International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of the efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences. The robust exchange of students, researchers, scholars, and educators, along with broader international education efforts between the United States and other countries, strengthens relationships between current and future leaders. These relationships are necessary to address shared challenges, enhance American prosperity, and contribute to global peace and security. U.S. students, researchers, scholars, and educators benefit when they engage with peers from around the world, whether overseas or through international education at home. All Americans need to be equipped with global and cultural competencies to navigate the ever-changing landscapes of education, international business, scientific discovery and innovation, and the global economy. International education enhances cultural and linguistic diversity, and helps to develop cross-cultural communication skills, foreign language competencies, and enhanced self-awareness and understanding of diverse perspectives.

While this initiative created by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education celebrates international education annually during one week of November, the SEMO community chooses to observe the international education initiative for the entire month of November. Here at SEMO, we value the significant contributions international education brings to both domestic students and international students by creating globalized citizens for future generations. During the month of November, the Office of International Education and Services partners with several student organizations and groups as well as academic departments to organize many events and educational opportunities which the SEMO community can engage and participate in. Events range from "World Language Tables" where you can learn a few words in a new language from a student whose native language is different from your own to movie nights where you can experience films from around the world! Popular events also include "Taste of the World" where students can stop at booths and sample a "taste" of a dish from different countries around the world all in one event and our "Global Fashion Day" when students gather for a picture in front of the iconic Academic Hall wearing traditional clothing from their home countries.

If you, your department, or your student organization are interested in hosting an event during International Education Month or have questions about how to do so, please contact the Office of International Education and services at DSO@semo.edu or by calling 573.986.6863 so we can assist you!