Cultural Dining Event “Dine Around the World” Opens IEW at VCU

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) announced the observance of International Education Week (IEW) from the 17th to the 21st of November for its celebration of 25 years of global learning and cultural exchange. Such initiatives commenced in 2000 and are now being observed in over a hundred countries. It serves to strengthen international ties among students, faculty, and staff at VCU.

As part of its statement released by university officials, VCU International Education Week is geared toward developing American students for a world environment while welcoming aspiring leaders from abroad. This initiative has been going on for years inside the university with activities aimed at presenting study abroad opportunities and the contributions of international students to campus life, noted university officials. "It is another moment to showcase the impact of international education," according to Jill Blondin, vice provost for global initiatives with the VCU Global Education Office, who cited cultural agility developed through studying abroad and international scholars' contributions to teaching and research.

On November 17, the always-popular cultural dining activity "Dine around the World" will mark the beginning of IEW at the Shafer Court Dining Centre at VCU. Students will taste foods from different countries and encourage cultural exchange in universities. On 18 November, the Globe Speakers Series at VCU will host guest speaker Lorato Koosaletse, a Humphrey Fellow from Botswana, who will narrate her journey from heading Botswana's first outpatient rehabilitation centre to global leadership and policy development in the United States. This event aligns with VCU's strategy for global student engagement and commitment to international outlooks.

In the middle of the week, the International Scholars Reception will happen at VCU in the STEM Building on Wednesday, November 19. The interim provost, Beverly Warren, will speak about their contributions to the university while honouring J-1 visa scholars for their accomplishments. The reception highlights the level of impact that international scholars' engagement has had at VCU, Richmond, Virginia.

Other events include the VCU VISA Series for F-1 students, which provides advisor-led virtual workshops on topics relevant to international student programmes at VCU USA. The workshops will focus on F-1 visa student success and shed light on how VCU supports its international students. The two-day International Joint Research Symposium will also be held to encourage collaboration among scholars and thereby promote global learning at VCU. At the same time, study abroad information sessions will inform interested students about opportunities over winter and spring break as well as in the spring semester. Interested students are encouraged to register for VCU study abroad information sessions and apply for VCU global learning programmes.

This year's IEW is made possible in partnership with NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Forum on Education Abroad, and the Association of International Education Administrators. According to university officials, these partnerships further strengthen VCU's global engagement effort and reinforce the role of global office programmes in support of internationalisation. Observers expressed that the 25th anniversary of IEW at VCU emphasises how universities strike a balance between cultural exchange and academic excellence. They added that the week illustrates the benefits of International Education Week at VCU, from fostering cultural agility to recognising the contributions of international scholars.

Editor's Note:

Virginia Commonwealth University is preparing to celebrate its 25th International Education Week (IEW), taking place from November 17 to 21. It will showcase the importance of global learning, cultural exchange, and contributions of international students and scholars within university communities. Events such as the "Dine Around the World" cultural dining event, the VCU Globe Speakers Series, the International Scholars Reception, and the VCU VISA Series workshops for F-1 students will show how international engagement enriches lives on campus. And furthering the idea of global commitment and student opportunity are the International Joint Research Symposium and study abroad information sessions. University leaders said that IEW reflects VCU's larger strategy for global engagement and academic excellence. Supported by both national and international education associations, this celebration would also serve as the perfect demonstration of how universities can integrate cultural exchange within solid academic outcomes.

Skoobuzz believes that this year's observance becomes a milestone not only for VCU but also a reminder of the continuous growth and impact that international education has in developing future leaders and building global connections.

FAQs

1. What is VCU International Education Week?

VCU International Education Week (IEW) is a university-wide celebration of global learning and cultural exchange. It highlights study abroad opportunities, international student contributions, and global engagement programmes at Virginia Commonwealth University.

2. When will VCU celebrate International Education Week in 2025?

VCU will observe International Education Week from 17 to 21 November 2025, marking 25 years of participation in this global initiative.

3. Why does VCU celebrate global engagement during IEW?

University officials explained that IEW promotes programmes preparing American students for a worldwide environment while welcoming future leaders from abroad. It reflects VCU’s strategy for global student engagement and internationalisation.

4. What events are planned during VCU’s IEW 2025?

Key events include the “Dine Around the World” cultural dining event, the VCU Globe Speakers Series, the International Scholars Reception, the VCU VISA Series workshops for F‑1 students, the International Joint Research Symposium, and study abroad information sessions.

5. What is the cultural dining event “Dine Around the World” at VCU?

On 17 November, students can sample cuisines from different countries at the Shafer Court Dining Centre. This event promotes cultural exchange and global learning at VCU.

6. Who will speak at the VCU Globe Speakers Series?

On 18 November, Lorato Koosaletse, a Humphrey Fellow from Botswana, will share her journey from leading Botswana’s first outpatient rehabilitation centre to engaging in global leadership and policy development in the United States.

7. What is the International Scholars Reception at VCU?

Held on 19 November in the STEM Building, the International Scholars Reception at VCU will honour J‑1 visa scholars for their achievements. Interim Provost Beverly Warren will speak about their contributions to the university.

8. How does VCU support its international students during IEW?

The VCU VISA Series for F‑1 students offers advisor-led virtual workshops on topics relevant to international student programmes. These sessions aim to support F‑1 visa student success and highlight VCU’s commitment to international student engagement.

9. What is the International Joint Research Symposium at VCU?

The two-day International Joint Research Symposium encourages collaboration between scholars and promotes global research partnerships. It reflects VCU’s role in advancing international academic cooperation.

10. How can students take part in study abroad opportunities at VCU?

During IEW, study abroad information sessions will provide details on winter and spring break programmes, as well as spring semester opportunities. Students are encouraged to register for VCU study abroad information sessions and apply for VCU global learning programmes.