International Education Week 2024

International Education Week (IEW), November 18-22, 2024, 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

Monday, November 18

Coffee with an Advisor

Find us in Kolligian Library 101 for a free cuppa—coffee or hot cocoa—and a chance to connect and network or simply check out the International Office to kick off International Education Week.

9:30AM-11:00AM
Kolligian Library 101
Event page

Dip into Culture

Join the YWDC team and Chef Jonathan for Dip into Culture, a flavorful event where students can try a variety of delicious dips from around the world. Note: Meal Purchase required to the YWDC.

10:00AM-2:00PM
YWDC
Event page

Tuesday, November 19

Berlin Calling

Meet the UCEAP Berlin Study Center staff and hear about about life in Berlin, our programs, our host universities in Berlin, student housing, and UCEAP support on site.

9:00-10:00AM
Zoom
Event page

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

Fulbrighters in the Field: To and from Latin America

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Fulbright alumni will share experiences to and from Latin America. Join this event to learn more about prestigious Fulbright awards and how you can develop a successful application. Hosted by former Fulbright Student Program awardee Dr. Danielle Bermudez (El Salvador) and Dr. Paul Almeida, former Fulbright Scholar awardee (Honduras).

4:00PM-5:00PM
SSM 104

Critical Language Scholarship App Deadline

The CLS Program is a fully funded study abroad program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State that provides intensive overseas language and cultural immersion and is open to U.S. students enrolled in all degree programs at UC Merced.

5:00PM PST / 8:00PM EST deadline
https://clscholarship.org/apply

Wednesday, November 20

Discover Ghana

Meet the UCEAP Ghana Study Center staff and hear about about student life in Accra on our summer and academic year programs.

9:30-10:30AM
Zoom
Event page

Roots: Changing the Conversation Around Conflict

Roots, a grassroots community building and peacekeeping Israeli-Palestinian initiative in the West Bank, addresses injustice by providing reactive support acter actions of violence and advocating against separation, violence, and inequality.

11:30AM-1:00PM
Zoom
Register

Fall 2025 Study Abroad App Launch Party

Would a stack of pizzas, a room full of friends, and your laptop be enough to complete your study abroad application? If you’re working on an app for a program starting fall 2025, join us for our app party on Wed, Nov 20, 12:00-1:30PM, and get your questions answered.

12:00-1:30PM
RSVP: Register
Event page

International Student Travel Signature Party

Are you an international student who needs a travel signature on your form I-20 or form DS-2019? If so, and you plan to travel during the winter break, this is just the party for you. Stop by the office for a travel signature and enjoy some refreshments, disco lights and music submitted by you and/or other students.

12:00-1:30PM
Kolligian Library, 101
Event Flyer

Cultural Trivia Extravaganza

Join us for exciting activities like the Returnee Panel, Trivia Games (Jeopardy style), and interactive games with prizes!

2:00-3:00PM
El Portal 115
Event page

New in México

UCEAP's Mexico Study Center Coordinator will provide an overview of our Mexico City programs, (including the newest at Tec de Monterrey) and the unique experiences students encounter immersing into the local student life.

12:00-1:00PM
Zoom
Event page

New in Thailand

UCEAP's liaison in Thailand will present about UCEAP's newest opportunity to study at Mahidol University International College and what to expect when studying in Bangkok through UCEAP.

4:00-5:00PM
Zoom
Event page

Thursday, November 21

Connect with UCEAP Returnees from Europe and the Americas

Learn from fellow UCEAP students what life is like abroad in Europe and the Americas. Ask recent returnees questions about anything from what to pack to how to handle homesickness. Connect with Recent UCEAP Returnees from Asia and Africa.

11:00AM-12:00PM
Zoom
Event page

Study Physics Abroad for Summer 2025

Study physics this summer in England! Join this program for intensive physics courses in a vibrant seaside city. Earn units, experience hands-on learning, and explore British culture. Perfect for students eager to get ahead with their introductory physics requirements!

1:00-1:50PM
SE1, 270K
Event page

Pre-Application Workshop with UCEAP

A deep dive into all the preparation necessary for identifying study abroad goals, selection the right UCEAP program, and submitting the strongest application possible.

2:00-3:00PM
Zoom
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.

2:30-3:00PM
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.

3:00-3:30AM
Kolligian Library, 362
Event page
RSVP

Connect with UCEAP Returnees from Asia and Africa

Learn from fellow UCEAP students what life is like abroad in Asia and Africa. Ask recent returnees questions about anything from what to pack to how to handle homesickness.

4:00-5:00PM
Zoom
Event page

Friday, November 22

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. 

10:00AM
Zoom
Event page

OPT/CPT Workshop For F-1 Visa International Students

Are you an international student interested in learning about Optional Practical Training or Curricular Practical Training? This workshop will detail both practical training opportunities to better inform you on the process and the regulations.

3:00-4:30PM
COB2, 290

Study Abroad Returnee & OIA Peer Advisor Introduces International Education Week 2024