2026 International Education Week, November 16-20
Events Calendar
Special Events and Programs
Social Media Hashtag
Use #IEW2026UT on your social media posts as you participate in the International Welcome Week events!
Student Cafeteria - Global Dining Experience
The Student Union Cafeteria is going to have one dedicated food station for international cuisines during lunch and dinner hours, throughout the International Education Week. Come and taste the many flavors of the world!
- Monday | Lunch: Mexico | Dinner: Japanese
- Tuesday | Lunch: Nepalese| Dinner: Vietnamese
- Wednesdy | Lunch: Go to I-Village! | Dinner: African
- Thursday | Lunch: Filipino | Dinner: Persian
- Friday | Lunch: Korean | Dinner: Chinese
Starbucks and Frogtown Coffee - International Beverages
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.
Monday, NOVEMBER 16TH
J-1 Visiting Scholar Meet and Greet
We hope that you join us for this opportunity to meet other J-1 Exchange Visitors on campus and ask our team any immigration related questions you may have. Light refreshments will be served.
- Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
- Location: Carlson Library 1005
- Event sign up.
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
Tuesday, NOVEMBER 17TH
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: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
- Location: Carlson Library 1005
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: Carlson Library 1005
- Register Here
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
Wednesday, November 18th
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
thursday, NOVEMBER 19TH
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!
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- Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Location: Carlson Library 1005
- Event sign up.
CASA Hotpot Event
Join the Chinese American Student Association 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!)
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- Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Location: Student Union Ingman Room
FriDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH
H-1B & PR Immigration Updates
Join us for this social session to meet our international faculty and staff members working at UToledo. We will provide immigration updates, explain processes and answer questions you might have.
- Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
- Location: Carlson Library 1005
- Event sign up.
Toledo Football Game
Join the Rockets as they face off against BGSU! This will be the final home contest of 2026 season! The lights will be on, the energy will be high, and the action on the field will be non-stop!
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Glassbowl Stadium
- Purchase Tickets Here
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 on, 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. Explore the unique offerings from these participating cultures and partners.
- Time: Friday, November 20 from 5–10 p.m. and Saturday, November 21 from 2–10 p.m
- 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.