It’s no understatement to say that 2024 has been a year of nearly constant change. Future and current students, administrators, student recruiters, institution staff, and even government officials have had to respond to geopolitical challenges, policy shifts, and a rising cost of living worldwide.
But through these challenges, we’ve persisted: we’ve found new opportunities, brainstormed solutions, showed up for each other, and helped move thousands of study abroad dreams toward reality. These accomplishments are definitely worth celebrating!
That’s why, this International Education Week (November 18 to November 22, 2024), we’re saluting this global community, and looking forward to everything the newest cohort of students will achieve in their studies and careers.
Everyone celebrates International Education Week differently! Check out how you can celebrate as a student or as part of an academic institution.
International Education Week 101
The first International Education Week (IEW) was celebrated in 2000, and it has grown since then to be celebrated in over 100 countries across the globe. For IEW, our team connected with international student graduates to understand what they wish they knew before becoming international students:
While it’s a global event, IEW activities and themes are usually organized regionally—if you’re an educator or part of a student events team, check out IEW resources shared by the British Council, the Canadian Bureau for International Education, or the U.S. Department of State for inspiration.
IEW gives us a chance to reflect on everything international students bring to the campuses and communities they join. It’s a great time to celebrate the diverse cultures they’re a part of, too. Many colleges and universities hold special events, like food fairs, cultural performances, and guest lectures.
IEW events can also be a great way to spark interest among folks who are less familiar with international study opportunities. So if you’re trying to convince your best friend to try a semester (or complete a postgrad certificate!) overseas with you, a great first step can be taking them to a free campus event during IEW. There, they can learn about becoming an international student, often from other international students.
Not sure how to find these events? Contact your college or university’s student union, check social media pages, or reach out to the international office.
Everyone’s reasons are going to be different. But here are our top five reasons why you should study abroad.
Celebrating International Students, Past and Present
2024 has been a year marked by change. However, international students have continued to show that they’re resilient, generous, and innovative leaders. For the second year in a row, the team at ApplyBoard shone a spotlight on ten recent international student graduates who have become leaders in their workplaces and communities through our International Alumni of Impact program:
These grads exemplify the transformative power of international education. To celebrate their impact, later this year we’ll award one-time scholarships in their honour to new international students studying at the colleges or universities our winners graduated from.
At ApplyBoard, we’re proud to be a part of an international education community of leaders, dreamers, and innovators who are building the future. Since our company’s founding in 2015, we’ve worked with a global network of recruitment professionals and dynamic, sector-leading institutions in five popular destination countries to support over 1 million international students.
No matter what stage of your study journey you’re in—whether you’re dreaming of your next step, grinding through midterms, or have become a mentor or education professional—we wish you a very happy International Education Week! Together, we can change lives, and keep unlocking the potential of every aspiring mind.
Considering study abroad? Our free-to-use platform can connect you with study programs in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Find your match today.
