Dr. Edward W. Minnock Institute for Global Engagement - BSU

04/05/2026

Global Engagement Day 2026
5th Annual Celebration at BSU
Thursday, April 23, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Grand Ballroom, Rondileau Student Union
Celebrate international collaboration, cultural exchange, and global learning with exhibitions, performances, food, and networking opportunities.
Keynote Speaker: Sarah Sibley, President of WorldBoston
Register here: https://cglink.me/2j8/r1940741
Global Engagement Day is Bridgewater State University’s annual celebration of international collaboration, global learning, and cultural exchange. The event brings together academic departments, campus offices, students, alumni, and community partners to showcase global initiatives and strengthen connections that expand international opportunities.
This year marks our fifth annual celebration—a milestone opportunity to elevate the event, strengthen institutional partnerships, and highlight BSU’s growing global impact. MIGE StudyAbroad GlobalImpact

03/04/2026

Discover March with MIGE!

March is one of our biggest months for global engagement at BSU. From migration and Irish heritage to Cabo Verdean art and Canada–U.S. relations, this month is filled with meaningful conversations and cultural exchange. Here is a snapshot of what is happening across campus and beyond.

VISITING ARTIST RESIDENCY
Cesar Schofield — Cabo Verdean Visual Artist in Residence
March 8–21
On Campus, Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies

The Pedro Pires Institute is honored to host Cesar Schofield, a renowned Cabo Verdean visual artist, to promote and develop his work and research. We invite you to attend one of his presentations during his visit.

GLOBAL MIGRATION STUDIES — TEACH-IN
Monday, March 16–Friday, March 20
Various Campus Locations

A week-long Migration Teach-In where faculty and librarians engage migration-related topics across disciplines. Details will be shared via email.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Health and Prevention — Immigrants’ Day at the State House
Wednesday, March 18
State House — Departure from Bridgewater Train Station

This free event includes a pre-trip information and preparation meeting for registered participants on Monday, March 16. Hosted by the MA Immigrant and Refugee Coalition. Questions? Email [email protected]

IRISH CULTURAL HERITAGE DAY
“Say Nothing: Excavating Silence and Memory in Contemporary Irish Culture”
Thursday, March 19, 2:00–3:15 PM
Maxwell Library, Heritage Room

Dr. Barry Houlihan, Archivist of the University of Galway, will explore Northern Ireland identity through literature and film, highlighting legacies of the Troubles.

CENSORSHIP AND POWER: MARGINALIZED VOICES FROM THE ARCHIVES
Thursday, March 19, 5:00–7:00 PM
Maxwell Library, Heritage Room

Dr. Houlihan will discuss how archives preserve historical memory and amplify marginalized voices. He will be joined by Dr. Ellen Schieble and Dr. Orson Kingsley.

Live music, food, and refreshments will be available. Free and open to the public.

GLOBAL TRIVIA DAY WITH WORLD BOSTON
Saturday, March 21
Rondileau Student Union, Grand Ballroom

Join us for an afternoon of international trivia, snacks, and community. More details coming soon.

GLOBAL MIGRATION AND MASS INCARCERATION — DR. OMAR BAH
Tuesday, March 24, 2:00–3:15 PM
RSU Green Room, Room 119

Presented by Dr. Omar Bah, Director of the Refugee Dream Center in Providence, RI. Open to the public. Hosted by ANTH 233.

ISSS X CAREER SERVICES — INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CAREER WORKSHOP
Wednesday, March 25, 12:30–1:30 PM
Minnock Institute Conference Room

International students will work with Career Services on CV writing, interviewing skills, and more.

CANADIAN STUDIES — VIRTUAL STUDENT SUMMIT ON THE STATE OF CANADA–U.S. RELATIONS
Wednesday, March 25, 12:30–1:30 PM
Virtual

A timely virtual summit exploring the current state of Canada–U.S. relations.

GET INVOLVED WITH MIGE
To learn more about upcoming events, partnerships, or how to get involved with global engagement at BSU, contact [email protected]

The world meets at BSU — and MIGE makes it happen.


Bridgewater State University Dr. Edward W. Minnock Institute for Global Engagement - BSU

02/09/2026

International Graduate Student Spotlight | Hatim Ali | Building Connections and a Future in Accounting

During his time at Bridgewater State University, Hatim majored in accounting and stayed actively involved in campus life. He played intramural soccer, tutored students at the Academic Achievement Center, and participated in several organizations including the Accounting and Finance Club, tutoring programs, and the Muslim Student Association. These experiences helped him grow both academically and personally while supporting the success of his peers.

For the full story visit MIGE's website: https://studentbridgew.sharepoint.com/sites/MIGE/SitePages/MIGE-NEWS.aspx

12/17/2025

We wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, happiness, and meaningful moments. Thank you for your curiosity, your commitment to learning, and your dedication to global engagement. We look forward to another year of connection and growth together.

Happy Holidays and a healthy New Year

-The Minnock Institute for Global Engagement

11/21/2025

One may say the cookies brought them there, but what matters most is that they came! A great last day of the MIGE Tabling Initiative on campus as we worked to spread the word about what the Minnock Institute for Global Engagement represents. See you at the next round, stay tuned for updates!

11/21/2025

Who said Fridays around here aren’t busy? So much activity today, happy to have you all!

11/19/2025

Day #1 of MIGE Tabling Initiative! See you all Friday for day #2!

11/17/2025

11/17/2025

Did you know that this week is International Education Week? Join us for international music, games, international treats, and a chance to meet some members of the MIGE team and explore the various unit offerings.
Mon, Nov 17, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (canceled). Instead, please join us at DMF from 1:50–3:05 pm for “Study Abroad in South Africa: Reflections on Work with the Family Literacy Project,” with Dr. Jibril Solomon from the Department of Social Work.
Wed, Nov 19, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Fri, Nov 21, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

11/07/2025

The Minnock Institute for Global Engagement

🌍 Did You Know About BSU’s Gilman Application Program?

The Gilman Application Program (GAP) at Bridgewater State University continues to open doors for students dreaming of studying abroad! Designed to support Pell Grant recipients applying for the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, GAP provides the tools and confidence students need to compete successfully for national awards.

GAP guides students step-by-step through the Gilman application process by offering:

✏️ Essay-writing workshops
🤝 One-on-one advising sessions
📄 Personalized feedback to strengthen applications

Students who complete GAP and submit a Gilman application receive a $500 scholarship from the BSU Study Abroad Office to help fund their international program.

📊 Results That Inspire

Since GAP’s launch six years ago, 42 BSU students have earned a combined $160,000 in Gilman Scholarships (Fall 2019–Spring 2025) — an impressive leap from just seven students receiving $23,500 in the seven years prior (Fall 2012–Spring 2019).

✉️ Get Started with GAP Today!

Contact the Study Abroad Office at [email protected] for upcoming workshops, advising sessions, and application support.

💡 The world meets at BSU — and MIGE makes it happen

***Special recognition to Emma Lynch, Study Abroad Advisor and creator of the GAP program, along with the Study Abroad Team, for their continued dedication to helping BSU students make their global dreams a reality*****

10/29/2025

The Minnock Institute for Global Engagement

🌍 Did You Know About COIL?
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a form of virtual exchange that connects students and faculty from different countries for shared, project-based learning, offering international and intercultural experiences without the need to travel.

🤝 How It Works

COIL is integrated into existing courses at two or more partner institutions, where faculty co-design a joint project. Students from the different institutions work together to complete assignments, projects, and discussions—applying their knowledge from a global perspective. Each semester, BSU professors offer 10–15 projects across various disciplines, collaborating with universities in countries such as Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, India, England, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Israel, and Trinidad and Tobago. COIL projects currently serve 250–350 BSU students each semester.

🧠 Benefits of COIL

A core element of COIL is fostering intercultural competence and global awareness. Students engage in dialogue, confront their own biases, and learn to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds. COIL provides access to international experiences for a broader range of students and helps them develop crucial skills for the global workforce.

✉️ Get Started with COIL Today!

To learn more about COIL, contact Dr. Alexandra Balconi, COIL Coordinator, at [email protected], for assistance in finding international partners and resources for your project. Or ask one of our current or past COIL participants to learn more about how they’ve embedded COIL into their courses.

Alexandra Balconi, TESOL Department
Emily Spitzman, TESOL Department
Allyson Ferrante, Department of English
Wing-kai To, Department of History
Diana Fox, Department of Anthropology
Lara Watkins, Department of Anthropology
Marge Johnsson, Department of Management and Marketing
Wanchunzi Yu, Department of Mathematics
Xiangrong Liu, Department of Management and Marketing
Polina Sabinin, Department of Mathematics
Amy Mercado, Department of Special Education
Minae Savas, Department of Global Languages and Literatures
Girija Nagaswami, Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership
Sheena Rancher, Department of Special Education

📅 COIL Information Session: Bring the World to Your Classroom

A session for faculty on the benefits, best practices, and resources available to find an international partner and launch your first COIL project.

🗓 November 20, 10–11 AM

💻 Zoom Link: Join Here

🆔 Meeting ID: 694 305 6056

🔒 Passcode: 9y1KFx

💡 The world meets at BSU — and MIGE makes it happen