International Education Week

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This week seeks to advance cultural understanding as well as protect cultural heritage. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.

IEW at Vanderbilt University is a collaboration among ISSS and many other campus partners and organizations.

Questions about IEW? Contact Andrea in ISSS.

IEW 2024 Schedule

Friday, November 10th
Tuesday, November 19th
Wednesday, November 20th
Thursday, November 21st

Friday, November 15th

World in Focus – A Poster Presentation & Cultural Feast: This poster presentation session is by first-year international students currently enrolled in EDUC 5100: U.S. Education Concepts and Communication. Students will showcase their selected countries and topics of interest under the general theme of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. International snacks and beverages provided.10AM – 12PM, Commons 235/237. Sponsored by the Peabody Office of Student Life.

Tuesday, November 19th

Women in the Academy: Celebrating IEW while Talking & Writing Across Cultures: This program offers PhD students and postdocs a chance to reflect on the ways that gender affects their professional experiences in the academic. This session will focus on communication across cultures and context. 12PM – 1:15PM, Sarratt 325/327. Sponsored by the Women’s Center, English Language Center, International Student & Scholar Services, Peabody International Student Affairs, and the Peabody Office of Student Life.
Crisis & Opportunities: Teach for Bangladesh in a Time of Conflict: In light of recent civil unrests and governmental changes in Bangladesh, Munia Islam Mozumder, CEO of Teach For Bangladesh and former Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow to Vanderbilt University, will host a dialogue session focusing on the impact of political conflicts on children and education, Teach For Bangladesh’s role in the national healing process, and the critical importance of education in shaping a better future for a nation in crisis. 2PM – 3:30PM, Peabody Fireside Reading Room. Sponsored by the Peabody Office of Student Life. Click here for the AnchorLink.
International Game Night & Tacos: Would you like to enjoy an evening playing a variety of board games from countries across the globe? Join us for some fun cultural exchange and playful competition with old and new friends during our International Game Night & Tacos! The BRET Office of International Trainee Support will be supplying a diverse collection of international board games. Feel free to bring a board game that is native to your culture if you’d like. Because a game night is not complete without some delicious food, we will be offering catering from Velvet Taco—bring your own beverage! Open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. 4PM – 6PM, Light Hall ABCD. Sponsored by the BRET Office of International Trainee Support, Vanderbilt University Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and Vanderbilt International Researchers Alliance (VIRAL). Click here to RSVP.
I-Networking: The event aims to provide a space for students to connect with graduating seniors and alumni, gain professional insights, and build valuable networks that can help them in their future careers. The Career Center and ISSS will also be a part of this collaboration event. 6PM – 8PM, Alumni Hall 202. Sponsored by the International Student Council.

Wednesday, November 20th

Let’s Spill the (Bubble) Tea – Small Talk 101: It’s time to “spill the tea” on small talk with Residential Colleges and the English Language Center (ELC). As part of International Education Week, students are invited to enjoy delicious boba made on-site while practicing small talk with peers, faculty, and staff. The ELC will share tips on how to improve your small talk and representatives from each office will be present to share how the ELC and Residential Colleges serve the international student population at Vanderbilt University year-round. 2PM – 4PM, E. Bronson Ingram College MPR. Sponsored by Residential Colleges and the English Language Center. Click here for the AnchorLink.
Make Your Own Chaat: Chaat, a savory snack, showcases diverse flavors from India and Pakistan, combining sweet, tangy, and spicy elements. Participants will have the opportunity to assemble their own chaat using ingredients like puffed rice, yogurt, tamarind chutney, potatoes, and spices. We will have recipe ingredients listed in Hindi and Urdu scripts and translated into English, so participants can get a figurative taste of the language as well. 5PM – 6:30PM, Vanderbilt Center for Language Satellite Space at Rothschild. Sponsored by the Asian Studies Department and the Vanderilt Center for Languages.
Lanterns: Lanterns is one of the Multicultural Leadership Council’s (MLC) capstone events that aims to elevate voices from Vanderbilt’s international community. The theme this year is “Community and Growth.” Our international family will be sharing stories about their time at Vanderbilt and how they found a sense of belonging. The student body is invited to attend this event and learn about their diverse experiences. There will be free food from various international restaurants in Nashville! 5PM – 7PM, Sarratt Cinema. Sponsored by the Multicultural Leadership Council.Thursday, November 21st.

Thursday, November 21st

Transportation: Worldwide Impacts and Innovation: An exploration of the worldwide implications of modern transportation systems, including environmental challenges such as air pollution, noise, and their effects on public health. The session will highlight international projects integrating transportation with urban planning, and showcase innovations aimed at creating more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive transport solutions across different regions. 11AM – 1PM, Alumni Hall Memorial Room. Sponsored by the Graduate School. Click here to RSVP.
IEW Lunch & Learn with the Career Center: Interstride and International Student Resources: This event is celebrating IEW with the Career Center! We hope to provide information on Interstride, a tool that Vanderbilt students have free access to. Interstride supports international student seeking job opportunities and advertises international opportunities aboard. The Career Center will also be sharing general information on our resources for international students. Lunch will be provided. 12PM – 1PM, Rand 306. Sponsored by the Career Center.