Welcome to International Education Week (IEW)!  Each November, IEW celebrates the power of global learning to transform lives, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities. Celebrated in 80+ countries, including Canada, IEW underscores how international education prepares learners to thrive in an interconnected and rapidly changing world. 

At Humber Polytechnic, this message aligns closely with our “Building Brilliance” vision - equipping students to be adaptable, productive, and globally minded professionals who contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities. For IEW 2025, Humber is focusing on the central theme of “employability” - how global experiences not only enhance career readiness but also drive innovation and productivity in the modern workforce. 
International education fosters these qualities. Whether in our classrooms on campus, studies abroad, COIL virtual exchanges, global internships, research, or international development projects, students gain intercultural fluency, critical thinking skills, and a capacity for innovation that enhances both their employability and productivity. According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education, graduates with international learning experiences demonstrate higher adaptability, stronger leadership, and more efficient teamwork - all key to sustaining productive workplaces and communities. 

As Canada and the world navigate shared challenges — from digital transformation to sustainability - the demand for globally competent, highly productive professionals and strong partnerships between industry and education has never been greater. International Education Week is both a celebration and a call to action: a reminder that international education does more than prepare students for careers - it empowers them to live as active global citizens who perform, lead, and innovate at the highest level. 

Together, we are Building Brilliance - locally, nationally, and globally. 

Gina Antonacci 
Senior Vice-President, Academic