International Education Week
International Education Week (IEW) is November 17-21, 2025. 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 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.
This year, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, The Forum on Education Abroad, and the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) have pledged to uphold the annual tradition of celebrating International Education Week (IEW).
Below are activities and events occurring during International Education Week at VCU. We encourage all to come out and participate in the various activities.
Note: Several of the events require registration and RSVP to attend.
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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:
F-1 Travel
Nov. 17, 10 a.m. -11 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.
Register
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
Register for all workshops
Dine Around the World Dining Experience
Monday, Nov. 17
11 a.m. - 3 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.
The International Consulting Program - Virtual Office Hour
Monday, Nov. 17
3-4 p.m.
Zoom
Join us before break to learn about how you can travel to Rome, Italy while earning six credits and building your resume through participating in two real-life consulting projects! This session will cover course content, expectations, cost, application process and more.
Contact:
Emory Gunn
ebgunn@vcu.edu
Thanksgiving Dinner for International Students
Monday, Nov. 17
6:30 - 8:30 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.
School of Business Study Abroad Information Table
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
VCU School of Business, 301 W Main Street, 1st Floor Atrium
Stop by Snead Hall to learn how you can participate in one of the School of Business' faculty-led study abroad programs! Programs range from one-credit options over winter or spring break to six-credit programs incorporating real client projects over summer. One-credit programs open to VCU students of all majors. Six-credit programs are open to business majors and minors.
Contact:
Emory Gunn
ebgunn@vcu.edu
Fulbright UK Summer Institutes Webinar: Application Tips, Programme Insights, and the Participant Experience
Tuesday, Nov. 18
12 - 1 p.m.
Zoom
Join the Fulbright US/UK Commission for a webinar about the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes, which funds selected students to attend a funded, 3-4 week summer study abroad program at one of 6 UK universities. Several VCU students have attended these summer institutes over the last few years!
More information
ELP Tea Time with Rodney the Ram
Wednesday, Nov. 19
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
912 West Grace St.
3rd floor lounge
Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks and great conversation with old and new friends as we celebrate International Education Week! Rodney the Ram will make a special appearance to help celebrate our international students. All are welcome for this fun-filled time of connecting with each other.
International Scholars Reception
Wednesday, Nov. 19
3:30 - 5 p.m.
College of Humanities and Sciences’ STEM Building
817 W. Franklin St.
A reception will be held recognizing the scholars attending VCU on a J-1 visa. The occasion will feature Beverly Warren, Ph.D., VCU provost, who will speak about the accomplishments of the scholars and contributions they make to VCU.
This event requires an invitation and RSVP to attend.