Hosts Invite Campus Participation for International Education Week

Whit Pruitt (University Relations)

Students and staff enjoy an international coffee and tea tasting at Holcombe Hall during Come As You Arkansas events in September 2021.

The Office of International Students and Scholars is accepting activities for International Education Week at the U of A. The week-long celebration Nov. 15-19 is a collaboration of lectures, events, presentations and interactive events designed to celebrate and honor international education at the U of A.  

International Education Week is celebrated throughout the United States each year as a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. The program celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange. Coordinated events for the week-long initiative are sponsored by the Graduate School and International Education, in collaboration with registered student organizations, academic units and other campus organizations.  

"Students from more than 100 countries live and study in our community. IEW is our opportunity to learn about the world through these individuals," said Cynthia Smith, assistant director for outreach with International Students and Scholars. "During IEW, international students and scholars feel celebrated and find opportunities to engage with their host community to promote a welcoming environment for all people," she said. 

Smith expects most events for IEW will return to in-person formats, but hosts are encouraged to think creatively, celebrating the benefits of international exchange in new ways. "We chose a theme of 'Together is Better' this year," Smith said. "The week of events promoting global belonging celebrates the benefits of international exchange and the impressive group of international students and scholars we have at the U of A," she said.  

Students, staff, faculty and the community are invited to participate in IEW by creating an event to highlight international culture. Organizations who wish to host activities during the week can register by submitting an event to IEW calendar. If you want to participate, but don't know what to do, check out some suggested event ideas: 

• Invite a guest speaker to talk about world events or cultural themes relevant to your group or organization.  

• Arrange a presentation about your college's study abroad programs. Encourage students to apply for a passport and share information about study abroad scholarships. Contact the Study Abroad Office for more information. 

• Request a member of the International Culture Team to make a cultural presentation for your class or group.

• Host an International Career Day by inviting alumni and /or local international experts as speakers. 

• Organize a program or presentation with an "international" theme. 

• Plan an event to showcase the importance of foreign language study.

• Plan a panel discussion about the internationalization of business and global food systems.

• Recruit alumni with overseas experience (Fulbright students, teachers, former diplomats, Peace Corps volunteers, business leaders or journalists) to discuss their international careers and the importance of international education and exchange. This can be as formal as a panel presentation or speech or as informal as a coffee hour or brown bag lunch. 

• Feature your unit's international students and scholars on your social media accounts.

• Produce and/or screen a video about the experiences of international students in your department and/or students back from a semester or year abroad. 

• Host performances, art exhibits or interactive elements utilizing student or faculty talent of your department to highlight international involvement.

International Education Week is coordinated by the offices of International Students and Scholars, Study Abroad and International Exchange, Sponsored Student and Special Programs, and International Admissions.