From November 17-21, 2025, the Center for Global Engagement will celebrate International Education Week (IEW), an initiative that promotes programs preparing Americans for a global environment and attracting future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and share experiences. The selected theme for this year is Think Global. Act Local.
Throughout the week, events will showcase global learning, cultural exchange, and the international community on Rocky Top. IEW reflects the university’s commitment to building a globally engaged campus and provides opportunities for students, faculty, and community members to explore global perspectives, opportunities, and career paths.
2025 International Education Week Schedule
🕗 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 📍 HBB 220
From mountains to markets, glaciers to city streets, journey around the world through these 10 incredible photos taken abroad by our Haslam students. Which one deserves the top spot? You decide! The top three photos take home prizes.
Haslam College of Business Study Abroad Info Tabling
🕗 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 📍 HBB Atrium
Catch us between classes! Stop by to learn about study abroad opportunities, upcoming events, and how you can get involved with IPSA. Grab some free swag and ask us anything about international programs!
CGE Tabling for International Education Week
🕗 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 📍 Hodges Library, 2nd Floor
Stop by and learn about everything the Center for Global Engagement has to offer. Discover ways to get globally engaged during IEW without leaving campus.
A Taste of Herbert: International Education Week Kickoff
🕗 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 📍 Brehm Animal Sciences Building Lobby
Join Herbert College as they kick off IEW by celebrating global learning and the contributions of international students and scholars with international snacks in the Brehm Lobby! They’ll also be sharing printed materials highlighting events happening across UT throughout the week. Feel free to drop by the table, grab a treat, and show your support for international education at UT!
International House Photo Contest Awards & Exhibit
🕗 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | 📍 I-House Community Room
Students and staff are invited to attend a reception recognizing winners of the International House Photo Contest on the theme of connection. Refreshments will be provided.
The COIL Café: Brewing Global Connections
🕗 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | 📍 Virtual: Register here
This café-style session invites you to sit in on an engaging dialogue with three of UT’s COIL Champions as they share real stories from their virtual exchange classrooms across the globe. (Virtual: Register here)
Haslam College of Business Study Abroad Info Tabling
🕗 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 📍 HBB 3rd Floor Hallway
Catch us between classes! Stop by to learn about study abroad opportunities, upcoming events, and how you can get involved with IPSA. Grab some free swag and ask us anything about international programs!
Fulbright Scholars Information Session
🕗 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 📍 SU 262C
Join GRIP for a fun and informative luncheon on teaching, conducting research abroad, and bringing international Fulbright Scholars to UT. All faculty, staff, postdocs, and current visiting Fulbright scholars are welcome to join.
UT PDA: International Potluck Session
🕗 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 📍 Zeanah Engineering Complex, Room 423
Join the UT PDA for a celebration of food, culture, and community! Bring a dish that represents your culture or simply something you love to cook, and enjoy connecting with fellow postdocs.
Paint the Rock for International Education Week
🕗 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | 📍 The Rock
Join CGE and the Graduate School to kick off IEW! Celebrate global learning, cultural exchange, and the international community by enjoying international finger foods and snacks while helping create a collaborative painting on the Rock. Brazilian artist and UT MFA student Neto Soul will lead the design!
Haslam College of Business Study Abroad Info Tabling
🕗 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 📍 HBB Atrium
Catch us between classes! Stop by to learn about study abroad opportunities, upcoming events, and how you can get involved with IPSA. Grab some free swag and ask us anything about international programs!
Passport to Possibility: Global Stories from UTK Faculty and Students
🕗 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | 📍 Virtual: Register here
Teaching & Learning Innovation and the CGE are partnering to present a panel discussion featuring faculty and student global learning experiences that will highlight the value of global engagement in higher education. (Virtual: Register here)
🕗 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | 📍 Mary Greer Room at Hodges Library
Join International House for a free hot drink and snack as we learn about the culture, traditions, and food of a featured country, region, or cultural group!
International Business Club: Study Abroad with Virtual Reality
🕗 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 📍 HBB 220
Step into another world—without leaving campus! This immersive virtual reality experience lets you explore landscapes from around the globe and choose from a variety of destinations.
Keynote Presentation with Frank Twum-Barimah
🕗 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | 📍 McClung Museum Auditorium
Alumni Frank Twum-Barimah will deliver a keynote presentation on his experience as an international graduate student at UT, his career leading humanitarian operations in Africa and beyond, and empowering others to build a better, more sustainable world. Light refreshments to follow.
🕗 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | 📍 Virtual: Register Here
This is an introductory seminar on Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding program. This session aims to equip UT staff and researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully locate and access EU funding opportunities. (Virtual: Register Here)
🕗 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 📍 HBB Atrium
Join us as we celebrate 50 students applying for their first U.S. passport – for free! While there, learn more about opportunities for business students to study and intern abroad with the Haslam College of Business.
Academy for Global Engagement (Former Global Catalyst) Faculty Fellow Program Interest Meeting
🕗 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 📍 SU 362A
The Academy for Global Engagement (AGE) will be a year-long faculty development program consisting of 10 sessions over the course of an academic year, designed to further expose faculty to international research funding opportunities and to match them with partners abroad. This information session will further explore all that AGE entails and inspire faculty to expand their international footprint!
Haslam College of Business Study Abroad Global Game Fest
🕗 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 📍 HBB 220
Celebrate International Education Week with an exciting mix of food, fun, and prizes! Enjoy a variety of international treats, then put your geography skills to the test in our Flag Quiz Challenge. Study up on the featured countries at our Flag Study Board, team up with friends for the Geo-Guesser Quiz, and see who rules the world map!
International Week Panel – UTCSW Students Only
🕗 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 📍 Virtual
Hear from UTCSW faculty, staff, students, and representatives who have participated in Study Abroad programs as they share insights and reflections to inspire you to explore global opportunities. Includes an open Q&A session. In collaboration with the Center for Global Engagement. Note: this event is only for UTCSW students.
🕗 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 📍 SU Ballroom
Join CGE and the Division of Access and Engagement’s Office of Strategic Initiatives for a showcase highlighting students from across campus as they share how their international experiences have shaped their academic and personal journeys. RSVP here.
Vol Dining: The World on a Plate
🕗 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | 📍 Rocky Top Dining Hall
Take your taste buds on a global tour right here on campus! Each station features street food favorites from around the world, no passport required
🕗 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 📍 HBB Atrium
Join us as we celebrate 50 students applying for their first U.S. passport – for free! While there, learn more about opportunities for business students to study and intern abroad with the Haslam College of Business.
Global Gathering of Gratitude with GSS
🕗 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | 📍 Mary Greer Room at Hodges Library
Join fellow Vols for an evening filled with cozy vibes and spirited activities. Whether you come to connect, to learn, or simply to celebrate the season, this event is the perfect way to honor both the Volunteer spirit and the global community we are proud to call home.