International Education Week 2024

A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week (IEW) is an annual celebration of the benefits of international education and worldwide exchange. IEW serves as an opportunity to come together and recognize the contributions of international students, faculty, and scholars and promote cross cultural engagement at SMU.

Join the International Student & Scholar Services office (ISSS) at SMU as we, along with partners across campus, host a series of events recognizing and celebrating International Education Week (IEW). We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to take part, learn, and connect! 

 

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Weekly Calendar

International Coffee Hour 

11: 00 am - 1:00 pm

HTSC Lobby 

 

Join us for International Coffee Hour! Enjoy traditional sweets and a selection of coffee and tea from China, Korea, India, and Mexico—the top four countries represented by international students at SMU. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect with fellow students, and experience flavors from around the world!

 

No registration required.

 

Hosted by the SMU International Student & Scholar Services office

 

 

International Parade

Participant check-in at 10:30am, parade at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Starts at the Laura Lee Blanton building 

Come celebrate our community's global diversity at SMU's International Parade! Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to represent their countries by proudly parading with their national flags. This is your chance to be part of a beautiful, vibrant display of cultures and to share your pride with the campus community.

Register here 

For those who register after the November 8th deadline, we cannot guarantee we will have your flag available. However, we still encourage you to join and parade with us!

Hosted by the SMU International Student & Scholar Services Office

 

 

Networking 101

4:00 - 5:00 pm

Blanton 110

Are you an international student looking to expand your professional network? Join us for an interactive Networking 101 workshop, tailored to help you navigate networking in a new cultural context. This workshop, led by career professionals from the Hegi Family Career Center, will cover essential skills and strategies to kickstart your networking journey and build valuable connections.

 In this workshop, you’ll learn:

  • Skills for effective networking

  • Strategies to initiate meaningful conversations

  • How to identify opportunities for connections

  • Ways to build a strong professional network

Register here

Don't miss this chance to gain confidence in networking and take your professional journey to the next level!

Hosted by Hegi Family Career Development Center and the International Student & Scholar Services office

International Mix & Mingle

5:00 - 7:00 pm

James M. Collins Executive Education Center, Hillcrest Commons

Discover new connections and opportunities at SMU's International Mix and Mingle! This networking event is tailored for international students to engage with alumni currently on OPT or H1B visas, gain valuable mentorship, and explore potential career paths. Don't miss this chance to expand your network and learn from those who have successfully navigated their careers in the U.S.

 

This event is a collaborative effort with the Hegi Family Career Development Center, Cox Career Management Center, Lyle Career Development Center, Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, and International Student & Scholar Services.

Diplomatic Soirée at SMU

By invitation only

The International Students & Scholar Services office will host General Consuls from the Dallas-Fort Worth Area in an evening of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and community at SMU. This event will bring together consulate officers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and SMU students from your respective countries, fostering meaningful connections with our vibrant international student community.

Hosted by the SMU International Student & Scholar Services office

 

 

Around the World

5:00 - 7:00 pm

HTSC Ballroom

Celebrate culture and diversity at SMU with an evening of traditional food, cultural performances, and more! Experience unique flavors, sights, and sounds from around the globe with SMU’s international community. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration!

No registration required.

Hosted by the SMU International Student & Scholar Services office with support from Aramark

 

Fashion Show at Around the World

Join the International Fashion Show! Showcase your culture and style by modeling in traditional attire at the Around The World event! This is a unique opportunity to celebrate your heritage on stage, connect with fellow students, and have fun representing your country’s fashion. Register to participate here, and don’t miss the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card for Best Dressed!


Mandatory Fashion Show Rehearsal Date: Thursday, November 14th, 2024

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Laura Lee Blanton Room 110

 

Register here

Climbing the World

4:00 - 6:00 pm

Dedman Recreation Center

Join us for an exciting rock-climbing event where you can represent your country and connect with SMU’s international community! Wear a T-shirt that represents your country and enjoy a fun, welcoming atmosphere—no climbing experience is needed.

Register here

Hosted by Dedman Recreation Center

 

SMU International Cuisine 

Call for Recipes!

Do you miss your family’s home-cooked meals? Here’s a chance to bring a taste of home to SMU! Share your cherished family recipe, and it could be featured in the SMU Dining Halls during International Education Week, November 18th-22nd. We’ll be selecting 5 traditional family recipes to showcase, celebrating flavors from around the world. Plus, dessert recipes submitted will be served at the “Around The World” event on Thursday, November 21st, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Submit your recipe and let’s bring your culture to campus for everyone to enjoy!

Deadline to Submit Recipes: Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Submit a recipe here

Hosted by SMU Dining/Aramark 

 

Spotlight on International Student-Athletes

Cheer on and spotlight our international student-athletes are their games and during the week! 

Hosted by SMU Athletics 

World Changers Luncheon

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Tuesday, December 3rd

HTSC Ballroom

Experience a unique Cultural Exchange Lunch at the World Changer Luncheon, bringing together international students, faculty, and staff for a meaningful dialogue on cultural exchange and international education. The program features an engaging session by International Leaders on “How to Pronounce Foreign Names” and interactive table activities to encourage conversation. Celebrate diversity and connect with the SMU community over a shared meal.


Event Program:

  • 11:30 AM: Check-in begins

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch and “How to Pronounce Foreign Names” by International Leaders

  • 12:30 PM: Table Activity & Discussions

Register here

Hosted by SMU International Student & Scholar Services office