This November, Elizabethtown College is embracing a spirit of global connection. From Nov. 10-14, International Education Week brings students together through events that celebrate cultural diversity and highlight how international education deepens understanding of both the world and ourselves.
Organized by the Office of International Student Services, the week features themed events each day that highlight the countries, cultures and experiences that define Etown’s diverse community. From country showcases and cultural trivia to travel tips and interactive activities, every moment of the week is designed to remind students that learning about the world is also about learning about themselves.
For International Student Programs Advisor Maria Petty, and one of the leading organizers of the event, the week embodies what she believes higher education should be about: growth through understanding.
“Studying abroad or traveling internationally helps us learn more about ourselves,” Petty said. “But even if you never leave your country, you can still learn by connecting with people who have different interests, perspectives, and beliefs.”
Petty, who works closely with Etown’s international students throughout the years, describes the event as more than just a celebration; it’s a bridge. “Learning about cultural diversity through natural connections helps us understand that we are more similar than we are different,” she said. “We all desire the same things: to be seen, to be known, and to be loved.”
That sense of belonging is what makes this week special. For many international students, Etown has become not only a college campus but a home away from home. The event offers them a platform to proudly share where they come from and to help their peers see the beauty of their cultures beyond stereotypes or headlines.
Two of those students are International Leadership Assistant Ellie Muskens, a senior who helped plan the week’s programming. For Muskens, a moment during setup became unexpectedly powerful.
“When we were hanging up the flags in the Baugher Student Center (BSC), people were so excited to see a part of themselves represented in such a visible way,” Muskens said. “It made me realize how much we domestic students take for granted, and that people will automatically understand and show interest in our cultural identities.”
That realization became a driving force behind her work. Muskens took charge of creating educational infographics about the countries represented at Etown, featuring facts, traditions and stories from the international student community.
“As Americans, we’re often subconsciously taught that we’re the center of the world,” Muskens said. “That’s why learning about other countries and people is so important, we can’t grow if we only see the world from one point of view.”
Her perspective is shared by fellow Leadership Assistant Tomas Brunetti Brondo, a junior from Argentina who also played a key role in planning the week’s events. For him, International Education Week carries a deeply personal meaning.
“When I first came to Etown, I would have never imagined being part of something like this,” Brunetti Brondo said. “I was a bit nervous when I got here since I didn’t know if I was going to make many friends or get used to the language. But after two years, I can say that I’m thankful for coming here and for meeting all these amazing people, who I now consider family.”
Each day of International Education Week includes events designed to spark curiosity and dialogue. Petty said she’s especially looking forward to the daily tabling in the BSC, where students can stop by, interact with international students and learn about study abroad opportunities in an informal, engaging way.
“Every interaction we get to have with students is exciting,” she said. “We hope they see that international travel can be simple, safe, and life-changing.”
Petty also hopes that this year’s celebration inspires connection beyond the week itself. “Approaching conversations with curiosity allows us to meet people without our own fears or biases,” she said. “Curiosity is the most honest way to connect.”
That message resonates deeply with Etown’s community values. The college’s commitment to inclusivity and global understanding extends beyond the classroom, reflected in programs like study abroad, international exchanges and cross-cultural mentorship.
The week’s events are designed to make these opportunities approachable. Not just for students planning to study abroad but for anyone interested in learning more about the world around them. Whether through a cultural quiz, a conversation with an international classmate or sharing treats from another country, every experience reinforces the same message: global education starts with empathy.
For Muskens, that empathy is what makes Etown’s International Education Week truly meaningful.
“Tabling is my favorite part,” she said. “I love seeing students stop by, ask questions and walk away having learned something new, not just about another culture, but about themselves.”
As banners, music and laughter fill the air, International Education Week stands as a reminder of what Etown strives for year-round; a campus where everyone feels a home and every story matters.
Petty summed it up best as “this isn’t just about traveling the world,” she said. “It’s about seeing the world in the people around you.”
