Last November, the UCCS campus came alive during International Education Week (IEW) 2024, an annual celebration of global education and cultural exchange. From November 18–22, the International Affairs office hosted a packed schedule of events, engaging students, faculty, and staff in exploring the diverse cultures and international opportunities that enrich our campus community.
With a record-breaking attendance of 214 participants across the week’s activities, this year’s IEW highlighted the growing enthusiasm for international engagement at UCCS.
A Week of Cultural Discovery and Connection
IEW 2024 featured events every single day, offering something for everyone. The week kicked off with the International Coffee and Tea Break, where attendees sampled beverages from around the world. Throughout the week, the campus community engaged in activities like making Rangoli, a traditional Indian art form, and lively events like International Trivia Night at Clyde’s Gastropub. Informative sessions such as the International Student Alumni Panel and workshops on leveraging international experience provided valuable insights for students planning their academic and professional journeys.
One of the highlights of the week was the collaborative Rangoli activity. Rangoli is an art form that originates from the Indian subcontinent. Patterns are created on the floor with colored sand and flowers. Participants contributed to a vibrant, large-scale Rangoli design, adding their own unique touches. The completed Rangoli became a beautiful symbol of cultural collaboration and creativity, as shown in the above photograph.
Tuesday’s Career Day proved especially popular, with sessions covering a wide range of topics. The day culminated with the International Student Internship Information Session and a panel featuring UCCS alumni sharing their global career experiences.
The week also prioritized wellness and community building. Highlights included the Waffle Walk-In, which paired delicious treats with global conversation, and a session on Wellness in Costa Rica, which explored the upcoming study abroad trip centered on physical and mental wellness.
Celebrating Participation and Achievement
The IEW Passport initiative added an exciting competitive element to the week. Attendees earned stamps in specialized IEW passports for each event they participated in, and at the end of the week, the passports were entered into a grand prize drawing. Mokhles, a standout participant who attended every single event, collected the most stamps and won the grand prize. Nieves, another dedicated attendee, won second place in the random drawing—a reflection of the vibrant participation across campus.
This year’s turnout and engagement exceeded expectations, showcasing the enthusiasm of the UCCS community for global learning and cultural exchange.
“The energy and participation during this year’s IEW were incredible,” said the International Affairs Office. “It’s inspiring to see so many students, faculty, and staff come together to celebrate international education and cultural diversity.”
Building on Success
As UCCS reflects on the success of IEW 2024, the International Affairs office is already looking forward to making next year’s celebration even more impactful. By fostering connections and broadening horizons, International Education Week continues to strengthen the sense of global community on campus.
Thank you to everyone who made IEW 2024 a resounding success. For more information about International Affairs and upcoming events, visit our office at Copper House 9202 or contact us at [email protected]. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to celebrate the rich international diversity that makes UCCS a truly special place!