This year's International Education Week is November 17-21. International Education Week is a time to celebrate the benefit of international education and knowledge exchange worldwide. Started as a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department State, this event shines a spotlight on the global importance of education and how we can all learn from one another.
"International Education Week is a meaningful chance for our students, educators, and communities to come together to celebrate cultures, deepen cross-cultural understanding, explore new perspectives, and strengthen our global connections," said Kathleen Lüppker from Rio Salado College's International Education department. "It offers an opportunity to come together to promote global awareness while embracing the many benefits of international exchange.
Rio Salado College will celebrate International Education Week by hosting a series of events throughout the week that are in the global, multi-cultural spirit of this celebration
All Week Lunch at Rio Salado Cafe
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday–Thursday
Enjoy globally inspired menu specials from the Rio Café all week long.
Monday, Nov. 17
International Education Week Opening Ceremony
Time: 10-11 a.m. Ceremony
Location: Zoom
Meeting ID: 853 3867 6718 | Passcode: 69Hwxc
Celebrate the start of International Education Week and explore how international partnerships strengthen education and opportunity.
Keynote Speaker: Eva Masadiego, Executive Director, Arizona-Mexico Commission
Rio Salado College Northern: International Fashion Show
Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m.
Location: 1715 W Northern Ave, Phoenix
Adult Education students showcase cultural pride, creativity, and confidence through a vibrant fashion and talent show.
Presented by Rio Salado College Northern Adult Education
Panel Discussion: Together We Rise – Collaborating With Students to Achieve Their Academic and Career Goals Across All Borders and Beyond All Boundaries
Time: 12:30-2 p.m.
Location: Webex
Hear from distinguished faculty chairs about how global learning empowers students to reach academic and professional goals across borders.
Presented by: Sherri Moore-Williams, Student Affairs & International Education.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Rio Salado College Tempe: Cafe Around The World
Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
Location: Rio Tower Splash Pad (first floor)
Enjoy international treats, meet new people, and learn about Rio Salado's Ghana Study Abroad program.
Hosted by Rio International Education
Virtual Panel: The Impact of Study Abroad
Time: 10-11 a.m. Location: Join on Google Meet
Dial-In: +1 315-754-3428 | PIN: 475 160 715#
Former students share how studying abroad shaped their personal growth, perspectives, and global understanding.
Presented by Dr. Lamont Slater, Faculty Chair, Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College Tempe: Study Abroad Information Session
Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Rio Tower Lobby
Explore Rio Salado’s Ghana Study Abroad opportunity, including course details, cultural excursions, and scholarship options.
Presented by Dr. Lamont Slater, Faculty Chair, Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College Northern: International Fashion and Talent Show
Time: 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m.
Location: Rio Salado College Northern Lobby
Adult Education students showcase cultural pride, creativity, and confidence through a vibrant fashion and talent show.
Presented by Rio Salado College Northern Adult Education
Refugee 101 Workshop
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Location: Rio Conference Center
Interactive session with the Welcome to America Project and the Rio Salado College Community Engagement Council.
- Understand the difference between refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants
- Explore root causes of displacement and resettlement challenges
- Break down myths and highlight refugee contributions
- Engage in real-world scenarios to build empathy and action
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Rio Salado College Northern: International Games & Global Bites
Time: 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m.
Location: Rio Salado College Northern Lobby
Enjoy games and global dishes as Adult Education students share traditions and connect cultures.
Presented by Rio Salado College Northern Adult Education
Food Demo with the Rio Salado Café
Time: 3–4 p.m.
Location: Rio Café
Enjoy a live cooking demo of Rustic Carbonara, complete with tasting and chef insights.
Hosted by Dominic Romero, Rio Café
Thursday, Nov. 20
Rio Salado College Northern: International Games & Global Bites
Time: 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m.
Location: Rio Salado College Northern Lobby
Enjoy games and global dishes as Adult Education students share traditions and connect cultures.
Presented by Rio Salado College Northern Adult Education
MCCCD Poetry Slam (Virtual)
Time: 3–4 p.m.
Location: Join on Zoom
Meeting ID: 829 4077 0993 | Passcode: q1et9T
Celebrate the life and work of Aziz Alhadi, former Director of International Education at Mesa Community College. Contest winners from across the district will share original poems reflecting international experiences and cultural connection.
Learn more: maricopa.edu/poetry-contest
Friday, Nov. 21
Maricopa Colleges Global Leadership Experience
Time: All day
Location: Rio Salado College Conference Center
Join us for a day of inspiration, connection, and global learning. This year’s Global Leadership Experience invites students who are passionate about leadership, community impact, and changemaking across cultures.
What to Expect:
- Keynote Speaker: Jeanne Celestine Larkin, Rwandan Genocide Survivor and Author
- Morning Workshop: Interactive storytelling with Liz Warren, Director of the Storytelling Institute
- Afternoon Breakouts: Engage in sessions on cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and global citizenship
- Culinary Adventure: Enjoy international treats and lunch while connecting with fellow student leaders
Registration required. Sign up by Nov. 7.
Article by Austin Brietta