Travel insights from Latin America
9 Great Ideas for International Education Week
International Education Week is once again upon us.
During these 5 days (November 13-17) educational institutes 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!
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.
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. Why not try:
And, for a left-field shout… Trainspotting (Scotland)
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.
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.
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 Medellin 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. Run a global storytelling evening
Every culture has its stories, legends, and folklore. Host a “Global Storytelling Evening” where students from various backgrounds share tales from their homelands. It’s an enchanting way to appreciate the rich narrative traditions that bind us all.
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!