Florida State University celebrates another year of International Education Month through a variety of events in November. During this time, the university highlights the importance of its international programs that are provided, as well as students coming from international waters and the university’s presence abroad. 

International Education Month began as a week-long celebration called International Education Week and was created in 2001 by the United States Department of State and Department of Education.

FSU is known for being an award-winning national leader in campus internationalization, so all of the events were packed into the month in order to maximize the celebration.

FSU President Richard McCullough kicked off the month with an opening reception, followed by the Going Global Showcase, an event that highlighted students' international experiences. 

“We actually have amazing facilities at all of those programs and offer those opportunities for students to study abroad,” McCullough said. “We’re starting to really attract a large number of international students as our reputation continues to grow in both research and education, but just the culture that we provide here at Florida State is very welcoming.”

On Thursday, Nov. 4, the Askew Student Life Center hosted a film screening of “Daughters of the Forest” coupled with a Q&A with a senior research associate of the Learning Systems Institute, Dr. Flavia Ramos-Mattoussi. She discussed her work with USAID-funded “Women’s Leadership Program in Paraguay." 

Every Friday from 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m. during the month of November, The Globe will be hosting International Coffee Hour. This event features refreshments from a different culture every Friday. It is also an opportunity for students to connect and interact with other students, scholars and faculty from all over the world over a cup of coffee.

The College of Music dominates most of International Education month, with many events throughout the month. Highlighted this year is the FSU Andean Ensemble on Nov. 9 in the Globe Auditorium. They will be performing music from South America, Central America and more. 

The Gamelan Ensemble also hosts a World Music Performance in the Opperman Music Hall, playing music of the world to celebrate the month. Admission is free for all who would like to enjoy the music of the Ensemble on Tuesday Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

A third event being hosted by the College of Music is another World Music Performance, this time by Grupo Jaraguá: Brazilian Ensemble and Mas ‘n’ Steel. The College of Music encourages any student interested in the music of the world to attend, with events taking place Tuesday through Thursday in the evenings. 

Nov. 30 marks the conclusion of International Education Month, where FSU’s Florence campus is hosting Dr. Victoria Bartels for the Bagnesi Live Lecture. She will be examining the symbolic meaning of arms and armor in men’s portraiture and the role that they played in Renaissance society. Registration for this virtual event can be found on the FSU calendar.

FSU also encourages all students who are interested in pursuing an IDEA Grant to apply for one, which allows students of all majors to receive up to $4000 in funding for research projects. IDEA Grant info sessions will be held at the conclusion of International Education Month, on Dec. 1, in order to motivate international students to apply as FSU continues to strive to celebrate the importance of diversity, global connections, perspectives and experiences.