For the past 38 years, Kennesaw State University (KSU) has dedicated each academic year to the study of a particular country or region introducing thousands of students to the rich diversity of world cultures that make up the human family. The award-winning program plays a vital role internationalizing our campus and engaging local and global communities. Annually, it results in new courses and curriculum, research projects, education abroad programs, and global partnerships.

Through special lectures, performances, exhibits, seminars and conferences, the "Year of..." Program helps students break down stereotypes, build connections across cultures, and develop the intercultural competencies needed to act responsibly in today’s complex interdependent world.

Mission & Goals

Mission

The "Year of..." Program cultivates an interdisciplinary educational platform for campus wide critical exploration of a country through a variety of relevant activities and events to engage KSU students, faculty, and community, and enhance awareness, interest, and understanding of the world.

Vision

A Platform for Global Learning and Engagement

Program Goals

  • Expand participants' cultural knowledge and intercultural skills.
  • Advance KSU's globally-focused curriculum, intercultural expertise, and international partnerships and research collaborations.
  • Support and empower faculty to integrate country specific material as well as education abroad and local intercultural experiences into their curriculum through connections with the local community and partners abroad.
  • Strengthen student engagement in global learning and help prepare students to enter the global society as responsible citizens.
  • Break down stereotypes and connect across cultures by providing participants with a rich, complex sense of place, identity and community (both locally and globally).

Components

  • Competitive College Spotlights that integrate program offerings into course content
  • Team-taught semester-long interdisciplinary course that includes a study abroad component
  • Extensive involvement of local and international community partners, including university partners, consular officials, business leaders, and expatriates
  • Guest lectures featuring national and international experts from various fields/professions (arts, business, education, engineering, health, humanities, science, etc.)
  • Featured films both from and about the country or region of study
  • Featured Theatre, Music and Dance Performances, Art Exhibits, and Culinary Demonstrations
  • Hosting visiting exchange faculty and students, including special residencies for artists, chefs and other specialists
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