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: 乱伦视频 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: 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 global learning environment, and his teaching overseas reflects a sustained commitment to international and intercultural education.

Huria Tahiry, recipient of 乱伦视频鈥檚 Commitment to Democracy Scholarship, received the international student award for her contributions to 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频, 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 nationally recognized global engagement programs, including study abroad, Study USA and international partnerships. 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频 in Taiwan for the International Education Administrators Seminar and in Bulgaria for a similar program. He also serves on 乱伦视频鈥檚 Fulbright Campus Committee and coordinates the university鈥檚 partnership with U.K. Fulbright.

鈥淭hese initiatives reflect 乱伦视频鈥檚 long-standing commitment to the Fulbright Program,鈥� Gozik said. 鈥淎s a longstanding producer of Fulbright grantees, 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频, she also serves as faculty-in-residence for the International Living Learning Community in the Global Neighborhood. She has served as an 乱伦视频 faculty in residence in Florence and London.

鈥淛essica has demonstrated exceptional leadership, insight and dedication to 乱伦视频鈥檚 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. 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 HealthEU initiative by reminding us that well-being is not only personal but also intercultural.鈥�

乱伦视频 continues to be a national leader in study abroad and Study USA participation as part of the 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频, 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 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 乱伦视频鈥檚 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�

Launched in 2023, the Dean鈥檚 Excellence Awards honor individuals who embody 乱伦视频鈥檚 mission of comprehensive internationalization through research, leadership, mentorship, service and cross-cultural collaboration.

Recipient of the International Student Award, Nhat 鈥淚van鈥� Nguyen, a chemistry major and international student, was recognized for his exceptional academic achievements and leadership. In March 2024, Nguyen presented research at the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting in New Orleans鈥攁n extraordinary opportunity for an undergraduate student. He is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation鈥檚 most prestigious academic honor society.

Nguyen鈥檚 impact extends beyond the classroom. As co-president of the Asian-Pacific Student Association (APSA), he helped organize 乱伦视频鈥檚 annual Lunar New Year celebration, fostering cultural understanding and community engagement. He also studied abroad during Winter Term 2025 in China, further deepening his global perspective.

“Ivan has truly immersed himself on 乱伦视频鈥檚 campus, bringing a unique and thoughtful perspective to every space he enters,” said Denise Teeters, director of international student services. “Through active involvement and meaningful contributions, he has inspired his peers, and helped shape a more vibrant, connected community.鈥�

Alexandra James, who studied at Kansai Gaidai University (KGU) in Japan during the fall of 2024, has been honored with the prestigious Study Abroad Student Award. A dedicated student leader, James has served as a student assistant in the GEC and as a multifaith intern.

During her semester abroad, James conducted research on the Black experience in Japan, which she later presented at 乱伦视频鈥檚 Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF). Her work offered a nuanced and reflective exploration of intercultural dynamics, underscoring her advanced proficiency in Japanese and her aspirations to pursue graduate study in East Asia.

鈥淚t has been a privilege to be part of Alexandra鈥檚 study away experience to KGU,鈥� said Megan Hernandez-Greene, program coordinator. 鈥淭o witness her evolution from when I first met her as a student assistant in our office to her rejoining us after a semester in Japan has been nothing but extraordinary. Alex is an example of the transformative power global engagement opportunities can provide for our students at 乱伦视频 as they grow and prepare for the next chapter post-undergrad.鈥�

In a rare joint recognition, the Faculty Award was presented to Mat Gendle, professor of psychology and director of Project Pericles, and Amanda Tapler, senior lecturer in public health studies. The committee highlighted the exceptional interdisciplinary collaboration between Tapler and Gendle, whose work has bridged public health, psychology, and global experiential learning.

Among many accomplishments, Tapler and Gendle鈥檚 scholarship includes the development of evaluation tools and approaches that prioritize host community perspectives and ethical assessment practices in global learning initiatives. They have also contributed to national conversations on community-based learning and equity in global education, recently presenting their findings on study abroad participation rates at the inaugural AAC&U Conference on Learning and Student Success.

Whitney Gregory, associate dean of students, received the Staff Award in recognition of her extraordinary behind-the-scenes leadership and support. Whether responding to student emergencies or offering strategic guidance for Study Abroad, Study USA, and international student services, selection committee members noted her expertise, wisdom, and collaborative spirit.

鈥淧artnering with Whitney is a joy,” said Allegra Laing, executive director for global programming. “Whitney has a deep commitment to student success and wellbeing in the context of global engagement. She comes to each conversation with a holistic lens – thoughtful, engaged, compassionate and with a host of potential ideas to consider. She has been an important partner to the GEC, and we continue to value and rely on Whitney鈥檚 insights.鈥�

鈥淭hese awardees exemplify the values and impact of global education at 乱伦视频,” said Dean of Global Education Nick Gozik. “Their contributions are inspiring reminders that global learning doesn鈥檛 just happen abroad鈥攊t鈥檚 built every day through community, creativity and a commitment to shared understanding.鈥�

Led by 乱伦视频 faculty, the upcoming year鈥檚 short-term programs span a wide range of disciplines and destinations, integrating classroom learning with hands-on, experiential education abroad. From sustainability in Costa Rica to business in the Pacific Rim, literature in England and public health in Cuba, the courses reflect 乱伦视频鈥檚 commitment to preparing students for global citizenship.

鈥淭hese programs are more than travel鈥攖hey are transformative educational experiences that allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts,鈥� said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. 鈥淲e are excited to continue expanding access to global learning through these short-term, high-impact opportunities.鈥�

Programs are open to students across all majors. Participants begin with a fall semester pre-departure seminar that provides academic and cultural context, followed by a travel experience in Winter Term.

Registration for Winter Term 2026 opens in mid-April, as part of fall 2025 course registration. Interested students are encouraged to attend upcoming GEC events to learn more:

• College Coffee: Stop by the GEC table on March 25, April 1, or April 8 to meet staff and program leaders.
• Winter Term Advising: Drop in at the GEC Monday through Thursday, 2鈥�4 p.m., for special Quick Questions advising.
• Success & Opportunities Expo: Visit the GEC booth on Friday, March 28, from 3鈥�4:30 p.m. in McKinnon Hall.

For more information and a full list of programs, visit elon.edu/global.

This week marks International Education Week (IEW), hosted by the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) including a series of seventeen events and programming from Sept. 15 to 20. The 2024 theme, 鈥淭he Many Faces of 乱伦视频: On Campus & Beyond,鈥� reflects the university鈥檚 commitment to broadening students’ perspectives and enhancing global awareness through local, national and international lenses.

IEW, a collaborative initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, aims to highlight the importance of international education. 乱伦视频鈥檚 celebration is designed to emphasize the richness of diversity on campus, in the surrounding Alamance County community and beyond. It also fits into the comprehensive internationalization approach undertaken in the University鈥檚 new global strategic plan.

鈥淚EW highlights how global 乱伦视频 already is, by lifting up the good work that is already happening within our community,” said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. “This year鈥檚 theme reminds us that global learning is not something that happens overnight. It鈥檚 a lifelong pursuit that helps us be better prepared to engage with people who are different from us. It also recognizes that such learning can happen both close to home and further afield such as through Study USA, study abroad, or studying at 乱伦视频 as an international student.鈥�

Highlights of the week include an International Soccer Tournament, the Faces of Alamance County Storywalk and a screening of the documentary Cooked: Survival by Zip Code. Attendees can also enjoy a communal dinner and book reading with refugee families, participate in spaghetti ice cream making with the German Club, and experience traditional Italian tarantella dancing. This week’s International Coffee Hour will be held at Numen Lumen Pavilion, co-hosted by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and the GEC, and the week will culminate with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Additionally, the GEC will host a Study Away Fair for students interested in learning more about study abroad and Study USA.

A full list of activities can be found on the IEW website.

鈥淲e have so many departments and programs on campus who have helped with IEW and help our campus community engage globally on a daily basis,” said Cass North, a master’s of higher education student and GEC graduate apprentice, who also praised the students who volunteered on the IEW committee.

Participating units include the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education聽(CREDE), World Languages and Cultures, the Global Neighborhood, the Center for Research on Global Engagement (CRGE) and International and Global Studies (IGS).