Office of International Programs and Services

International Education Week 2025

International Education Week | November 17–20, 2025

Join us in celebrating International Education Week (IEW), a special opportunity to honor the diversity, global connections, and cultural richness of our campus community.

Throughout the week, enjoy a wide range of events and activities: connect with international alumni and friends, learn how to pronounce names from different cultures, explore the regulatory challenges and support systems for international students, sample snacks and drinks from around the world, share in a festive Thanksgiving dinner, and take part in thought-provoking discussions on AI and privacy across cultures.

Come celebrate, connect, and discover the world right here on campus during International Education Week 2025!

International Education Week is an initiative of the US Department of State.  More information here: International Education Week

See our event lineup below for more information on International Education Week 2025:

Monday, November 17, 2025

International Alumni Panel & Networking Event 
Monday, November 17, 2025
Johnson Center, Bistro
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Registration Link: go.gmu.edu/IEWALUMNI25 

Gain insights from international alumni as they share their career journeys and post-graduation experiences in the U.S. and sharpen your networking skills along the way! 

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Working with International Students Workshop
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Johnson Center, Meeting Room F
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Registration Link:go.gmu.edu/WWIS 

This interactive training will address issues and tools for working with international students at GMU. We will define "International Student," discuss demographics, explore cultural concepts and cross-cultural communication, explain terms like CPT and OPT, and engage in activities to provide practical tips.

 

 

 

Name Pronunciation Workshop
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Johnson Center, Meeting Room F
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Registration Link: go.gmu.edu/iewnameworkshop

Learn from students how to correctly pronounce their names and learn about cultural contexts. This session focuses on the pronunciation of names in Hindi, Chinese, Bangla, Arabic, and Azerbaijani

 

 

 

 

International Student Thanksgiving Dinner 
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 
Merten Hall, Room 1201 
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 
Registration Link: go.gmu.edu/iewthanksgiving 

Join us for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and connect with fellow international students in a warm, welcoming atmosphere! Hosted by the Offices of Student Success Coaching and International Programs and Services. 

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Explore the World with GEO: Passport to Global Opportunities
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Johnson Center, Room F
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Registration Link:
go.gmu.edu/PAE

As winter approaches, does your mind wander to adventures abroad?
Start your journey with the Global Education Office (GEO)!
Join us to learn how to apply for a U.S. passport, get travel planning tips, and explore study abroad opportunities.
All are welcome! We hope you’ll embark on a transformative study abroad journey with GEO!

 

 

 

International Café: East and Southeast Edition
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Johnson Center, Bistro
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Registration Link:
go.gmu.edu/icafeasia

Come enjoy FREE international drinks and snacks at our next International Cafe! This iCafe, we will be focusing on countries from the East and Southeast Asia region: China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and more! International Cafe (iCafe) is a student-led event centered around teas, snacks, crafts, games, and music from various countries, regions, or cultures. Learn about international cultures without leaving campus!

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Regulatory Challenges and Support for International Students
Thursday, November 20, 2025
VIRTUAL EVENT

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Registration Link: go.gmu.edu/iewcompliance

The Office of International Programs and Services invites campus stakeholders to an information session focused on the current challenges facing international students and the support measures in place to address them. This session will cover key topics such as visa, travel, and enrollment obstacles, as well as campus protocols for preparing for visits and inquiries from government agencies.

 

 

 

Meet and Greet with International Student Advisory Board (ISAB)
Thursday, November 20, 2025
SUB 1 3311
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Registration Link:
go.gmu.edu/ISAB

Come meet the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) members and share your thoughts! This is your opportunity to voice any concerns, offer feedback, and let us know how we can better support your success at George Mason University.

 

 

 

Right, Wrong, or Different: Privacy and AI Across Cultures
Thursday, November 20, 2025
The MIX at Horizon (2107 Horizon Hall)
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Registration Link:
go.gmu.edu/RWD

Who owns your data? How do norms around privacy differ across societies? And what ethical dilemmas emerge when A.I. systems use our prompts and personal information to generate insights?