance, writing and analysis within a global framework, participants are encouraged to investigate their assumptions and convictions in regard to the world around them.

Global Climate Change
Thursday, Nov 20 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
Jinqiang "JC" Chen, graduate student in Environmental Science and Engineering, addresses fundamental issues in climate change as one of the largest challenges facing our world today. Extreme weather threatens the world's food supplies, energy demands, water resources, and health. How will the world adapt and learn to mitigate negative effects of climate change?

Travel, Tourism, & Identity
Friday, Nov 21 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Winnett Lounge
Dr. John Brewer examines travel, tourism, and identity in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, a time when the terms "tourism" and "tourist" first came into common use. What was the nature and purpose of tourism? How did tourists affect the identity and economy of the places they visited? How have relations between travelers and natives changed in a world increasingly characterized by high levels of mobility?

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