SBU Celebrates International Education Week with Events and Cultural Exchange

Stony Brook University will celebrate International Education Week(IEW), designed to expand global awareness and cultural exchange on campus, November 18-22. Organized by the Office of Global Affairs, this weeklong event brings students, faculty, and staff together through programs, workshops, and creative displays aimed at highlighting the power of international education.

IEW is part of a larger initiative led by the U.S. Departments of State and Education, celebrated in over 100 countries to foster international understanding and promote educational exchange. Launched in 2000, the program honors the value of connecting across borders to create more inclusive and globally minded communities.

“This year, we have a lot of exciting things going on during International Education Week and for our nearly 3,500 international students at Stony Brook,” said Trista Lu, assistant director of International Student Success. “We now have an international student center, which is a new space for our international students to study or get together.”

Located in the Melville Library Room S1450, the center has become a gathering spot for international students, with unique projects like the “Seasons of Stony Brook Tree,” which changes themes each season to showcase cultural stories and perspectives. In October, the tree celebrated “Fear and Courage,” inviting students to share moments of resilience through decorated ornaments.

Highlights of IEW 2024

• How to Engage and Empower Your International Students
  November 15, 12 pm – 1:30 pm, Faculty Commons, Melville Library
  This workshop invites faculty to discuss strategies for better engaging and empowering international students in the classroom. Facilitated by the Office of Global Affairs and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), the session will provide tools for fostering active participation and supporting academic success.
• International Photo Exhibition
  November 19 through November 21, Melville Library South Lobby
  Visitors are invited to view photographs taken by study abroad alumni and international students, showcasing different countries and experiences. Guests may vote for their favorite submissions, creating an interactive journey across continents.
• Passport to the World
  Wednesday, November 20, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm, Melville Library South Lobby
  A celebration of countries and cultures around the world! Hear from international students and learn more about their cultures and customs, and enjoy free international candy and popcorn.
• Summer in Greece Info Session
  Wednesday, November 20, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, E1340 Melville Library or Zoom
  Students interested in studying abroad may attend this info session to learn more about the immersive Summer in Greece program, where they earn credits while exploring Greece’s history.
• A Day in the Life Video Contest
  Deadline: Friday, November 22
  Open to alumni and current students, this contest encourages participants to submit videos capturing a day at SBU or abroad. Winners will receive a $50 Wolfie Wallet credit and will have their video shared on social media.

IEW also features “Cooking From Home: Zimbabwe” on November 19, where East Side and West Side Dine-In will serve traditional Zimbabwean dishes, adding a taste of international cuisine to the week.