UB to celebrate International Education Week

International Education Week (IEW), the annual event that offers the UB community the opportunity to learn about other cultures and celebrate the rich diversity on campus, will take place Nov. 18-22.

IEW, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

“For more than 20 years, UB has had a vibrant November tradition of celebrating International Education Week,” says Nojin Kwak, professor and vice provost for international education. “Each year we benefit from the participation of a wide variety of academic units, service offices, student clubs and other organizations whose contributions to IEW illustrate UB’s cultural diversity and global reach. Drawing on this campus-wide effort, the varied programming of IEW reflects the many ways international education enriches the university and our communities.”

IEW is particularly relevant at UB, which welcomes students from 101 different countries. The Institute of International Education ranked UB No. 23 in its latest census of international students on U.S. college campuses. A total of 5,665 international students were enrolled at UB from summer 2023 through spring 2024. During that same period, 550 UB students took part in study abroad programs and 42 exchange students were hosted at the university. UB also has affiliation agreements with more than 100 international institutions.

UB’s International Education Week celebration includes nearly 20 events — both in person and virtual — that are free and open to all UB community members.

The festivities begin on Nov. 18 with a kick-off table to introduce the week’s events with light refreshments and giveaways available.

Other key events throughout the week include:

• A presentation on Nov. 18 titled “UB’s 10 in 10: 10 Strategies to Carbon Neutrality by 2030, An International Student Perspective” will engage international students in understanding UB’s climate action plan. Attendees will learn about local climate challenges, advocacy opportunities and effective climate action tools.
• An event on Nov. 19 titled “Let’s Fika!: Global Connections Café” offers students an opportunity to relax, connect and enjoy free treats. It will feature presentations by two speakers on cultural topics from their home countries or study abroad experiences.
• An event on Nov. 19 titled “Flavors of Unity: A Community Cookbook Celebration” highlights the University Libraries’ project that gathered international recipes from students, faculty, staff and alumni, showcasing the diverse culinary traditions of the UB community. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments, preview recipes from the cookbook and mingle with contributors as they honor this collaborative effort.
• A discussion on Nov. 20 titled “New Books, New Feminist Directions: Transforming School Food Politics Around the World” examines the role of school food programs as tools for community care and policy change. Editors Jennifer Gaddis and Sarah A. Robert will share insights from their book, illustrating how individuals worldwide have successfully reformed inadequate school food systems and highlighting the importance of recognizing gendered labor in these efforts.

Another highlight of IEW is the Global Gallery photo exhibition on Nov. 21 — an event that has become a tradition of the week. During this exhibition, alumni of UB’s study abroad programs share their overseas experiences through photos that depict the wide range of study abroad programs offered at UB and the impact the experience has on students. It’s presented by the Office of Study Abroad Programs.

IEW will conclude on Nov. 22 with an event by International Student Services at 10:30 a.m. in the Buffalo Room, 10 Capen Hall.

A full schedule of events can be found on the IEW website.