International Studies Summer Institute
The International Studies Summer Institute (ISSI) is a professional development workshop for practicing and pre-service K–12 teachers held each summer on the Cornell campus. Participants gain practical strategies and resources for integrating international studies into the classroom.
We offer a new international theme each year. Past themes include plant and animal migration and global arts education. Each institute incorporates lectures from Cornell experts, visits to campus sites like the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, and opportunities to network with peers through hands-on activities.
2025: Global Media Literacy
The 2025 theme is global media literacy and helping educators navigate our connected world. Participating educators will gain tools and knowledge around issues of international and local media literacy to apply in the classroom, connect issues affecting teachers and students in the U.S. with other parts of the world, develop strategies for assessing and evaluating online materials, and learn activities to implement these concepts in the classroom.
Scholars from Cornell and Syracuse University will share their international research and expertise, exploring the challenges of new media technologies and practices and how you can assist students in the U.S. to understand and analyze information from around the world.
ISSI is designed for elementary, middle, and high school teachers from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. New York State teachers can obtain Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours upon completing a lesson plan that incorporates content from the workshop.
Questions? Email the Einaudi Center’s outreach program manager.
Past Institutes
2024: Plant and Animal Migration
ISSI 2024 explored plant and animal migration with faculty and postdoctoral fellows from the Einaudi Center and Syracuse University.
“These workshops are so well thought out and very meaningful. It’s always my favorite way to start off my summer."
2023: Testimonies of Migration
Forty New York State educators learned about personal narratives from migrants and gained resources for engaging with migrant stories and students in a culturally responsive way.
Read about Testimonies of Migration
“I really enjoyed learning and listening. I am excited to incorporate what I have learned into my lessons. I also feel more at ease teaching about other cultures. I realize I don't have to know everything and can learn with my students about new cultures.”
