International Education Week 2026

IMAGE: World icon wearing a graduation cap | Text: International Education Week, November 16-20, Globally Minded, Locally Grounded


International Education Week (IEW) is an initiative originally spearheaded by the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Education.

IEW is designed to support international education and collaborations and foster understanding and engagement across cultures. Alamo Colleges District (ACD) held its first IEW celebration in 2012 across the colleges and at the Sheridan offices with college-specific events, three student photo contest awards, and three Excellence in Internationalization awards.

Since that time, IEW has grown to over 70 events in 2025 and is an integrated celebration of the cultures of the world, particularly those that comprise the ACD community and the constituencies, global and local, that we serve.

We invite you to join us this year from 16-20 November for events at the colleges and at ACCESS as we celebrate 14 years of IEW. Engage with us and learn what we mean by Globally minded. Locally engaged.

IEW Events

Monday, Nov. 16

International Short Film @ SAC

Time: 11:00  a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: FAB 212, San Antonio College

As part of the SAC Around the World series, join International Programs @ SAC for an international short film. Popcorn will be provided!

Move the World – Kickboxing @ SAC

Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Location: CPEC Dance Studio, San Antonio College

A beginner-friendly kickboxing fitness class featuring basic techniques, movement, and cardio. Part of the SAC Around the World Series.

Move the World – Yoga @ SAC

Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
Location: CPEC Yoga Studio, San Antonio College

A yoga class focused on movement, stretching, balance, and relaxation. Part of the SAC Around the World series.

International Education Week Event @ ACCESS

Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: ACCESS Building (Off of Broadway), location to be determined

A district-wide event celebrating global cultures, international education, and cross-cultural experiences.

If students want to go and need transportation RSVP HERE.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Education Abroad Information & Outreach Table @ PAC

Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Student Center Annex (Cafeteria), Palo Alto College

An information table providing resources and information about education abroad opportunities.

Global Perspectives: Student Photography Exhibition @ PAC

Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Concho Hall Art Gallery, Palo Alto College

A student photography exhibition showcasing perspectives, experiences, and cultures from around the world.

 

Taste of Home @ SAC

Time: 12:00–2:00 PM
Location: FAB 113, San Antonio College

A food-focused event featuring dishes and flavors from different cultures and around the world.

Bollywood-Zumba @ SAC

Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
Location: Loftin – Fiesta Room, San Antonio College

A high-energy fitness class combining Zumba-style movement with Bollywood-inspired music and dance.

Wednesday, Nov. 18

SAC Around the World IEW Main Celebration @ SAC

IEW Main Celebration

Time: 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: SAC Mall/Oppenheimer Area, San Antonio College

A ca.m.pus celebration featuring international and cultural displays, vendors, a Parade of Nations, cultural entertainment, dancing, a photobooth, and food trucks.

Schedule of Events

Global Village Tabling

Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: SAC Mall/Oppenheimer Area, San Antonio College
Description: International and cultural showcase tables featuring cultural items, displays, and vendors from around the world.

Students will have the opportunity to represent their country/culture at this tabling event. Only 10 tables available for students. Please arrive to set up your table at 8:30 a.m., as the event starts at 9 a.m.

Register for a table

Parade of Nations

Time: Approximately 10:45–11:30 a.m.
Location: SAC Ca.m.pus
Description: A ca.m.pus parade featuring flags representing countries from around the world.

Cultural Entertainment & Dancing

Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: SAC Mall/Oppenheimer Area, San Antonio College
Description: Live student performances featuring cultural entertainment, music, and dancing.

If you would like to perform a dance and/or showcase a talent representing your culture, please sign up by Thursday, Nov. 12.

Register to perform at this event

Food Trucks

Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Location: SAC Mall/Oppenheimer Area, San Antonio College
Description: Food trucks offering complimentary food to students as part of the International Education Week celebration.

Move the World: Meditation

Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Loftin – Fiesta Room, San Antonio College
Description: A guided meditation session offering students an opportunity to relax, refocus, and practice mindfulness. Snacks will be provided.

Student Voices from Abroad: Study Abroad Panel @ PAC

Time: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Pedernales 109, Palo Alto College

A student panel featuring firsthand experiences and perspectives from students who have participated in study abroad programs.

 

Thursday, Nov. 19

Education Abroad Information & Outreach Table @ PAC

Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Student Center Annex (Cafeteria), Palo Alto College

An information table providing students with resources, information, and guidance about education abroad opportunities.

Friday, Nov. 20

Global Learning Faculty Awards Luncheon (Invite Only) @ ACCESS

Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: ACCESS

An invitation-only luncheon recognizing faculty contributions to global learning and international education.

 

2026 Study Abroad Contest Winners

The 2026 Study Abroad Photo Contest is underway!

View of Verona framed by blooming oleander and an old stone wall, with historic church towers, red roofs, and trees under a warm sky.

Alyssa Morgan
2025 Places category winner

Colorful vintage carnival game stall with a red-and-white striped canopy, ornate red panels, plush prizes, and “Ball in the Hole” signs.

Elisebeth Gracia
2025 Artist category winner

Children and adults laugh and splash around a bubbling outdoor fountain in a leafy garden, raising their hands in a joyful summer scene.

Isabel Zimmerman
2025 People category winner

 

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