International Education Week

International Education Week, celebrated annually during the third week of November, is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education designed to celebrate the power of global learning and promote programs that prepare students for an interconnected world. International Education Week highlights the importance of international education in strengthening diplomacy, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding, and it encourages institutions and communities to expand access to global learning opportunities. 

International Education Week affirms that global learning is not limited to travel; it also includes language study, cultural exchange, international research, virtual collaboration, and community engagement. These experiences help students encounter different perspectives, navigate cultural differences, and develop the skills needed to address global challenges. When individuals engage with the world beyond their own borders, they build empathy, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of how global systems shape everyday life. 

The origins of International Education Week date back to 2000, when federal agencies recognized the need to expand Americans’ global competencies and encourage international partnerships. Since then, International Education Week has grown into a worldwide celebration involving schools, universities, libraries, nonprofits, and community organizations. 

International Education Week also highlights the vital role of international students, who contribute significantly to academic communities across the United States. Their presence enriches classrooms, strengthens research, and fosters cultural exchange. International students bring new perspectives, share traditions, and help build bridges between nations. In turn, American students who study abroad gain firsthand experience with different cultures, languages, and systems. This cultural exchange enables the connection and collaboration across nations at the heart of International Education Week.  

Kansas plays an active role in advancing international education. Universities across the state, including the University of Kansas, host robust international programs that connect students with global opportunities. KU’s Office of International Affairs, Study Abroad & Global Engagement, and Applied English Center support thousands of international and domestic students each year, offering programs that promote cultural exchange, language learning, and international research. The University of Kansas Office of International Affairs annually hosts International Education Week events on the Lawrence campus. These initiatives align closely with the values celebrated during International Education Week.  

International Education Week ultimately honors the students, educators, and communities who engage in global learning and affirms the value of international collaboration. In an era shaped by technological innovation, climate change, migration, and international diplomacy, students benefit from understanding how global systems interact. International Education Week challenges institutions to continue expanding access to global education, ensuring that all students can participate in international learning experiences. 

At the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX (OCRTIX), we believe that when people feel a true sense of belonging, they are better able to reach their full potential and succeed. We are committed to uplifting each Jayhawk by fostering a culture where each person is seen, heard, and valued. Honoring a variety of identities, cultures, and observances allows us to make the University of Kansas a safer and more welcoming space for everyone.