International Education Week (IEW), November 13-17, 2023, 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 an effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, November 11
The 6th Annual Violette Film Festival
Merced's only International Film Festival, showcasing films from all over the world, including right here in the Central Valley!
4:00PM
Merced Theatre
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Monday, November 13
OIA Rollin' Roast
Find our coffee cart on campus and enjoy a free hot beverage in celebration of International Education Week.
9:30AM-11:00AM
Check updates through social media for our location. | Instagram @uc_merced_international
Event page
Japanese Cultural Event
Learn about Japan and Japanese culture through a mix of experiences and perspectives. This interactive panel is hosted by PhD students Koto Babaguchi and Satsuki Gyoten who both hail from Japan, and alumnus Romell Reed who recently returned from teaching English in Japan with the JET Program.
2:00-3:00PM
Classroom & Office Building 2, 290
Event page
"Nueve Reinas" Movie Night
Join the International House LLC on this movie night as part of International Education Week! Hosted by Dr. Cristian Ricci, experience the suspense of this Argentinian film!
6:30PM-8:30PM
California Room
Event page
Tuesday, November 14
Study Abroad 101: General Info Session (Zoom)
Interested in studying abroad but not sure where to start? Come to this info session led by a study abroad advisor.
9:30-10:00AM
Zoom online meeting: Join
Event page
Study Abroad 111: Affordability & Aid
Explore the basics of financial aid eligibility for study abroad and what makes some opportunities more affordable than others.
10:30-11:00AM
Kolligian Library, 362
Event page, RSVP
Study Abroad 112: Intro to Scholarships
Explore the most common scholarships for study abroad like the Gilman Scholarship or the UCEAP Global Scholarship.
11:00-11:30AM
Kolligian Library, 362
Event page, RSVP
Fulbright Student Program (Zoom and/or in Person)
Interested in studying abroad following graduation? Join Fulbright and OIA to learn how to apply for a Fulbright grant. Click here to register and receive the link.
11:00-12:15PM
Classroom & Office Building 2, 290
Bobcat Cultural Showcase
Join us and enjoy a variety of performances by fellow UC Merced Bobcats in celebration of International Education Week!
2:30-5:00PM
Wallace-Dutra Amphitheater
Event page
ABCs of Global Learning for ABC Students
During this session, we will explore what it's like to experience Blackness in different cultural contexts through the lived experiences of UC ABC (African, African-American, Afro-Latine, Black, or Caribbean) global learning alumni who studied or interned in different parts of the world. Read more…
6:00-7:00PM
Zoom/virtual: Register
Event page
Pre Law Students Abroad
Are you Pre-law? Political Science Major? If so, join us and learn about different study abroad programs all over the world recommended to Pre-law students. This event will be in a collaboration with the Merced Pre Law Society.
7:00-8:00PM
GRAN 135
Event Page
Wednesday, November 15
International Folk Dance Lesson
UCM staff member, Belinda Braunstein, will teach simple international folk dances from various countries in Europe. Most of these are in a circle, so no partners are needed! Wear comfortable shoes.
12:30-1:30PM
Arts & Computational Sciences, 109
Event Page
Global Lounge
Join us for coffee and great conversations at the OIA Global Lounge, a returnee and international student-only social held monthly on the third Wednesday in COB2 290.
2:00-4:00PM
Classroom & Office Building 2, 290
Event page
First, But not Last: Studying Abroad for First-Generation Students
As a first-generation college student, you're already forging new ground as you navigate the UC system, so you already have what it takes to successfully navigate a new culture, country, or region abroad. Read more…
3:00-4:00PM
Zoom/virtual: Register
Event page
Thursday, November 16
Colors of the World Art Therapy
Paint a tote bag, relax, and learn about different art forms around the world!
12:00-2:00PM
Multicultural Center
Event Page
Study Abroad in Mèxico
Join us for an information session on UCEAP Programs offered in Mèxico! Study abroad advisor, Cecilia Nuñez, and a fellow returnee will lead this presentation, answering any questions students may have. Grab some nachos and enjoy the presentation!
2:30-3:15PM
Glacier 160
Event page
World Ballet Series Presents Cinderella
A part of the World Ballet Series, Cinderella is performed live by a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers gathered to bring the most celebrated fairy tale to life.
A visually stunning production accompanied by Sergei Prokofiev’s passionate celebrated score, over 150 hand-sewn radiant costumes, richly detailed hand-crafted sets, and sparkling choreography by Marina Kesler.
For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Friday, November 17
OPT Workshop
Are you an F-1 visa holder and have questions about Optional Practical Training? Join this workshop to learn more about it and the application process. Be sure to review our OPT webpage in advance.
9:00-10:00AM
Zoom/virtual: https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/86553584620
Event page
F-1 & J-1 Student Office Hour (In-Person)
Are you an F-1 or J-1 student visa holder and have questions? Bring your questions to International Student Visa Specialist, Lacey Long-Vejar's in-person office hour.
10:30-11:30AM
Classroom & Office Building 2, 290
Event page
CPT Workshop
Are you an F-1 visa holder and have questions about Curricular Practical Training? Join this virtual workshop to learn more about it and the application process. Be sure to review our CPT webpage in advance.
12:30-2:00PM
Classroom & Office Building 2, 334
Event page
F-1 & J-1 Student Office Hour (Virtual)
Are you an F-1 or J-1 student visa holder and have questions? Bring your questions to International Student Visa Specialist, Lacey Long-Vejar's virtual office hour.
3:00PM-4:00PM
This is a virtual office hour held on Zoom: https://ucmerced.zoom.us/j/82267554488
Event page
Secretary of Education Cardona Celebrates International Education Week 2021
As our nation recovers and rebuilds from the global pandemic, we see more clearly than ever that communities and countries are interconnected. And our biggest challenges are global challenges. The only way to solve them is as an international community.
