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International Education Week

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is proud to announce an exciting lineup of events for this year’s International Education Week (IEW), taking place from November 18–22, 2024.

Themed “The Future We Are Shaping: Democracy, Diplomacy and Fulbright Global Engagement,” IEW will showcase the power of global learning, cross-cultural understanding and international partnerships.

Highlighting the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering a globally engaged community, IEW will offer students, faculty and community members unique opportunities to explore international perspectives and career paths.

Engaging Students in Global Learning

IEW offers UT students and the Knoxville community valuable experiences to develop the skills needed in today’s interconnected world, such as intercultural competency, leadership and adaptability. The events provide insights into international careers and emphasize the Fulbright program’s role in supporting global educational exchanges.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

With democracy, diplomacy and global engagement at its core, IEW 2024 embodies UT’s commitment to shaping a globally engaged campus. All events are open to the public, and we encourage everyone to join us in celebrating the values and opportunities of international education.

IEW Calendar

Tuesday, November 12 (pre-IEW)
  • GRIP Open House
    • 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Student Union 262A

    • Join the Global Research, Innovation, and Partnership Office at UT’s Center for Global Engagement for an opportunity to meet our team, learn more about our services, and share your ideas and interests in global collaboration. Lunch is provided.

Monday, November 18
  • International Business Club “Study Abroad with Virtual Reality”
    • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | HBB 220
    • VR headsets available with a playlist of immersive videos to “walk” around major cities corresponding with Haslam programs, plus a table of general program information and IBC representatives.
  • Center for Global Engagement Pizza Party
    • 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | International House
    • Join us for a warm, welcoming kickoff to IEW at the International House with pizza, music and conversations celebrating UT’s international students and scholars.
  • Julie Taylor Fulbright Scholar Presentation
    • 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Student Union 262C
    • Hear from Julie Taylor, IIE’s Director of Academic Relations, Fulbright, as she shares with students, faculty and alumni about the Fulbright international academic exchange program.
  • International Faculty Experiences in Academia: Voices and Insights
    • 2-3:30 p.m. | Virtual – Hosted by Teaching and Learning Innovation
    • Hosted by UT’s Teaching and Learning Innovation, this virtual panel brings together international faculty members who will discuss their experiences in academia.
    • Register here
  • Russell Kaschula, Forensic Linguist Lecture
    • 4-5 p.m. | UT College of Law Room 132
    • Join us for an intriguing session with forensic linguist Russell Kaschula on “The Quest for Equality and Justice in South Africa.”
  • Julie Taylor Fulbright Student Presentation
    • 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Ayres 405
    • Learn more about Fulbright opportunities and connect with past, present and future recipients.
  • Fulbright Alumni Reception Meet & Greet
    • 5:30-6 p.m. | Ayes 405
    • Hear from Julie Taylor, IIE’s Director of Academic Relations, Fulbright, as she shares with students, faculty and alumni about the Fulbright international academic exchange program.
  • Arabic Friendsgiving
    • 5:30 p.m. | Student Union 272 B
    • The UT Middle East Studies program and Arab American Club of Knoxville will co-host Arabic Friendsgiving, a potluck-style dinner to celebrate Arabic cuisine, culture, and cinema. UT students, faculty, staff, and AACK members are invited to join us Monday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the UT Student Union, room 272B. Please bring a side dish to share.
    • $100 prize for best student Middle Eastern side dish and traditional dress competition.
    • The film Peace by Chocolate will also be screened.
Wednesday, November 20
  • VolsAbroad Drop-In Advising
    • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Scripps Lab Conference Room, Com 402D
  • International Coffeehouse featuring the English Language Institute
    • 1-3 p.m. | Hodges Library Room 258 (Mary Greer Room)
    • Join International House for a free hot drink and snack, and the chance to learn more about UT’s English Language Institute and its students.
  • Webinar: How to COIL – A Quick Guide to Collaborative Online International Learning
    • 2-2:30 p.m. | Virtual
    • Looking to bring a global perspective to your courses? Join us for a fast-paced, informative “How to COIL” session as part of International Education Week! Discover how Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) can enrich your students’ intercultural skills, broaden perspectives and foster global connections—all through simple, engaging online collaboration. This quick intro will walk you through COIL basics and outline next steps for building your own project. Stick around to learn how you can schedule one-on-one coaching for personalized support.
    • Register here.
Thursday, November 21
  • Robert Schiffer Keynote Address
    • 3-5 p.m. | Toyota Auditorium
    • A keynote address by Robert Schiffer, UT alumnus and advisor to Fulbright University Vietnam, will center on the role of democracy and diplomacy in shaping our global future.
    • Reception to follow on Rotunda

For those interested in meeting with Julie Taylor or Robert Schiffer, or participating in other events, please reach out to Danielle Walters at dwalter4@utk.edu.