"International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences."
iew.state.gov
International Education Week (IEW) is typically held during the third week in November. Rice University has participated for many years in IEW as a way to celebrate our international students and scholars who come from all around the globe, and many other globalization initiatives across the university, helping to make Rice an internationally diverse and culturally rich campus. As Rice's IEW celebrations continue to evolve and cross-campus participation continues to increase, OISS strongly encourages departments across campus to find ways to commemorate internationalization efforts in their areas.
Please check back often for changes and updates to our IEW activities taking place in November and click below to see events from previous IEW's!
This year's IEW will take place November 14-18, 2022, but we are starting our events already earlier in the month! Please see below for a full schedule, and make sure to check back often as events will continue to be added.
Throughout International Education Week
- Plant a Tree!
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UPDATE: In celebration of IEW 2022, OISS donated 42 trees through American Forests. The Plant a Tree campaign has now ended for this year, but we are still accepting submissions to our Recommended Reading and Recipe collections.
During this year's International Education Week, for each entry submitted to the virtual IEW events of Photo Competition, Recommended Reading, or International Recipes, OISS will plant a tree via American Forests!
American Forests, one of the oldest conservation organizations in the U.S., works to reverse trends in deforestation. They have been restoring forests for more than 140 years. Today these efforts are more important than ever and OISS is excited to contribute. Please consider submitting an entry to the photo competition, a recommended book or a favorite recipe (you can even do all three!).
By participating in the Photo Competition, Recommended Reading, or International Recipes, you will get to share a piece of your culture and help OISS plant trees!
OISS hosted Plant a Tree campaigns also during IEW 2019, IEW 2020, and IEW 2021. As a result a total of 115 trees have been donated through American Forests in celebration of International Education Week at Rice University.
- International Recipes
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We all know that food brings people together. Therefore, to celebrate International Education, OISS is collecting a list of International Recipes to be shared among the Rice community. To submit your favorite international recipe, please visit http://bit.ly/IEWrecipe. To see the recipes submitted so far, please visit the IEW Recipes webpage.
For each International Recipe submission during IEW 2022, OISS will donate one tree through American Forests! - International Recommended Reading
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To celebrate International Education, OISS is creating a list of International Recommended Reading. These are books that somehow represent what is special and amazing about the culture they are from. To submit a book to be included, please visit http://bit.ly/IEWreading. To see the list of recommended reading, please visit the IEW Recommended Reading webpage.
For each Recommended Reading submission during IEW 2022, OISS will donate one tree through American Forests! - OISS Photo Competition
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We have a winner!
Congratulations to Daniela Najmias Lang, undergraduate student from Costa Rica, who submitted the winning photo!
Visit https://oiss.rice.edu/photo-competition to see all the photos.
Competition information available below.To celebrate this year's International Education Week (IEW), OISS is hosting a mini photo competition open to all members of the Rice international community. The person who submits the winning photo will win lunch for 2 at the Rice Faculty Club. The theme of the photo is open, but possible ideas include Rice spirit, global friendships, internationals making the world a better place through research, etc. The deadline for this competition is 11:59 p.m. CST on Sunday, November 13, 2022. To submit an entry, please visit https://bit.ly/IEWphoto.
Competition Rules
- All aspects of the Rice Honor Code will be enforced
- To participate, you must be a member of the current Rice international population
- Photos submitted must be taken by the person submitting the photo
- No more than 2 photos per person may be submitted
- Photos must be submitted as a JPG or PNG file
- Photos must be submitted by 11:59pm Houston time (CST) on Sunday, November 13, 2022
The international community will be invited to vote on the photos during International Education Week (voting instructions to be posted on Monday, November 14th). The person who submits the winning photo will win lunch for 2 at the Rice Faculty Club.
OISS reserves the right to edit, publish, or otherwise duplicate any photo entered into the competition. All photos will be posted on the OISS website, and the winning photo will be featured in OISS materials (including the OISS newsletter). In addition, each photo submission will count towards our Plant a Tree campaign!
For any questions on this competition, please contact Andy at thm1@rice.edu.
Please also take a look at the Photo Competitions from IEW 2021 & IEW 2020 at https://oiss.rice.edu/past-photo-competition.
To submit an entry to the OISS IEW 2022 Photo Competition, please visit https://bit.ly/IEWphoto!
- Stories from Owls Abroad by Study Abroad Office
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To celebrate International Education Week, the Study Abroad Office will be spotlighting different students’ experiences abroad this semester. Follow @ricestudyabroad and watch as different students takeover the Rice Study Abroad Instagram account and take you around the world! They’ll showcase different aspects of their lives abroad including what they’re studying, how they get around, what they’re eating, where they live, and more. Spend a day in their lives.
Tuesday, 11/15 - Copenhagen, Denmark - DIS Study in Scandinavia
Thursday, 11/17 - Seoul, South Korea - Seoul National University
Note if you miss any, you can also check out our highlights to watch them again or watch any of our previous takeovers!
Check out the Study Abroad Instagram at @ricestudyabroad! - Study Abroad IEW Photo Contest
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To celebrate International Education Week, the Study Abroad Office is hosting a photo contest with winners announced on their Instagram and Facebook accounts. This contest is open to recent and current study abroad students as well as incoming exchange students who are currently at Rice. The Study Abroad Office will announce the winner of a category each day, so there will be 5 announcements lasting the entire week Monday to Friday.
The categories are as follows:
Transportation
People
Academics
Favorite Spot Abroad
Favorite Food Abroad
Check out the Study Abroad Instagram at @ricestudyabroad to see the daily winners!
Saturday, November 5, 2022
- Dependent Event – Explore Old Houston with OISS
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OISS invites all international dependents and their families to join us as we explore old Houston and learn about Houstonians' life and their stories. We will visit the oldest surviving building constructed in Houston, William Marsh Rice's house, a church built in 1891 and the Heritage Society Museum.
This event is available only to members of the Rice international community who are on a dependent visa status (e.g., F-2/J-2/H-4) and their families.
Monday, November 7, 2022
- Global Health Technologies Information and Advising Session – 3:00pm
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Are you...?
- Passionate about working toward health equity for everyone, everywhere?
- Interested in innovating for global impact?
- Interested in international travel?
- Collaborating with experts on real world global health challenges?
If so, Join the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies for an upcoming info sessions where you can learn about how you can become a part of the innovative process. Food will be provided!
Advising Session: November 7, 3:00-5:00pm, BRC 913
Information Session: November 8, 5:30-6:30pm, BRC 913
Advising Session: November 9, 2:30-4:30pm, BRC 915
Register to attend information sessions here. Advising sessions are open to all, with CoffeeHouse and cookies provided.
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
- Global Health Technologies Information and Advising Session – 5:30pm
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Are you...?
- Passionate about working toward health equity for everyone, everywhere?
- Interested in innovating for global impact?
- Interested in international travel?
- Collaborating with experts on real world global health challenges?
If so, Join the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies for an upcoming info sessions where you can learn about how you can become a part of the innovative process. Food will be provided!
Advising Session: November 7, 3:00-5:00pm, BRC 913
Information Session: November 8, 5:30-6:30pm, BRC 913
Advising Session: November 9, 2:30-4:30pm, BRC 915
Register to attend information sessions here. Advising sessions are open to all, with CoffeeHouse and cookies provided.
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
- Global Health Technologies Information and Advising Session – 2:30pm
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Are you...?
- Passionate about working toward health equity for everyone, everywhere?
- Interested in innovating for global impact?
- Interested in international travel?
- Collaborating with experts on real world global health challenges?
If so, Join the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies for an upcoming info sessions where you can learn about how you can become a part of the innovative process. Food will be provided!
Advising Session: November 7, 3:00-5:00pm, BRC 913
Information Session: November 8, 5:30-6:30pm, BRC 913
Advising Session: November 9, 2:30-4:30pm, BRC 915
Register to attend information sessions here. Advising sessions are open to all, with CoffeeHouse and cookies provided. - The State of Asian American Studies in Texas – 6:30pm
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Join RADAAR's panel discussion on Asian American Studies in Texas K-12 and Higher Education.
When: November 9, 2022, 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Kraft Hall, Rm 130
Refreshments from 6:00pm.
Saturday, November 12, 2022
- Mini World Cup Soccer Tournament – 12:00pm
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Let’s celebrate International Education Week (IEW) and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 with OISS Mini World Cup! Play for your favorite team!
The tournament will take place on Saturday, November 12, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Rec Center Field # 3 (next to the Shepherd School of Music). This event is co-sponsored by OISS, the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center, and Samba Houston.All members of the Rice community can sign up online at https://signup.rice.edu/iewsoccer to play for one of our four teams: Africa, Americas, Asia and Europe. You don't have to play for the continent you are from. The sign-up fee of $5 for your team t-shirt can be paid online by credit or debit card. Sign-ups are due Wednesday, November 2nd.
Registration for this event is closed, but everyone is invited to come out and support your team!
Players will be contacted by their team captain with information/confirmation about their team, and the captains will organize the teams and matches. Teams are co-ed, and each team has to have at least one woman playing. Each match will last 35 minutes (15 min. 1st half + 5 min break + 15 min. 2nd half).
Monday, November 14, 2022
- German Table – 12:00pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to learn more about the German language! The German Table will meet at Hanszen College, 12:00 - 1:00pm.
- Cafe Francais – 3:30pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to Cafe Francais, in the Rayzor Hall Lobby, 3:30 - 4:30pm!
- Owls Away: International Opportunities with the CCL, CLIC, and Study Abroad – 5:30pm
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This virtual panel discussion will feature students who have traveled abroad on various programs offered through these offices. Hear about their experiences, career trajectories, and advice for future travelers.
This event is hosted by the Center for Civic Leadership, the Center for Languages and Intercultural Communication, and the Study Abroad Office, and will take place on Monday, November 14th, 5:30 - 6:30pm.
Please RSVP via OwlNest.
- VII Edizione Settimana della Cucina Italian nel Mondo: Italian Cooking Class – 7:30pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to an Italian cooking class in the Martel Kitchen, 7:30pm! Students must sign up on the sign-up sheet in Martel Commons prior to the event.
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
- Presidents' Lunch (by invitation only)
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This lunch is held every year by OISS to celebrate the student leaders that we have across campus in international clubs. This is a great opportunity for us to give thanks for all the hard work that the club presidents do over the year while celebrating the diversity that we have on this campus.
- CLIC Forum on Pedagogy: Guiding students to become independent learners in the language classroom – 11:00am
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Join the Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) for this forum on guiding students to become independent learners in the language classroom. Please email CLIC@rice.edu for the Zoom link.
- Japanese Table – 12:00pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to learn more about the Japanese language! The Japanese Table will meet via Zoom, 12:00 - 12:50pm. Please contact Dr. Hiromi Takayama for the Zoom link.
- OISS/GSA Coffee Break – 3:30pm
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Celebrate with us Rice's diversity and growing international community with coffee (hot & cold), lemonade, and treats from different countries! The event is co-hosted by OISS and GSA (Graduate Student Association). Presidents and leaders of international graduate student clubs will be happy to meet you and introduce you to what they do and their country. Share your culture and learn about others.
This event will take place at the Brochstein Plaza (outside courtyard next to Lovett Hall, in front of Sewall Hall/Welcome Center, not to be confused with Brochstein Pavilion), 3:30 - 5:00pm.
- What's Our Next? Perspectives on Organizing Educational and Humanitarian Support for Ukraine – 5:30pm
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The Fulbright Association-Houston/Southeast Texas Chapter in partnership with Rice University invites you to a special panel discussion, which will include the Consul General of Ukraine in Houston, Mr. Vitalii Tarasiuk, and Rice faculty and staff, Dr. Andriy Nevidomskyy, Kathy Meyer and Anthony Potoczniak.
The protracted war in Ukraine has unleashed a humanitarian crisis on an unprecedented scale displacing millions of people and creating unimaginable hardship for its citizens. Many organizations from around the world have rallied support for its people during this difficult period. However, these current efforts are not without their challenges. The panel discussion on ‘What's Our Next’ brings together Rice staff and faculty, who will discuss their personal experiences collaborating with different communities in Ukraine and supporting their chosen path to remain civilized, resilient, and free.
This event will take place in the Rice University Welcome Center (Sewall Hall), with light hors d'oeuvres and beverages served 5:30 - 6:00pm, prior to the panel discussion 6:00 - 7:00pm. RSVP at https://forms.gle/RhFt4EqiMyp5e4UD9.
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
- Webinar — A Conversation with Maxim Timchenko, CEO of Ukraine’s DTEK – 9:00am
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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Soldiers, government leaders and civilians have all demonstrated remarkable courage and strength as they stand for their homeland. Ukraine’s private sector — and its energy industry, in particular — has played a crucial role in the response to the ongoing crisis by striving to maintain energy supplies for people’s everyday needs.
Join the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies for a conversation with Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company. At this virtual event, Timchenko will discuss DTEK’s multi-faceted support of Ukraine’s people and the company’s efforts to maintain operations during an intensifying war — especially during the last few weeks marked by Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This brings to bear critical concerns regarding the scale of destruction and whether it will be possible to provide adequate energy to light and heat homes in Ukraine this winter. Timchenko will also explore the role that resilient operations play in reducing the humanitarian toll of the ongoing war and in ensuring long-term energy security in Ukraine.
Kenneth B. Medlock III, senior director of the Center for Energy Studies, will provide opening remarks, and Anna Mikulska, fellow in energy studies, will moderate the discussion.
This webinar is free, but registration is required. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the webinar. Click here to register.
If you are unable to attend the webinar, a recording will be available on the Baker Institute website following the event. - Mesa de Português – 12:00pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to learn more about the Portuguese language! The Portuguese Table (Mesa de Português) will meet at Sid Rich Quad, 12:00 - 1:00pm.
- Russian Table – 12:00pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to learn more about the Russian language! The Russian Table will meet at Lovett College, 12:00 - 1:00pm.
- Sobre Mesa (Spanish Table) – 12:00pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to learn more about the Spanish language! The Spanish Table (Sobre Mesa) will meet at Jones College, 12:00 - 1:00pm.
- Study Abroad Pop Up at McMurtry – 12:00pm
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Interested in studying abroad but haven’t been able to attend the Study Abroad events? No worries, we are bringing study abroad to you! As part of their campus-wide initiative, the Study Abroad Office is doing pop ups at each college during the last few months of the semester. Stop by their table during lunch (12pm) in the Commons to play a game and learn about how you can start your study abroad journey!
Pop Up at McMurtry - Wednesday 11/16 at 12pm (during lunch)
Pop Up at Baker - Thursday 11/17 at 12pm (during lunch)
No sign-up required, but you can learn more on OwlNest!
- Pathways for International Student Employment – 12:00pm
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Learn from alumni, staff, and special speakers about navigating career options in the U.S. as an international student! Speakers and panelists will discuss topics such as:
- Avenues toward long-term authorized employment
- Cover letters and resumés
- Job interview and recruitment skills
- Networking and interpersonal communication
- Actionable steps to take to maximize opportunities while maintaining nonimmigrant status
- Career-planning resources at Rice and beyond
Keynote speaker: Prof. Rachel Toor (columnist for the Chronicle of Higher Education)
More information and the full schedule available at https://oiss.rice.edu/iew-pathways.
RSVP on Handshake! https://rice.joinhandshake.com/stu/events/1069143
Keynote speaker presentations will represent the views and experiences of those who speak, not necessarily those of OISS.
- Arabic Table – 12:15pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to learn more about the Arabic language! The Arabic Table will meet at Lovett College Quad, 12:15 - 1:15pm.
- International Research Fellowships – 1:00pm
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Are you interested in funded opportunities to do research abroad? This in-person panel discussion will feature students who have gone through the application process for the following fellowships: Wagoner, Beinecke, Amici, and Fulbright. Hear about their experiences and advice for future applicants. Cookies will be provided.
This event is hosted by the Center for Civic Leadership and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry, and will take place on Wednesday, November 16th, 1:00 - 2:00pm in Miner Lounge, Rice Memorial Center. Please RSVP via OwlNest.
- OISS Cooking Class – 5:00pm
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Come learn how to make Spanish Tortilla de Patas at the OISS Cooking Class with Elena Camacho!
Space is limited, so sign up soon at https://bit.ly/OISS-cooking.
This event will take place in the MultiCultural Center (they are located across the Inner Loop from Herring Hall), 5:00 - 7:00pm.
- Japanese Table – 6:00pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to learn more about the Japanese language! The Japanese Table will meet via Zoom, 6:00 - 6:30pm. Please contact Dr. Mamiko Suzuki (ms230@rice.edu) for the Zoom link.
Thursday, November 17, 2022
- Sobre Mesa (Spanish Table) – 11:30am
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to learn more about the Spanish language! The Spanish Table (Sobre Mesa) will meet at Sid Rich College, 11:30am - 12:30pm.
- Study Abroad Pop Up at Baker – 12:00pm
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Interested in studying abroad but haven’t been able to attend the Study Abroad events? No worries, we are bringing study abroad to you! As part of their campus-wide initiative, the Study Abroad Office is doing pop ups at each college during the last few months of the semester. Stop by their table during lunch (12pm) in the Commons to play a game and learn about how you can start your study abroad journey!
Pop Up at McMurtry - Wednesday 11/16 at 12pm (during lunch)
Pop Up at Baker - Thursday 11/17 at 12pm (during lunch)
No sign-up required, but you can learn more on OwlNest!
- "My World" (virtual) Tour: Paraguay – 4:00pm
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Update: If you missed the wonderful presentation by Rodrigo, Alejandra, Lucas, and Matías, a recording is available to view at https://rice.box.com/s/0xyekglbciijnoq9s2e4wf1drmgzde94
It's official, we're bringing back "My World" tours for another special IEW edition!
During the pandemic, many members of the Rice international community kindly allowed us to join them on a virtual tour of their home countries, cities, or other favorite places. We heard amazing stories and saw so much of the beauty of our world through these presentations and perspectives. Now, in celebration of IEW, we're excited to bring back "My World" tours!
Join us on Thursday, 4:00 - 4:30pm, for a "My World" tour of Paraguay with Rodrigo Galeano (Masters student in Chemical Engineering), Alejandra Lezcano (Masters student in Architecture), Lucas Moreira (Masters student in Electrical and Computer Engineering), and Matías Romero Moriya (Masters student in Data Science).
Join Zoom Meeting: https://riceuniversity.zoom.us/j/96046268213?pwd=K3cyNFFKc28rb3NjOUhncXJvb3QrQT09
Meeting ID: 960 4626 8213 | Passcode: Paraguay
- "What Every International Student Should Know About U.S. Employment" (Dan Beaudry) – 5:00pm
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Are you interested in learning how H-1B sponsorship happens from the inside? Dan Beaudry, the former head of campus recruiting at Monster.com, shares the potent job search system used by many international students to find U.S. employment.
H-1B's are won in ways you likely don't expect. What you'll discover in this presentation may surprise you!
More information and the full schedule available at https://oiss.rice.edu/iew-pathways.
RSVP on Handshake! https://rice.joinhandshake.com/stu/events/1069143
Keynote speaker presentations will represent the views and experiences of those who speak, not necessarily those of OISS.
- Cafecito – 5:00pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to Cafecito, in the 1st floor of Rayzor Hall, 5:00 - 6:00pm!
Friday, November 18, 2022
- Thanksgiving Lunch – 11:45am
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This event is full, we have no more tickets remaining!
Come celebrate a uniquely American holiday by joining the OISS staff for a traditional seated Thanksgiving meal at the Farnsworth Pavilion in the Student Center, 11:45am - 1:00pm!Tickets for a free meal will be given to the first 90 international students and scholars who sign up (2 tickets per person), starting Monday, November 14, at 9:00am.
Menu: Sliced roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner roll, and your choice of pumpkin or pecan pie.
As is our tradition, we also remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves, and we ask that you consider bringing a donation of $1, which will be donated to the Houston Food Bank (this is completely optional).
- Sobre Mesa (Spanish Table) – 12:00pm
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The Center for Languages & Intercultural Communication (CLIC) invites you to learn more about the Spanish language! The Spanish Table (Sobre Mesa) will meet at Weiss College, 12:00 - 1:00pm.
Special thanks to all the IEW pacticipants:
- Liz Brigman in IT for printing the IEW poster
- Danika Brown, Kyle Judah, Caroline Quenemoen & Omar Syed: VIP guests at International Presidents' Lunch
- Vitalii Tarasiuk (Consul General from Ukraine), Andriy Nevidomskyy, Kathy Meyer & Anthony Potoczniak: Panel discussion "What's Our Next?"
- Professor Rachel Toor & Dan Beaudry: Keynote speakers for the Pathways for International Student Employment event
- Elena Camacho for teaching the OISS Cooking Class
- Rodrigo Galeano, Alejandra Lezcano, Lucas Moreira & Matías Romero Moriya: "My World" tour of Paraguay
- Baker Institute for Public Policy
- Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center
- Brasil@Rice Office
- Center for Academic and Professional Communication (CAPC)
- Center for Career Development (CCD)
- Center for Civic Leadership (CCL)
- Center for Energy Studies
- Center for Languages and Intercultural Communication (CLIC)
- Chao Center for Asian Studies
- Fulbright Association-Houston Southeast Chapter
- Graduate Student Association (GSA)
- Jones School of Business Career Development Office (CDO)
- MultiCultural Center
- Office of the Dean of Undergraduates
- Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI)
- Rice Asian Diasporic and Asian American Research Collective (RADAAR)
- Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
- Samba Houston
- Study Abroad Office
International Education Week from Previous Years (click on the year for the calendar of events):
- IEW 2021
- IEW 2020
- IEW 2019
- IEW 2018
- IEW 2017
- IEW 2016
- IEW 2015
- IEW 2014
- IEW 2013
- IEW 2012
- IEW 2011
- IEW 2009
- IEW 2008
- IEW 2007
- IEW 2006
- IEW 2005
Click here for IEW posters from past years.
Please also see https://oiss.rice.edu/essay-competition for the winning essays of the IEW 2019 Essay Competition.