Stony Brook University is set to celebrate International Education Week (IEW) from November 18-22, an event aimed at promoting global awareness and cultural exchange on campus. The Office of Global Affairs organizes this weeklong program, which brings together students, faculty, and staff through various activities such as programs, workshops, and creative displays that emphasize the importance of international education.
IEW is part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Departments of State and Education. It is celebrated in over 100 countries to encourage international understanding and educational exchange. The program began in 2000 to honor the value of cross-border connections for fostering inclusive and globally aware communities.
“This year, we have a lot of exciting things going on during International Education Week and for our nearly 3,500 international students at Stony Brook,” stated Trista Lu, assistant director of International Student Success. “We now have an international student center, which is a new space for our international students to study or get together.”
The new international student center is located in Melville Library Room S1450. It serves as a gathering place for international students and hosts unique projects like the “Seasons of Stony Brook Tree.” This project changes themes each season to display cultural stories and perspectives. In October, it featured “Fear and Courage,” encouraging students to share their resilience through decorated ornaments.
Another highlight of IEW includes “Cooking From Home: Zimbabwe” on November 19. East Side and West Side Dine-In will offer traditional Zimbabwean dishes to add an element of international cuisine to the celebrations.