The Office of International Students and Scholars invites campus to coordinate and host activities as part of International Education Week, a weeklong celebration held Nov. 14-18 that features lectures, presentations and interactive events recognizing the transformational impact of international education at the U of A.

A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and Department of Education, the week is celebrated throughout the United States annually, celebrating the benefits of international education and exchange. Coordinated events for the initiative are sponsored by the Graduate School and International Education in collaboration with registered student organizations, academic units and other campus organizations.

This year's theme is Internationality: Arkansas in the World, the World in Arkansas, recognizing the reciprocal nature of international education and its impact on Arkansas and the world around us.

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. Those interested in submitting an event can find instructions on the GSIE website.  

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. More information can be found on the ISS website.