This past June, Camosun College hosted its third International Partnerships Week (IPW) where seven partner institutions arrived on campus for a week of learning, partnership development, and networking. Participants included administrative staff, faculty members, and international directors.

“We plan IPW right after NAFSA, so our partners are already in North America,” says Miki Speirs, Global Partnership Specialist, at Camosun. The idea first came into fruition after the Camosun international team visited a similar partnership week in the Czech Republic.

“IPW is about showcasing Camosun and the broader Victoria region. It provides an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new ones, and equally as important, it provides an opportunity for thought-provoking and productive discussions with colleagues” says Miki.

In the lead up to the week, the Camosun team worked with various departments and faculty to plan out a week’s worth of programming, fostering internal collaboration and contributing to the college’s internationalization efforts.

Throughout IPW, workshops were delivered by various departments and schools across Camosun, providing guests with an in-depth look at their programs, initiatives, areas of expertise, and the culture of the institution. Guests gained firsthand insight into the student experience at Camosun, which fostered deeper connections and mutual understanding. “These sessions served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices and were enriched by engaging social and cultural activities,” says Miki.

Kaiyi Hu, an Assistant Professor in Business Administration and Marketing at Ritsumeikan University in Japan, echoes that sentiment: “During IPW, I had the opportunity to engage in discussions with four teachers from Wales, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Philippines. Although we came from different cultures and backgrounds, I was struck by how many of the challenges we face in education are shared—such as adapting to the rise of AI, navigating an increasingly uncertain world, and addressing common struggles within our institutions and classrooms.”

With plans already underway for IPW 2026, the team at Camosun is excited to continue building global connections, strengthening partnerships, and creating meaningful dialogue in support of student success and a more inclusive, collaborative learning environment.