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International Education Week
Nov. 16-20, 2026
International Education Week (IEW) is historically a joint effort of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, International Education Week has provided institutions in the United States with an opportunity to showcase the people, places, and power of global connections among its students, faculty, and staff for more than 25 years. International Education Week was first held in 2000, and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. It is an effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.
Thanksgiving Dinner for International Students
Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
5 p.m.
STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St.
Gather with fellow international students, domestic students, and VCU staff to share a Thanksgiving meal and cultural discussion. Menu items will include vegan and gluten free options. Please note that pork will not be on the menu items.
Students are welcome to register to attend this special dinner.
Webinar
Destination Employment: Mapping Your U.S. Career Path Webinar
Monday, Nov. 16
8 a.m.
Zoom
Register
While navigating life as an international student in the U.S. can be challenging, VCU can help international students find their way from graduation to their ultimate destination...employment! This webinar brings together experienced immigration advisors from VCU's Global Education Office to discuss the various legal pathways for international students to gain practical training and employment experience in the American job market.
This webinar is open to prospective and incoming students, as well as family members, caregivers, advisors, and other global partners. For questions, please contact geois@vcu.edu.
Dine Around the World Dining Experience
Monday, Nov. 16
5 - 7 p.m.
Shafer Court Dining Center
For students with corresponding meal plans, enjoy an international dining experience to kick off International Education Week, and taste cuisine options from all around the world giving you a wide range of dining experiences.
Stop by to speak with international students and scholars and students who have studied abroad representing designated countries. Find out how you can experience studying and interning abroad as you sample delicious cuisine in Shafer Court Dining Hall.
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VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series
The VCU International Student Achievement (VISA) Series will consist of virtual advisor-led workshops, focused on topics relevant to the university’s F-1 students. During IEW, there will be four workshops on the following topics:
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
We know that the training experience in your major gained through post-completion OPT can play a vital role in bringing to life the concepts learned in the classroom. We also know that applying for OPT and complying with OPT regulations can seem a bit daunting. These workshops are intended to help offer you clarity and confidence as you navigate the process.
This workshop is intended for students who are graduating at the end of the current semester.
Post-Graduation Planning for F-1 Students
November 17, 9 a.m.
Deciding what to do after graduation can be a challenge for any student. For F-1 students, this comes with the added responsibility of maintaining your status. Our Post-Graduation Planning workshop will outline the options available to students completing their program of study at the end of the semester, including getting a new I-20 to begin a new degree program, transferring out, training and employment, and more!
November 18, 2026, 12 p.m. (noon)
Register
F-1 Travel
November 19, 10 a.m.
Traveling outside of the U.S. as an F-1 student requires a significant amount of pre-planning. This workshop will cover a number of travel-related topics, including the process for obtaining a travel signature, renewing an expired F-1 visa, and gathering the proper documentation to present upon reentry. Anyone looking to take a vacation or return home to visit friends and family is encouraged to attend.
Post-Completion Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Nov. 18, 3 - 4 p.m.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a great option for students whose program of study requires participation in an experiential learning activity like an internship or who wish to take an internship-type class to satisfy a degree requirement. This workshop will cover the regulatory framework for engaging in academically-aligned practical training, eligibility criteria, and the process for requesting CPT authorization.
Register
VCU Globe Speaker Series
Garret Westlake (Vice Provost for Innovation and Strategic Design)
12:30 - 2 p.m.
James Cabell Branch Library, Room 303
"I Was Too Scared to Go: Exploring how curiosity, creativity, and innovation can transform the way we approach global education"
How does a student who was once too scared to leave the country become a passionate world traveler and global collaborator? Dr. Garret Westlake explores how curiosity, creativity, and innovation can transform the way we approach global education. Drawing on his experiences working with students, universities, and industry partners across geographic and cultural boundaries, he shares his personal journey from avoiding study abroad as an undergraduate to building meaningful collaborations around the world. Participants will consider why international experiences matter more than ever—and how we can help more students find the confidence to pursue them.
Join VCU Global Education Office (GEO) for the second Globe Speakers Series at VCU! This series features accomplished professionals who bring a global perspective through their lived, studied, or professional experiences across cultures. Each event includes a talk followed by an open Q&A with students, designed to inspire leadership, intercultural agility, and career-ready skills valuable across all disciplines.
Interested people in attending may register in advance. Lunch will be served to regristrants.
International Scholars Reception
Tuesday, Nov. 17
4 - 6 p.m.
Larrick Student Center
Court End Ballrooms
A reception will be held recognizing the scholars attending VCU on a J-1 visa. This is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the scholars and contributions they make to VCU.
This event requires an invitation and RSVP to attend.
Study Abroad Information Session
Korea in Transition: Society, Culture, and Emerging Challenges
Tuesday, Nov. 17
6 - 7 p.m.
Zoom
Attend an information session to learn about the summer '27 faculty-led study abroad program to South Korea, May 24 - June 4, 2027. The webinar will be led by faculty co-directors, Youngmi Kim, Ph.D. and Kyeongmo Kim, Ph.D.
The information session will explain how the summer study abroad program will dive into South Korea and explore some of today’s most important social issues – population change, inequality, youth mental health, and the global rise of K-culture.
This program will be open to all undergraduate/graduate students.
For more information, contact ykim@vcu.edu or kkim7@vcu.edu
Nov. 18 - Peace Corps Zambia Documentary Screening: "Come to Serve, Stay to Learn"
Wednesday, Nov. 18
10 a.m.
Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/live/
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/
Peace Corps Zambia will premiere a documentary, "Come to Serve, Stay to Learn," which tells the story of service in Zambia through volunteers who are serving today and returned volunteers from across the decades. Afterward, current Volunteers, staff, and a recruiter will be live to answer questions about service and applying. VCU alumna, Keila Lawrence, will be featured in the documentary speaking about her experience as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Contact:
Yoruba Butler
butlery@vcu.edu
ELP Tea Time with Guest Artist
Wednesday, Nov. 19
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location, TBD
Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and great conversation with old and new friends as we celebrate International Education Week!
The event will feature an art workshop conducted by Noyan Guyan, former ELP student and artist from Turkey. A hands-on demonstration and opportunity to create personal artwork will make this Tea Time special.
Study in Spain Information Session - Virtual Office Hours/Info Session
Wednesday, Nov. 18
11:30 - 1:30 a.m.
Pollak Building Lobby (first floor)
Stop by the VCUarts Pollak Building lobby to learn how you can participate in one of the School of the Arts' studyabroad summer programs! Programs range from one-credit to six-credits and span the globe. Topics include communication arts, fashion, and interior design. Most programs are open to VCU students of all majors with no prerequisite requirements.
Contact:
Renee Lamb
rslamb@vcu.edu
VCU Focused Inquiry will offer a presentation about the upcoming summer 2027 study abroad program, "Myth, Magic and the Power of Place." This faculty-led program will study Arthurian legend, myth and the literature of magic at one of the oldest and most highly regarded universities in the world, the University of Cambridge.
Wednesday, Nov. 18
2 - 3 p.m.
Harris Hall, Rm. 5173
Contact:
Michaux Dempster
Dempsterm@vcu.edu