Exploring Global Connections at UC San Diego’s 20th International Education Week
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This November, UC San Diego marks the 20th anniversary of International Education Week (IEW) with a dynamic lineup of globally focused events celebrating the campus’s diverse and vibrant community. Held from Nov. 18-22, students, staff and faculty are invited to broaden their perspectives and forge new connections through programs like a soccer tournament, an Indigenous design forum and more.
Each year, UC San Diego joins hundreds of institutions worldwide to celebrate IEW, a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education that underscores the value of international education and cultural exchange. Global Initiatives and campus partners have curated a calendar of events to be hosted across the university and at UC San Diego Park & Market, offering an array of opportunities to explore the benefits of global education and exchange.
Returning to IEW this year is the fan-favorite Triton World Cup, hosted in collaboration with the Division of Extended Studies, where UC San Diego students, staff and faculty can compete for prizes and campuswide recognition. New to the 2024 lineup is the first Indigenous Sustainable Design Forum, hosted in celebration of Native American Heritage Month and presented in partnership with San Diego Sister Cities. Additionally, some IEW events are approved as Co-Curricular Record (CCR) activities, allowing students to earn CCR transcript credit for their participation in learning experiences beyond the classroom.
"International Education Week celebrates the vital role of people-to-people exchanges in fostering understanding, collaboration and peace worldwide. Global Initiatives at UC San Diego believes, now more than ever, in the transformative power of international partnerships for research, teaching and community," said Assistant Vice Chancellor—Global Initiatives Tamara Cunningham. "Our commitment to global engagement is essential to our mission to serve the public good, advance knowledge and prepare our students as thoughtful, compassionate leaders. The value of internationalization is woven into the fabric of our university—it is central to our international purpose and to our impact to the world."
Here is a sampling of the programs planned for IEW 2024:
IEW Signature Events
Indigenous Sustainable Design Forum
UC San Diego Global Initiatives has partnered with San Diego Sister Cities to present the first Indigenous Sustainable Design Forum on Nov. 21 at UC San Diego Park & Market. Co-hosted by the Kumeyaay and Maasai, this international gathering will bring together global Indigenous leaders for a dynamic panel discussion on ecological health, welfare, art, culture, resource sustainability and more.
Triton World Cup Soccer Tournament
Join the friendly competition at the Triton World Cup on Nov. 22, where teams will compete 7-on-7 in a series of 30 minute soccer matches. Out of eight teams, the top three will receive prizes and campuswide recognition. Each team must have a designated captain to coordinate with Triton World Cup organizers.
Additional Events
TECHTalks: ISEO NameCoach Presentation
Tune into the latest TECHTalks—UC San Diego’s own version of TEDTalks—where members of the technical community share insights on current projects, apps and more. In honor of International Education Week, the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) will discuss NameCoach, a tool for name pronunciation, on Nov. 20 via Zoom.
How to Connect & Build Relationships—American Work Culture & Academia
On Nov. 20, join the International Student Mentorship Program for a workshop on building relationships within the workplace and classroom. This evening event will feature talks and stories from alumni and students, followed by a dinner. Attendees will gain insights from mentors who provide guidance and support for international students in different areas of life: study habits, job search, American life and more.
Game Night
Come meet members of UC San Diego’s international community at ISEO’s Game Night on Nov. 21, held at University Center 409. Bring friends and family to enjoy classic games like Uno, Pictionary and Operation, along with snacks and camaraderie.
Triton Trekkers: Kayak Coronado
Explore San Diego while forming new friendships with a Triton Trekkers kayaking trip to Coronado on Nov. 23. After a short drive to Glorietta Bay, participants will have a brief skills session before launching out next to Coronado Island. Triton Trekkers, a collaboration between ISEO and Outback Adventures, is designed to help Tritons to explore the natural beauty of San Diego and its surroundings.
For the full event calendar, visit global.ucsd.edu. IEW coordinators actively welcome new campus and community partners to get involved in IEW every November. If you are interested in participating in IEW 2025, please contact International Agreements & Communications Analyst Max Reinke.
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