Embracing Global Engagement Conference

Register your presentation

Deadline to register: Monday, Sept. 28

Hear from undergraduate and graduate BGSU students about their global, international and cultural experiences on campus or overseas at this annual conference at BGSU in the fall. 

Everyone is welcome to attend. We particularly recommend this event to undergraduate and graduate students who are contemplating traveling abroad as part of a BGSU program.

Keynote Presentation: Dr. Christopher J. Frey

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Citizen Diplomacy in an Undiplomatic Age

When official diplomacy is overwhelmed by performative conflict and digital echo chambers, how do societies maintain dialogue, trust and ultimately, peace? Exploring educational exchanges, sister-city networks and cross-border solidarity movements, this lecture illuminates the enduring power of diplomacy from below and the vital importance of embracing global engagement. 

Moving beyond state-centered power politics, Frey examines how ordinary people, students and small groups build enduring connections, bridge histories of conflict and oppression and deepen trust. In an undiplomatic age, the potential of thoughtful and informed human conversation remains our greatest civic promise.

Dr. Christopher J. Frey is an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development. He has served as coordinator of the Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural and International Education, director of the Asian Studies Program and chair of the Faculty Senate. For nearly three decades, he has practiced citizen diplomacy through engagement with Navajo Nation schools, U.S. State Department exchange programs, Japanese universities and sister-cities.

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For more information

Contact Dr. Cordula Mora, CURS director
419-372-3873
cmora@bgsu.edu

Who may submit work?

Undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines who have participated in:

  • Internships or research/scholarly/creative activities while studying abroad
  • International public policy or service-learning projects
  • Research, scholarly or creative projects as international students at BGSU
  • Cultural experiences (e.g., Navajo reservation trip)
  • Research/scholarly/creative projects with global/international perspectives

What kinds of presentations are accepted?

  • Poster presentations: standard poster size (4' wide by 3' tall) or smaller
  • Oral presentations: 12-minute PowerPoint presentation with three minutes for questions.
  • Video presentation: 5- to 10-minute video consisting of still pictures and/or video   

How do I register my presentation?

You will need to submit a registration form when registration starts in August. The form asks for information about yourself, the faculty mentor associated with your project, your presentation title and a brief abstract for your presentation.

Make sure to save the link provided at the end of the registration form. You'll need the link to submit your presentation materials.

Updated: 09/21/2026 06:57PM