International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and intercultural exchange worldwide. IEW aims to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.
IEW is a national celebration and showcases global research, promote study-away opportunities, and support internationalization efforts.
Featured Events
Additional Events
Monday, November 17
Global Environmental Communication: Using the Campus as a Living Laboratory for Sustainability Problem-Solving
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., Ranger Hall, Room 103
Living Lab projects emphasize experiential learning and campus sustainability through the integration of research and campus operations. By engaging students in living labs, campuses make themselves more sustainable while contributing to knowledge and research needed to make an impact beyond their borders. Student teams will present model Living Labs they have identified and discuss how these models can help the University of Rhode Island grow their Sustainability Efforts. Professor Mundorf will introduce the teams and illustrate some international models.
- Target Audience: URI Campus Community
- Presented by: Norbert Mundorf, Communication Studies; Paul Wolff, URI Campus Sustainability Officer; Students enrolled in COM 460, Environmental Communication: Local & Global
- Sponsored by: Harrington School of Communication and Media; URI Office of Sustainability
Drop-In Study Abroad Advising for College of the Environment & Life Sciences Students
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Student Affairs Office
Stop by and learn about study away opportunities for students in the College of the Environment & Life Sciences.
- Target Audience: URI Students – CELS Majors
- Presented by: Jamie Loredo McCutcheon, Education Abroad Advisor, Office of International Education
- Sponsored by: Office of International Education
Supporting a Healthy and Safe Journey: URI’s International Travel Insurance Coverage
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Virtual Event
All travelers approved to participate in university business, research, or academic activities are enrolled in URI’s CISI International Travel Insurance policy. Come learn of the pre-trip planning resources, 24/7 travel assistance and comprehensive policy coverages and services in place to support a healthy and safe global journey.
- Target Audience: URI Campus Community
- Presented by: Ted Cenatiempo, Senior Account Executive, Cultural Insurance Services International; Tom Hospod, URI Global Initiatives
- Sponsored by: URI Global Initiatives
Study Abroad Information Session
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m., International Center, Register here
There are many benefits to studying abroad or away. This is your first step to learn about the benefits and explore international and national study opportunities! Once you attend this session you can begin meeting one-on-one with an education abroad advisor and fill out your application for a study away program. The session will explain the different types of study abroad/study away programs offered at URI, their basic financial structures, and a review of helpful tips to navigate our website to gain even more important information. You will also be able to ask questions.
- Target Audience: URI Students
- Presented by: Sophie Robison, Office of International Education
- Sponsored by: Office of International Education
Beatrice S. Demers Foreign Language Fellowship – Crafting a Competitive Application
5:30 p.m., Lippitt Hall, Room 401, Register here
This fellowship, administered by the Rhode Island Foundation, funds foreign language immersion experiences for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff from any field of study who are dedicated to pursuing foreign language proficiency. Fellows will be awarded up to $20,000. Join this workshop to learn strategies for writing a strong Demers application and leave with your first application outline ready to refine.
- Target Audience: URI Students
- Presented by: Keegan Scott, Director of Fellowships
- Sponsored by: Office of Fellowships
Tuesday, November 18
Supporting International Students Through the Visa Process: A Guide for URI Staff and Faculty
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Virtual Event, Register here
Join the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) for an overview of the student visa process designed especially for staff and faculty. Learn about the student experience, OISS’s role in issuing immigration documents and advising incoming students, and how you can support international students in their journey to URI.
- Target Audience: URI Faculty and Staff
- Presented by: Melissa De Jesus, Director, Office of International Students & Scholars and Abigail Borchert, Senior International Student Services Advisor
- Sponsored by: URI Office of International Students & Scholars
Gilman Scholarship Info Session: Expand Your World, Fund Your Journey
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., International Center
The Gilman A. Gilman International Scholarship helps U.S. undergraduates who are Pell eligible fund study abroad and internship opportunities around the world. Join this info session to learn about eligibility, application tips, and how Gilman can make global experiences more accessible.
- Target Audience: URI Students
- Presented by: Keegan Scott, Director of Fellowships
- Sponsored by: Office of Fellowships and Office of International Education
Wednesday, November 19
Study Abroad Drop-in Advising
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Swan Hall, Language Center 301B
Stop by and learn more about study abroad opportunities for students offered by the University of Rhode Island.
- Target Audience: URI Students
- Presented by: Alyssa Poey, Senior Education Abroad Advisor, Office of International Education
- Sponsored by: Office of International Education
URI Women’s Basketball vs. Holy Cross
6:00 pm, Ryan Center, Purchase tickets here.
Did you know that the URI Women’s Basketball team includes 8 international student athletes from 3 countries? Celebrate International Education Week and cheer on the Rams as they take on Holy Cross at the Ryan Center!
Thursday, November 20
Study Abroad Information Session
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., International Center, Register here
There are many benefits to studying abroad or away. This is your first step to learn about the benefits and explore international and national study opportunities! Once you attend this session you can begin meeting one-on-one with an education abroad advisor and fill out your application for a study away program. The session will explain the different types of study abroad/study away programs offered at URI, their basic financial structures, and a review of helpful tips to navigate our website to gain even more important information. You will also be able to ask questions.
- Target Audience: URI Students
- Presented by: Sophie Robison, Office of International Education
- Sponsored by: Office of International Education
Rhody Abroad Programs Information
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Memorial Union Atrium 1
Come learn more about URI’s special Rhody Abroad Programs in Costa Rica, Ireland, South Korea and Spain! There are options over Summer, Winter J-Term, and Semester and in most cases have similar pricing to URI in-state tuition, room & board!
- Target Audience: URI Campus Community
- Presented by: Alyssa Poey, Senior Education Abroad Advisor, Office of International Education
- Sponsored by: Office of International Education
Proposing a Faculty-led Program for 2027 and beyond
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Virtual event, Register here
This virtual session is designed for faculty/staff who may be interested in designing a URI faculty-led program. A call for program proposals is anticipated in January 2026 for programs looking to run in January, Spring Break or Summer 2027. Attend to learn more!
- Target Audience: URI Faculty and Staff
- Presented by: Michelle Carrara, Director, Education Abroad & Student Mobility
- Sponsored by: URI Office of International Education
Hiring International Students and Employment Authorizations
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Virtual event, Register here
Can international students get Social Security numbers? Do they need special permission to work on campus? What kind of paperwork needs to be completed to hire an international student at URI? What role do URI faculty and staff members have in an international student’s application for off-campus employment authorization? Get the answers to these questions and more at this info session on international student employment presented by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
- Target Audience: URI Faculty and Staff
- Presented by: Melissa De Jesus, Director, Office of International Students & Scholars and Abigail Borchert, Senior International Student Services Advisor
- Sponsored by: URI Office of International Students & Scholars
Peace Corps Information Session (Event Cancelled – To be rescheduled Spring 2026)
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., CBLS Room 435, Register here
Come learn more about the Peace Corp Program from our regional recruiter, who will review the logistics of the program, how to apply and what to expect. Also, we will hear from a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who will share her perspectives on service in country and will answer any questions you may have regarding her time abroad. Pizza will be provided!
Friday, November 21
Towards a Global URI: It Takes a Village
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Memorial Union, Room 308
The world is increasingly small and interconnected. To move forward, the university has to embrace it. Are we there yet? What should be done to make URI more global? And most importantly, what can you do to help us get there? Bring your ideas for a discussion that may help shape the future of URI.
- Target Audience: URI Faculty and Staff
- Presented by: Andre Kostousov, Director of International Admission and Recruitment
- Hosted by: Global Initiatives, International Admission & Recruitment
So They Want to Study Abroad – Now What?
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Virtual event, Register here
This session is designed to support the URI Academic Advising community in guiding students toward global learning opportunities. Help your advisees turn interest into action! As academic advisors, you’re often the first point of contact when students have questions about studying abroad. Join us as we explore how to collaborate effectively and empower students to access amazing international experiences.
- Target Audience: URI Academic Advising Community, Faculty & Staff
- Presented by: Michelle Carrara, Director, Education Abroad & Student Mobility
- Sponsored by: URI Office of International Education
The Global Classroom – Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Information Session
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Virtual event, Register here
Join this virtual session to learn about the key characteristics and benefits of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) for integrating global learning and intercultural skill building into on campus courses. An overview of the program will be presented, including the overall process, timelines, funding, and resources for establishing faculty partnerships. During the session there will also be time for Q&A.
- Target Audience: URI Faculty
- Presented by: Tom Hospod, Global Initiatives
- Hosted by: Global Initiatives