International Education Week
International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange, and to develop a broader understanding of international cultures and languages worldwide.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education, SSU’s participation in IEW is part of a national effort to prepare American students for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the U.S.
This event is observed across the U.S. and around the world each November (the week before Thanksgiving). All events are free and open to the SSU community. For more information, please contact the Global Engagement Office (GEO) at (707) 664-2582 or stop by International Hall 107. Come by and pick up a schedule!
IEW 2024 is November 18-22!
IEW 2024 Schedule
Location: Stevenson Lobby
Explore the transformative journey of women's rights in Germany over the past 75 years in this insightful exhibition commemorating the adoption of Germany's Basic Law. Through photographs, documents, and personal stories, witness the milestones, challenges, and victories that have shaped gender equality in German society. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to understand the impact of the German Constitution on advancing women's rights, highlighting key figures, legislative changes, and societal shifts that have empowered generations. Join us to celebrate and reflect on this pivotal legacy and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
The exhibit is sponsored by the German Consulate General in San Francisco.
Welcome to International Education Week (IEW) 2024! IEW is a nationwide event celebrating global learning and cross-cultural exchange. At Sonoma State University (SSU) and Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), we offer international programs such as study abroad opportunities in over 30 countries, exchange programs, and services for international students.
This year, SSU and SRJC are collaborating to bring you an exciting lineup of events, from cultural fairs to global speaker series, all designed to enhance your global awareness. Stay tuned for an incredible week of events, exploration, and connection!
Be ready at 12pm for a live premiere of our IEW Promo Video! What is IEW? What international programs and services do we offer? What events are happening throughout the week? We will answer these and other questions!
Time: 12-1PM
Location: International Hall 107
Want to earn college credit while immersing yourself in the world of Shakespeare? Join us for an exciting summer in London and immerse yourself in Shakespeare's works and culture!
Come to our informational meeting to learn more. Jump on this opportunity of a lifetime!
Time: 11am-2pm
Location: Salazar Plaza
Come join us for the Go Global! Study Away Fair! Explore study abroad options, meet partner programs, connect with Modern Languages, and enjoy international foods and vendors. Discover your next adventure!
Time: 4-5pm
Location: Stevenson 1300
Join us in celebrating 75 years of Germany's Basic Law with an inspiring commemorative event to honor Germany's landmark advancements in constitutional rights, particularly in women's rights. This special event will feature remarks by Deputy Consul General Franziska Obermeyer and other speakers who will reflect on the journey of equality and legal milestones. Attendees can enjoy interactive trivia about Germany's history and constitution, with opportunities to win prizes. This commemorative gathering offers a unique blend of reflection, education, and celebration of the enduring impact of Germany’s Basic Law seen through the lens of advancements for women in Germany's history.
The exhibit is sponsored by the German Consulate General in San Francisco.
Time: 8-9pm
Location: Analy Village room #640, SRJC campus
Come join us for some Latin Dancing! Students who attend will learn the basic history of and movements for merengue, bachata, and salsa. All students who participate will leave with a better understanding of the genres and have some dance moves to use for future social settings. We hope to see you there!
Time: 11AM- 12PM
Location: Virtually
Join us for an exciting virtual session hosted by Fulbright to hear about one of the world's most prestigious exchange programs!
If you have ever dreamed of traveling abroad, expanding your academic and cultural horizons, or making a global impact, this is your chance to learn how. Don't miss out on the opportunity to ask questions and learn crucial information about your success in acceptance.
Curious yet? Join Fulbright Workshop Now!
Time: 12am-1pm
Location: Laguage Bite Zoom
Welcome back to our annual Language Bites! Join us for a delightful "taste" of other languages, where you will get the chance to meet international students who will generously share their native languages with you in Zoom breakout rooms.
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: International Hall IH 107
Step into a world of mystery with our International Escape Room! Solve puzzles, unlock clues, and navigate through global-themed challenges. Test your teamwork and cultural knowledge as you race against the clock to "escape". Are you ready for an adventure?
For only $5 through participating, you will help us raise money for IEEC to continue supporting our international and future study away students!
Join a group or play with friends!
Time: 12pm-1pm
Location: International Hall 107
Join us for our bi-weekly Coffee & Culture: International Snacks, where great conversations brew! Grab a cup of coffee and dive into discussions about exploring different cultures, sharing stories, and exchanging experiences. Taste an array of different snacks from around the globe. It’s the perfect event for anyone curious about studying abroad, expanding their cultural horizons, and eating delicious snacks!
Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Weill Hall, Green Music Center
Expirience Encanto! Win your free ticket today!
In honor of International Education Week, we are giving away five tickets to the Sing-Along Film Concert. The concert features a live band playing music while we watch the full film. Encanto lovers of all ages can sing along with their favorite Grammy Award-winning songs, such as "We Don't Talk About Bruno" and "Surface Pressure."
How to win a Ticket:
- Make sure to follow the Instagram page @ssustudyaway
- Like the most recent post
- Tag two friends in the comments of the post
Winners will be contacted via direct message.
Good luck everybody!
Time: 5-7PM
Location: International Hall 107
Join us for Friendsgiving Dinner! A global potluck where everyone brings a dish from their home country to share. Enjoy amazing food, fun games, and the companionship of friends all in one evening! The Global Engagement office cannot wait to introduce the international community to our version of Thanksgiving.
IEW 2023 Schedule
Join us this week for International Education Week (IEW) as we embark on a journey to explore the myriad of opportunities for studying abroad. Let's come together to celebrate the profound advantages of international education and exchange, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse global cultures and languages. Click here to join us on Zoom!
Join us at 12pm for a live premiere of our IEW Kickoff Video! What is IEW? What international programs and services do we offer? What events are happening throughout the week? We will answer these and other questions!
Our IEW festivities kick off on Monday, November 13, with an exciting event - Language Bites! Ever wondered what "Konichiwa" means? Or what "feliz cumpleaños" translates to? Join us for a delightful "taste" of other languages, including Japanese, Spanish, and German. You'll have the chance to meet international students who will generously share their native languages with you in Zoom breakout rooms.
Don't miss out on this enlightening experience! Join us from 12-1 pm.
Time: 10 -11 am
Location: Sonoma State University, ARTS 102
Join SSU's Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) for a conversation about sexuality and sex education in Germany. Sonoma State University is the only CSU campus to regularly host an FLTA. This year, SSU is happy to host Nathan Gerdes from Germany.
Presented by Cathy Balestrieri Burton, SRJC Italian/Spanish Instructor, Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana, and Giovanna Bagnato, SSU Faculty Volunteer - Visiting Scholar from the University of Turin (Italy).
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Description: In this hour session, participants will practice a little Italian, have a short photographic tour of Torino, with historical and cultural highlights, and a brief presentation about an overview of Italian wine, with a specific focus on the Torino area.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: SSU, Darwin 107
Hallo, hallo, hallo: You heard right! We are thrilled to announce German queens on campus brought to you by RuPaul's Drag Race: German-style. Come, bring your nails, hair, hips, heels, friends, snacks and drinks for a fun night full of Königinnen des Drags (Queens of Drag) and German culture. The show will be streamed in its original language (German) but with English subtitles – 'cause reading is fundamental.
Time: 11am-1pm
Location: Seawolf Plaza, Parking Lot D, Sonoma State University
Are you curious about studying abroad? Want to spend a semester or year in another country or state? Stop by the Go Global! SSU Study Away Fair & International Market to learn more about program options and study away opportunities! Talk to representatives from the programs and hear from study away alumni! There will also be yummy food, activities, and a book sale/swap!
Join IEEC for a Book Fundraiser: Buy, Swap, or Donate books to support IEEC programming, events, and our Study Away Student Scholarship! All books will be sold for $1 only, and proceeds go towards supporting the club. Swapping and Donating comes at no cost to you! Ready to start clearing off your book shelf for the end of the semester? Donated books will go to Better World Books, an organization that provides books to communities in need around the world and in support of environmental programs. Better World Books is also the online destination for buying books offering the widest selection of used and new books. Better World Books betters the world, one book at a time. Help make a difference: Donate, Buy Books, Do Good. It’s that simple!
Time: 2-3pm
Location: CTET Salazar 1060
Dr. Jamie Kneitel is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at CSU, Sacramento. He was a Fulbright Scholar in 2017-18 and currently serves as a Fulbright Scholar Ambassador.
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research, and carry out professional projects around the world. This is a great opportunity for Sonoma State faculty development to be globally engaged with their research and teaching. In this talk, Dr. Kneitel will present his experiences through the application process, conducting research and teaching in foreign countries, and its effects on professional and personal development. He will provide insights and strategies in preparing an application and answer questions.
Time: 8 pm - 9 pm
Location: Santa Rosa Junior College, Analy Village 640
Students who attend will learn the basic history of and movements for merengue, bachata, and salsa. All students who participate will leave with a better understanding of the genres and have some dance moves to use for future social settings.
Time: 10 - 11 am
Location: Sonoma State University, Arts 102
Sonoma State German exchange student, Anna Sophie Karcher, will be leading a talk about Sustainability in Germany. Join us to hear Anna Sophie discuss how Germany is addressing this global issue.
Time: 12 - 1 pm
Location: Zoom/Online
Learn why some translations from English to Spanish and vice versa are very challenging and why sometimes the only tool you have is to find the closest equivalent or explain the main concept to get the correct meaning. Learn some recommendations to get a better English to Spanish translations and vice versa.
Time: 5 - 6 pm
Location: Sonoma State University, PE Building 1
Global Perspectives in Dance (DANC 271) is intended to give the student a broader perspective of how dance reflects and shapes cultural values. This course looks at differences and commonalities in dance forms across the globe and examines why people dance, who dances, where, when, and how they dance, audience/performer relationships, movement forms, and roles of dance in their culture. All dance ability levels are welcome!
Guest speaker, Philip Agyapong, is a dance teacher and researcher from Ghana who currently lives in California. At the University of Ghana, he earned his dance education by studying African dance forms from the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Ga-Adangbe, Ewe, Fon, Akan, and Dagomba in West Africa. Philip earned his first dance faculty position in 2014 at the University of Ghana, where taught for a few years before relocating to California. He currently teaches African traditional dance forms (both theory and practice), African popular dance, and contemporary African dance in tertiary institutions across the Bay Area. Philip’s knowledge in dance, choreography, and performance can further be attributed to his practice with dance companies such as Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, Yameci Dance Company, African Music and Dance Ensemble, and Afro-Urban Society. He is also the founder of African Live Art, an online educational platform that connects instructors of African knowledge in art forms, history, architecture, technology, culture, and tradition to educational institutions across the world.
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Location: Zoom/Online
Sign on for an insighful presentation about the French language, hosted by faculty at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Time: 3 - 4 pm
Location: Zoom/Online
Come and listen to a roundtable of our international students discuss their experiences studying in the United States and compare the cultures in their home countries!
Time: 5 - 7pm
Location: Sonoma State University, Overlook restaurant
This is an opportunity to also celebrate our International Faculty and Staff who bring cultural diversity to our workplace, enriching the experiences of our colleagues and students. If you are from another country or have spent significant time abroad, we would love to hear your stories! Please join us for this special event to socialize with your colleagues and enjoy delicious international cuisine, wine donated by SSU’s School of Business and Economics, and live entertainment. Please feel free to share with other international colleagues and allies!
Time: 2 - 3 pm
Location: Santa Rosa Junior College, Doyle 146
Come learn about the origins of sign language in the United States and the relationships between American Sign Language and other sign languages around the world. Discover inspiration for career advancement or volunteer work with educational programs serving Deaf people around the world.
Time: 5 -7 pm
Location: Sonoma State University, International Hall 107
Hosted by our Go Global Ambassadors, our International Friendsgiving Potluck is a great way for our all students to share in this particular celebration. Students bring a dish they'd like to share with others as we gather together to celebrate each other and what we bring to our campus community.
IEW 2022 Schedule
Join us for a live premiere of our IEW Kickoff Video! What is IEW? What international programs and services do we offer? What events are happening throughout the week? We will answer these and other burning questions!
12pm Video Premiere
Come Join Us to celebrate the Wonder and Beauty of West African dance, our Dance Master Tyehimba Kokayi has studied from some of the Best West African Dancers and Drummers from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and more!
7-8:30pm
Santa Rosa Junior College, Tauzer 951
Ever wondered what konichiwa means? What about feliz cumpleaños? Join us for a "taste" of other languages like Japanese, Spanish and German. Meet international students who will share their native language in Zoom breakout rooms.
12-1pm
Presented by SSU's Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA), Annabelle Alibert.
12-1pm
SSU Ballroom
Join us for our 1st annual IEW Reception for international faculty and staff! Come and meet your international colleagues while enjoying delicious food and drink accompanied by special cultural performances and guest speakers. Wine donated by SSU's School of Business and Economics.
5-7pm
Bertolini Student Activities Center
Come and chat about Thanksgiving traditions and share the reasons you’re thankful this year.
International Hall 107
12.00 to 1.00pm
The SSU Student Ambassadors will host a joint "Friendsgiving" dinner on the SSU campus. Bring your favorite traditional dish to share!
5-7pm
International Hall