Starting February, Kent State will be taking action on internationalizing education. The Office of International Affairs will be hosting a series of workshops throughout the month focusing on international curriculum.

Executive Director Kenneth Cushner said the new workshops will be aimed at the faculty at the university. Cushner received a grant from NAFSA: Association of International Educators to facilitate internationalization through curriculum.

With the grant, Cushner hopes to increase student and faculty participation in studying abroad. The goal is to focus on creating new courses and opportunities to study abroad in those courses.

One of the objectives of the workshops is to improve communication skills of participants and their understanding of international students. Cushner also hopes to increase faculty involvement in the recruitment of international students and increase understanding and learning across cultures.

“Every year the number of international students increase,” he said. “There are over 850 students here this spring.”

The Center for International and Comparative Programs is hosting six study abroad information sessions to increase awareness about opportunities through studying abroad and to provide information about academic credit and other opportunities.

Kent Academic Support & Advising Association, a university organization developed for all academic advisors, will also be holding study abroad advisor training. The meeting will focus on educating advisers about international study abroad programs.

Theresa Minick, a member of the study abroad sub-committee of the association and member of Phi Beta Delta, an honor society for international scholars, said the two groups will be hosting a study abroad fair in March.

The fair will include information about opportunities to study abroad and internships abroad. Students will have the chance to meet with fellow university students who have studied abroad. Former travelers will be able to share their experiences with each other and create awareness to students who have and interest in traveling abroad.

All events held by the international organizations this spring are free to the students and faculty.

All four workshops will take place in the Student Center.

Contact international affairs reporter Nicole Weible at [email protected].