International Education Week
Join us for a week of cultural displays and exhibitions, learning and exploration, food, fun, and celebration! The entire UB community is welcome to participate.
November 17 - 21, 2025
International Education Week (IEW) at UB
IEW is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This week is celebrated nationally as a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.
UB celebrates IEW to educate the UB community about diverse international perspectives and cultures. IEW increases UB community members’ cross-cultural awareness, curiosity, and knowledge through activities, discussions, presentations, displays, and exhibitions.
IEW presents the richness of cultures and promotes the benefits of international education to our UB community.
Submitting an IEW Program
UB student clubs, departments, offices, faculty, staff, and other UB community members and entities are encouraged to submit programs as part of International Education Week.
Why should my group/department/unit participate?
This is a chance to showcase the work that your group/department/unit does which connects the UB community with global ideas and opportunities.
What kind of event can my group/department/unit facilitate?
IEW programs/events/activities:
- can range from events that are open to the entire UB community, to opportunities that may be targeted to specific audiences.
- can be celebratory, educational/informative, conversational, or another mode of facilitation.
- should focus on the importance of international education, international inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.
Consider the following event ideas:
- Student club social activity in collaboration with a student cultural club
- Round table discussion and lunch
- International film viewing and discussion
- Workshops on internationally-focused topics
- Poster presentations from a globally-focused class
- Faculty panel presenting internationally focused research
- Intercultural simulations
Email iss@buffalo.edu to connect with an IEW Planning Committee member.
International Education Week Program Sponsorship
International Education Week Program Sponsorship support may be available. If you need to apply for program sponsorship, you will find the information about sponsorship requirements and the sponsorship request form in your IEW Program Submission confirmation email.
Program Submission Deadline
Programs submitted before 10/1/2025 will be included in IEW print materials, UBLinked, and other online media. Programs submitted after 10/1/2025 will be posted on the IEW website, UBLinked, and in other online media, but may not be featured in our print materials.
The deadline to submit a program to be included in Fall 2025 International Education Week was Friday, October 31, 2025.
Fall 2024 Schedule
International Education Week Kick-Off
- Stop by our IEW Kick-Off Table to learning about events happening throughout the week.
- Light refreshments and giveaways available (while supplies last).
- Hosted by the Office of International Education
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Community Members
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Where: Capen Hall, Ground Floor (Near 1 Capen)
Asserting Haudenosaunee Sovereignty through Art and Creativity
Courtney Alyssa Skye is a Six Nations Mohawk activist scholar whose work focuses on policy development foregrounding Indigenous knowledge, rights, and jurisdiction.
- She will discuss the importance of political mobilization through creative and artistic practices including her recent co-curated art exhibit "We Shall Remain" and her work with youth for Protect the Tract.
- Hosted by the Department of Indigenous Studies
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Community Members
When: 11:00 AM- 12:30 PM ET
Where: Zoom
First-Time Traveler's Workshop
Traveling internationally can seem daunting, especially if it's your first time or you're traveling alone!
- This session will discuss booking flights, navigating airports, and more!
- Strongly encouraged for students who are about to study abroad for the first time; students interested in studying abroad in the future are also welcome!
- Can't make the event but want to know more? Stop by Education Abroad Drop-In Advising Hours anytime Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm, Monday-Friday in Talbert 201!
- Questions? Email us at educationabroad@buffalo.edu
- Hosted by Education Abroad
For questions about accessibility or to request a disability-related accommodation, please contact Anna Biuso at annabius@buffalo.edu.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Students
When: 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
Where: Zoom
UB's 10 in 10- 10 Strategies to Carbon Neutrality by 2030, An International Student Perspective
- The University at Buffalo's climate action plan details ten strategies and three themes or integrators to get to carbon neutrality by 2030. These range from transportation and energy to food systems and carbon pricing. In an effort to reach a broader audience with this work, UB Sustainability would like to host a focus group / presentation on this work. This engagement session will provide international students with a structured learning experience related to climate change and how our university is doing its part to lessen emissions. It will also provide space for international students to voice their unique concerns through focus groups and facilitated conversations. The program will cover the following key components:
- Understanding Climate Change in Western New York: An overview of climate-related challenges and concerns facing this region.
- Advocacy: Encouraging students to be vocal about their climate concerns both here in WNY and in their home countries.
- Building Self-Efficacy: Providing tools and resources for navigating the complexities of climate action.
- Promoting Collaboration: Fostering connections among international students, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue, and emphasizing collective responsibility for climate solutions.
- Hosted by UB Sustainability
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Students
When: 12:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Where: Student Union 210
RLL International Showcase: Research Mentorship, Study Abroad, and Internships
- Come hear from students and faculty about opportunities for international research, internships, and study abroad through the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures! In recent years, RLL students have studied or done research and credit-bearing internships in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Guadeloupe, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Puerto Rico, Senegal, and Spain.
- Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
- Hosted by Romance Languages and Literatures
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Students
When: 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
Where: Clemens 904
International Olympic Game Tournament
- Step into a world of excitement and athleticism at our Global Olympics Games Event! This unique event brings together traditional and contemporary games from across the globe, creating a vibrant blend of competition, strategy, and team spirit.
- Join us for a thrilling day of friendly competition with exciting prizes. Grab your friends, bring your competitive spirit, and join us for a day of unforgettable fun!
- Hosted by UB International Undergraduate Student Association
INTENDED AUDIENCE: UB Undergraduate Students
When: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
Where: Student Union 145
Let's Fika!: Global Connections Cafe
- "Fika" is a Swedish tradition of taking a break to relax and connect with others, while also enjoying some tasty treats. The Global Connections Cafe is a great opportunity for international and internationally-minded students to meet, play games, relax, and enjoy a treat and beverage.
- During each Global Connection Café, two speakers will provide a short presentations on a cultural topic about their home culture, or the culture where they studied abroad. Topics can include traditions and culture, history, geography, government, art, music, theatre, food and more.
- The Global Connections Cafe welcomes international and domestic students from across the campus to meet and get to know each other!
- Free treats and beverages available (while supplies last).
- Hosted by International Student Services
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Community Members
When: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET
Where: Student Union 235
Study Abroad in Japan!
- Are you interested in studying abroad in Japan? Join us for an info session where the Education Abroad team will explain your options, how to apply, and hear from UB students who have recently returned from their study abroad experience in Japan!
- All are welcome!
- Hosted by Education Abroad
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Students
When: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
Where: O'Brian Hall 210
Fulbright Faculty Networking Event
- We want to invite you to celebrate your achievements as faculty having received Fulbright awards, and to allow other faculty engaged in international scholarship, education, and professional service to connect with you and each other to exchange experiences and perspectives.
- The event will take place from 12:30-2:30 pm in the Buffalo Room on North Campus, with a formal welcome and address by Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Robert Granfield, and Vice Provost for International Education, Nojin Kwak, expected at 1 pm; times before and after that are dedicated to informal networking between faculty and guests.
- A registration page has been set up on the Faculty Affairs website, and we would be honored and delighted if you were able to join us for any amount of time during the event.
- Independently, I would like to ask for a favor: If you had a photo or two from your time abroad on the Fulbright award that you could share with us, we would love to include that into a running slideshow we are planning to project during the event. In addition, a sentence from you about the value of your experience as a Fulbrighter abroad that we would be able to include as a quote associated with you would be tremendously appreciated. Of course, both of these are completely optional and in no way tethered to your invitation or our excitement about celebrating you at the event.
- Hosted by the Office of Faculty Affairs’
INTENDED AUDIENCE: UB Fulbright Faculty
When: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM ET
Where: Capen Hall 10 (Buffalo Room)
Post-OPT Employment: H-1B and Other Visa Options
- As an F-1 Student, what options are available to allow you to live and work in the U.S. after completion of OPT? How do you decide which works for you? Attend this information session to learn about non-immigrant and immigrant visa options from a local immigration attorney.
- Registration is required.
- Hosted by International Student Services
INTENDED AUDIENCE: UB F-1 international students
When: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Flavors of Unity: A Community Cookbook Celebration
- Since the fall of 2023, the University Libraries have been collecting and compiling recipes for a community-sourced cookbook, Flavors of Unity. Featuring international recipes from students, faculty, staff, and alumni, Flavors of Unity is a celebration of the vibrant diversity of our university. Join us on November 19 to celebrate this project and its contributors.
- There will be light refreshments, and attendees will have the opportunity to preview recipes from the cookbook and mingle with each other as we commemorate the culmination of this project.
- Hosted by University Libraries
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Community Members
When: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Law Library, 2nd Floor
Film Screening: Fancy Dance
- Please join us for a public screening of 2023 film Fancy Dance!
- Written and directed by Erica Tremblay of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation and starring Peigan Blackfeet /Nez Perce academy award nominee Lily Gladstone.
- Hosted by the Department of Indigenous Studies
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Community Members
When: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Screening Room, Center for the Arts 112
Engineering Students Study Abroad
- This event will feature photos and commentary from School of Engineering undergraduate students who participated in study abroad experiences within the past academic year.
- Hosted by School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
INTENDED AUDIENCE: School of Engineering Undergraduate Students
When: 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM ET
Where: Virtual via Zoom
IEW Snack and Chat
- Hosted by the Office of International Education
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Community Members
When: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where: Capen Hall Compass Lobby, 1st Floor
Discover the World of Batik
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia through the art of batik. Join us for an engaging afternoon featuring:
- DIY Batik Coloring Workshop: Unleash your creativity by coloring your own batik.
- Video Presentation: Learn how batik is made through a video by UB-SIM faculty.
- Sasmita Batik Vendor Table: Explore and shop beautiful batik arts.
- Nusantara Arts Intimate Gamelan and Angklung Performance: Experience traditional Indonesian music and try the angklung yourself!
- Batik Souvenir Raffle: Participate for a chance to win beautiful batik souvenirs!
- Hosted by the Office of International Education
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Community Members
When: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: Capen Hall Compass Lobby, 1st Floor
New Books, New Feminist Directions: Transforming School Food Politics Around the World
School food programs are about more than just feeding kids. They are a form of community care and a policy tool for advancing education, health, justice, food sovereignty, and sustainability.
- Transforming School Food Politics around the World illustrates how everyday people from a diverse range of global contexts have successfully challenged and changed programs that fall short of these ideals.
- Editors Jennifer Gaddis and Sarah A. Robert highlight the importance of global and local struggles to argue that the transformative potential of school food hinges on valuing the gendered labor that goes into caring for, feeding, and educating children.
- Learn more on UB's Gender Institute website
- Hosted by UB Gender Institute and UB Communities of Care
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Community Members
When: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Where: Screening Room, Center for the Arts
Global Gallery: Photo Exhibition
- The IEW Photo Exhibition aims to celebrate Education Abroad through photos taken by study abroad alumni over the past year!
- All are welcome to admire photos, hear stories, and learn about study abroad at this IEW event.
- Refreshments will be provided.
- Hosted by Education Abroad
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Community Members
When: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Where: Capen Compass Lobby (1st Floor)
Making your Message Clear: A Workshop for Non-Native English Speakers
- Katie Ryan, an applied linguist from language connectED, LLC, will facilitate this workshop designed for non-native English speakers.
- Hosted by The Graduate School and the Office of Postdoctoral Scholars
INTENDED AUDIENCE: UB Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Student Union 235
International Student Conference information Session: Connecting Young Leaders in South Korea, Japan, China, and the US.
- Join this session to learn more about the International Student Conference (ISC). ISC is a student-led, academic and cultural exchange program to build closer ties and collaboration between young leaders in South Korea, Japan, China, and the US.
- Refreshments provided.
- Hosted by Asia Research Institute
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Students
When: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: Capen Hall 110
Friends without Borders
- Play games, have great conversations, and lots of fun, while making friends from around the world.
- Come to relax and play non-competitive, get-to-know you games that allow you to form cross-cultural friendships.
- Event is open to all UB international and domestic students from all cultures and backgrounds.
- Hosted by UB Counseling Services
INTENDED AUDIENCE: All UB Students
When: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Where: Student Union 210
Canceled - International Education Week Closing Event
- Event canceled
- Hosted by International Student Services
INTENDED AUDIENCE: IEW Presenters and Program Facilitators
When: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Where: Capen Hall 10 (Buffalo Room)
Successful Risk Assessment Strategies for International Faculty-Led Program Development
The SUNY CIE Risk Assessment and Mitigation (RAM) Subcommittee will offer a webinar designed to help Education Abroad professionals and faculty get a head start on effective risk assessment and mitigation during the program development process.
- The RAM Subcommittee developed a Faculty-Led Program Development: Faculty Leader Self-Assessment tool that can be used to help faculty leaders identify and assess potential health, safety, and security risks that could impact their Education Abroad program and its participants.
- As program leaders, it is important for faculty to consider any challenges specific to the program location(s), academic content, and co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, as well as local issues or cultural considerations that create potential risks for students during their free time while abroad.
- Hosted by SUNY CIE Risk Assessment and Mitigation (RAM) Subcommittee and UB Education Abroad
INTENDED AUDIENCE: UB Faculty and Staff, SUNY Education Abroad professionals, SIOs, and faculty interested in developing and leading international programs
When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Where: Zoom
Understanding the Thanksgiving Holiday: Learn and Craft
- International students are invited to attend our information and craft activity session to learn more about the Thanksgiving Holiday in the U.S.
- During the program, we will learn about the history of Thanksgiving, different ways Thanksgiving is celebrated, and some cultural norms associated with the holiday.
- Participants will also create a Thanksgiving-themed craft to keep (while supplies last) and enjoy some tasty treats.
- Please RSVP if you plan to attend (space is limited.)
- Hosted by International Student Services
INTENDED AUDIENCE: UB International Students
When: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM ET
Where: Capen Hall 310 (Inside the Silverman Library)
