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International Education Week 2025

About International Education Week

International Education Week (IEW) is an annual event sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education which seeks to celebrate the benefits of international education and worldwide student and scholar exchange.

In 2025, Illinois State University will host its IEW celebration during the first week of November. The week will feature a variety of activities, including presentations, open houses, and opportunities to connect with international and cultural student organizations.

IEW also highlights Illinois State University's commitment to internationalization and diversity by showcasing events, programs, and courses that promote a global perspective on campus and in the community.

Schedule

IEW events will take place at various locations throughout the ISU Campus.


Monday, November 3

IEW Dining Feature

Enjoy unique dishes selected by ISU international students.  Come learn about international cultures and cuisine.

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Watterson Dining Commons

IEW Information Booths

Learn about IEW events and other international programs and services on campus.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Milner Plaza, Stevenson Hall Lobby, Fell Hall Lobby

International Gala Night

Enjoy a night of presentations and performances from ISU's international student community.
Please RSVP for this event.

5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center


Tuesday, November 4

IEW Dining Feature

Enjoy unique dishes selected by ISU international students.

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Watterson Dining Commons

International Engagement Open House

Learn about how to get involved with different international and cultural student organizations on-campus.

1:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Office of International Engagement Lobby, Fell Hall

International Movie Night

Enjoy a movie at the historic Normal Theater.
Free admission: Please RSVP for this event.

5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Normal Theater, Uptown Normal


Wednesday, November 5

IEW Dining Feature

Enjoy unique dishes selected by ISU international students.

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Watterson Dining Commons

International Career Open House hosted by ISU Career Services

Interested in internationalizing your career?  Find opportunities and network at this special event.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Career Services Classroom, Bone Student Center

International Student Career Series: Job Search Advice from Alumni

International student alumni will share their perspectives on how to find job opportunities in the U.S.

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Room 205B, Bone Student Center

World of Skills Session hosted by ISU Career Services

Find out how to add valuable international skills and opportunities to your resume and credentials.

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Room 205B, Bone Student Center 

"Pursuing a Career in Foreign Service" presentation by Ambassador Gordon Duguid, Donald F. McHenry Visiting Professor in Diplomacy and International Affairs

Ambassador Duguid will share his perspectives on living and working internationally and how interested students can get involved in the Foreign Service.
Please RSVP for this event.

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Prairie Room, Bone Student Center


Thursday, November 6

IEW Dining Feature

Enjoy unique dishes selected by ISU international students.

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Watterson Dining Commons

Program Spotlight Session: Essence of Europe with Dr. Richard Hughes

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Spotlight Room, Bone Student Center 

Program Spotlight Session: Sport Comparison with Jeffery Nix

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Spotlight Room, Bone Student Center

Program Spotlight Session: Rainforest Ecology with Dr. Ben Sadd and Dr. Rachel Bowden

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Spotlight Rom, Bone Student Center 

Faculty Global Engagement Night

All faculty are invited to attend this networking event to share ideas, experiences, and connect with like-minded colleagues.  Refreshments provided.

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Office of International Engagement Lobby, Fell Hall Second Floor

 

Anyone with questions, concerns, or regarding any accommodation at Illinois State University, please contact Emmy Buonomo at ecbuono@IllinoisState.edu or call the Office of International Engagement. Kindly allow time for the accommodation, thank you.

Featured Presenters

Ambassador Gordon Duguid 
Donald F. McHenry Visiting Professor in Diplomacy and International Affairs

Duguid brings over 30 years of diplomatic experience to the role, having served in the U.S. Foreign Service from 1990 to 2020, retiring with the senior rank of minister-counselor. His distinguished career included key postings as Chargé d’Affaires in Montenegro, Deputy Chief of Mission in Serbia, and Deputy Spokesman at the Department of State. He also served as Senior Advisor on Bosnia in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and held public diplomacy roles at the U.S. Mission to NATO and embassies in India, Burundi, Zambia, and Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). From 2010 to 2012, he was Executive Secretary for the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism at the Organization of American States.

Throughout his career, Duguid received five Superior Honor Awards, three Meritorious Honor Awards, and the Secretary’s Career Achievement Award. In parallel with his diplomatic service, he has taught at the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, the National Intelligence University, and George Washington University. Before joining the Foreign Service, he taught history in the UK from 1986 to 1989.

Since retirement, Duguid has remained active as a public diplomacy consultant for organizations including the U.S. State Department, the Office of the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is also a published novelist and currently serves as program chair for the Public Diplomacy Council of America.

 

Sponsors

International Education Week is organized by Illinois State University's Office of International Engagement and co-sponsored by Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality, the Department of Politics and Government