2025 International Education Week, November 17-21
Events Calendar
Special Events and Programs
Social Media Hashtag
Use #IEW2025UT on your social media posts as you participate in the International Welcome Week events!
Starbucks and Frogtown Coffee - International Beverages
- Brown Sugar Matcha w/ 1 shot affogato (iced or hot) – Korea
- Sunrise Apple - Apple juice and pineapple passionfruit, topped with passion tea creating a layered sunset. – Korea
- Mocha Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with Coffee Cold Foam - Nepal
- Chocolate Cappuccino (Classic cappuccino with Chocolate drizzle on top for a little touch of sweet) – India
- Churro Frappuccino - Creme based Frappuccino made with almond milk, cinnamon dolce and white mocha syrups, topped with vanilla cold foam and cinnamon powder – Latin America
- Honey Peach Earl Grey (hot or iced) - Japan
- Chai Latte with Cinnamon Cold foam – India
- Caramel Pecan Latte – U.S.
- Frozen Strawberry Hot Chocolate – U.S.
Various retail restaurants - International Education Week Special Offering
Check out the other retail restaurants for special offerings during IEW. Stop by and grab a bite!
Thanksgiving Dinner Program
Host an international student for Thanksgiving Dinner. Celebrate this holiday with international friends and make it a special one to remember.
More information visit the Thanksgiving Dinner Website.
November 15
DIYA 2025
Diya is the University of Toledo’s signature Indian cultural showcase—an evening of tradition, artistry, and royal elegance. Hosted by the Indian Students Cultural Organization, the program brings together classical and contemporary performances, vibrant visuals, and community celebration, all set in a regal ambiance inspired by India’s royal courts.
- Time: 6:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
- Location: Student Union Auditorium
- Purchase Tickets Here
The Blade 38th Annual Holiday Parade
The annual Blade Holiday Parade in downtown Toledo. Giant Balloons, local marching bands, horses, floats, and more! Bring the family out and have a wonderful time as we kick off the holidays. Be sure to stay for the full parade as Santa will be making his debut! Join us in downtown Toledo for this free event.
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
- Location: Toledo downtown (N Summit, Jackson and N Huron St.)
- For more information visit the Event Website
November 22
Toledo Football Game
Join the Rockets as they face off against Ball State, this will be the final home contest of 2025 season! The lights will be on, the energy will be high, and the action on the field will be non-stop!
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Glassbowl Stadium
- Purchase Tickets Here
Omani National Day Celebration
Join the Omani student organizaiton to celebrate the 55th Omani National Day! Enjoy learning a bit of Omani culture through food and activity booths.
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Student Union Ingman Room
- Register Here
Monday, NOVEMBER 17TH
Open Doors 2025 Data Release
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education is pleased to release new findings from the Open Doors® Report on International Educational Exchange. Experts presented data on international student enrollments in the United States during the 2024/25 academic year and U.S. students studying abroad during the 2023/24 academic year.
- Time: 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Register on https://opendoorsdata.org
President's Thanksgiving Lunch
COme and join The University of Toledo President for a traditional Thanksgiving lunch! The featured menu is sliced turkey, vegetarian cassoulet, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, seasoned green beans and house salad with ranch and Italian dressings, with pumpkin, apple and cherry pie as dessert. Holiday punch also will be available.
- Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Location: Student Union Auditorium
International Education Expo
Join us for the first annual international education expo and learn about the international education resources available to students, faculty and staff.
- Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Location: Student Union 2nd Floor Trimble Lounge
Virtual Town Hall: Continuing The Tradition of Global Engagement (hosted by AIEA, NAFSA, and The Forum on Education Abroad)
Three leading organizations are coming together to signal the strength, continuity, and shared purpose of international education. AIEA, NAFSA, and The Forum on Education Abroad invite you to a special joint Town Hall celebrating cross-sector partnership, affirming policy priorities, and launching IEW 2025 with collective momentum—especially at a moment when global engagement leadership matters most. Join us as we reaffirm our shared commitment to international education, exchange strategic perspectives, and identify the policy actions and collaborations needed to move the field forward, together.
- Time: 1:00 pm
- Register Here
Imagine Co-existence between Japan and the Rust Belt: Perceptions and Realities
Join us for a lecture on international relations presented by Consul General Kishimori from the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit. Based on the 11-months observation since his arrival to Detroit from San Francisco, CG Kishimori will explore the ways to further facilitate the existing excellent relations between Japan and the Midwest from both perspectives of perceptions and realities.
- Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- Location: Student Union 2582
Tuesday, NOVEMBER 18TH
Tasty Tuesdays Special Event - Favorite Freaky Food
Stop by to learn about the "freaky foods" from around the world! You will get an opportunity to try some of the food onsite.
- Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Location: Student Union 1532 (Office of Student Engagement and Connections)
World Languages and Cultures Department Study Abroad Information Fair
Attend the study abroad information fair organized by the world language and culture department and learn about the many language learning opportunities around the world.
- Time: 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
- Location: Field House 2420
Webinar: Global Connections, Shared Communities: Building Bridges Between Peace Corps and International Education
This 60-minute virtual session will explore the shared mission of Peace Corps and NAFSA in advancing global understanding, service, and educational equity. The conversation will highlight how former volunteers and international educators continue to connect global service with global learning.
- Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Access Event Here
Network Smart: Your Guide to Networking
Ready to sharpen your networking skills? Join us for Network Smart: Your Guide to Networking, where you’ll practice the art of mixing and mingling in a fun and interactive setting. This workshop offers hands-on learning and practical tips to boost your confidence in professional networking. You'll explore key cultural competencies and effective communication strategies, all while enjoying delicious international finger foods. Whether you're preparing for career events or just want to expand your connections, this event is your stepping stone to success!
- Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Location: Student Union Ingman Room
- Register Here
Rhythms of the Middle East
Join us for a captivating evening of live Middle Eastern music, featuring music and songs that have defined generations. From the gentle breeze of “Nassam A’lyna Alhawa” to the irresistible charms of “El Hilwa De”, and from the emotional invitation of “Zuruni” to the passionate crescendo of "Ana Lahabibi" among others songs, our performance will take you on a wide range of emotions. Prepare to mesmerize, to sing along, and to dance the night away to songs and rhythms you will love.
- Time: 7:00 pm
- Location: Memorial Field House 2100
Wednesday, November 19th
ISA I-VILLAGE
Come and join the International Students Association and all the international organizations for this fun event. You will be able to try international food and learn about different cultures.
- Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Location: Student Union Auditorium
Webinar: New Data on U.S. International Enrollment and Economic Impact
Join NAFSA for a 90-minute discussion of what the latest Open Doors and Fall Snapshot survey from IIE and the economic analysis by NAFSA and JB International reveal about international student enrollment in the United States and their vital contributions to U.S. economies. Expert panelists Fanta Aw, Jill Allen Murray, and Rachel Banks of NAFSA; Mirka Mirtel of IIE, and Jason Baumgartner from JB International will share key insights into the data, identify where there is cause for concern, and outline the urgent need for policy solutions to ensure international students continue to choose the United States.
- Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
- Access Event Here
H-1B and Permanent Residency Process for Sponsoring Departments
Please join us for this virtual session if your department is interested in hiring an international employee or you are a stakeholder in the hiring process. We will explain the immigration process and answer questions you might have.
- Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Location: Microsoft Teams. Sponsoring department workshop sign up.
Afro Flava
Join the African People Association and Black Student Union for a night of heat, flavor and culture. Get a plate, catch a vibe and enjoy the moment!
- Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Location: Student Union 3022
thursday, NOVEMBER 20TH
Maintaining H-1B Status & Employer Sponsored Permanent Residency
Please join us for this virtual information session if you are a UToledo employee on H-1B status or in the process of getting Permanent Residency.
- Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Location: Microsoft Teams. H-1B employee workshop sign up.
Holidays Around the World
Celebrate holidays around the world and enjoy FREE food, giveaways, and fun activities brought to you by Presidents Hall and Honors College. Showcase your tradition by wearing traditional clothes!
- Time: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Location: Presidents Hall
- Invonet Event Page
FriDAY, NOVEMBER 21TH
CPT/OPT/H-1B workshop for International Students
From CPT/OPT to H-1B, come and learn all aspects of being ready for a job as an international student. Rocket Career Center will also be on site to review your resumes!
- Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Location: Snyder Memorial 2110
Hotpot Event
Join CASA, ACOE and APAMSA for a free meal of Chinese hotpot and learn about traditional Chinese cuisine! All dietary restrictions will be accommodated for with no beef, no lamb, and vegearian-specific hotphots. (This is a first come first serve till supplies last event!)
- Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Location: Student Union Auditorium T-Section
International Holiday Market
End your IEW celebration in a unique way!
This season, the City of Toledo is bringing something brand new to downtown — a holiday market inspired by the traditional German Christkindlmarkt, celebrating cultures from around the world with local flair. Stroll through twinkling lights, sip warm mulled wine, and discover handmade gifts, international foods, and performances. Each booth and performance tells a story — from art and music to food and tradition.
- Time: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Location: Levis Square Park
- For more information visit the Event Website
International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote 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 University of Toledo and the Center for International Studies and Programs are proud to celebrate International Education Week! UToledo supports the internationalization and exchange efforts on our campus. Students, faculty and staff are all encouraged to participate and recognize this important week of programming in celebration of the global village.”
Background on IEW
International Education Week began in 2000 and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education. This important week is observed all across the United States and in more than 100 countries overseas. IEW is celebrated in November each year during the week before the American holiday of Thanksgiving. IEW is an opportunity for exchange students worldwide to share with their host communities their cultures and highlight the benefits of international educational exchange programs. The worldwide celebration of IEW offers a unique opportunity to reach out to people in every nation, to develop a broader understanding of world cultures and languages, and to reiterate the conviction that enduring friendships and partnerships created through international education and exchange are important for a secure future for all countries. You can make a difference by sharing with others your culture - your history, government, language, food, holidays, school system and traditions.
Learn more about International Education Week at Department of State's website.
Looking for other ways to have an international experience?
Check out the How to have an international experience at UToledo website.