International Education Week
November 15 - 21, 2026
International Education Week (IEW) was initially launched through a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education and is celebrated annually during the third week of November. This year, from November 15 - 21, 2026, the Purdue community is invited to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide through global innovation, collaborative research, and education by participating in activities and events organized by departments and student organizations across Purdue.
Discover Purdue's Global Impact
Explore how Purdue’s colleges and academic units are advancing global learning, research, and engagement. Visit each college’s news page to see stories of innovation, collaboration, and impact happening locally and globally.
Schedule of Events
Sunday, November 15
Lost in Translation
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 640 Oval Drive - Stanley Coulter Room 239
Join students from the School of Languages and Cultures and the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance for a live, interactive multilingual puppet improvisation experience. Through theater, humor, language, and creative storytelling, participants will explore communication across cultures while helping shape the performance through audience participation.
Hosted by: School of Languages and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts and Rueff School of Design, Art and Performance
Monday, November 16
Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships Study Abroad Fair
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Location: West Lafayette: 420 Central Drive - Dudley Hall Lobby
Details coming soon.
Hosted by: Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships, College of Engineering
Global Bites
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 585 Purdue Mall - Mechanical Engineering Atrium
Stop by the ME Atrium for a free dessert to celebrate different cultures! All are welcome!
Hosted by: School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and the Mechanical Engineering Community Taskforce
Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships Study Abroad Fair
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 501 Northwestern Avenue - Material Sciences and Electrical Engineering Atrium
Details coming soon.
Hosted by: Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships, College of Engineering
Language and Conversation Practice
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 915 5th Street - Asian American and Asian Resource Cultural Center
Practice languages and connect with fellow Boilermakers in a welcoming environment for speakers and learners at a variety of levels. Language offerings include Mandarin, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese, and Korean. The November 16 and 20 sessions will also feature a short film from Asia.
Hosted by: Asian American and Asian Resource Cultural Center
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program with Professor Chris Lukasik
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 340 Centennial Mall Drive - Wilmeth Active Learning Center Room 3138
Faculty and staff are invited to join an information session on the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program on Monday, November 16. Prof. Chris Lukasik, Director of Fulbright Faculty Awards, will lead a presentation on eligibility requirements, application components, evaluation criteria, and winning proposal strategies, with time at the end for your questions.
For more on the Fulbright Faculty award opportunities, please contact Chris Lukasik.
Hosted by: Office of the Provost
Go Global, Get Funded!
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Location: Virtual - Registration Required
Interested in studying, researching, or teaching abroad?
Explore nationally competitive scholarship opportunities, including Fulbright, Gilman, Boren, and the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, with Purdue’s National and International Scholarships Office (NISO).
Learn about eligibility, what makes a competitive applicant, and how NISO can help you succeed. Register to receive the link to join the presentation.
Hosted by: National and International Scholarships Office, John Martinson Honors College
Stories Across Borders
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 1101 3rd Street - Lee-Such Tower 1055, Innovation Forum
Short stories told by students/scholars about their experiences abroad and their takeaways. Casual setting.
Pizza will be served.
Hosted by: John Martinson Honors College
Spanish Language Track Meeting
INVITATION ONLY
College of Pharmacy will be highlighting student international experiences in Colombia through Universidad de Antioquia (UDEA) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE).
Hosted by: College of Pharmacy
Brain, Culture, and the Classical World: Athens Study Abroad Call Out
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 701 3rd Street - Peirce Hall 277
Curious about how culture shapes the brain? Join us to learn about Cultural Neuropsychology Study Abroad, a May 2027 program in Athens, Greece, run with IES Athens. Over about ten days, you'll take classes at the IES center and explore the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the National Archaeological Museum, Epidaurus, and Cape Sounion, plus a Greek cooking class and a farewell dinner in Plaka. Hear from program leaders, ask questions about costs, credits, and application deadlines, and find out whether this experience is right for you. No prior study abroad experience needed.
Hosted by: Department of Psychology, College of Health and Human Sciences
MOSTRA XVII: Brazilian Film - "Trapo"
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 560 Oval Drive - Wetherill Hall Room 104
MOSTRA is the largest Brazilian film festival in the Midwest. Join us for a reception, screening, and Q&A session. This event is free and open to both the Purdue community and general public. This year, Purdue University is screening: "Trapo," a short film directed by Joao Chimendes, and "Herança de Narcisa" (Narcisa's Legacy), a feature length film addressing family trauma.
Synopsis: Haunted by memories of her recently deceased mother, the legendary star Narcisa, Ana wants to sell the house where she spent her childhood and split the money with her younger brother, Diego. But when her mother's spirit begins to make its presence felt in the house, it becomes clear that Narcisa still holds power over her daughter, even in death.
The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with a brief reception, followed by the screening of the short film Trapo, directed by João Chimendes. At 6:30 PM, Dr. Pedro Bassoe will introduce our featured film, A Herança de Narcisa (Narcisa’s Legacy), directed by Clarissa Appelt and Daniel Dias.
Hosted by: Spanish & Portuguese Department, School of Languages and Cultures and School of Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Liberal Arts
Tuesday, November 17
College of Agriculture - Study Abroad Fair
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 615 West State Street - Agricultural Administration Building Room 128
Stop by our Mini Study Abroad Fair to explore featured summer and semester programs and find your perfect international experience!
Hosted by: International Programs in Agriculture, College of Agriculture
Stress Management & Networking Support Group Meeting
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 155 South Grant Street - Young Hall Room 268
This is a follow-up session for those who attended the Stress Management & Networking session hosted on 11/11.
Hosted by: Center for Career Opportunities and Counseling and Psychological Services
Comparative Healthcare in Ireland
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Location: Virtual
Zoom Meeting ID: 947 7859 8313 | Passcode: 968028
Join us for 2.5 unforgettable weeks this June at University College in Dublin (UCD), where you'll take a 3-credit elective course, Health: ASystemsPerspective, taught by a UCD professor. Stay in vibrant Dublin during the week and explore Ireland's stunning countryside on weekends. The course content encourages students to systematically identify the advantages and disadvantages of different systems for health outcomes, quality, efficiency, equity and patient safety. Using Ireland as a real-world case study, students will have an opportunity to engage with key debates about health
service reform in the context of Irish health policy change. Students will gain perspectives on key areas of health systems through a range of speakers from both clinical practice and administrative and organizational bodies.
Hosted by: School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Sciences
Sophomore Summer Study Abroad Panel
5:45 PM - 6:45 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 672 Oval Drive - University Hall Room 129
Your summer after freshman year can be the perfect time to study abroad. Hear directly from Purdue students who studied overseas before beginning their sophomore year and learn how an early study abroad experience can fit into your Purdue journey. Panelists will share their experiences with two summer options: SCLA 102, Transformative Texts in Athens, and ECON 251, Microeconomics in Berlin.
Hosted by: Programs for Study Abroad, Global Programs
Hybrid Information Session "Summer Abroad in Trieste, Italy"
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: Virtual & West Lafayette: 640 Oval Drive - Stanley Coulter 108
Details coming soon.
Hosted by: Italian Department, School of Languages and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts
Spanish Conversation Tables with the Latino Cultural Center
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 426 Waldron Street - Latino Cultural Center (LCC)
¡Hablemos español! Join us at the LCC for weekly Spanish Conversation Tables, a casual and welcoming space to practice your Spanish through conversation with others. Build your confidence, strengthen your speaking and listening skills, and connect with fellow students in a low-pressure environment.
Hosted by: Latino Cultural Center
Chinese Film Appreciation: "Nobody"
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 640 Oval Drive - Stanley Coulter Room 239
Film Synopsis:
A young pig spirit dreams of joining the King’s Cave, but after getting into trouble, he is forced to leave his home. Teaming up with three other unlikely animal spirits, he sets off on a humorous adventure inspired by Journey to the West, where the group encounters absurd challenges and discovers its own path to growth and enlightenment.
Movie will be shown in Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles.
Hosted by: School of Languages and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts and Undergraduate Residences
International Craft in Indianapolis: Luggage Tags
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Location: Indianapolis: 820 West North Street - North Hall Room 1105
Get ready for your next adventure by creating a personalized luggage tag! Decorate your tag with colorful paper and stickers to create a one-of-a-kind design that will help your luggage stand out. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own photos or other small paper items to make it uniquely yours.
Hosted by: Global Programs
Wednesday, November 18
Desserts & Destinations: The Sweet Side of Study Abroad
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 420 Central Drive - Dudley Lobby
Enjoy free desserts and learn about exciting short-term study abroad opportunities! Stop by Dudley Lobby on Wednesday, November 18, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to explore programs, ask questions, and discover how you can add a global experience to your Purdue journey. Open to all undergraduate students. Come for the sweets and leave inspired for your next adventure!
Hosted by: Daniels School of Business
International Development Career Speaker Series
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Location: Virtual - Registration Required
Peace Corps service and similar international development work opportunities are highly selective and professional roles. Hear directly from three Purdue alumni how they are navigating through and beyond the Peace Corps Volunteer experience in Benin, Fiji, and Tanzania.
Hosted by: Purdue University's Peace Corps Prep Program and National and International Scholarships Office, John Martinson Honors College
VetMed Global Engagement Fair
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 625 Harrison Street - Lynn Hall Library
The Global Engagement Fair showcases the international programs and global engagement opportunities offered through Purdue Veterinary Medicine. The event welcomes anyone interested in learning more about our global veterinary medicine initiatives and exploring opportunities for international engagement. The fair provides an informal, engaging environment for attendees to learn about these programs and connect with others!
Hosted by: Global Engagement Office, College of Veterinary Medicine
Study Abroad 101, Indianapolis Campus
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Location: Indianapolis: 799 West Michigan Street - Engineering and Technology Room 010
Study Abroad 101 is an introductory overview on the process of studying abroad and how to get started exploring programs. The session covers topics such as: how to navigate the program search; academic approvals; what to keep in mind when searching for a program; who can assist in the process; and more.
Hosted by: Programs for Study Abroad, Global Programs
Overview of the Faculty-led Study Abroad Program Development Process
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Location: Virtual - Registration Required
Designed for faculty and staff interested in understanding what goes into creating a faculty-led study abroad program, this session outlines the essential phases of program development, from initial concept to proposal submission. Topics include timelines, proposal requirements, and campus resources that support program leaders throughout the process.
Hosted by: Programs for Study Abroad, Global Programs
Food Around the World: Learn, Explore, Create
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 640 Oval Drive - Stanley Coulter Room 220
Join the School of Languages and Cultures for a global flavor adventure filled with fun, learning, and connection! Discover the incredible diversity of world cuisines through interactive games, food trivia, and lively conversations with fellow food enthusiasts.
Hosted by: School of Languages and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts
Study Abroad in Taiwan in July 2027
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Location: Virtual - Registration Required
Join us from July 1 to 21 for unforgettable weeks in Taipei and Tainan to learn healthcare in Taiwan! Come with questions or visit here to apply. Cannot make the session? Contact Marian Liu at marianliu@purdue.edu to schedule a chat.
Hosted by: School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Sciences
Indianapolis Friendsgiving
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Location: Indianapolis: 799 West Michigan Street - Engineering & Technology Building Room 002
Join Purdue's Office of Student and Community Engagement, the National Society for Black Engineers, and the African Students' Association for Friendsgiving! Enjoy a delicious meal catered by Kountry Kitchen, fun games, and great company as we celebrate gratitude and community.
Make sure to RSVP and secure your spot!
Hosted by: Office of Student and Community Engagement, The National Society for Black Engineers, and The African Student Association
Community, Cultura, and Games
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 426 Waldron Street - Latino Cultural Center
Details coming soon.
Hosted by: Undergraduate Residences and Latino Cultural Center
Study Abroad Internship Programs: Getting Started
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: Virtual - Registration Required
Interested in gaining professional experience while exploring a new part of the world? This session introduces students to international internship opportunities on study abroad programs and the benefits of working abroad. Learn how an international internship can help you develop professional skills, gain a global perspective, and build experience for your future career. We'll cover program options, how to get started, and what to consider when applying for a study abroad program. Representatives from the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) will also highlight their Summer Global Internship programs and share examples of student internship experiences abroad.
Hosted by: Programs for Study Abroad, Global Programs
Italian Movie Night "Buen Camino"
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 340 Centennial Mall Drive - Wilmeth Active Learning Center Room B066
Buen Camino is a 2025 blockbuster Italian comedy about a shallow, wealthy father trying to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter who ran off to walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in France and Spain.
Hosted by: School of Languages and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts and the Italian Club
Daniels School of Business Student Panel Discussion
6:15 PM - 7:15 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 403 Mitch Daniels Boulevard - Krannert Room G004
Details coming soon.
Hosted by: Daniels School of Business
Brazilian Culture Night
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 1101 3rd Street - Honors College Residences South Tower Room 1076, STEAM Lab
Explore Brazilian culture with a variety of interactive opportunities. There will be a Brazilian style hot-dog bar, snacks, drinks, palm frond weaving, Brazilian music and more.
Hosted by: John Martinson Honors College
Thursday, November 19
A Supposedly Educational Thing: How I Accidentally Fell in Love with International Education
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 170 South University Street - Whistler Hall of Agricultural Research Room 116
Discover what it takes to lead students overseas! Todd will share key insights on building itineraries, managing logistics, and mentoring students abroad.
International snacks & coffee provided.
Hosted by: College of Agriculture
Ecotourism Study Abroad in Costa Rica Information Session
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 900 Mitch Daniels Boulevard - Marriott Hall Room 237
Travel with Purpose: Responsible Tourism in Costa Rica
Join us to learn more about an exciting study abroad experience in Costa Rica, one of the world’s leading destinations for ecotourism and sustainable travel. Through this course and international experience, students will explore how tourism can support communities, protect natural environments, celebrate local cultures, and create meaningful experiences for both travelers and residents. Students will examine responsible travel in action while experiencing Costa Rica firsthand.
Hosted by: School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, College of Health and Human Sciences
Etiquette Dinner & Networking Hours for International Students
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | INVITATION ONLY
The Center for Career Opportunities is hosting a special event "Networking Hour and Etiquette Dinner with International Students." This will be an educational, sit-down dinner at tables with international students, alumni, and employers. This will be an excellent occasion for students to learn about dining etiquette for future job interviews as well as to practice new skills while networking with real employers from a variety of industries!
Hosted by: Center for Career Opportunities
College of Science Undergraduate Research Poster Session
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 475 Stadium Mall Drive - Hall of Data Science and AI Lobby
Ready to learn more about undergraduate research opportunities? Learn about current research projects and opportunities in undergraduate research. Use this time to connect with students, faculty, and mentors involved with undergraduate research. RSVP is required to attend.
Hosted by: College of Science
Make your own Zellij Tile Workshop
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 640 Oval Drive - Stanley Coulter Room 220
Zellij is a traditional Moroccan art form that dates back to the Moorish period, and the word zellij refers to decorative tilework. This art form has a rich history, and its influence can be seen in Spanish and Latin American tilework as well. The word Zellij translates to tile in Moroccan Arabic.
Join us to discover the beautiful Moorish art of Moroccan tiles zellij! Learn about its history, craftsmanship, and diverse geometric designs, then try your hand at creating your own design in this fun, hands-on workshop.
Hosted by: Arabic Department, School of Languages and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts
Department of Nutrition Science - France Study Abroad
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 700 Mitch Daniels Boulevard - Stone Hall Room 232
This Nutrition-week program provides you with the opportunity to earn academic credit while exploring the rich culinary, cultural, and health characteristics of France. Scientists have studied the French Paradox, which is the observation that the French consume a diet rich in food yet have lower rates of heart disease compared to Americans. We explore the scientific and social issues surrounding this contradiction while simultaneously being immersed in the culture of French food and eating patterns. You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and people of a French town between cooking lessons from French chefs and daily excursions to local farmers’ markets, a vineyard, an oil press, a chocolate maker, various restaurants, and more.
Hosted by: Department of Nutrition Science, College of Health and Human Sciences
Intercultural Games Night
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 1101 3rd Street - Lee-Such Tower Room 1066
Join us in experiencing meaningful interaction through games from across the world and dancing with cross-campus collaboration of 6 students clubs/organizations. Students, faculty, staff, Greater Lafayette residents, visiting students from Brazil, and more all learn intercultural interactions in a convivial and informal setting.
Snacks will be served.
Hosted by: John Martinson Honors College, Iranian Cultural Club, Purdue Language and Culture Exchange (PLaCE), Music Gaming Club, Campus Connection Club, Board Games Club and Minority Technology Association
Friday, November 20
College of Education Power Friday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Location: Virtual & West Lafayette: 100 North University Street - Beering Hall Room 3123
Intercultural learning helps us better understand people whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives differ from our own. We can apply this understanding to research by sharing ideas and exploring different viewpoints, to teaching by helping students see the world in new ways, and to service by building stronger relationships with the communities we serve. By embracing these opportunities, we can work together more effectively and make a greater impact.
Hosted by: College of Education
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program in Indianapolis with Professor Chris Lukasik
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Location: Indianapolis: 799 West Michigan Street - Engineering, Science, and Technology Building II Room 165
Faculty and staff are invited to join an information session on the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program on Friday, November 20. Prof. Chris Lukasik, Director of Fulbright Faculty Awards, will lead a presentation on eligibility requirements, application components, evaluation criteria, and winning proposal strategies, with time at the end for your questions.
For more on the Fulbright Faculty award opportunities, please contact Chris Lukasik.
Hosted by: Office of the Provost
International Craft: Luggage Tags
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 340 Centennial Mall Drive - Wilmeth Active Learning Center Room 1132
Get ready for your next adventure by creating a personalized luggage tag! Decorate your tag with colorful paper and stickers to create a one-of-a-kind design that will help your luggage stand out. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own photos or other small paper items to make it uniquely yours.
Hosted by: Global Programs and Polytechnic Institute
Language and Conversation Practice
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 915 5th Street - Asian American and Asian Resource Cultural Center
Practice languages and connect with fellow Boilermakers in a welcoming environment for speakers and learners at a variety of levels. Language offerings include Mandarin, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese, and Korean. The November 16 and 20 sessions will also feature a short film from Asia.
Hosted by: Asian American and Asian Resource Cultural Center
Game Night
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 340 Centennial Mall Drive - WALC B091
Celebrate International Education Week with Game Night! Try games from around the world, meet new people, enjoy snacks, and hot chocolate. Have a favorite game from home? Bring it along and teach others how to play!
Hosted by: Global Programs
Purdue Japanese Movie Night: "Let Me Eat Your Pancreas"
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 560 Oval Drive - Wetherill Hall Room 160
Film Synopsis:
This one follows a quiet, keep-to-himself high schooler who accidentally finds a diary belonging to Sakura, one of the most popular girls in his class. He discovers she's secretly living with a terminal pancreatic illness. What starts as an awkward "okay, I guess we're keeping this a secret together" turns into an unexpected, genuinely sweet friendship as the two spend her remaining time doing the things she's always wanted to do. It's funny, it's warm, and it doesn't shy away from the sad parts either. This is one of the most beloved Japanese dramas of the last decade, so come prepared with tissues.
Movie is shown in Japanese with English subtitles.
Hosted by: School of Languages and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts
Saturday, November 21
Cross Cultural Association Food Fest
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Location: West Lafayette: 355 North Martin Jischke Drive - Black & Gold Gyms
Details coming soon.
Hosted by: Cross Cultural Association
Get involved in International Education Week in 2027
Interested in hosting an event, partnering with another Purdue unit, or sharing an idea for International Education Week 2027, November 14-20? Complete our interest form to connect with the IEW planning team.