International Education Week
International Education Week (IEW) is celebrated worldwide every third week of November. Our celebrations here in Canada coincide with those held in over 100 countries around the globe.
November 16-20, 2026 International Education Week
What is International Education Week?
IEW has been celebrated since 2000, showcasing the impact that international education has in preparing students for the world and supports international engagement efforts. It is a reflection of the spirit of cooperation and collaboration among various stakeholders across Canada to join forces to highlight the importance of international education. Activities undertaken by individuals, schools, colleges, universities, associations, businesses, governments, and nongovernmental organizations will help to strengthen the understanding of international education and its importance.
Who is International Education Week for?
IEW is for everyone who values global learning and connection: students, faculty, staff, researchers, alumni, and community partners. It celebrates those who study abroad, those who come to the University of Manitoba as international or exchange students, and all who contribute to intercultural learning and understanding on campus. Each activity during IEW showcases UM's commitment to global citizenship and the many ways our community connects with the world.
November 16- 20, 2026 International Education Week Schedule
Monday, November 16
Opening Kick-off Event
November 16 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM | Fireside Lounge, main floor, UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students UM Faculty & staff members
Join us for our kick-off to International Education Week!
- Winter Clothing Pop-up Shop, available to all international and exchange students in need. Free clothing donated by the generosity of the UM Community
- We will accept donations of winter jackets, boots and ski pants. Find donation criteria here.
- Tabling from UM Community and Partners
- Music from UMFM
- Learn about International Centre programs and IEW events running this week
Faculty of Arts Language Centre Study/Work Abroad Information Session
November 16 | 12:30 - 2:30 PM | Language Centre, 103 Isbister Building
Open to All UM students
Come join us to learn UM language programs, study and work abroad opportunities including all UM language programs, student exchange programs, DAAD, JET Programme, and McCall MacBain International Fellowships.
Campus Kitchen Cooking Class
November 16 | 4:00 PM-6:30 PM | Barbara Burns Cooking Lab, 4th Floor, Human Ecology Building
Open to All UM students
Come join us for a cooking demonstration facilitated from student volunteers in Nutrition Education & Community Outreach (NECO). No cooking experience necessary, we'll teach you all the basics and have food and utensils provided.
This month's theme is for International Education Week is Cultural Comfort Foods!
Don't forget to submit your favourite recipe to our IEW Recipe Share digital cook book!
Tuesday, November 17
Student Exchange Program Information Session
November 17 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge, Room 541, UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students
Want to travel the world while earning your UM degree? Student exchanges open doors to incredible adventures, personal growth, and a standout resume that employers will love! Join us to learn more about the program!
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Information Session for International Students
November 17 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM | Room 543/544, UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students Recent graduates (February, June, and October 2026)
Attend this in-person information session led by representatives from the Manitoba Government to learn more about the MPNP. The session will include a presentation followed by a Q&A.
Advance registration is required. The session will not be recorded.
Register here
Healthy U: Food and Mood
November 17 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | 162 Extended Education Building
Open to All UM students
Hosted by Healthy U: An interactive session to learn how food impacts your mood, how to use food as fuel, and how to reflect on what makes you feel good! Following a discussion, you will have an opportunity to make your own smoothie!
Email Bryanna Barker for more information, Bryanna.Barker@umanitoba.ca
Student Exchange Information Session for Faculty of Law students
November 17 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | 204 Robson Hall
Open to Faculty of Law students
As a law student, you may be eligible to study abroad in the fall of your third year. Join us to learn more about the student exchange program!
Immigration policies, cultural adjustment and supports on campus for international students
November 17 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM | Virtual – Teams
Open to UM Faculty & staff members
Attend this session organized by the International Centre and the English Language Centre to learn about Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) polices that impact our international student population at the UM, including cross-cultural adjustment challenges and stressors that can be compounded by ongoing immigration changes and uncertainty. The latter section of this presentation will outline the pre-arrival, Orientation and ongoing assistance that the International Centre provides to international students through our programming and supports, as well as programming available through the English Language Centre.
Colourful Minds Paint Night
November 17 | 4:00-7:00 PM| Room 543/544, UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students
Join us for a paint night - all supplies provided, all skill-levels welcome! We will guide you through painting a scene with step-by-step instructions.
Wednesday, November 18
Meet the Student Mobility and Exchange Team
November 18 | 9:30 - 10:30 AM | Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge, Room 541, UMSU University Centre
Open to UM Faculty & staff members
Join us to learn more about how we work with UM faculties to administer student exchange programs and promote outbound mobility opportunities to your students.
SVRC: Healthy Relationships
November 18 | 11:00 - 1:30 PM | Room 543/544 UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students
Hosted by Sexual Violence Resource Centre: This peer-facilitated workshop provides students with a broad and practical knowledge of consent, sexual violence and sexual health & boundaries, with special focus on university-related relationships, campus community responsibilities and related resources. This workshop is designed to be highly interactive, with small group activities and larger group discussions. Email svrc@umanitoba.ca for future workshop offerings.
Register here
Outbound Student Exchange and Mobility programs Funding Information Session
November 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge, Room 541, UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students
Learn about funding that you may be eligible to apply for to support your student exchange and other outbound mobility programs.
Student Exchange I McCall MacBain International Fellowships I Research related funding in Indo Pacific countries
Register here
Student Exchange Information Session for Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) students
November 18 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM | 138 Agriculture Building
Open to Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences students
As a FAFS student, you may be eligible to study abroad as part of your degree program. Come join us to learn more about the program, funding opportunities, and hear stories from the exchange alumni! We highly recommend registering if you plan to attend.
Study Permit Extension Application lab
November 18 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Room 543/544 UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students
Attend this in person workshop to work on your Study Permit Extension application and ask questions about the application process to our International Student Advisors (ISA) from the International Centre.
Thursday, November 19
Weekly Conversation Group
November 19 | 12:00-1:00 PM | Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge, room 541, UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students
Hosted by Zeyad, our Canadian Culture Host, learn about Canadian culture, navigating cultural differences, hear from other students and make friends. Offered weekly.
Study in Japan Without Leaving Campus
November 19 | 1:15-2:00 PM | Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge, room 541, UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students
Ever wondered what it would be like to study in Japan? Join Japanese university students, from the English Language Centre, for an interactive opportunity to explore university life in Japan without leaving campus! Visit two interactive stations to ask questions, hear firsthand experiences, and discover what studying and living in Japan is really like. No formal presentations — just an opportunity to connect with students from Japan, conversations, cultural exchange, and snacks!
Discover Our Cultures in 60 Seconds
November 19 | 1:15-2:00 PM | 543/544, UMSU University Centre
Open to All UM students
Discover cultures from around the world, one minute at a time ! Join students from the English Language Centre for a fun, interactive cultural experience. Visit different stations where students will share something unique about their cultures through quick, hands-on activities. Learn something new, meet other students, and make connections across cultures! After checking out the session go to the T.K. Lau Global Lounge 541 University Centre for snacks.
Career Services: Interview Preparation Workshop
November 19 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM | 474 UMSU University Centre
Presented by Career Services: Unsure about how to prepare for an interview? Need to practice? Attend this interactive workshop to learn: how to anticipate interview questions, response strategies for common questions and types of questions, and interview etiquette and follow-up approaches. Plus, practice your interview skills with other job seekers.
English in Action: Learn, Talk & Connect
November 19 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM | 543/544 UMSU University Centre
Discover what the Part-Time Academic English Courses, at the English Language Centre, have to offer! Join us for an introduction to the program, and how the courses can help you build your English language skills. Then, take part in an interactive session led by one of our instructors, to experience sample activities from the Conversation and Discussion class. Come ready to participate, connect with others, and discover new ways to put your English into action! This session is for students whose first language is not English.
Celebrating Education and Learning through Exchange (Outbound + Inbound) - Invitation only
November 19 | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | Tony T.K. Lau Global Lounge, Room 541, UMSU University Centre
An event designed to foster connections between UM students who returned from their IC exchange last academic year, incoming IC exchange students currently at UM, and UM students preparing to go abroad in the Winter 2027 term. The event will provide the opportunity for students to reflect on and share their exchange learning experiences and discuss how it has contributed and shaped their current view of global education and intercultural learning. Additionally, the event will offer critical support and guidance for students embarking on their journeys in the Winter 2027 term.
Friday, November 20
IEW Student Market
November 20 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | First floor, UMSU University Centre
This session is open to All UM students UM Faculty & staff members
Come visit our IEW Student Market from 11-4 pm in UMSU University Centre, first floor Campo. We will be featuring small businesses from UM students to sell their items.
Vendors: To be announced.
Apply to be a vendor by November 13.
Communicating Across Cultures
November 20 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | 543/544 UMSU University Centre
This session is open to All UM students
This interactive workshop, grounded in a Canadian context, will introduce practical strategies for understanding and navigating cultural differences. Participants will actively engage in discussions and activities that allow them to share their own cultural perspectives while learning from others.
Career Services: Networking Workshop
November 20 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM | 474 UMSU University Centre
Presented by Career Services: Learn networking strategies and approaches, and help you build skill and confidence with making professional introductions. Determine what approaches work best for you and practice with your peers.