International Education Week 2026

Banner for International Education Week 2026, featuring a blue world map, the message “Globally Minded. Locally Grounded.” and logos of education organizations.


International Education Week (IEW) is an initiative originally spearheaded by the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Education.

IEW is designed to support international education and collaborations and foster understanding and engagement across cultures. Alamo Colleges District (ACD) held its first IEW celebration in 2012 across the colleges and at the Sheridan offices with college-specific events, three student photo contest awards, and three Excellence in Internationalization awards.

Since that time, IEW has grown to over 70 events in 2025 and is an integrated celebration of the cultures of the world, particularly those that comprise the ACD community and the constituencies, global and local, that we serve.

We invite you to join us this year from 16-20 November for events at the colleges and at ACCESS as we celebrate 14 years of IEW. Engage with us and learn what we mean by Globally minded. Locally engaged.

IEW Events

Thursday, Nov. 12

ACD x TPR International Education Week Panel Discussion

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Time: 9:30–11 a.m.

Location: Texas Public Radio — Malu and Carlos Alvarez Theater

Moderator: Danya Perez

Event Overview

The Alamo Colleges District and Texas Public Radio are partnering to host a special International Education Week event focused on how San Antonio can prepare students and talent to succeed in an increasingly global economy.

The event will bring together leaders from higher education, international business, global affairs and U.S.–Mexico relations for a conversation about the importance of global competence as a workforce skill and how education, industry and community partnerships can help prepare the next generation of professionals.

See Event Details Get Tickets

Monday, Nov. 16

Celebrating Shared Culture, Fostering Supportive Networks @ ACCESS

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 

Location: ACCESS campus, Broadway 100

You are invited to join an active dialogue between Alamo Colleges staff and leaders from our local Cameroonian, Filipino, Indian, and Peruvian diasporas for conversations that will lay the foundation for engaging and serving students as they navigate life and experiences away from their home countries.

Conversation topics include:

  • What connects us (discussion and activity)?
  • What I wish I knew before coming to the U.S.
  • What I know now and want to share with students.
  • What resources do we have to share?
International Short Film @ SAC

Time: 11:00  a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: FAB 212, San Antonio College

As part of the SAC Around the World series, join International Programs @ SAC for an international short film. Popcorn will be provided!

Be Our Guest: Explore International Cuisine @ SPC

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Center for Learning Resources (CLR), St. Philip's College

Explore international cuisine and international authors in the same space. Be Our Guest will inspire you to sample food and books.

Move the World – Kickboxing @ SAC

Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Location: CPEC Dance Studio, San Antonio College

A beginner-friendly kickboxing fitness class featuring basic techniques, movement, and cardio. Part of the SAC Around the World Series.

Register for the kickboxing class

Move the World – Yoga @ SAC

Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
Location: CPEC Yoga Studio, San Antonio College

A yoga class focused on movement, stretching, balance, and relaxation. Part of the SAC Around the World series.

Register for the yoga class

2nd Annual Student Poster Fair @ ACCESS

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Location: ACCESS Board Room Foyer

The second annual Student Poster Fair returns for IEW 2026 as we celebrate the global learning experiences of study abroad alumni of the Transatlantic Culinary Partnership, Costa Rica Expedition, South Korea faculty-led program, and Future Talent Council scholar program. We will also hear from one of our international students from Colombia.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Education Abroad Information & Outreach Table @ PAC

Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Student Center Annex (Cafeteria), Palo Alto College

An information table providing resources and information about education abroad opportunities.

Global Perspectives: Student Photography Exhibition @ PAC

Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Concho Hall Art Gallery, Palo Alto College

A student photography exhibition showcasing perspectives, experiences, and cultures from around the world.

 

Taste of Study Abroad @ SPC's Southwest Campus

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: Industrial Technology Center (ITC) Building 1 Lobby, Southwest Campus (SWC)

Try cuisine from around the world and learn about study abroad opportunities at Alamo Colleges.

Taste of Home @ SAC

Time: 12:00–2:00 PM
Location: FAB 212, San Antonio College

A food-focused event featuring dishes and flavors from different cultures and around the world.

Bollywood-Zumba @ SAC

Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
Location: Loftin – Fiesta Room, San Antonio College

A high-energy fitness class combining Zumba-style movement with Bollywood-inspired music and dance.

Register for the Bollywood Zumba class

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Global Learning with Coffee and Bagels @ NLC

Date: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Salado Hall, ACA 304H, Northeast Lakeview College

Join your campus Global Learning Faculty to discuss ways you can introduce global learning in your classrooms. Enjoy some coffee and bagels.

SAC Around the World IEW Main Celebration @ SAC

IEW Main Celebration

Time: 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: SAC Mall/Oppenheimer area, San Antonio College

A ca.m.pus celebration featuring international and cultural displays, vendors, a Parade of Nations, cultural entertainment, dancing, a photobooth, and food trucks.

Schedule of Events

Global Village Tabling

Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: SAC Mall/Oppenheimer area, San Antonio College
Description: International and cultural showcase tables featuring cultural items, displays, and vendors from around the world.

Students will have the opportunity to represent their country/culture at this tabling event. Only 10 tables available for students. Please arrive to set up your table at 8:30 a.m., as the event starts at 9 a.m.

Register for a table

Parade of Nations

Time: Approximately 10:45–11:30 a.m.
Location: Begins at Oppenheimer and ends at the SAC Mall area
Description: A campus parade featuring flags representing countries from around the world.

Cultural Entertainment & Dancing

Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: SAC Mall/Oppenheimer area, San Antonio College
Description: Live student performances featuring cultural entertainment, music, and dancing.

If you would like to perform a dance and/or showcase a talent representing your culture, please sign up by Thursday, Nov. 12.

Register to perform at this event

International Food

Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Location: SAC Mall/Oppenheimer area, San Antonio College
Description: Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of dishes from local restaurants representing different cultures. 

Move the World: Meditation

Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Loftin – Fiesta Room, San Antonio College
Description: A guided meditation session offering students an opportunity to relax, refocus, and practice mindfulness. Snacks will be provided.

Register for the meditation class

Parade of Flags @ SPC

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Location: MLK Heritage Pavilion, St. Philip's College

Flags from around the world will be on display to celebrate International Education Week.
International Bazaar @ SPC

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Turbon Student Center (Lobby), St. Philip's College

Sample food from around the world to celebrate International Education Week
Student Voices from Abroad: Study Abroad Panel @ PAC

Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Pedernales 109, Palo Alto College

A student panel featuring firsthand experiences and perspectives from students who have participated in study abroad programs.

 
Study Abroad Promotional Table @ SPC

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

Location: Turbon Student Center Lobby

Hosting a study abroad table to promote all study abroad programs offered by Alamo Colleges.

Books Without Borders: From Page to ScreBooks Without Borders: From Page to Screen @ NVCen @ NVC

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: Redbud Learning Center, Room 118, Northwest Vista College

Join us for a book talk and film screening of Life of Pi, a powerful story of survival, faith, and storytelling. Follow sixteen-year-old Pi Patel as he navigates life at sea alongside an unexpected companion, a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Experience this unforgettable journey through both discussion and film during our BooksWithout Borders program at the library!

Global Connections Networking Reception [INVITATION ONLY] @ ACCESS

Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Location: 2222 N. Alamo St., Bruce H. Leslie Board Room, District ACCESS Building

This event is by invitation only.

Join the San Antonio Council for International Visitors (SACIV) and the Alamo Colleges District Office of International Programs as we celebrate International Education Week by welcoming 27 higher education professionals from 18 countries to network about English language learning and language education in an intimate setting.

Thursday, Nov. 19

Global Coffee House Mingle @ SAC

Date: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Time: Nursing Allied Health Complex (NAHC), Room 378, San Antonio College

Enjoy different coffees, teas, and pastries from around the world while chatting about Global Learning Designated Courses and other Global Learning opportunities at Alamo Colleges.

Education Abroad Information & Outreach Table @ PAC

Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Student Center Annex (Cafeteria), Palo Alto College

An information table providing students with resources, information, and guidance about education abroad opportunities.

International Table Talk @ SPC

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Location: Turbon Student Center (TSC) - Room 216, St. Philip's College

Please join us for the 4th annual International Table Talk, presented by Prof. Dr. Solomon Nfor and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irene Young. We will be joined by students and faculty from Universidad Simón Bolívar in Colombia for a facilitated discussion about Culture & Society, Health & Wellness, and Culinary exploration

Sounds of the World: Global Music Exploration @ NVC

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

Location: Redbud Learning Center, Room 118

Take your ears on a journey around the globe! Visit our Listening Lounge and explore the incredible range of international music available through the library’s streaming database, Naxos Music Library. Come experience how music connects us all.

 

Sound Bath @ ACCESS

Time: 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: ACCESS campus, Broadway 100

Join us for the International Education Week Sound Bath for one hour of interactive meditation. Please bring your own towel, yoga mat, or blanket. Herbal teas will be served.

Friday, Nov. 20

Global Learning Faculty Awards Luncheon (Invite Only) @ ACCESS

Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: ACCESS

An invitation-only luncheon recognizing faculty contributions to global learning and international education.

 

2026 Study Abroad Contest Winners

A person in a plaid shirt gently holds a tiny hummingbird with iridescent purple feathers against a lush green garden, conveying care and tenderness.

Andrea Salazar
2026 Artistic Merit category winner

A kilted bagpiper performs beside a stone statue and iron railings, with Edinburgh Castle rising above green trees under a cloudy sky.

Isaac Camacho
2026 People category winner

A rustic cottage with weathered slate roofs is partly hidden by lush green foliage and trees under a bright blue sky, creating a quiet, secluded mood.

Emilio Elizarranaz
2026 Place category winner

 

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