UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — International Education Week (IEW) is recognized nationally every year in November, but the Penn State community celebrates global cultures, perspectives and impact in education throughout the month with International Education Month (IEM). IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education as “an important opportunity to amplify powerful stories of impact and to affirm our unwavering commitment to a globally connected and engaged future for the United States,” according Fanta Aw, chief executive officer of NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Penn State Global hosts events throughout IEM so that students across the commonwealth can participate in multicultural activities and learn more about opportunities for global engagement both on and off the campuses. The IEM schedule of events can be found here.
“Penn State is thrilled to join institutions and organizations across the country to celebrate International Education Week,” said Sabine Klahr, vice provost for Penn State Global. “In our globally connected world, providing international experiences and multicultural learning for students is essential. We hope that all Penn Staters enjoy the activities offered throughout the month and learn more about their world!”
The month kicked off with the Global Sustainable Action Weekend, a two-day interactive event with talks, activities and demonstrations around the intersection of sustainability and global engagement held on Nov. 1-2. Other celebrations include Culture Fest at Penn State Brandywine, a Career Workshop at Penn State Abington, the Centre Film Festival and more than 20 other unique events.
Penn State, a 2025 winner of the national Senator Paul Simon Award, the highest honor for campus internationalization, boasts a rich tapestry of global opportunities, said Brian Brubaker, assistant vice provost for Global Learning.
“We shouldn’t wait for November every year to appreciate all of the globally-inspired people, ideas, and celebrations we have here at Penn State,” Brubaker said. “We have so much to be proud of — I hope people can find at least one way to engage with an international element of Penn State sometime this month!”
Visit the Penn State Global website for more information on IEM 2025.