UW a leader in global student engagement

Seattle, Washington

The 2017 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange ranks the UW in the top 20 institutions for both study abroad and hosting international students. The report was released today by the Institute for International Education. Preparing UW students for successful leadership in today’s global society and interconnected world is essential to the UW’s public service mission. All UW students engage in high impact global learning opportunities, whether they are on our campuses or around the world.

Ranked 16th in the nation among institutions awarding credit for study abroad, the UW offers leading-edge international learning opportunities that match the goals and interests of our diverse student community. Many students study abroad on faculty-led programs, where the expertise of UW professors and a supportive community of fellow students further enhances the experience. The UW seeks to further enhance access to global learning for all students through continuous improvement of its high-quality program offerings, and by providing specialized advising and scholarships to students from communities underrepresented in study abroad.

The UW is also proud of the global diversity on its campuses, and is ranked 14th in the nation among institutions hosting international students. The UW campus community is enriched by the global and cultural diversity of its students, faculty, and staff. Hosting international students from around the world on our campuses offers students from overseas an outstanding education and enhances the educational experience for all.

Through combined strategies of offering robust global experiences on campus and reducing barriers to participating in international learning, the UW prepares graduates for leadership in today’s globally connected world.

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CONTACT: Sara Stubbs, Office of Global Affairs; 206-616-8427, sem42@uw.edu

UW León Center honored for community contributions

León, Spain

Before an audience of 700, the UW León Center was honored for its years of close collaboration with local and provincial partners. The award was presented by Juan Martínez Majo, president of the local Provincial Council, and leonoticias.com, a digital news outlet. UW Professor Emeritus of Communication Randal Beam accepted the award and expressed appreciation for the UW’s collaborations with León and provincial partners.

Housed in León’s Palacio del Conde Luna, a 16th century Renaissance tower, the UW León Center fosters interdisciplinary, faculty-led study abroad programs for UW students. The space is also used for academic research, conferences, exhibits and cultural events. The center aims to cultivate students who are tolerant and respectful of cultural diversity, and who see themselves as responsible members of a global community.

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CONTACT: Lani Phillips, UW León Center; 206-616-9579, lanip@uw.edu

Randal Beam, left, professor emeritus of communication, with Santos Rodríguez, the coordinator of the UW León Center.

The UW Leon Center at Palacio Conde Luna

UW honored for inclusive global engagement

The University of Washington has been named a finalist by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) for its Institutional Award for Global Learning, Research & Engagement. The winner will be announced during the 2017 APLU Annual Meeting in Washington, DC this November.

Honorees demonstrate commitment to and institutional evidence of:

Inclusive global engagement by all students
Global research engagement
Leadership commitment
Assessment of progress

APLU recognizes the UW as an leading institution pioneering inclusive and comprehensive strategies for enhancing global engagement. “Global experience has never been more important for graduates to have in our interconnected world,” said APLU President Peter McPherson. “We look forward to spotlighting the innovative practices [the finalists] pioneered so that other public universities can draw from those efforts.”

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CONTACT: Sara Stubbs, UW Office of Global Affairs; 206-616-8427, sem42@uw.edu

Global health symposium draws leaders from afar

World leaders in global health are featured speakers at the UW public symposium, “Global Health: Next Decade, Next Generation” today. The public conference marks the 10th anniversary of the UW Department of Global Health as well as the anniversaries of many other Seattle-based global health organizations. The event is free and open to the public.

From refugee to MEDEX student

Along with his family, Frantz Alphonse came to the U.S. at age 7 as a refugee from Haiti. This experience has given him a strong sense of empathy underserved communities. Along with eight years as a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman, this experience makes him a great fit for MEDEX.

Reflecting on an innagural visit to Cuba

Alaska Airlines began the first regular commercial service from the West Coast to Cuba last weekend. President Ana Mari Cauce was part of the delegation that flew to Havana, her birthplace.

Read her reflections from the trip…

A new tool in the fight against poaching

Smithsonian Magazine profiled the work of passionate UW researcher and conservation advocate Samuel Wasser. He is using wild animal dung to trace and end poaching around the world.

Read the full article…

President Cauce is one of Bill Gates’ ‘favorite fanatics’

As 2016 comes to a close, Bill Gates is honoring gifted leaders – including UW President Ana Mari Cauce – who work tirelessly to change the world.

Indigenous journeys: Study abroad program explores the Northwest by canoe

The American Indian studies department has created a new study abroad program titled “Tribal Canoe Journey Field Study”, which will give students the opportunity to observe and participate in the annual canoe journeys undertaken by upwards of 6,000 various indigenous peoples of the Salish Sea (Puget Sound) and beyond each year.

GIX will offer learners a menu of IP options

The Global Innovation Exchange will offer students an education – and a chance to start a company. That’s why IP options offered by GIX will include open, shared, or student ownership.