Cornucopia of celebrations coming to campus for International Education Week

Rice is once again recognizing International Education Week (IEW) with a lineup of cultural celebrations featuring everything from a miniature World Cup soccer tournament to traditional Thanksgiving festivities.

IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and Department of Education to highlight how international exchange benefits the U.S. and countries around the globe. Worldwide activities are scheduled for Nov. 12-16.

At Rice, the activities kick off sooner, starting Nov. 9 with an IEW Storytelling Exchange hosted by Fondren Library and a specialized training program focusing on immigration regulations and F-1 student visas. The training session will be hosted by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) in conjunction with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for K-12 schools.

The International Night Fall, the centerpiece celebration of the week, will allow students to enjoy global culture, cuisine and entertainment. Over a dozen on-campus cultural organizations will set up booths featuring representations of their cultures ranging from traditional games to delicious food. The annual International Night Fall will be held Nov. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Grand Hall at the Rice Memorial Center.

Students interested in studying abroad are invited to “Lunch with Study Abroad Alumni” Nov. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Duncan College and Lovett College commons. People who want to take a deeper dive into international cultures can attend the “Café e Bate Papo” workshop co-hosted by Brasil@Rice and the Center for Languages and Intercultural Communication Nov. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Lovett magister’s house, where they’ll learn how to make Brazilian pão de queijo (cheese bread) and enjoy strong South American coffee.

Rice is home away from home for its international students. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow)

Faculty interested in international opportunities are encouraged to attend a roundtable discussion Nov. 12 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. in the Lovett Hall conference room. Moderated by Vice President for Global and Digital Strategy Caroline Levander, the panel discussion will highlight mobility grants, international academic collaboration and faculty travel grant opportunities.

The most beloved IEW event is also returning again this year: the Mini World Cup Soccer Tournament co-sponsored by the OISS, the Graduate Student Association and the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center. Teams of students and Rice community members representing Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe compete for the trophy and everyone is encouraged to cheer them on at Rec Center outdoor field 3 starting at noon on Nov. 10.

A traditional, seated Thanksgiving feast will even be served Nov. 15 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Farnsworth Pavilion. Tickets for the free meal hosted by the OISS will be given to the first 100 international students and scholars who sign up starting Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. (with a limit of two tickets per person).

For a complete list of events or more information, contact Rice IEW lead Andy Meretoja at thm1@rice.edu or visit http://oiss.rice.edu/iew often, as events continue to be added.