International Education Week
The annual UNMC International Education Week is a campus-wide event held during the fall semester and features customs, foods and attire from a variety of ethnicities and cultures represented at UNMC.
Save the date for International Education Week, Nov. 16-20, 2026. Many activities are planned including:
Opening Celebration and Parade of Cultures
📅 Monday, Nov. 16
🕒 4:30 p.m.
📍 Michael F. Sorrell Commons (2nd floor)
Kick off International Education Week with one of UNMC's most vibrant celebrations! Join students, faculty and staff from around the world as we come together to recognize the cultures, traditions, and experiences that make our campus community truly global.
The highlight of the event is our Global Parade, where students are invited to proudly represent their home countries and cultures. Wear traditional attire and join classmates from across the globe in a lively celebration of international cultures. Whether you're participating in the parade or cheering from the crowd, this event is a fun and energetic way to share your heritage and connect with the UNMC community.
Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate the many cultures represented on our campus.
Interested in participating in the parade? Sign up here for more information!
Interested in what this event is like? Check out the 2025 opening celebration pictures.
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Culture Expo
📅 Tuesday, Nov. 17
🕒 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 Wigton Heritage Center
Get ready for one of the most exciting and high-energy events of International Education Week. The Culture Expo is your chance to share your home country and culture with the UNMC community while celebrating the incredible cultures that makes our campus special.
Represent your country with a table featuring photos, artifacts, traditional clothing, games, snacks, prizes, fun facts or anything else that showcases what makes your culture unique. Throughout the event, students, faculty and staff will travel from table to table, discovering traditions, learning about different parts of the world and connecting with people from across the globe.
Whether you're sharing your favorite cultural traditions, introducing visitors to your hometown, or offering a taste of home, the Culture Expo is always filled with energy, conversation, laughter and pride. Don't miss this opportunity to help UNMC experience the world in one afternoon!
Interested in hosting a country table? Sign up here for more information today!
Interested in what this event is like? Check out the 2025 Culture Expo pictures.
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Study Abroad Session: All About Fulbright
📅 Wednesday, Nov. 18
🕒 12-1 p.m.
📍 Michael F. Sorrell Center Room 2018
Ready to take your education beyond the classroom and explore the world? Join Sara Pirtle, program manager in the UNMC Office of Global Engagement, for an exciting introduction to study abroad opportunities available to UNMC students.
The session will also include information about the prestigious Fulbright Program and other opportunities that can help you pursue international research, study and cultural exchange. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or already dreaming about your next destination, this is a great opportunity to discover how a global experience can enhance your education, career and personal growth.
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International Student Association (ISA) Game Night & Cornhole Tournament
📅 Wednesday, Nov. 17
🕒 5 p.m.
📍 Center for Healthy Living
Looking for a fun way to unwind, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition? Join the International Student Association for an evening of board games, laughter and community at our ISA Game Night!
Whether you're a seasoned strategist, a card game expert or just looking to learn something new, there's a game for everyone. Come with friends or make new ones as you challenge classmates, share stories and connect with students from around the world in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
No experience is necessary, and all are welcome. Bring your competitive spirit, your favorite game-night snacks and get ready for an evening of fun, conversation and international friendship.
Watch your email and ENGAGE for further details.
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Floating Doctors Panama: the Experience, the Impact, the Reflection
📅 Thursday, Nov. 19
🕒 12-1 p.m.
📍 Michael F. Sorrell Center Room 3002
Ever wondered what it's like to provide healthcare in one of the most remote regions of the world? Join students who participated in the 2026 Floating Doctors program in Panama as they share stories from their unforgettable journey delivering medical care to underserved communities. Learn about the challenges, cultural experiences and rewarding moments they encountered while working in remote villages and discover how global health experiences can make a lasting impact on both patients and providers.
Faculty are especially encouraged to attend. Each UNMC Floating Doctors service trip includes one or two faculty leaders who travel with and mentor students, making faculty involvement critical to the success of the program. This is an excellent opportunity to learn what participation entails, hear firsthand experiences and explore how you can support students through global engagement.
This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about an inspiring adventure in international service, medicine, and cultural exchange.
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Friendsgiving Global Rice Showcase and Potluck
📅 Friday, Nov. 20
🕒 6 p.m.
📍 DRC Commons
Bring a taste of home to UNMC and help us close out International Education Week with one of our most delicious events! The Global Rice Showcase and Potluck celebrates the incredible cultures represented on our campus through one ingredient found in cuisines around the world: rice.
Students are invited to prepare and present a rice dish that represents their home country, region or culture and compete for top honors. Dishes will be evaluated by a panel of expert judges, who will select winners based on taste, presentation, creativity and cultural significance.
The Global Rice Showcase is also a community potluck and members of the UNMC community are invited to bring a dish to share.
Whether you're cooking, tasting or cheering on your friends, this event is a fun and flavorful celebration of culture, community, and international friendship.
Sign up here to participate in the Global Rice Showcase!
These events are presented by the International Student Association and the UNMC Office of Global Engagement, in collaboration with the African Student Association, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders UNMC Student Association, Graduate Student Association and Student Alliance for Global Health.