UB celebrates International Education Week

Members of the UB community can see the world without leaving Buffalo, share a bit of their cultural heritage and be inspired to make a connection — and make a difference — at the university’s 18th annual celebration of International Education Week (IEW).

IEW, which this year will take place Nov. 18-22, provides faculty, staff and students the opportunity to expand their cross-cultural awareness and celebrate the rich diversity on campus.

This year, students will be front and center in the celebration.

“I am delighted that there has been such a good response to our invitation to campus partners to develop their own, student-centered programming for IEW.” says John Wood, interim vice provost for international education. “This approach will engage more students in the week’s activities and expand awareness of the increasing importance to our students of international education and UB’s global engagement.”

The celebration is particularly relevant at UB. With more than 7,000 international students, the university ranked 23rd last year among 2,700 accredited U.S. universities in international enrollment, according to the Institute of International Education. UB has exchange agreements with more than 80 institutions in more than 30 countries. UB’s international students hail from 95 different countries.

UB’s International Education Week celebration includes more than 20 events that are free and open to the public.

Some of the highlights:

Nov. 18

• GloBULL Gallery, 11 a.m., Student Union lobby. U.S. and international students share their extraordinary overseas experiences in a photo exhibition that shows the wide range of study abroad programs offered at UB, and the impact the experience has on students. Attendees have the chance to vote for their favorite. Sponsored by Study Abroad Programs.
• China Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflection, 5 p.m., 403 Hayes Hall, South Campus. This national, live webcast panel moderated by George Stephanopoulos of ABC News will discuss the U.S.-China relationship, with a focus on trade. A program of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, it is co-sponsored locally by the UB Confucius Institute and the World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara. RSVP by registering in advance or emailing ubci@buffalo.edu.

Nov. 19

• World Bazaar, 11 a.m., Student Union lobby. Celebrate the differences — and often-surprising commonalities — of people and cultures from around the world through food, performances and experiences. Performers include members of some of UB’s international student clubs.

Nov. 20

• International Coffee House, 7 p.m., 240 Student Union. Meet people from different countries and backgrounds while enjoying snacks, coffee and bubble tea.

Nov. 21

• International Game Night, 8 p.m., Richmond Hall Main Lounge. Learn a new game with choices from several countries, including some internationally acclaimed winners.

Nov. 22

• Cultural Showcase, 6 p.m., Student Union Theater. Hosted by the Residence Hall Association, students from all cultural backgrounds and countries will showcase their talents and pride for their culture.

Dates, times and locations for IEW events are subject to change. For updated details and the complete schedule of events, visit International Student Service’s International Education Week webpage.