By ACPA’s Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development (CGDSD) Blog Team
Held each November, International Education Week (IEW) is an annual joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to celebrate the value of global education and international exchange worldwide. For higher education institutions, IEW invites colleges and universities across the country to highlight the benefits of global learning, intercultural engagement, and international collaboration. Each institution approaches IEW with a unique theme that reflects its campus culture. A strong IEW program often features a series of signature events that engage a wide range of students, faculty, and staff. Institutions frequently host activities such as cultural fairs, facilitated intercultural dialogue, or workshops focused on global issues.
For example, the Office of International Student Engagement at Washington University in St. Louis hosted its first-ever International Fashion Show as part of its 2024 International Education Week celebration. Over 30 international students proudly represented their home countries by showcasing traditional attire on stage. Heritage stories and identities are told through vibrant colors, intricate designs, and meaningful garments.
- “By centering international student voices and showcasing authentic cultural attire, the event fostered a sense of pride, belonging, and cross-cultural understanding.” – Evelyn Real, Director of Office of International Student Engagement, WashU
Academic integration is another important best practice. During IEW, the World in Focus Poster Presentation held at Vanderbilt University incorporates the UN’s SDGs into the class final project. Student presenters examined educational outcomes, policies, and practices through a comparative lens, discussed pressing educational challenges across nations, and invited audiences to exchange ideas that can advance effective educational strategies.
- “This project provides students with valuable experience in presenting their home countries from an academic perspective, fostering engagement in global discourse, and enhancing their learning outcomes.” – Yu (Wendy)Wu, Assistant Director of Peabody Office of Student Life & Class Instructor, Vanderbilt University
Many institutions also emphasize professional development and career readiness during IEW. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed an “Effective Storytelling During Interviews” workshop as part of the International Career Series during IEW. The workshop addressed the unique cultural and professional challenges international students often face during the job search.
- “This initiative has been instrumental in empowering our international students to overcome barriers, perform more strongly in interviews, and ultimately achieve greater success in their professional careers.” – Dr. Pankaj Desai, the Senior Assistant Director of Inclusion Initiatives at the Career Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Office of International Student Services at Wesleyan University organized a “Teach in Asia: A Virtual Discussion with Wesleyan Alumni.” This event raised awareness about TESOL as a career path for current students, as well as provided networking opportunities for students with alumni to explore teaching opportunities across the world.
- “The panelists were wonderful and shared meaningful insights and reflections on the countries where they lived and taught and the organizations and institutions they were affiliated with for their experiences.” – Morgan Keller, Director of International Student Services, Wesleyan University
Through presentations, cultural showcases, networking events, workshops, and dialogues, IEW encourages students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful conversations about global issues, study abroad, international careers, and intercultural learning. At its core, IEW invites institutional collaboration across departments and spotlights diverse global stories and perspectives. These events helped build a shared sense of curiosity and community across higher education campuses.
