Every year you can look forward to special programming from OGS that celebrates annual traditions.

International Education Week

Every November, the Office of Global Services promotes a robust calendar of event programming across Northeastern University in celebration of International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, which promotes global education and exchange experiences.

With over 20,000 international students and scholars and hundreds of intercultural opportunities across the globe, Northeastern recognizes the interdependence among nations and values the diversity of our collective experiences, perspectives, and thoughts. This rich institution truly is greater than the sum of its parts.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the U.S. and Canada, similar to other harvest festivals celebrated in countries all over the world. We at OGS want to make sure that you are included in this national tradition and that you feel at home on campus. Check this page to see what events will be offered in late November!

Building Community   

The Office of Global Services serves the international student and scholar community throughout their journey at the university and beyond. Often, OGS is one of the first interactions students and scholars have with a department on campus. It is our goal to provide a home-away-from-home for our students and scholars and a welcoming community where students can be their authentic selves, as well as celebrate and embrace our students and scholars. Some examples include: 

1. Global Student Mentor Program (GSM) 
2. Events and programs for students to come together to explore and learn about their campus/surrounding areas, such as kayaking in the Charles River, and providing opportunities to learn about and celebrate holidays in their campus country, such as Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, etc. 
3. Beyond Borders events to bring international and domestic students together to share common experiences and to learn about different countries and opportunities to study or learn abroad. 
4. Providing support to students and scholars during their transition to their campus country to create connections with campus resources, faculty, staff, and their peers 

Professional Skill Development      

The Office of Global Services aims to provide leadership development for the international student and scholar population to encourage skill building opportunities for their future. International students and scholars often have different cultural norms which can pose challenges in adjusting to the education or working system in their campus country. Through OGS programming, students and scholars can increase their skills needed to be successful in their program, the workplace, and more. Some examples include: 

1. Serving as a Global Student Mentor (GSM) 
2. Taking advantage of the International Education Series or student-led programming opportunities to develop and lead programming for peers 
3. Participating in workplace preparation workshops

Intercultural Awareness/International Education  

The Office of Global Services programming aims to promote intercultural awareness and international education to the Northeastern community. Through student-led programming, OGS provides avenues for students to provide introductions to new cultures, allow opportunities for students to engage and learn about other cultures, promote global citizenship, and provide a sense of belonging for our international students and scholars. Some examples of this include: 

1. OGS grant funded student programming
2. International Education Series programming 
3. Collaborations with campus partners such as Global Learner Support, Global Experience Office, Student Affairs, etc.    
4. Events and programs for students to come together such as the Lunar New Year Carnival, Instant Noodle Night, Ultimate Chopstick Warrior, Norooz, cultural shows, etc., creating entertaining ways to learn about and celebrate new countries or holidays     

Transition Programs 

Transition programming aims to support international students throughout their time at NU and in their host country. This programming will support students through the transition to their host country., a new education system, maintenance of status, mentorship, and more.  Some examples of transition programs include: 

1. International Student Orientation 
2. Pre-arrival and arrival webinars 
3. The Global Student Mentor (GSM) program 
4. Compliance and preparation workshops such as employment benefits, workplace preparation, etc. 
5. Hosting International Student Townhalls where new international students can learn about student experiences at NU