Travel insights from Latin America
Author Simon Willis | Published on September 23, 2025 (updated on September 10, 2026)
International Education Week (IEW) is once again upon us.
During these 5 days (November 16-20), educational institutions from all over the US will showcase the life-changing impact of global education through a variety of unique and fun events on campus.
In this blog, we give you exhilarating ideas to connect your students to new cultures, increase their appetite for study abroad opportunities, and of course, have lots of fun!
Check out Kagumu’s free events for IEW.
1. Create a world food fair
Imagine strolling through a bustling marketplace, your senses ignited by the aromas of international cuisines wafting through the air.
Why not host an “Around-the-World Food Fair” where students sample delectable dishes from different countries?
You could encourage local eateries to participate or challenge international students to showcase their culinary skills. It’s a feast for the taste buds and a delightful way to learn about other cultures. You could invite local restaurants to participate (probably for free, as it’s good marketing for them!)
2. Run a global film festival
Lights, camera, action! Transport your students to far-off lands through the magic of cinema.
Organize a “Global Film Festival” featuring movies from various countries.
Spice things up with post-screening discussions led by international students, offering unique perspectives and insights. Tip: create a list of ready-made reflection questions to get the conversation started. Here are some global hits you could try:
3. Organize a language exchange…with coffee
Get tongues wagging in multiple languages at a “Language Exchange Café.”
Create a relaxed atmosphere where students can practice speaking different languages with native speakers. It’s a wonderful way to build language skills and connect with people from all corners of the world.
Throw in some free drinks like coffee, and you might pique a lot of interest on campus!
4. Showcase international music & dance
Let the rhythms of the world be your guide.
Host an “International Music Showcase” where talented students and musicians from diverse backgrounds come together for a harmonious night of melodies and rhythms.
Transport students to Colombia’s Caribbean coast with a cumbia class or engage participants to explore Argentinian culture through a tango show or Spanish traditions through flamenco.
5. Invite international guest speakers
Invite world-renowned guest speakers or professors with expertise in global affairs to share their insights.
These thought-provoking discussions can ignite meaningful conversations about the world’s most pressing issues. It’s a chance for students to expand their horizons without leaving the campus.
Tip: Look into university alumni who could be persuaded to speak.
6. Offer virtual cultural experiences
Increase students’ appetite for global learning and study abroad while experiencing a new culture. After the COVID pandemic, many new virtual cultural events emerged where students could connect and be transported to a new country.
This year, Kagumu will be running three free virtual events in Latin America. We are opening up spaces for US students to explore Colombia’s Medellín on a cycling tour, learn how to cook typical Ecuadorian food, and visit the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru.
For more information, check out our IEW page here.
7. Put on a global trivia night
Test your students’ knowledge of world trivia in a spirited “Global Trivia Night.”
Create teams representing different countries or mix it up to encourage cross-cultural collaboration. Rather than the traditional question-and-answer format, mix it up with a music round, picture round, or even get your students to create some questions.
8. Organize a study abroad program!
In terms of international education, nothing compares to immersing your students in a new culture or taking them into new environments like an educational program. Check out Kagumu’s range of impactful and sustainability-focused trips around Central and South America by clicking here.
9. Organize a study abroad fair
Last but not least, give students the chance to embark on their own global adventures. Organize a “Study Abroad Fair” where they can explore opportunities to study or intern abroad. It’s a step towards a transformative journey that could change their lives forever.
Happy International Education Week!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Education Week?
International Education Week (IEW) is a celebration of the benefits of international education and cultural exchange. It’s a great opportunity for schools, colleges, and universities to showcase global learning, celebrate different cultures, and inspire students to consider opportunities such as studying, volunteering, or travelling abroad.
How can I celebrate International Education Week on campus?
There are plenty of fun and engaging ways to celebrate IEW on campus. You could organise an international food fair, host a global film night, run a language exchange café, put on an international music and dance showcase, or challenge students with a global trivia night. Even a simple cultural event can get students talking and thinking about the wider world.
How can I get students interested in studying abroad?
The best way is to make international education feel exciting, accessible, and relevant to students. A study abroad fair is a great place to start, giving students the chance to discover different destinations and programs.
You could also invite students who have previously studied abroad to share their experiences, or organise a virtual cultural experience that gives students a taste of what life in another country could be like.
Make sure you push IEW via your social media channels and on your university portal. You can also incentivize students to attend by offering them some cool swag.
Can International Education Week activities be run virtually?
Absolutely! You don’t need to travel halfway around the world to bring international education to your students. Virtual cooking classes, cultural workshops, guest speakers, language exchanges, and online tours can all help students connect with new countries and cultures from campus.
At Kagumu, we also run virtual experiences in Latin America, giving students an opportunity to explore places such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru from wherever they are.
