Global Education Week: 'Education is a Shared Journey, Not Just an Academic Task'

Students standing on the roof of the Webster Athens building. 

Webster Athens celebrated Global Education Week, Nov. 18-24, with two exciting events that showcased the community's diversity and global spirit.

On Nov. 18, during the international students coffee hour, students gathered in the student lounge to share their unique cultural traditions, fostering meaningful conversations and a deeper appreciation for global perspectives. 

On the same day, the Study Abroad pop-up table transformed the first-floor lobby into a hub of global exploration. Students, faculty and staff learned about opportunities at Webster’s international campuses, including Geneva, Leiden and Vienna, while enjoying music, trivia and delicious food from around the world. 

“The International Education Week coffee hour at Webster Athens was a heartwarming celebration of diversity and global unity,” said Thant Htun, an MBA and MA in International Relations student from Myanmar. “Organized by the Student Government Association (SGA), it brought students together to share warm beverages and embrace the values that unite us across cultures. Cheers to the inclusivity of education, diversity and togetherness. We are one Webster community, sharing one cup of wisdom!” 
 

As part of Global Education Week, Webster Athens Vice Rector of Academic Affairs Professor Susie Michailidis shared insights on the enduring relevance of ancient Greek philosophy and its connection to modern education. 
 
Athens, the birthplace of Western education, provides a rich foundation for exploration. In her article, “Education is a Shared Journey, Not Just an Academic Task,” Michailidis highlights how the timeless teachings of Socrates and Plato inspire Webster Athens students to embrace personal growth, discover clarity of purpose and deepen their understanding of global citizenship. 
 
“Plato’s Academy, the cradle of Western philosophy, wisdom and education, still exists, and its essence remains. It acts as a reminder of a time when education was a shared journey, not just an academic task,” Michailidis said. 
 
“First and foremost, philosophy for Socrates was a process for improving ourselves by critically examining our deepest values. He believed that the purpose of life itself is to converse daily about virtue and excellence -- the improvement of our own personality -- because 'the unexamined life is not worth living.' Even as his life was about to end, he considered wisdom immeasurably more important than wealth or reputation.” 
 
Exploring how ancient wisdom continues to influence and shape education today, Michailidis added, “We should ask ourselves, as Socrates asked the jurymen, whether we too have been deceived at some point in our lives into ‘undervaluing the greater and overvaluing the lesser.’” 
 
Earlier this year, U.S. Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis praised Webster Athens as a pioneer in U.S.-Greece educational collaboration, stating, “Congratulations to Webster Athens for being a pioneer in U.S.-Greece educational collaboration, bringing U.S. students to Greece since 2016.” 
 
During his visit to the Webster Athens campus to participate in the Sociopolitical Forum at the Webster Athens Cultural Center, he added, “I had a wonderful time engaging with a diverse group of international students at the Webster Athens Ambassadors’ Forum.” 

 
The U.S. Embassy in Athens also expressed appreciation, stating, “We thank the Webster Athens community for this enriching experience, reaffirming our dedication to strengthening international connections and dialogue.” 
 
On the occasion of Global Education Week, Webster Athens Rector Vasilis J. Botopoulos stated, “We honor the role of education in connecting cultures and inspiring global citizenship, and we are dedicated to fostering international education collaboration. Webster Athens remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage, learn and grow on a global scale.”