Harper College will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Through collaborative programming and curricula, OIE strives to ensure that all students have the knowledge and understanding of culture, language, history, geography, and global perspectives necessary to succeed in a world marked by interdependence, diversity, and rapid change.
2pm - 3pm, in F226 (Library): Finding Your Place: Navigating Transitions and Building Belonging
Join us for a student panel featuring Harper students from around the world as they share their experiences of transition, growth, and belonging. Whether you’re a current student, faculty member, or simply curious about global perspectives at Harper, this discussion will offer insight, empathy, and inspiration for building a more connected campus.
12pm - 1pm, in D178: Be a Global Scholar
Meet with a panel of amazing Harper graduates who have earned the Global Scholar graduation distinction and see how their Capstone final projects have helped in their studies and career pursuits. You will learn how you can earn this distinction as well as the Social Justice Studies distinction.
2pm - 4pm, in the Avante concourse: Beyond Duolingo: Learn Languages, Live Culture!
Ready to go beyond the app? Join us for World Language Tables and explore the languages
you can study right here at Harper!
Meet instructors, practice conversation, and discover how learning a new language
connects you to cultures, travel, and opportunities around the world.
Whether you’ve got a streak going or you’re just starting out—come chat, learn, and
live the culture.
2pm - 3pm, in D195: “Crowns in the Dust: The Revolutions that Toppled Middle East Monarchies”
Explore the dramatic, often violent, transitions that swept away ancient monarchies in Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran, forever altering the political landscape of the Middle East. This lecture will examine the distinct factors—from Cold War pressures and the rise of Arab nationalism to internal dissent and social unrest—that fueled these revolutionary movements. We will delve into the key figures, pivotal moments, and lasting consequences of these monarchical collapses, revealing how they paved the way for new political systems and continue to shape regional dynamics today.
4:45pm - 5:45pm, in D144 or online (register here): Building Bridges for Social Issues: A Student Dialogue Between the U.S. and Mexico
Have you participated in a Virtual Exchange?
Are you interested in earning the Global Scholar or Social Justice Distinction?
Do you care about global and social issues—and want to highlight that on your résumé?
Join the STAGE Capstone course for a special virtual exchange with students from the
Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas (UNACH), Mexico!
This interactive dialogue connects students across borders to share their experiences
and perspectives on social justice, community action, and advocacy—exploring how local
efforts in both countries contribute to global change.
Be part of this global conversation and experience how students can build meaningful connections across cultures—without leaving campus!
1pm - 4pm, in the Film Lab E109: Movie Showing: Io Capitano: A Journey of Hope and Humanity
Join Global Politics Professor Levin for a screening of Io Capitano—an Oscar-nominated “contemporary odyssey” following two young men as they make the perilous journey from Africa to Europe. Filmed with striking realism and emotional depth, Io Capitano explores the challenges of migration, trafficking, and human rights while ultimately offering a message of courage and optimism. A discussion will follow the film.
Global Voices @ the Library: Celebrate International Education Week!
Stop by the Harper College Library all week long to explore our interactive displays
and global crafts, featuring a special book collection celebrating international art
and artists.
Engage with hands-on activities, discover stories from around the world, and reflect
on how we are all connected.
Join the celebration of creativity, culture, and community — right here on campus!
Richard Johnson
Director
rjohnson@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6429
Dr. Richard Johnson is Professor of English and Humanities and Director of the Office of International Education at Harper College. Having step away from international education for a few years, Rich is excited to be involved again and looks forward to working with his colleagues to promote intercultural and international education across our campus. A medievalist by training, Rich is the author of Saint Michael the Archangel in Medieval English Legend and a number of articles on Old English hagiography. He is also a beekeeper and a banjo enthusiast in his spare time.
Angelica Rackow
Program Assistant
arackow@harpercollege.edu
847.925.6436
Let's Chat! Schedule a Time to Meet with Me
Angelica has been serving Harper students in different departments since 2016, and in 2022, she joined the Office of International Education as a Program Specialist. She is passionate about International Education, having worked for many years as a Student Advisor in ESL schools and exchange program agencies, and earning her EdM in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a concentration in Global Studies at UIUC. In addition to advising Harper students and supporting internationalization efforts on campus, she is a co-advisor for the International Students Club and has been trying to learn ASL.