International Education Week (IEW) was held from Nov. 15-22 this year, with departments from all across the University of Nebraska - Lincoln campus hosting events that helped to celebrate international education, as well as highlight different cultures, perspectives and ideas.
Global Affairs’ website characterized IEW as “An opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, it showcases programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States. The annual event also highlights international diversity and promotes the opportunity to experience new cultures…”
With a plethora of events being thrown throughout the week, ISSO hosted Global Hot Drinks, along with the International Scholar Reception.
Global Hot Drinks, a yearly event that ISSO puts on — serves hot drinks from all over the world for students and faculty to try while they mingle with one another, eat pastries, and get the chance to ask ISSO specialists questions they might have.
Hot drinks included: Indian masala chai, Vietnamese coffee, hot toddies, matcha (made right in place), Moroccan mint tea, and seasonal favorites — Mexican hot chocolate and apple cider.
Ashna, who attended Global Hot Drinks, said it was her first time attending and shared her favorite drinks.
“I really enjoyed the hot chocolate and the hot toddy, they were absolutely amazing!” she said. “The Son papdi in the snacks was a delightful surprise and reminded me of India.”
Mau Shariff also talked about what they enjoyed the most from the event.
“The people and the drinks, especially the matcha,” they shared.
Along with Global Hot Drinks, ISSO also hosted the International Scholar Reception, where each scholar shared the research they were working on, as well as getting to connect with other scholars while eating delicious food. Remarks were made by Assist. Vice Chancellor, Maegan Stevens-Liska and ISSO’s Assoc. Director, Natalia Meyer.
Programs in English as a Second Language (PIESL), participated in IEW by having students give presentations about their home countries — including visuals such as currency, food, weather, religion and popular phrases and sayings, to name a few. Once people finished listening to a presentation, they would get their “passport” stamped by the presenter and would go on to the next one. It was a great way for people to get to know a wide variety of countries from those who are from there, along with the PIESL students to get to share their knowledge of their country and connect with those who listened to their presentations.
If you attended International Education Week, let ISSO know what events you attended, and suggest some good ideas for IEW 2025.