The daylong workshop, co-sponsored by the聽Isabella Cannon Global Education Center聽and the聽Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, was designed for faculty and staff who teach or lead study away programs, though it was open to anyone interested in strengthening global learning.

This year鈥檚 workshop centered on 鈥淓mbracing Ambiguity: Multiple Ways of Knowing, Reflection and Preparing Students for Cultural Curiosity.鈥� The theme invited participants to consider how students encounter different knowledge systems, histories, identities and relationships to place through global education.

Following welcome remarks from Dean of Global Education Nick Gozik and Provost and Executive Vice President Rebecca Kohn, the workshop began with a keynote by Laura M. Pipe, director of the University Teaching and Learning Commons at UNC Greensboro.

Pipe, an Indigenous educator of 厂办补谤霉:谤臋 (Tuscarora) and 贬辞诲颈苍枚丑蝉枚:苍颈鈥� (Haudenosaunee) descent, explored how global learning can move beyond a single tradition of knowledge. Drawing on Indigenous and decolonial pedagogies, the Toward a Liberated Learning Spirit model and reflective practice, she encouraged participants to cultivate curiosity, humility and reciprocal learning relationships.

The workshop continued with three breakout sessions:

• In 鈥淓xploring History and Identity through Elon鈥檚 Campus,鈥� Amanda Laury Kleintop, assistant professor of history and coordinator of the museum studies and public history minor, used Elon鈥檚 campus history as a model for place-based learning. Participants considered how monuments, historical sites and museums can help students critically examine history and identity in both local and study away contexts.
• 鈥淪tory Circles for Intercultural Learning,鈥� led by Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler, director of the Center for Research on Global Engagement, and Sandy Marshall, associate professor of geography, introduced participants to the UNESCO Story Circles model. Through a facilitated experience and debrief, participants explored how storytelling can foster intercultural learning and dialogue.
• Corey Roberts, assistant professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies, led 鈥淟ayers of an Abroad Experience.鈥� The session encouraged participants to consider travel in relation to land, history and personal identity. Participants developed activities to help students reflect on their relationship with the places they visit and the histories those places hold.

The day concluded with reflections from Gozik, associate dean of global education Jessica Gisclair and assistant director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching Jill McSweeney, followed by a wrap-up session.

鈥淭he Global Pedagogy Workshop gives us an opportunity to think carefully about how we prepare students to learn across difference,鈥� said Gozik. 鈥淕lobal education asks students to encounter new places, perspectives and ways of knowing. Our role as educators is to help them remain curious, reflective and open when those encounters do not fit neatly into what they already understand.鈥�

“The workshop was a success and continues to be an important and valued partnership between the GEC and CATL,” said McSweeney. “Faculty are able to dedicate time to thinking deeply about the pedagogy they actively practice in country, while also learning in community from their colleagues. Dr. Pipe offered a range of theoretical frameworks to ground that deep thinking, emphasizing the connecting into Elon鈥檚 goals of evidence-based practices across learning experiences.”

The event will introduce students and families to Elon鈥檚 study abroad and Study USA opportunities and provide information about programs in more than 30 countries. Attendees can explore options connected to students鈥� academic interests, compare program locations and formats and learn more about the process of planning a study away experience.

The fair is open to all students and will be especially helpful for those beginning to consider studying away or ready to explore potential programs. GEC staff, program representatives and colleagues from other campus offices will be available to help students and families identify next steps.

More information about Family Weekend is available on the聽Family Weekend website.

The Study Away Fair is part of the GEC鈥檚 ongoing efforts to connect Elon students with opportunities to learn across cultures and engage with communities around the world.

The event will celebrate the unity of the Elon community through an afternoon of free food, music, activities and opportunities to connect with others. Students can also learn more about study abroad and Study USA programs, whether they have already participated in a GEC program or are just beginning to explore global engagement opportunities.

鈥淐ommUnity on the Lawn is an opportunity to bring students together and celebrate the many experiences, backgrounds and perspectives that make up the Elon community,鈥� said Rose Danthon, program coordinator. 鈥淲e want all students to feel welcome, connected and encouraged to explore how study abroad, Study USA and other global opportunities might fit into their interests and goals.鈥�

CommUnity on the Lawn reflects the GEC鈥檚 ongoing commitment to making global education accessible, welcoming, and inclusive. This event supports the broad participation that has helped Elon earn top national ranking for study abroad according to the Institute for International Education’s Open Doors Report.

The event is free and open to all Elon students. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend.

The three category winners were been publicly announced on Instagram, and one of those winners is set to be named the Grand Prize winner at International Coffee Hour on Thursday, April 2, 9:30 am, in the GEC. The Grand Prize includes a $350 travel voucher.

Category: Elon Inclusive
Hazel Silverstein
Saradwadi Village, Jamkhed, Maharashtra, India
WT 26 India Public Health Studies Practicum

Silverstein鈥檚 photo captured a quiet but meaningful moment in rural India. Taken in Saradwadi village, the image showed a local goat herder guiding her herd through the fields while balancing a basket on her head. The scene offered a glimpse into daily life in the village and reflected the connections formed between students and community members during the practicum.

Category: Elon Global Explorers
Erin Howard
Seville, Spain
Spring 2025 CIEE Seville Liberal Arts

Howard鈥檚 photograph captured Semana Santa, one of Seville鈥檚 most powerful traditions, as brotherhoods carried elaborate floats through the streets in solemn processions. Howard stood in the crowd with her host mother while her younger host sister took part in the procession, making the experience especially personal. The image reflected the atmosphere of a city gathered at sunset to witness a tradition that has shaped Seville for centuries.

Category: Live Like a Local
Hannah Nicholls
Diamond Head, O’ahu, Hawaii
WT 26 Hawaii – Nation or State

Nicholls鈥� image captured a sunrise scene at Diamond Head, where surfers were already out on the water as the day began. She observed that surfing culture was deeply rooted in Hawaii and remained central to life on the islands. In her photo, a surfer headed toward the ocean as light reflected off the wet sand, creating a striking image of a local rhythm of life.

Ashley Bobotas, a supply chain management major and student worker in the GEC, reflected on her time helping to organize the contest: 鈥淗aving studied abroad myself and seen the impact of these opportunities firsthand, it was especially meaningful to highlight how Elon鈥檚 Global Education Center provides programs that truly shape students鈥� perspectives and experiences.鈥�

鈥淓ach of these photographs told a story about the way Elon students engaged with place, people, and culture in meaningful ways,” said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. “The contest showcased not only beautiful images, but also the depth of learning and connection that came through these experiences.鈥�

Faculty-led programs for the upcoming Winter Term cover a wide array of subjects and global locations, blending academic inquiry with experiential learning. Students can explore topics such as ecotourism in New Zealand, music and dance in New Orleans and Brazil, literature in England, and West African history in Ghana. Each course is designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and into real-world environments.

鈥淲inter Term programs give students the chance to step outside the classroom, engage with new cultures, and connect their academic interests to real-world experiences in meaningful ways,鈥� said Gia Pineda, director of short-term programs.

Open to students from all majors, each program includes a required pre-departure seminar during the fall semester, preparing participants with essential academic and cultural context before traveling in January.

Registration for Winter Term 2027 will open in mid-April as part of fall 2026 course registration. Students interested in participating are encouraged to connect with the GEC through upcoming events:

College Coffee: Visit the GEC table on March 31, April 7, or April 14 to meet staff and program leaders
Winter Term Advising: Drop in this week from 2鈥�4 p.m. for Quick Questions advising at the GEC in Sato Commons

For additional details and a complete list of programs, visit .

鈥淭his year鈥檚 award recipients reflect the very best of Elon鈥檚 commitment to global engagement,鈥� said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. 鈥淭hrough their leadership, service, scholarship and care for others, they help create a campus culture where internationalization is not simply an aspiration, but a lived experience. Their efforts strengthen our community and remind us that global education is essential to preparing thoughtful, engaged citizens in an interconnected world.鈥�

Courtney Smith, senior associate director of financial aid, received the staff award for her outstanding support of study away students. Her work, particularly in the area of financial aid and literacy, has played an important role in helping students thousands of students access global opportunities and navigate the financial aspects of studying away.

鈥淐ourtney鈥檚 contributions have been pivotal to the university鈥檚 efforts to make international experiences more accessible and manageable for students,” said Allegra Laing, executive director of global programming.

Jeff Carpenter, William S. Long Professor and professor of education, received the faculty award in recognition of his leadership in global education, including as chair of the Global Education Curriculum Committee; support and leadership of overseas programs, including the joint GEC/Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education program in New Zealand; and strong record of scholarship and teaching with a global focus. It was noted that Carpenter鈥檚 work as a teacher educator, scholar and mentor has helped strengthen Elon鈥檚 global learning environment, and his teaching overseas reflects a sustained commitment to international and intercultural education.

Huria Tahiry, recipient of Elon鈥檚 Commitment to Democracy Scholarship, received the international student award for her contributions to Elon鈥檚 campus community since arriving in fall 2022. Tahiry has served as an International Student Ambassador and has been involved in the Muslim Student Society, Eco-Reps, the Asian Pacific Student Association and other campus organizations. She also founded Caravan Club focused on Central Asian countries and culture, worked as an environmental justice intern and served as a SOC analyst for the Information Security Office. In addition, she is president of Women in Computer Science (WiCS).

Most recently, Tahiry worked with campus partners to bring Habiba Sarabi to Elon, helping foster dialogue about the global impact of Afghanistan鈥檚 ban on women鈥檚 education and the ongoing fight for educational rights and gender equality. Denise Teeters, director of international students, said Tahiry stands out not only for her accomplishments but for her character, noting that she is consistently among the first to offer support to others.

鈥淗er presence has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our campus, and we are stronger because of her,鈥� Teeters said.

Mya Lee received the Study Away Student Award for exemplifying Elon鈥檚 commitment to global learning through academic excellence, leadership and meaningful engagement abroad. An Odyssey Scholar, Global Ambassador and student-athlete, Lee brings a thoughtful and inclusive perspective to global education.

鈥淢ya鈥檚 study abroad experience in Florence further reflected her dedication to cultural exchange, learning and community, while inspiring her peers through her leadership and engagement,” said Danthon, program coordinator.

This most recent event follows an earlier workshop held in August 2024, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and Fulbright Philippines, where Gozik was invited by the U.S. Department of State to serve as an expert speaker on the internationalization of higher education.

Gozik oversees Elon鈥檚 nationally recognized global engagement programs, including study abroad, Study USA and international partnerships. 福利亚洲国产精品 is ranked the number one institution in the United States for study abroad participation, according to the Open Doors report published by the Institute of International Education.

鈥淚 was honored to collaborate with Fulbright and colleagues at universities across the Philippines,鈥� Gozik said. 鈥淲hile sharing practices from the United States and exploring ways to strengthen cross-country collaboration, I also valued the opportunity to learn from others and gain new perspectives that will inform our work in other contexts.鈥�

A two-time Fulbright grantee, Gozik received awards to represent 福利亚洲国产精品 in Taiwan for the International Education Administrators Seminar and in Bulgaria for a similar program. He also serves on Elon鈥檚 Fulbright Campus Committee and coordinates the university鈥檚 partnership with U.K. Fulbright.

鈥淭hese initiatives reflect Elon鈥檚 long-standing commitment to the Fulbright Program,鈥� Gozik said. 鈥淎s a longstanding producer of Fulbright grantees, Elon鈥檚 engagement aligns closely with our mission to prepare students for lives of global purpose and connection.鈥�

Jessica Gisclair has been appointed the next associate dean of global education within the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC), effective January 2026.

Gisclair brings more than three decades of academic experience in strategic communications, media law and ethics to this leadership role. A longtime member of the Elon faculty, she has served as interim assistant dean of the GEC since June 2025 and previously chaired the university鈥檚 largest department in the School of Communications from 2010 to 2019.

A 2020 Fulbright U.S. Scholar to China at Shanghai International Studies University, Gisclair鈥檚 research focuses on Mainland China as a global economic leader and on the country鈥檚 rapid technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence. She was granted a 2024 sabbatical to continue examining China鈥檚 emerging role as a global AI leader by 2030.

In addition to her international research, Gisclair has long been active in professional and civic engagement. She serves as a member of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) site team, evaluating programs in journalism and mass communications across the country, and as a board member for the Sunshine Center of the North Carolina Open Government Coalition. At Elon, she also serves as faculty-in-residence for the International Living Learning Community in the Global Neighborhood. She has served as an Elon faculty in residence in Florence and London.

鈥淛essica has demonstrated exceptional leadership, insight and dedication to Elon鈥檚 mission of global education,鈥� said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. 鈥淪he brings a rare blend of academic depth, global perspective and collaborative spirit that will continue to strengthen our programs and support students and faculty in meaningful, innovative ways.鈥�

Gisclair succeeds Mark Kurt, who was recently appointed associate dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business.

鈥淛essica鈥檚 leadership shows sincere care for the growth and success of others,” said Nepocatych, co-chair of the search committee. “Her mentorship and example inspire all of us, and there is so much we can learn from her.鈥�

Search Committee聽

Allegra Laing,聽Executive Director of Global Programming, Co-Chair
Svetlana Nepocatych, Professor of Exercise Science, Co-Chair
Sophie Adamson, Associate Professor of French
Stephen Braye, Professor of English
Vanessa Drew-Branch, Associate Professor of Human Service Studies
Ronice Johnson-Guy, Director of Study USA
Jen Guy Metcalf, Associate Professor of Dance
Anthony Rizzuto, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Barjinder Singh, Associate Professor of Management
Robin Straka, Senior Associate Registrar
Denise Teeters, Director of International Student Services

Hosted by the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) and campus partners, the week invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to examine well-being through cross-cultural and interdisciplinary lenses.

International Education Week highlights the benefits of international education and exchange. Elon鈥檚 celebration aligns with the university鈥檚 HealthEU priorities and its comprehensive approach to global engagement.

Major collaborators include HealthEU, the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE), World Languages and Cultures, the Global Neighborhood, the Center for Research on Global Engagement (CRGE) and International & Global Studies (IGS).

Week-at-a-glance

A complete, continuously updated schedule appears on the International Education Week website. From kick-offs to capstones, this year鈥檚 schedule features a mix of cultural, academic and community-building events.

Highlights include:

• Exploring Roots & Horizons: West African Dance & Drums (Oct. 7)
• French Faculty & Staff Conversation at the Oak House and a Global Neighborhood Dinner on 鈥淐onnecting Cultures through Cuisine鈥� (Oct. 7)
• Polyglot Lunch and Vamos a la cocina! at El Centro plus a Latin American Studies Film Series screening of Water for Life (Oct. 8)
• A Japanese tea tasting and lecture with Professor Robert Hellyer from Wake Forest University (Oct. 9)
• Amici dell鈥橧talia, Perspectivas Deliberative Dialogue, and Peaceful Forest Taiko Drumming (Oct. 9)
• The Dedication of Toshio Sato Commons with President Connie Ledoux Book and community members (Oct. 10)
• Late Night Caf茅 con Leche with ELHAN (Oct. 10)
• Global Flow Yoga during Homecoming weekend (Oct. 11)

Why it matters

IEW provides a focused moment to elevate global learning that happens across Elon every day – in classrooms, residence halls, student organizations and the Alamance County community.

鈥淚EW provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on how global engagement strengthens our individual and collective well-being,” said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. “This year鈥檚 theme aligns closely with Elon鈥檚 HealthEU initiative by reminding us that well-being is not only personal but also intercultural.鈥�

Elon continues to be a national leader in study abroad and Study USA participation as part of the Elon Experiences.

“This year’s IEW theme aligns perfectly with the HealthEU initiative and the institutional adoption of the Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting University and Colleges taking place later in October,” said聽Anu聽R盲is盲nen, director of HealthEU Initiatives. “IEW is a great opportunity to reflect on how each of us can have a role in promoting well-being locally and globally, which is one of the Calls to Action in the Okanagan Charter.”

Get involved

Most IEW events are open to the entire Elon community. Some programs require an RSVP or have limited capacity. Visit the IEW website for times, locations and updates. For questions, contact the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center at 336-278-6700 or visit Global Commons 360 during business hours.

Launched by the US-UK Fulbright Commission in partnership with AAC&U, the awards support pairs of U.S.- and U.K.-based faculty who co-deliver VE/COIL courses addressing climate Action, health Inequality, disinformation & misinformation, or peace and justice. Each recipient works with an institutional team (administrator and instructional support colleague) to scale VE/COIL on their campus.

As part of the award, Marshall will co-design and co-teach a transatlantic course pairing Elon鈥檚 鈥淔oundations of Peace & Conflict Studies鈥� with 鈥淎trocities, Conflict, Human Rights,鈥� led by Peter Manning of the University of Bath. Implementation is slated to begin in fall 2026 following AAC&U-led clinics and mentoring for recipients.

Marshall鈥檚 scholarship and teaching center on political and cultural geography with expertise in the Middle East, migration and refugees, and the geographies of children and youth. He has authored more than three dozen articles and chapters and leads community-engaged research using methods such as oral history and digital storytelling.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited that this collaboration will offer students in my Peace and Conflict Studies course the opportunity to engage in dialogue and peer-to-peer learning about pressing global issues from a truly transnational perspective,鈥� Marshall said. 鈥淭his kind of project not only enhances students鈥� intercultural learning but also provides them with valuable real-world collaboration skills.鈥�

Representing Elon, Marshall is joined by an institutional team of Nick Gozik, dean of global education, and Becky Kloepfer, instructional technologist with Teaching and Learning Technologies. Institutional teams in the program help integrate virtual exchange across the curriculum and build campus capacity for VE/COIL.

鈥淭his recognition highlights Elon鈥檚 commitment to relationship-rich global learning that is accessible to all students. VE/COIL allows us to embed meaningful, mentored international engagement directly into courses, advancing our goals for inclusive excellence and global education as found within Elon鈥檚 Global Strategic Plan,鈥� said Gozik.

Kloepfer added: 鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to contribute to this project and to see how intentional instructional design and purposeful technology integration can create opportunities for meaningful collaboration across our global community. By embedding VE/COIL into our courses, we鈥檙e not only expanding cultural perspectives but also engaging students in authentic, real-world learning experiences that prepare them for a connected world.鈥�