International Education Week
International Education Week (IEW) is November 18-22, 2024. This week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education 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.
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. 18, 1 - 2 p.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 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Nov. 19, 9 - 10 a.m.
We know that the training experience gained through 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.
Register
Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Nov. 19, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Gaining hands-on professional experience prior to graduation can be vital for preparing students to enter/reenter the workforce. Pre-completion OPT authorization will permit you to engage in practical training in your field while simultaneously completing your coursework. This workshop is ideal for students with training opportunities that do not meet the academic requirements for CPT.
Register
Post-Graduation Planning for F-1 Students
Nov. 21, 3 - 4 p.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!
Register
Register for all workshops
Dine Around the World Dining Experience
Monday, Nov. 18
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 the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia and East and South Asia.
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.
Thanksgiving Dinner for International Students
Monday, Nov. 18
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.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Showcase
Tuesday, Nov. 19
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Richmond Salons
Come learn about all the ways you can spend your spring break or summer abroad on a group program guided by VCU faculty!
Spring 2025 F-1 Students - Pre-Arrival Meetup
November 20
9 a.m. EST
As new international students prepare to travel to the United States, they will likely have many questions. Attend this virtual Pre-arrival Meetup designed to help answer those questions and get you on the path to starting your academic journey as an international student here at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Topics covered in the Pre-arrival Meetups include:
- F-1 visa application
- Travel to the U.S.
- Housing
- Orientation information
- and MORE!
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ELP Tea Time with Rodney the Ram
Wednesday, Nov. 20
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.
L&L Friendship Fund Reception for Students, Faculty, and Staff
Wednesday, Nov. 20
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Student Commons, Richmond Salons
This year's recipients of the L & L Friendship Fund scholarship, a fund established to help students with demonstrated financial need study abroad, will be celebrated during this reception. Prior award recipients who studied abroad during spring and summer 2024, as well as students selected in the fall cycle will be recognized.
This event requires an invitation to attend.
Empowering the Self through Indigenous Frameworks
Nov. 20 & Dec. 4, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Zoom
Register
Attend the workshop, “Empowering the Self through Indigenous Frameworks,” with Ray John (Oneida Nation of the Thames, Ontario, Canada), Indigenous knowledge sharer and educator. Ray John will lead a workshop exploring the SHIELD framework, a holistic approach designed to uplift the self and foster self-awareness. Through guided reflection and activities, participants will learn how to better connect with themselves and others. This workshop is free and open to all!
Presented by the Humanities Research Center. Co-sponsored by the College of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Education, the Global Education Office (GEO), the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC), the Division of Inclusive Excellence, and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA).
J-1 Scholars Reception
Thursday, Nov. 21
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 Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, who will speak about the accomplishments of the scholars and contributions they make to VCU.
This event requires an invitation and RSVP to attend.