College celebrates diversity during International Ed Week

SUNY New Paltz participated in International Education Week (IEW), a national program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education aimed at reinforcing the importance of international education, fostering understanding and cooperation, and preparing students to be global citizens, during the week of Nov. 17.

“The Center for International Programs is justifiably proud of our efforts to celebrate diversity,” said Dean of International Programs Bruce Sillner. “We lead the SUNY comprehensive universities in the number of international students who study on our campus. At this very moment, we host almost 600 students from 46 different countries. We appreciate this diversity and understanding these students bring to our campus.”

Cultural performances, workshops, and a multicultural festival were among the week’s highlights. Hasbrouck Dining Hall joined in on the festivities by serving international specialties from Egypt, Taiwan, Japan, India and China.

“We are pleased to join universities throughout the United States in demonstrating our commitment to international educational exchange,” said Study Abroad Program Director Christian Wilwohl. “Our international students took advantage of international education week programming to showcase their cultures to the SUNY New Paltz community.”

According to Wilwohl in 2013-14, a record number 450 students studied abroad through the Center for International Programs. For the first time in history, the College’s level of study abroad participation by New Paltz students exceeded 20 percent.