Throughout November 17–21, 2025, International Education Week (IEW) brought energy, connection and celebration to the UCCS campus. The enthusiastic response from the campus community made it clear just how much global engagement continues to matter at UCCS.
International Education Week is a long-standing global tradition celebrated each November. In 2025, leading international education organizations, including NAFSA, The Forum on Education Abroad and the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining IEW nationwide. While the U.S. Departments of State and Education have historically led this initiative, the afore-mentioned associations are now actively championing the week to ensure its continued impact. As NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw noted, IEW remains “an important opportunity to amplify powerful stories of impact and to affirm our unwavering commitment to a globally connected and engaged future.” UCCS was proud to be part of this collective effort by highlighting the people, programs and global connections that shape our campus.
Over the course of the week, more than 200 unique students, faculty and staff participated in IEW events. From educational workshops and panels to interactive and social activities, each event created space for curiosity, conversation and meaningful connection across cultures and experiences.
One of the highlights of the week was the IEW attendance challenge. Participants earned an entry into a grand prize drawing for each event they attended, meaning the more they participated, the greater their chances of winning. Excitement built throughout the week and culminated in the giveaway of a brand new scooter to one lucky participant who fully embraced the spirit of IEW by attending almost every single event (for the second year in a row).
Beyond the prizes, what truly made International Education Week a success was the atmosphere it created. Students lingered after events to talk and connect, new relationships were formed and shared learning extended well beyond the scheduled programming. The week served as a reminder that international education is not limited to travel or study abroad, it lives in classrooms, friendships and everyday interactions across campus.
For those who missed the events this year, there is plenty to look forward to. International Education Week 2026 will take place November 16–20, and planning is already underway.
Even more exciting, summer 2026 will mark the beginning of UCCS’s 30-year celebration of international education. This milestone anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year with special events and programming, continuing into International Education Week 2026. Together, these celebrations will honor three decades of global learning, international partnerships and the vibrant international community that continues to shape UCCS.