UNLV Global’s fourth consecutive celebration of all things international offers a lineup of fun, engaging events from Monday, Nov. 17 to Saturday, Nov. 22. Recognized on campuses across the country, the week is traditionally a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, created to demonstrate the benefits of global exchange and education for both American and international students.
“This year’s celebration will be our biggest and best so far,” said Lindsey Gruber, senior executive director of UNLV Global. “We’re thrilled to offer a whole week of diverse activities for students, staff, and faculty to enjoy.
“International education is more important than ever, as our world grows more complex and undergoes rapid change. At UNLV, we aim to equip students, scholars, and faculty to participate in our interconnected world and engage other cultures. By supporting international mobility and providing resources and opportunities, we can help create meaningful global experiences.”
UNLV is home to more than 1,000 international students and about 100 international staff, faculty, and visiting scholars representing approximately 90 countries. UNLV also partners with approximately 57 institutions in 30 different countries for joint research, and faculty and student exchange.
Campus partners for International Education Week include Student Life, Student Affairs, UNLV Foundation, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, the College of Hospitality, and the Department of Student Connection and Engagement.
You Belong Here Exhibition
The week kicks off with You Belong Here, an art and storytelling event from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17 in the Beam Hall first floor Atrium. UNLV Global will simultaneously hold an open house in its offices upstairs (BEH 543) from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Launched this past spring, The You Belong Here campaign was created to support UNLV’s international community after seven students saw their legal immigration status terminated, along with more than 1,000 students and recent graduates nationwide. UNLV Global sprang into action to support the affected students, as well as the larger international student and scholar community. Through special social gatherings, individual support, and fundraising, the Rebel community demonstrated its care and commitment to international students.
The You Belong Here exhibition will showcase the work of volunteer photographer Claire Hart and writer Paysha Rhone, who spent eight weeks capturing the voices and journeys of international students navigating challenge and change.
Hart first photographed international students at the initial You Belong Here event in spring and was so moved that she volunteered to create student portraits. “I am really grateful to be one small part of You Belong Here at UNLV,” she said. “This project means a lot to me, but even more so because it highlights the real warriors, the international students who are finding their way through such uncertain times.
“There’s a duality in their experience — so much uncertainty, yet so much hope — and that balance is what makes their stories so powerful,” Hart said. “There’s also a quiet kind of helplessness that comes with not knowing how to help — seeing what others are up against and wishing you could do more. But more than anything, it deepens my empathy and reminds me how important it is to keep showing up — to listen, to learn, and to use my photography to help share their light.”
You Belong Here is open to the public, with food, beverages, art, and music. Upstairs, the community is welcome to join UNLV Global to learn more about its programs, partnerships, and initiatives over desserts and warm beverages.
For the full list of daily events, visit the International Education Week webpage.