The Cal Poly International Center (CPIC) is gearing up for the return of the Internationalization Symposium on May 15 and 16. This year, the event features Dr. Anu Taranath, speaker and author of “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World.”
According to a CPIC event announcement, Taranath will deliver a keynote presentation on Wednesday from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the PAC Pavilion, delving into the intersections of travel, equity and social change. Wednesday’s presentation is open to students, staff, faculty and the broader community and will be followed by a book signing.
On Thursday faculty and staff are invited to engage in an interactive workshop with Taranath at Cal Poly’s Advanced Technologies Lab (ATL) Keck Lab (Bldg. 07) from 11:10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This workshop will delve into power dynamics and privilege in global travel, aiming to deepen understanding of race, access, inequality and social justice.
Both days’ events are free, but as lunch will be provided on Thursday, attendees of the workshop are asked to RSVP.
Assistant Vice Provost for International Programs Cari Vanderkar expressed enthusiasm about hosting Taranath, emphasizing the Symposium’s role in promoting cultural humility and addressing global challenges.
“Dr. Anu’s approach to mindful travel is one of openness, exploration and gentleness. She makes her material accessible, enjoyable and powerful,” Vanderkar said.
In an effort to bring topical discussions of both the opportunities and challenges that come with education abroad, Vanderkar hopes that there will be something for attendees from all travel experience backgrounds.
”We hope that faculty, staff and students who are planning to travel, have traveled or are considering travel will come to learn and reflect on the timely topics Dr. Anu presents,” Vanderkar said. “Her materials also provide insight into opportunities at home to further social justice work.”
According to the CPIC announcement, Thursday’s workshop for Cal Poly faculty and staff will focus on a deep dive into Taranath’s book and her approach to interactions in myriad cultural contexts.
“We are so looking forward to the campus engagement with these opportunities to promote ethical and mindful travel,” Vanderkar said.
For more information and event registration, visit the CPIC website.