TU celebrates International Education Week
Meet TU students who studied abroad, international students who study on campus
By Kyle Hobstetter on November 13, 2022
Towson University is truly a global community—thanks in large part to the efforts of the International Initiatives Office.
Through the work of the Study Abroad & Away and the International Students & Scholars offices, TU has continually created high-impact learning experiences to help students gain a global perspective as part of their educational journey.
“Towson is a global university,” says Christopher Powers, assistant vice president for international initiatives. “We enroll students and engage faculty from more than 80 countries. After a pause during the pandemic, Study Abroad & Away is back, and this year we expect the number of TU students studying abroad to return to pre-pandemic levels.”
Towson University is proudly celebrating International Education Week (IEW) Nov. 14–18, to showcase how TU is helping students travel and learn throughout the world.
IEW is a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.
Throughout the week, Towson University will host panels, events and programs that will help students learn about the different aspects of studying abroad and away. This includes finding the right program, applying for scholarships, what to do when traveling abroad and programs that honor domestic and international students.
Check out the complete schedule for TU’s International Education Week programming
Meet some students who have studied abroad and international students learning at TU.
Brianna Georges
From Antigua & Barbuda | Forensic chemistry
“Studying in the U.S. allows me to experience new cultures, and it pushes me to be more independent and develop important life skills. I would encourage other [international] students to join and be active in clubs they find interesting. I joined the International Students Association to connect with other international students.”
Mohammad Ali Mir
From Bangladesh | Business administration and management
“I am benefiting greatly from my international experience as all [of them] will help me in the long run. The everlasting bonds I made with several international students during my freshman year were my favorite memory.”
International Education Week
International Walkway Flag Rotation
Monday, Nov. 14 | 12 p.m. | International Walkway
The International Walkway flags are rotated based on Towson University’s international student population. We encourage our campus community to watch or participate in the hoisting of the flags and celebrate our campus’ vibrant diversity.
Caroline Etherton
Studied in Costa Rica in Summer '22 | Cellular & Molecular Biology
"My time abroad granted me the opportunity to connect with people who share similar interests as me, but from diverse standpoints and backgrounds. It was my first time traveling internationally, and I got to learn so much about the culture of Costa Rica while also engaging firsthand in conservation efforts there."
Micah Whiteman
Studied in Seoul, South Korea in Summer '22 | International Studies
“The biggest benefit from interning abroad was gaining practical work experience, course credit and cultural competency skills all in one program. Since cost is the biggest barrier for people wanting to go abroad, my best advice is to research and apply for any and every opportunity for funding. Everyone deserves a chance to go abroad and study what they love!”
International Education Week
Fulbright U.S. Student Program Information Session
Monday, Nov. 14 | 2 p.m. | Virtual – click here to register
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides fully funded grants for individually designed study/research projects, graduate degree programs and English teaching assistantships outside the U.S. Fulbright operates in more than 140 countries worldwide and awards grants in nearly all fields and disciplines.
Mikaela Ellis
Studied in Madrid, Spain, in summer '22 | Secondary education
"If you have the opportunity to study abroad, take it. It is a life-changing experience where you get to meet new people, try new things and experience new cultures. I could not imagine my college years without my study abroad experience!"
Brianna Hutchins
Studied in Costa Rica in Summer '22 | Environmental science & studies
"Make sure you apply for scholarships [to study abroad]. Traveling abroad was never something I thought I would do during college. Because I applied for scholarships, I got my study abroad program covered. The Gilman Scholarship is really great, especially if you receive a Pell grant!
International Education Week
Funding Opportunities for Study Abroad
Tuesday, Nov. 15 | 3:30 p.m. | Liberal Arts Building, room 4315
Whether you've already applied, want to learn more or need funds to support tuition
and books, this session is for you. You will learn about the various grants and scholarships
that can make your dream of studying abroad possible, inside and outside of TU.