One World, Many Stories: Sharing Narratives for Global Understanding
Celebrate, discuss, and learn more about the role of international education as a powerful global force, cultivating a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world, as part of the International Education Week (IEW) celebration at Maricopa Community Colleges.
A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week is a yearly opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. The weeklong series of in-person and virtual events, across all 10 colleges, is open to all students, faculty, and staff.
Monday, November 18
Opening Ceremony: 10-11 a.m., In-person and online
SU-100, South Mountain Community College (SMCC)
Meeting ID: 873 9662 1369
Passcode: oKnnACsTXKIHyAHfHAEUQfm9Fcinse.1
Opening Ceremony Remarks - 10 a.m.
Introduction of keynote speaker by Dr. Alice Murillo, Vice President of Academic Affairs, SMCC
Opening Ceremony Keynote - 10:15 a.m.
Keynote by Liz Warren, Faculty Director, SMCC Storytelling Institute: “Global Understanding: One Story at a Time”
Open House
10 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person
36N, Mesa Community College
The International Education Office will open IE Week with an entire building open house to read the IEW Proclamation, learn about various student services in building 36N, meet staff, play carnival games, and win door prizes.
Snackport Week: Norway
Daily, in-person
36N, Mesa Community College
Travel daily to select countries around the world at the IE Office and stamp your snack passport to be entered into a drawing that will take place on Friday, Nov. 22.
Library Display
Daily, in-person
LB11 first floor, Mesa Community College (Southern & Dobson)
Intercultural Communication Projects with Q&A
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person
PAC-725 (Black Box), South Mountain Community College
Students will showcase their research about their assigned countries from around the world in Professor Azra Mahmood’s COM 263 Intercultural Communication Projects “Deep Dive into Global Culture.”
Opening Ceremony at Phoenix College
11–11:30 a.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Parade of Flags and IEW Proclamation
Cultural Performance
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
PC Steel Pan Group
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person
Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
Speed Language Games
12:30–1:00 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Learn words in different languages.
Stories Across Borders: Exploring Cultural Identities Together
1–2 p.m., online
Rio Salado College
Google Meet: meet.google.com/qad-szrh-zsj
This interactive session invites participants to reflect on their own cultural identities and share their unique stories with the group. Hosted by Reina Ferrufino, DEIB Program Manager.
International Film and Popcorn: The Man Who Knew Infinity
2–4 p.m., in-person
F-121 (Hacienda Room), Phoenix College
Based on the true story of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, this film explores his journey to Cambridge University and his collaboration with professor G.H. Hardy.
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
A book display highlighting international authors or education topics. Question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?"
Tuesday, November 19
Snackport Week: Colombia
All week, in-person
36N, Mesa Community College
Travel daily to select countries around the world at the IE Office and stamp your snack passport to be entered into a drawing that will take place on Friday, Nov. 22.
Library Display
Daily, in-person
LB11 first floor, Mesa Community College (Southern & Dobson)
Cafe Around the World
9–11 a.m., in-person
Rio tower (first floor), Rio Salado College
Enjoy a taste of treats from around the world.
Presentation: “Cultural Agility: Living and working internationally as a woman”
9-10:15 a.m., in-person
KSC1000 A, Paradise Valley Community College
Dr. Gina Cinali is from Denmark and has lived and worked in the Middle East for a good portion of her career. Her presentation will help learners prepare for similar career options.
International Fun Fest
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in-person
Student Pavilion, Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Pecos)
Display of fun games and taste international snacks and treats from around the world.
Student Experience Studying Abroad
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., in-person and online
C-102, Phoenix College
Google Meet
PC Student Erideily Garcia shares her Study Abroad experience last summer in Italy.
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person
Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
“Lessons from Mexico”
4–5 p.m., in-person
L-162/L-163, South Mountain Community College
SMCC faculty will be sharing their experiences participating in the Global Engagement Faculty Curriculum Development Program: Understanding Mexico: The Past, Present, and Future in Guanajuato and Mexico City, Mexico.
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
A book display highlighting international authors or education topics. Question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?"
Wednesday, November 20
International Education Cultural and Resource Festival
10 a.m.–2 p.m., in-person
Mesa Community College
Join us for our celebration of International Education Week on campus with food, music, campus resources, Study Abroad Fair, and much more.
Snackport Week: Japan
All week, in-person
36N, Mesa Community College
Travel daily to select countries around the world at the IE Office and stamp your snack passport to be entered into a drawing that will take place on Friday, Nov. 22.
Library Display
Daily, in-person
LB11 first floor, Mesa Community College (Southern & Dobson)
“Language Power: The Personal and Professional Gains of Studying Spanish and Other Languages”
9 a.m.–12 p.m., in-person
LRC patio, South Mountain Community College
Promoting language acquisition, this event is organized by Professor Loida Gutierrez and her students.
Vocational and Educational Training in the Basque Country and Germany
11 a.m.–12 p.m., virtual
Google Meet, Rio Salado College
Rick Vaughn, Ph.D., STEM Initiatives, visited the Basque region of Spain and parts of Germany to study vocational training programs, tour industry, and attend the Hannover Messe fair. He will share the incredible things he learned about how those cultures support vocational training.
Flags for Peace
11 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person
Center Mall, Glendale Community College
Promoting international awareness on campus. Students will draw flags to display that will either represent their country of origin or a country they would like to visit (or have visited).
Chalk Day & Pizza With the President
10 a.m.–2:30 p.m., in-person
Center Mall, Glendale Community College
Join us in creating vibrant chalk art, and let your imagination run wild. Get together with the campus community, celebrate creativity, and spread good vibes around the world.
Presentation: “Cultural Agility: Living and working internationally as a woman”
10:30–11:45 a.m., in-person
KSC1000 A, Paradise Valley Community College
Dr. Gina Cinali is from Denmark and has lived and worked in the Middle East for a good portion of her career. Her presentation will help learners prepare for similar career options.
Calligraphy: Arabic and Chinese
10:30–11:45 a.m., in-person
KSC-1000 B, Paradise Valley Community College
Dr. Ayad Said and Professor Lili Kang provide a brief history of these forms of calligraphy and allow students to practice techniques using ink, paper, and brushes for writing.
“Idioms Without Borders” with Professor Harry Singh
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., in-person and online
C-102, Phoenix College
Google Meet
Words and expressions that indicate regional personality.
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person
Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
A book display highlighting international authors or education topics. Question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?"
International Fashion Show: “My culture is not your costume!”
5:30–7 p.m., in-person
SU-100, South Mountain Community College
Presentation: “Cultural Agility: Living and working internationally as a woman”
12:30-1:45 p.m., in-person
KSC1000 A, Paradise Valley Community College
Dr. Gina Cinali is from Denmark and has lived and worked in the Middle East for a good portion of her career. Her presentation will help learners prepare for similar career options.
Race and Ethnicity Abroad: Overcoming Obstacles to Create a Global Mindset
1–2 p.m., virtual
Google Meet, Rio Salado College
Race and ethnicity are factors that are often overlooked when considering study abroad options. Political, cultural and historical context is critical when understanding these challenges. This session will cover the "identity shift" that some will experience while studying abroad, which may include attitudes towards race and ethnicity from a different lens. Hosted by Dr. Lamont Slater, Faculty Chair Humanities, Religious Studies & Philosophy, Rio Salado College.
England Study Abroad Information Session
1–2 p.m., in-person and online
LC-361, Scottsdale Community College
Informational meeting about MCCCD’s Study Abroad programs, emphasizing SCC’s England: Canterbury and London program. Led by program director Jeff Butcher.
“In Her Shoes”
2–3:15 p.m., in-person
KSC-1000 A, Paradise Valley Community College
The International Rescue Committee will present this active-learning session on refugees and human trafficking experiences/rescue, providing insights into the victim's experiences and self-empowerment for the recovery process.
Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material
4:30–6:30 p.m., in-person
Buxton Library, Paradise Valley Community College
Join us for the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance Reception.
Thursday, November 21
Snackport Week: Kuwait
All week, in-person
36N, Mesa Community College
Travel daily to select countries around the world at the IE Office and stamp your snack passport to be entered into a drawing that will take place on Friday, Nov. 22.
Library Display
Daily, in-person
LB11 first floor, Mesa Community College (Southern & Dobson)
90 Minutes Around the World
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in-person
GateWay Community College
The 90 Minutes Around the World event aims to give attendees the opportunity to experience food, culture, and music from regions around the world.
Global Celebration
10 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person
Center Mall, Glendale Community College
Enjoy cultural games, artifacts, and performances in addition to presentations, international music, a fashion show, and international teas and snacks.
International Fashion Show: Explore Culture Through Clothing
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in-person
Student Pavilion, Chandler Gilbert Community College (Pecos)
Students and community members showcase traditional clothes from different countries.
International Fashion Show & Tea and Cookies from Around the World
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in-person
Sophomore Square, Phoenix College
Students and community come together to celebrate the rich cultural diversity at PC.
International Lunch Menu at Rio
11 a.m.–1 p.m., in-person
Café at Rio, Rio Salado College
Enjoy international lunch offerings all week at the Café at Rio.
Study Abroad Information Session
12–1 p.m., in-person
LB-145 (Library 1st floor), Mesa Community College (Southern & Dobson)
Want to travel the world this summer? Join us for an information session on how to earn college credit while studying abroad for the 2025 summer! Snacks will be provided.
Poetry Slam
3–4 p.m., virtual
Zoom link, Maricopa Community Colleges
Student poetry contest winners will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the poetry slam event. For more information on the poetry contest, visit maricopa.edu/poetry-contest.
United Sounds
1–3 p.m., in-person
LRC Patio, South Mountain Community College
A student performance of popular songs that have united global cultures.
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
A book display highlighting international authors or education topics. Question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?"
Friday, November 22
Maricopa Colleges Global Leadership Experience: “Global Connections: Building Bridges Across Cultures”
9 a.m.–4 p.m., in-person
LB-145, Mesa Community College
Open to any MCCCD enrolled student. Join us for ax dynamic event designed to help students build essential skills for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and leading in a multicultural world. Student Application: https://forms.gle/5ai7J91S3Lscf9Lw9
Apply by November 11.
Snackport Week: Vietnam
All week, in-person
36N, Mesa Community College
Travel daily to select countries around the world at the IE Office and stamp your snack passport to be entered into a drawing that will take place on Friday, Nov. 22.
Global Library
All week, in-person
Main Library, Glendale Community College
A book display at the Main library highlighting international authors or education topics. Question of the week: “If you could study abroad in any country, which one would you choose?"