International Education Week

international education week logo

November 18-22, 2024

International Education Week is an annual celebration during which University of Minnesota colleges, campuses, and student groups plan events and activities to highlight the University's support of international education.

International Education Week was first declared by the U.S. Departments of State and Education in 2000 as part of their effort to encourage policies and programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study in the U.S. The Global Programs and Strategy Alliance plays a leadership role in promoting the week across the University of Minnesota system. Colleges, offices, and student groups are encouraged to find ways to highlight the University's support of international education in their areas. Contact with questions: [email protected]

 

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Monday, November 13

Vote: 2023 International Photo and Video Contest

All week during International Education Week you will have the chance to vote for your favorite photos and videos in the Learning Abroad Center's annual International Photo and Video Contest. Winners will be announced November 22.

Free Passport Photos for CSE Students

Are you a currently enrolled CSE undergraduate student who needs passport photos?
During International Education Week (Nov. 13-17), CSE International Programs will pay for passport photos for the first 50 CSE students to email [email protected]. Instructions will be emailed to the students on how to redeem their free passport photos at the UMN Passport Office.

CEHD International Cafe

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Burton Hall Atrium
Sponsored by the CEHD International Initiatives and CEHD International Student Community (CISC)

Stop by CEHD International Cafe to mingle, savor, and immerse yourself in the world of diverse drinks! We will provide authentic drinks from Japan (green tea and matcha), Vietnam (coffee), and Turkey (apple tea and coffee), together with refreshments. Talk with the presenters and explore their traditions! 

Learning Abroad First Step Session

12 p.m. via Zoom
Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center

First Step Sessions give basic information about how to research program options, get started with academic planning, and look into finances for study abroad, including financial aid and scholarships. Time will be reserved for questions at the end.

International Campus Community Focus: Addressing Xenophobia & Minoritization

3–4:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
Sponsored by the Office for Equity and Diversity, GPS Alliance, and Minnesota English Language Program

Xenophobia, fear or hatred of people from other countries, is a real barrier to our international community members who come to UMN to study, work, and research. This is not a new phenomenon, but has escalated due to the global pandemic and incendiary rhetoric. Further, while many international students come to the U.S. with a sense of and language for their own racial identities in the context of their home nations, these are more often than not experienced differently in the U.S. racialized context. Most international students undergo challenges as a U.S.-centric label and identity are imposed upon them by the institution, policies, or individuals, attaching an experience of minoritization not previously experienced. In this session, we will raise awareness of these issues and discuss how we can support our international community and understand our complicit role and active anti-racist actions we can take. Our aim is to foster a more inclusive and just campus where everyone, including international community members, can contribute at their highest and best.

Register now

CSE Global Learning: Navigating the World with Study Abroad Alumni

1–2 p.m.
Lind Hall Room 325
Sponsored by CSE International Programs

Hear from CSE study abroad alumni about how to navigate international learning, living abroad, and the impact it had on them.

Tuesday, November 14

Vote: 2023 International Photo and Video Contest

All week during International Education Week you will have the chance to vote for your favorite photos and videos in the Learning Abroad Center's annual International Photo and Video Contest. Winners will be announced November 22.

Free Passport Photos for CSE Students

Are you a currently enrolled CSE undergraduate student who needs passport photos?
During International Education Week (Nov. 13-17), CSE International Programs will pay for passport photos for the first 50 CSE students to email [email protected]. Instructions will be emailed to the students on how to redeem their free passport photos at the UMN Passport Office.

Workshop: Leveraging Interactions for Intercultural Learning

12:00 p.m. via Zoom
Sponsored by Internationalizing the Curriculum and Campus, GPS Alliance

Let’s talk about how we can leverage all interactive classroom activities for deeper content learning and interpersonal and intercultural development. In this webinar, we will share considerations, strategies, scripts, and tools (including a student handout you can adapt) that can help you and your students realize the full potential of classroom interactions.

Register now 

Learning Abroad First Step Session

12:30 p.m. 
230 Heller Hall
Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center

First Step Sessions give basic information about how to research program options, get started with academic planning, and look into finances for study abroad, including financial aid and scholarships. Time will be reserved for questions at the end.

Culture Corps 25th Anniversary Celebration

2:30–4 p.m. — Upson Room, Walter Library
Sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services

Join International Student and Scholar Services in celebrating 25 years of the Culture Corps program, which helps international students develop projects and initiatives to bring their global perspectives to the University of Minnesota. 

Register now

Study Abroad Returnee Social

4–6 p.m. — University International Center Room 101
Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center

Reconnect with your study abroad peers and the Learning Abroad Center during International Education Week. Come for the food, drinks, and prizes, and stay for the valuable connections. This event will help you answer the question “What comes next after study abroad?” 

Register now

Wednesday, November 15

Vote: 2023 International Photo and Video Contest

All week during International Education Week you will have the chance to vote for your favorite photos and videos in the Learning Abroad Center's annual International Photo and Video Contest. Winners will be announced November 22.

Free Passport Photos for CSE Students

Are you a currently enrolled CSE undergraduate student who needs passport photos?
During International Education Week (Nov. 13-17), CSE International Programs will pay for passport photos for the first 50 CSE students to email [email protected]. Instructions will be emailed to the students on how to redeem their free passport photos at the UMN Passport Office.

Learning Abroad First Step Session

10:30 a.m. 
230 Heller Hall
Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center

First Step Sessions give basic information about how to research program options, get started with academic planning, and look into finances for study abroad, including financial aid and scholarships. Time will be reserved for questions at the end.

Friendship Festival

1-3 p.m. — Walter 101
Sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services, Student Transition Experiences, Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence, Office of Student Affairs, and Multicultural Student Engagement

Celebrate current friendships and make new ones! There will be refreshments, friendship bracelet making stations, and enter in a raffle for a chance to win a prize. This event is also happening during International Education week celebrating global friendships from around the world.

Please RSVP by November 6.

Around the World with CGI

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — CSOM Atrium (for CSOM students only)
Sponsored by Carlson Global Institute

Carlson School of Management students are invited to "visit" different business exchange schools (each at their own table) to learn more about their possible International Experience there. For each table visited, the students will receive a stamp on their "passport," which is handed out at registration. If the students fill up their passport, they will receive a raffle ticket for a prize drawing. Light snacks and beverages provided, as well as CGI advisors available to answer any questions students may have about their study abroad experience.

CSE Learn Abroad Info Session

10–11 a.m. and 3–4 p.m. (for CSE students only)
Lind Hall Room 325
Sponsored by CSE International Programs

Interested in learning more about opportunities abroad in CSE? Come to this general overview of opportunities abroad for CSE students to learn about different program types, popular locations, costs, scholarships and more! If you are considering studying abroad, this is the perfect first step. 

Thursday, November 16

Vote: 2023 International Photo and Video Contest

All week during International Education Week you will have the chance to vote for your favorite photos and videos in the Learning Abroad Center's annual International Photo and Video Contest. Winners will be announced November 22.

Free Passport Photos for CSE Students

Are you a currently enrolled CSE undergraduate student who needs passport photos?
During International Education Week (Nov. 13-17), CSE International Programs will pay for passport photos for the first 50 CSE students to email [email protected]. Instructions will be emailed to the students on how to redeem their free passport photos at the UMN Passport Office.

Workshop: Navigating the Unfamiliar: A Perspective-Taking Framework

12:00 p.m. via Zoom
Sponsored by Internationalizing the Curriculum and Campus, GPS Alliance

In this session, you will learn about and experience an activity called Describe, Analyze, Evaluate (DAE). The DAE is a framework for practicing one’s ability to ‘frame-shift," or to understand a situation from another’s point of view. This involves cultivating a critical skill-set and attitudes for interacting effectively across differences.

Register now 

Learning Abroad First Step Session

2:20 p.m. 
230 Heller Hall
Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center

First Step Sessions give basic information about how to research program options, get started with academic planning, and look into finances for study abroad, including financial aid and scholarships. Time will be reserved for questions at the end.

International Poster Session

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Walter 101    
Sponsored by Minnesota English Language Program (MELP)

Attend the International Poster Session to hear from international students in the Intensive English Program who will present about their cultures. All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. 

International Scholar Reception

4–6 p.m. — Lindahl Founders Room, Northrop
Sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services

The University of Minnesota is proud to have more than 1,200 international scholars from across the globe as part of our academic community. Our scholars engage in the teaching, research, and service missions of the University, and bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and cross-cultural experience and perspectives to their departments, their campuses, and beyond. The International Scholar Reception recognizes the important contributions and achievements of our international faculty, staff, and scholars and celebrates their presence on our campuses.

Please RSVP by Thursday, November 9 if you plan to attend.

CSE Global Seminar Info Session: Mechatronics in Switzerland

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (for CSE students only)
Lind Room 325

Looking for something to do in May 2024? Come learn about this 3-week program in Switzerland that is a specialized, concise course in mechatronics. Past excursions have included the Swiss Alps, Zürich, and Geneva.

Friday, November 17

Vote: 2023 International Photo and Video Contest

All week during International Education Week you will have the chance to vote for your favorite photos and videos in the Learning Abroad Center's annual International Photo and Video Contest. Winners will be announced November 22.

Free Passport Photos for CSE Students

Are you a currently enrolled CSE undergraduate student who needs passport photos?
During International Education Week (Nov. 13-17), CSE International Programs will pay for passport photos for the first 50 CSE students to email [email protected]. Instructions will be emailed to the students on how to redeem their free passport photos at the UMN Passport Office.

Learning Abroad First Step Session

11:30 a.m. via Zoom
Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center

First Step Sessions give basic information about how to research program options, get started with academic planning, and look into finances for study abroad, including financial aid and scholarships. Time will be reserved for questions at the end.

Translate Your Experience: From Study Abroad to Career

12–1 p.m. — Virtual
Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center and Career Services

Learn how to connect your study abroad experience to your future plans. During this presentation reflect on your experiences abroad and learn how to connect them to your resume, interview skills, and future job or school opportunities.

Register now

Small World Coffee Hour

4–6 p.m. 
RecWell Beacon Room, 2nd floor
Sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services

Join UMN students and staff at Small World Coffee Hour to learn more about different cultures, meet new people, and enjoy cultural food. This week’s activities include an international trivia competition and an introduction to rock climbing at the RecWell Center.

CEHD International Student Community Writing Retreat

10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bruininks Hall Room 131A
Sponsored by the CEHD International Student Community

International students are invited to the CISC Writing Retreat, a dedicated space to enhance their academic writing skills and build connections with peers. Come to write, have some coffee, and enjoy the silent company of your international peers.