The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will celebrate International Education Week Nov. 12-16. Part of a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, the week gives students a chance to experience new cultures and celebrate the benefits of international education.

“Nebraska is proud to participate in International Education Week 2018,” said Sonia Feigenbaum, associate vice chancellor for international engagement and global strategies. “This year, again, we have an impressive lineup of activities that speak to our global fabric.”

The celebration, coordinated by the Office of Global Strategies, kicks off Nov. 12 with a flag hunt. The event is hosted by the International Student and Scholar Office. Students have a chance to win a $50 gift card to the University Bookstore if they find the five international flags and student spotlight sheets hidden around City Campus.

“I’m looking forward to International Education Week this year because so many different offices and groups are hosting such different events,” said Emily Zimmer, International Student and Scholar Office graduate assistant. “I think that international education in all of its forms is so important, and I get really excited when others see the value in it as well.”

Colleges, departments, offices and student organizations have joined in the effort to showcase international education at Nebraska. Other events range from the Global Opportunities Fair and International Jubilee, to various world-themed discussions and the popular International Food Bazaar. International students and scholars will also have a chance to display their home cultures through booths, documentaries and mini language lessons.

“This week celebrates our diversity; our intellectual pursuits across borders, languages and perspectives; and our desire to bring people together,” Feigenbaum said.

International Education Week also aims to prepare Americans for a global environment. On Nov. 12, the College of Business and the College of Education and Human Sciences will host a workshop on selling study abroad experience to employers. The Education Abroad Office, in partnership with Career Services and the UCARE program, will also host panels on interning and researching abroad on Nov. 14.

At the end of the week, the International Business Club and Center for Entrepreneurship will host the inaugural Nebraska Hult Prize Challenge. Students, in teams of three or four, will pitch their idea to create 10,000 meaningful jobs in the next decade. The winning team will represent the university at the regional event in the spring, with a chance to win $1 million to enact their plan and present it to the United Nations.

Other International Education Week sponsors include the Global Studies program, the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, OASIS, Student Affairs, Student Involvement, the Kawasaki Reading Room, The Confucius Institute, Cultural Ambassadors, the International Business Club, the IANR Student Diplomats, the Association of Rwandan Students, the Chinese Student and Scholar Association and the Omani Students Association.

Check out the full list of International Education Week activities.