International Education Week
Ohio University Announces International Education Week 2026: Global Leadership
Ohio University will celebrate International Education Week (IEW) from November 14–20, 2026, with a campus-wide focus on this year’s theme: Global Leadership.
This theme underscores the university’s commitment to preparing students to lead thoughtfully and effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. Global leadership means developing the cross-cultural understanding, perspective, communication skills, and collaborative capacity necessary to work across differences, address complex challenges, and build meaningful partnerships—whether in Ohio, across the United States, or around the world. It also reflects Ohio University’s commitment to creating opportunities for students to practice leadership through global learning, experiential education, and engagement with communities and organizations, ensuring that every Bobcat is prepared to contribute with confidence, curiosity, empathy, and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
During IEW, academic colleges, departments, and student organizations are encouraged to coordinate events and activities that highlight their international engagement and connect to the theme of global leadership. The week features research presentations, experiential learning opportunities, cultural events, and alumni discussions—highlighting the many ways global education at OHIO helps students broaden their perspectives, work across cultures and communities, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead and contribute in an interconnected world.
Call for Nominations: Awards for Excellence in Global Engagement
The Awards for Excellence in Global Engagement celebrate the exceptional efforts of Ohio University faculty and staff who advance the institution’s mission of global learning, research, and community building.
Each year, the University presents awards in four categories: Global Learning, Global Discovery, Global Engagement, and Global Community. These honors recognize individuals who expand opportunities for students and colleagues to engage globally—whether through teaching, research, creative activity, service, or partnerships.
Award recipients will be recognized at the Global Engagement Dinner and Awards Celebration on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, during International Education Week.
Eligibility: Nominees must be current, full- or part-time faculty (tenure-track or instructional) or current, full- or part-time staff (either classified or administrative) at Ohio University.
Nomination Deadline: November 1, 2026
For more information about the awards and to submit a nomination, please visit the Awards for Excellence in Global Engagement webpage or contact Haley Duschinski at duschins@ohio.edu.
IEW 2026 Featured Events
International Dinner, “Roots, Routes & Recipes”
Saturday, November 14, Doors Open 5:30pm, Program starts 6:00pm, Baker Center Ballroom
Join the International Student Union as well as new and old friends at the International Dinner! The International Student Union proudly presents iDinner 2026: Roots, Routes, and Recipes. Taste delicious dishes from around the world, meet amazing people, and dance the night away. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening. Come experience the world on one plate and in one night. You can order tickets online via https://commerce.cashnet.com/ohioisu. Tickets are $15 and kids under 5 are free!
Friends of India 40th Anniversary Dinner
Sunday, November 15, doors open at 3:00pm
Since 1987, the Friends of India at Ohio University has hosted the Indo-American Friendship Day celebration. Along with other sponsors, the Friends of India invite you to take part in a night of Indian Culture and Cuisine to raise money for various causes. This year is special as we celebrate 40 years since the founding of Friends of India.
Pursuing Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Lessons from Abroad
Monday, November 16, 5:00pm–6:00pm, Front Room, Baker Center
Moderator: Geoff Dabelko, Professor, Environmental Studies, Voinovich School and Administration Hub Coordinator
Iqbal Muhammad Iqbal, Graduate Student, Environmental Studies, Voinovich School
Sharon Muzaki, Graduate Student, Environmental Studies, Voinovich School
Abdoulia Singhateh, Graduate Students, Communications Studies, Scripps College of Communications
Join the Office of Sustainability to learn how sustainability and climate change challenges are addressed in three distinct international settings. An environmental NGO founder, an environmental journalist, and an agricultural development practitioner will share practical lessons from sustainability and climate change efforts in The Gambia, Uganda, and Afghanistan while highlighting similarities and differences to challenges in Appalachia and the wider United States.
IEW Dinner and Award Celebration, “Global Leadership”
Tuesday, November 17, Doors Open 5:00pm, Program 5:30pm-8:00pm, Baker Center Ballroom
The Tandana Foundation Visit
Thursday, November 12, 1:00pm-2:00pm, Yamada International House
The Global Leadership Center will be hosting a welcome lunch for the Tandana Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports community initiatives in Ecuador's Otavalo Canton and Mali's Bandiagara District as well as offers intercultural volunteer experiences.
CIS Thursday Forum: Alumni Perspectives Panel: Thriving in the Global Workforce
Thursday, November 19, 3:30pm –5:00pm
Facilitator: Anna-Kaye Rowe, Career Services Assistant Director, Career & Employer Engagement, Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Global Perspectives, Expanding Career Possibilities
Friday, November 20, 10:00pm–3:30pm, Baker Center 2nd Floor
Career Services, in partnership with the School of Languages and International Studies, invites you to the Global Bobcats Career Conference. This professional development event celebrates the global contributions of Ohio University students and provides opportunities for career development, research sharing, and community building. Registration is encouraged but not required — your RSVP helps us plan food, space, and materials.
Behind the Scenes of Afghan Reconciliation: Challenges of Negotiating Peace
Friday, November 20, 12:00pm–1:00pm
Jack Kuttas, retired U.S. Army colonel and current master’s student in War and Peace Studies
War and Peace Studies hosts a Practitioner Conversation and Professional Networking Lunch for its majors exploring the challenges of Afghan reconciliation. Featuring retired U.S> Army Colonel and current WPS master’s student Jack Kuttas, the event will offer a firsthand perspective on U.S. efforts to negotiate peace in Afghanistan, followed by a moderated discussion and networking over lunch.