Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University held a series of events to mark International Education Week, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the diverse cultures represented on its Queens, New York campus.

The week’s activities began with a West African drumming workshop at the D’Angelo Center. The session was led by M’Bemba Bangoura and Fara Camara, both originally from Guinea and now based in New York. They introduced students to traditional rhythms and instruments from their region.

“We are from West Africa, where we teach African drumming and dance,” said Bangoura. “Our company travels to many schools and festivals to share our culture. We are happy to be here today.”

Students were able to participate in the drumming and learn about West African musical traditions. Alongside the workshop, an international snack table featured foods from countries with significant student representation at St. John’s, including Canada, China, and India.

Maja Henry, a junior biomedical sciences major from Kingston, Jamaica and member of the Red Storm Women’s Track and Field team, shared her perspective as an international student: “I was impressed they came such a long way,” she said of St. John’s recruitment efforts at her high school. “That really put St. John’s on my radar.”

According to the Office of Global Programs at St. John’s University, nearly 700 international students from about 90 countries are currently enrolled at the university. Additionally, approximately 42 percent of undergraduates participate in study abroad programs during their time at St. John’s.

“International education is not ancillary to our mission, it is central to it,” said Christina R. Quartararo, Associate Provost for International Education and Global Strategy. “At St. John’s, we prepare students to engage a diverse and complex world, and that means both welcoming the world to our campuses and sending our students out into it. Through global partnerships, international students, and transformative study-abroad experiences, we live out our commitment to opportunity, understanding, and service.”

Other events during International Education Week included discussions on global learning related to the university's mission; a dining etiquette dinner for international students; Jeopardy Gone Global—a game night focused on cultures around the world; faculty presentations on incorporating United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into coursework; language courses in French and Italian; information sessions about global exchange programs; guided visits to United Nations locations in Manhattan; and an international student dinner hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Susan Peterson, Associate Director for Global Engagement in the Office of Global Programs at St. John's University commented: “International Education Week brings together the St. John’s community to celebrate the value of study abroad and gain a greater understanding and knowledge of other cultures, traditions, and world views,” she said. “Global exposure and experience are keys for students to be able to collaborate with partners locally and globally for peace and social justice.”