Written by Colin McEvoy | November 12, 2025 | SHARE
International Education Week returns to Lehigh next week with a full lineup of global events, performances, and celebrations across campus.
International Education Week (IEW) is back, and Lehigh's Office of International Affairs is excited to share a week of programs highlighting the global perspectives that shape our campus
IEW is a nationwide initiative that promotes the value of international education and exchange. Lehigh University will celebrate the week-long event starting Monday, Nov. 17, with a series of events, discussions, and performances.
“International Education Week shines a spotlight on the global experiences that help our students grow as learners, citizens, and leaders,” said Cheryl Matherly, Vice President & Vice Provost for International Affairs. “It reflects our commitment to ensuring every member of our community has meaningful opportunities to connect with the world.”
The week will open Monday with a special piano recital by Professor Eugene Albulescu, who will explore the global nature of music in a performance at the Zoellner Arts Center. The event is free and open to the Lehigh community.
Later that afternoon, students will take part in the annual Flag Parade, carrying flags representing countries from around the world. The parade will begin at 4:15 p.m. at Coxe Hall.
This year’s IEW coincides with Arianna Huffington’s visit to campus as part of the Compelling Perspectives series. Huffington—a former international student herself—will meet privately with several of Lehigh’s international students for a Q&A conversation.
Additional programming throughout the week will include:
Friends of OIA Campus Appreciation Reception (Tuesday, Nov. 18): An invitation-only gathering to celebrate award recipients from our campus community whose efforts have strengthened global learning, collaboration, and inclusion at Lehigh.
VR Passport: A Global Immersive Experience (Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 4 p.m.): Explore how emerging technologies are transforming global learning at Lehigh through an interactive XR event featuring virtual reality experiences and global data exploration tools like Meta Quest and ArcGIS Online.
Friendsgiving (Thursday, Nov. 20, at 5 p.m.): International students, faculty, and staff will join the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) for a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner.
International Film Event (Thursday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m.): The Graduate Life Office presents an international film screening of the Iranian film My Favourite Cake (2024). Iranian tea and snacks will be served.
Jollof Rice Competition (Friday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m.): The Lehigh University Association of Ghanaian Students (LAGS) and the Lehigh University Graduate Association of Nigerian Students (LUGANS) host this event celebrating West African cuisine by showcasing two variants of the popular dish, Jollof rice.
Visit global.lehigh.edu/IEW for more information about IEW and Lehigh’s week of programming this year.