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.
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.
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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
Effective Intercultural Communication for Graduate Students
Monday, Nov. 17
12 - 1 p.m.
Zoom
Register
This webinar provides graduate students with essential skills for navigating our globalized academic and professional world. Attendees will learn to identify common barriers in cross-cultural interactions, such as differing communication styles and assumptions. Participants will gain practical strategies to improve understanding, reduce conflict, and build stronger, more collaborative relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Sponsored by:
The Graduate School's Office of Professional Development
Contact:
Hali Massey
dayberryhj@vcu.edu
Study abroad in Chile Information Session
Monday, Nov. 17
12 - 12:45 p.m.
5116 Harris, Broad Street Room
Interested in studying abroad? Come study art and politics in Chile over spring break!
The Global Education Office and the Department of Focused Inquiry in the College of Humanities and Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to offer a unique opportunity to study on site in Santiago and Valparaiso, Chile, over spring break! Santiago is a vibrant and fascinating city--the hub for Chile's historical, political, and cultural life and one of South America's major economic centers. Students will explore the relationship between art, politics, and social change in Chile through visits to contemporary art spaces, cultural centers, and museums and meetings with community groups. This trip is led by Dr. Hilary Levinson, Associate Professor, Department of Focused Inquiry. This program has been generously funded by the L&L Friendship Fund, and students will receive a $2,000 reduction in the actual program fee of $4,100. It is capped at ten students, on a first-come, first-served basis and as determined by level of interest.
Attend this information session to learn more!
Contact:
Hilary Levinson
hlevinson@vcu.edu
Fashion in France Summer Program - Virtual Office Hours/Info Session
Monday, Nov. 17
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Zoom
Join this virtual office hours to learn about how you can travel to Provence, France with the VCU Fashion Department's Mediterranean Textiles program. Earn three credits while immersed within French culture and participating in hands-on textile work such as indigo dyeing and block printing! Explore the French fashion industry and complete a final project aligned with your major. This session will cover course content, expectations, cost, application process and more. The program is open to all VCU majors but seats are limited!
Contact:
Renee Lamb
rslamb@vcu.edu
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
VCU Globe Speaker Series
Lorato Koosaletse, VCU Humphrey Fellow, Botswana
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
VCU Commons, Virginia Rooms C-D
Register
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.
VCU Humphrey Fellow Lorato Koosaletse will share her journey and insights in a lecture to students, followed by an open Q&A where students, faculty, staff and alumni can engage with her. Lorato will inspire the audience with authentic stories, practical lessons, and spark meaningful dialogue across disciplines.
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
VCU ISI: CEPA Strasbourg 2026 Info Session
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
8 - 8:45 p.m.
Zoom
Sponsored by VCU Interdisciplinary Studies, University College
Contact:
Michael Rackett
rackettmr@vcu.edu
School of the Arts Study Abroad Info Session
Tuesday, Nov. 18
10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
VCUarts Pollak Building, 325 N Harrison St., 1st floor lobby
Stop by the VCUarts Pollak Building to learn how you can participate in one of the School of the Arts' study abroad summer programs! Programs range from one-credit to six-credits and span the globe. Topics include cinema, fashion, theater, comm arts, graphic design, plus more! Most programs are open to VCU students of all majors with no prerequisite requirements.
Contact:
Renee Lamb
rslamb@vcu.edu
School of the Arts Study Abroad Info Session
Tuesday, Nov. 18
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Pollak Building, 325 N Harrison St, 4th Floor, Room 419
Stop by the VCUarts Pollak Building (Rm 419) for this interactive info session to learn how you can participate in one of the School of the Arts' study abroad summer programs! Programs range from one-credit to six-credits and span the globe. Fashion and Comm Arts programs will be included in the session! Most programs are open to VCU students of all majors with no prerequisite requirements.
Contact:
Renee Lamb
rslamb@vcu.edu
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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.
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Global Starts: Creating Meaningful Study Abroad for Pre-Freshmen and New Students
Honors Pre-freshman Program Brown Bag Session for VCU Faculty
Carrie Connolly, VCU Honors
Wednesday, Nov. 19
12 - 1 p.m.
Cabell Multi-purpose Room 250
Have you ever thought about leading a study abroad program for first-year students before they come to campus in the fall? Join us to learn more about pre-freshman and first-year study abroad programming. Representatives from GEO will discuss the benefits of these types of programs as well as how their office can support you in beginning your planning for a pre-freshman program and what you may want to consider now as you get started. In addition, The Honors College will share information on their pre-freshman study abroad program, which has been held the last two summers in collaboration with Sant'Anna Institute.
Carrie Connolly, associate dean of the Honors College, will review not only the logistical considerations when working with first-year programs but also the long-lasting positive impact they can have on their VCU journey.
Phi Beta Delta Induction
Wednesday, Nov. 19
3 p.m.
912 W. Grace St., 3rd Floor
New members of the Phi Beta Delta international honor society will be inducted into the orgranization, welcomed and recognized by the officers and members.
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 interim 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.
International Joint Research Symposium
Wednesday, November 19
7 - 9:30 p.m. EST
Register for Session 1
Thursday, November 20
8 - 10:30 a.m. EST
Register for Session 2
Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Education and Shanghai Normal University’s School of Education invite educators and researchers from around the world to join us for the 3rd Annual 2025 Joint Research Symposium.
This year’s theme, Innovation in Education: Preparing Educators for the Future in Global Contexts, will bring together scholars, practitioners, and students to exchange ideas, share emerging research, and explore innovative practices shaping the future of education. The event is free; registration is required.
"The Last Halaqui" Film Screening
Wednesday, Nov. 21
10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Student Commons, Richmond Salons
Sponsored by the School of the Arts, Cinema
Screening of short film that was shot as part of the CINE 491 Study Abroad Program in summer 2025.
Contact: Yossera Bouchtia
ybouchtia@vcu.edu