Rhody ’Round the World podcast broadcast live during International Education Week

The University of Rhode Island will celebrate its International Education Week between 17 and 21 November 2025. More than two dozen events are already confirmed, but organisers said that more activities will be added to the calendar. Global education is, as they put it, central to URI's mission—opening the world in preparing students, faculty and staff to succeed in an interconnected world. International Education Week 2025 URI officials said international education benefits such opportunities for highlighting universities and professional organisations. They added that through this observance, communities can celebrate global engagement with exciting recognition of those engaged in partnerships with institutions, scholars, and organisations worldwide.

According to Tom Hospod, Assistant Director of Virtual Internationalisation and Internationalisation Initiatives, the university uses a wide range of tools to encourage greater cultural engagement. He added that the virtual realm is being used for students, faculty, and staff to open to global learning and cultural experiences. To this, the programme will have in-person and virtual international learning events at URI, featuring many activities that are making their debuts. Organisers said that the range of offerings on the schedule, from a virtual symposium on global citizenship to a live broadcast of the Rhody ’Round the World podcast, ensures there is something for everyone. CyberFestival, one of the event's features, will take place virtually on 18 and 20 November. URI Library Innovation Labs and TU Braunschweig Media Lab are organising the event, which will highlight projects that emphasise URI's interdisciplinary excellence and global connections.

On 19 November, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., a virtual Zoom symposium on global education called Global Citizenship in Action is planned. Sponsored by TU Braunschweig, Germany, and URI Feinstein College of Education, it will be accessible to the general public. According to the organisers, participants could attend all or just some of the sessions, gaining fresh perspectives and useful motivation. This event will celebrate the partnership between URI and TU Braunschweig, highlight global education and citizenship, and add to the conversation about sustainable collaboration and global competencies.

Additionally, the Memorial Union Ballroom will host Culture Fest on 19 November from 12 to 3 p.m. In order to honour their cultures, students, clubs, and community members will be asked to set up booths. A lively celebration of diversity, the event will feature interactive engagement, food, and performances. The Rhody 'Round the World podcast will be broadcast live at the Higgins Welcome Centre on 21 November from 12 to 1 p.m. Together with pertinent special guests, the Office of Global Initiatives and the Office of National Fellowships and Academic Opportunities will co-host the meeting. There will also be an opportunity for audience members to participate in a Q&A session.

According to URI Global Initiatives podcast host Carolyn Chaves, Rhody ’Round the World is indeed promoting URI through international conversations around culture, connection, and international engagement. She noted that episodes range from maternal health in West Africa to ethical storytelling in documentary filmmaking, reflecting the breadth of URI's global focus. Transparency in disclosing the use of features is important, added Hospod. According to him, people in the campus community have many amazing stories worth celebrating and sharing. URI has such phenomenal individuals with global reach and impact, and it is amazing to see how many have collaborated across parts of the world.

Editor’s Note

The celebration of International Education Week 2025 by the University of Rhode Island serves as an unmistakable reminder for all of us regarding the importance of global learning and exchange. By hosting over two dozen events between 17 and 21 November, the University demonstrates its commitment to preparing students, faculty, and staff to thrive in today's interconnected world. Because it highlights both the benefits of international education and celebrates global engagement opportunities for communities, this observance becomes an ideal opportunity for URI to showcase innumerable valuable partnerships with institutions, scholars, and organisations worldwide. The programme also goes on to show how in-person and virtual activities promote cultural interaction. From the CyberFestival that showcases interdisciplinary-themed projects to the Global Education Symposium on citizenship, each of these events promises practical nuggets and inspiration. These activities display how universities can use innovation to facilitate and strengthen dialogue and collaboration beyond their borders. So it is with Culture Fest and the live broadcast of the Rhody ’Round the World podcast: they test the value of celebrating diversity and sharing narratives. They place students and staff at the centre of global conversations, ensuring that international engagement is not only about study abroad but also about everyday experiences on campus. This week's experience clearly demonstrates that global education thrives on the fusion of academic learning and cultural exchange. The results highlight several positive outcomes: strengthened partnerships, increased awareness of global competencies, and a richer appreciation for diversity. Ultimately, these events underscore URI's dedication to cultivating a community that actively celebrates and shares international perspectives.

Skoobuzz believes that International Education Week conveys a powerful message to others through URI. It shows how universities can lead by example in promoting global education and intercultural exchange, but the most crucial one would be educating their students and staff to become active participants in building a greener, connected world.

FAQs

1. What is International Education Week at URI?

International Education Week 2025 at the University of Rhode Island is a week‑long celebration of global learning and exchange, held from 17 to 21 November. It includes more than two dozen events designed to highlight international education and engagement.

2. Why is International Education Week important at URI?

Officials explained that global education is central to URI’s mission. The week provides opportunities to showcase partnerships with institutions, scholars, and organisations worldwide, while preparing students, faculty, and staff to succeed in an interconnected world.

3. What events does URI host during International Education Week 2025?

The programme includes both in‑person and virtual events. Highlights are CyberFestival, the Global Education Symposium Global Citizenship in Action, Culture Fest, and a live broadcast of the Rhody ’Round the World podcast.

4. How can students participate in URI’s International Education Week?

Students can attend events, join interactive workshops, and even host booths at Culture Fest to honour their cultures. They can also take part in Q&A sessions during the live podcast broadcast.

5. What is CyberFestival?

CyberFestival will be held virtually on 18 and 20 November. Coordinated by URI Library Innovation Labs and TU Braunschweig Media Lab, it will showcase interdisciplinary projects that highlight URI’s global connections and innovation.

6. What is the Global Education Symposium?

The symposium, titled Global Citizenship in Action, will take place virtually on 19 November. Sponsored by URI Feinstein College of Education and TU Braunschweig, Germany, it will spotlight global education, citizenship, and sustainable collaboration.

7. What is Culture Fest?

Culture Fest will be held on 19 November at the Memorial Union Ballroom. Students, clubs, and community members will celebrate diversity through performances, food, and interactive engagement.

8. What is the Rhody ’Round the World podcast?

The podcast, hosted by URI Global Initiatives, promotes URI globally through conversations about culture, connection, and international engagement. A live broadcast will take place on 21 November at the Higgins Welcome Centre.

9. How does URI support global education and intercultural exchange?

URI uses both in‑person and virtual tools to encourage cultural engagement. Officials noted that the university promotes study abroad, global partnerships, and virtual international learning experiences to strengthen dialogue and collaboration.

10. What outcomes are expected from International Education Week?

The week is expected to increase awareness of global competencies, strengthen partnerships, and deepen appreciation for diversity. It demonstrates URI’s commitment to building a community that values international perspectives.