Week of Events Open to Entire Campus Community

Nov. 11, 2022

By Mike Emery, 713-743-7197

 International education has long been an asset to universities and colleges across the nation. It’s particularly rewarding to the students at the University of Houston, who immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of cultures both on campus and abroad.

Through UH’s Institute for Global Engagement, Office of the Learning Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services Office, and many other globally focused offices and resources, students truly gain international insights that contribute to their academic and professional success.

From Nov. 14 through 18, UH will celebrate its role supporting students’ development as global citizens during International Education Week (IEW). A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education, IEW provides UH and universities across the nation an opportunity to showcase programs and initiatives that drive cultural awareness and support global learning opportunities.

“During this week in November, universities turn the spotlight on international education,” said Amb. Michael Pelletier (retd.), founding executive director of UH’s Institute for Global Engagement (based within the Office of the Provost). “With UH’s dynamic campus diversity and our location in this very global city, IEW is an important week to celebrate our global community and the global learning that we share with all our students.”

UH’s IEW activities include a wide range of campus activities aimed at informing students of the benefits of international education, showcasing student organizations and further expanding their knowledge of different cultures.

The event officially kicks off with the Celebration of Cultures at 11:30 a.m., Nov. 14, in Student Center South’s Houston Room. Student organizations and University offices will be on hand to share information. Also featured are interactive booths, cultural performances, free T-shirts, snacks and prizes. Additional highlights include an appearance by Shasta and performance from UH’s very own Mariachi Pumas.

Other highlights of IEW include international cuisine being offered at UH’s dining halls (Moody Towers and Cougar Woods Commons) throughout the week, and interactive event #GlobalCoogsLoveUH Nov. 15 and 16 at Student Center South, in which Cougars can share messages of appreciation for their University and win prizes.  

International Education Week at UH is sponsored by UH Global in the Institute of Global Engagement and the International Student and Scholar Services Office from the Division of Student Affairs.

A full schedule of UH’s IEW events is available below and online.

Nov. 14

IEW Opening Ceremony: Celebration of Cultures, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Center South – Houston Room

SIT: Experiential Learning for Tomorrow’s Leaders, 4 – 5 p.m., MD Anderson Library – Honors Commons

Nov. 15

GCC Info session, 10 a.m., Institute for Global Engagement Conference Room E, Cullen Suite 101

Veterans Event, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Center North Senate Chamber Room

#GlobalCoogsLoveUH, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Center South – Table #4

The Future of the Global Economy, noon – 1 p.m., CBB – 310

Identity Abroad Student Panel, 4  – 6 p.m., Rockwell Pavilion

Nov. 16

Learning Abroad 101, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., E. Cullen Suite 105

#GlobalCoogsLoveUH, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Center South – Table 4

First Gen goes Global – Cookies and Coffee Conversation Hour, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Career Services – Room 156

Involvement Blast, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Student Center Plaza

Around the World: Guess the Flag, noon – 3 p.m., Butler Plaza

Global Engagement and Research Minor Information Session, 4 – 5 p.m., MD Anderson Library; Honors Commons

Nov. 17

Peace Corps UH Alumni Panel, 1 – 2 p.m., Student Center South – Skyline Room

Phi Beta Delta Honor Society International Scholars Reception, 4 – 6 p.m., Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion – MD Anderson Library

Cultural Explosion, 6:30 p.m., Student Center South  – Houston Room

Nov. 18

Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) Current Exhibitions, 1:45 – 2:45 pm, 4807 Caroline Street, Houston, Texas 77004

International Thanksgiving, 6 – 8 p.m., Student Center South, Houston Room