International Education Week (IEW)

International Education Week 2025

 

Who: International & domestic students, staff, faculty


Where: Across UTM Campus


When: November 17 - 21, 2025


Contact: international.utm@utoronto.ca

The International Education Week (IEW) is a week-long event during which students, staff, and faculty at UTM celebrate diversity, culture, and international education. During this week, the International Education Center (IEC) delivers global and intercultural fluency opportunities and programming to the UTM community. 

 This week-long program stretches from Monday November 17th starting at 10 AM – Friday November 21st at 5 PM with various opportunities, events, workshops, fairs, activities, and reflections happening every day of the week. Scroll down to view the full schedule and highlight events running during the IEW.  

You are eligible for CCR by attending 3 or more events and workshops and completing at least one feedback survey during the week of the IEW. Ensure you check-in with IEC staff to track your attendance and ensure to complete your feedback survey. 

 

2025 IEW Programming

Note: information about each event will go under in each section.  

Embark on a delicious journey around the world without leaving campus! The Global Cuisine Tour invites UTM students to explore global cultures through their most authentic flavors. From the bold spices of Morocco to the delicate sweetness of Japan, each stop on the tour features a unique dish and story representing one of UTM’s upcoming Abroad and Exchange destinations. 

Guided through a curated tasting experience, students will sample dishes, learn the cultural significance behind them, and discover exciting travel and study opportunities with UTM Global Learning. Whether you register in advance or drop by during the final tour, prepare to connect, taste, and travel—one bite at a time. 

Date & Location: Monday November 17th from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM in the SSH Activity Room DV 2220 

Capacity: 15 students per 45 minutes (this may require creating two separate registration links for Tour#1: from 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM, and then for Tour #2 from 11:15 AM – 12 PM). Last tour is a drop-in session so there will be no registration.  

Around the world, new languages have arisen when communities without a shared tongue needed to communicate —in colonies, plantations, orphanages, military conscription, and other unique contact situations. These pidgin and creole languages reveal the extraordinary adaptability and inventiveness of human communication. Far from being “broken” or “simplified” versions of older languages, creoles are streamlined, fully developed systems with their own grammatical patterns, expressive nuances, and cultural depth. Through examples drawn from the Americas, the Caribbean, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Asia, Africa, and beyond, this interactive talk, provided and led by Dr. Michelle Troberg from the Faculty of Linguistics. explores how creoles emerge, evolve, challenge assumptions about language, and shed light on the interaction of language and the mind and the process of acquisition. 

Date & Location: Monday November 17th from 2 PM – 3 PM in the UTM Room DV 3140. 

Hosted by the Health & Counselling Centre (HCC) and the International Education Centre (IEC) 

Take a mindful moment during International Education Week to reflect, create, and connect. Mindful Maps is a drop-in art activity where students are invited to paint magnets that represent a place they want to visit, where they feel most at home, or what brings them happiness. 

Throughout the session, student staff will help facilitate conversations around mindfulness, grounding, and simple meditation techniques to promote calm and self-awareness. This activity encourages students to pause, reflect, and celebrate what grounds them through creativity and dialogue. 

All materials will be provided. 

Date & Location:  Monday November 17th from 3:30 PM - 5 PM in the UTM Room DV 3140 

Registration: To be posted 

How does food teach us about culture, community, and wellness? What stories and social or political contexts shape our relationship with the food that sustains us? 

Hart House Black Futures and the International Education Centre at UTM present a delicious food experience facilitated by FoodShare Toronto, an innovative food equity organization. Participants will play an active role in making, sharing, and discussing food in a welcoming community space. Expand your understanding of how food informs culture, social interactions, and wellness. 

Think you know dumplings? Learn about the many ways dumplings are made and consumed in various parts of the world, from fried, to boiled to steamed or stuffed with all sorts of delicious filings, dumplings are a staple in Asian, Caribbean, South American, African and European cultures. 

They come with different names but pack the same delicious punch whether it's called an empanada, a fried Jamaican dumpling, a perogi or a bao, dumplings have a rich food history and migration story. 

Date & Location: Monday November 17th 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the UTMSU Presentation Room 

Join us for Taste of Canada at UTM! 

Drop by the UTMSU Presentation Room on Tuesday, November 18, to experience Taste of Canada - a collaboration event with Canada-Eh?. Enjoy our poutine making station, a variety of iconic Canadian snacks and try your hand at some classic Canadian board games—all for free! 

Whether you're a foodie, a gamer, or just looking to unwind between classes, this is the perfect chance to explore Canadian culture in a fun and relaxed environment. Don't miss out! 

Date & Location: Tuesday November 18th from 12 PM – 2 PM in the UTMSU Presentation Room 

In collaboration with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, join us for a guided walk around campus to explore the Indigenous sites, spaces, and initiatives that honour and celebrate Indigenous culture at UTM. Learn about the land we are on, the stories it carries, and the ongoing efforts to recognize and uplift Indigenous presence on campus. This walk offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect, and engage with Indigenous knowledge and history in a local context. 

Date & Location: Tuesday November 18th from 2 PM – 4 PM, Meet Near the Hello Desk at the Student Services Hub.  

Discover the roots of one of Canada’s fastest-growing sports! Join the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre (RAWC) and the International Education Centre (IEC) for an active, hands-on lacrosse session in celebration of International Education Week. Learn the fundamentals of this traditional Indigenous game, its cultural significance, and how it continues to connect communities around the world. This is a movement-based event—come ready to play, learn, and have fun! 

Date & Location: Tuesday November 18th from 5 PM – 6:30 PM at Gym A/B 

The International Education Week Fair is a campus-wide celebration of culture, diversity, and community engagement at UTM. Taking place in the CCT Atrium and Hallway, the fair will feature student groups, campus departments, cultural associations, and external vendors showcasing activities, traditions, and resources that highlight global and intercultural perspectives. Through interactive booths, creative activities, and cultural demonstrations, the fair will serve as a hub for students to connect, learn, and celebrate the richness of international education. 

Date & Location: Wednesday November 19th from 10:30 AM – 4 PM in CCT Hallway & Atrium  

No Registration Required, Drop-By!  

The International Students: Life After Graduation documentary short follows six international students as they pursue their work and passions in the years after graduating from U of T. 

The individual stories weave together to show the common experiences, including challenges and triumphs, of stepping into the world after university. Members of the University of Toronto community are invited to join us for the premiere screenings of the documentary short, which is intended to share what life after graduation looks like. Some of the students from the documentary will be participating in a moderated panel after each screening and will discuss some of their post-production thoughts as they reflect on their experiences.

Date & Location: Wednesday, November 19th from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the Spigel Multipurpose Room.

https://folio.utoronto.ca/students/events/detail/6504607 

Reserve your seats today! 

In collaboration with the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre (RAWC), you are invited to a jeopardy night to test out your knowledge of sports from around the world with a chance to enjoy snacks and win prizes! 

Date & Location: Wednesday, November 19th from 4 PM – 6 PM in the UTM Room DV 3140.  

 

Get ready to move your feet and travel the world—no passport required! 

"Dance Floor Without Borders" is the must-attend event of International Education Week, transforming the UTMSU Presentation Room into a global stage for movement and culture. Over two dynamic hours, this session breaks down barriers as you learn iconic, high-energy dance routines from around the world. 

Join expert instructors from campus cultural clubs as they lead 20- to 30-minute mini-workshops, sharing the music and movements of cultures spanning the Caribbean, Latin America, South Asia, and East Asia. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just want to try something new, this is your chance to connect with peers, celebrate global diversity, and master new steps. 

Bring your energy, meet new people, and experience what happens when the whole world meets on the dance floor! 

Date & Location: Thursday November 20th from 11 AM – 1 PM in the UTMSU Presentation Room 

Runway Without Borders: Threads of Home is UTM's most stunning celebration of global identity, creativity, and community. Step onto a runway where fashion is a form of storytelling and every stitch carries a legacy. This signature event showcases a breathtaking fusion of traditional garments and contemporary cultural styles presented by student groups across campus. 

Prepare to be captivated, because this is more than just a fashion show. Each look is a vibrant, living history brought to life through personal narratives, music, and dynamic performances that highlight the origins, meaning, and intricate artistry of the outfit. 

Join us for an immersive cultural experience complete with electrifying global music, captivating presentations, and delicious international food. Come celebrate the threads that weave our diverse UTM community together and experience cultures brought to life on stage! 

Date & Location: Thursday November 20th from 4 PM – 6:30 PM in the MiST Theatre, CCT Building.  


 

Experience global flavors in seconds! Join us for Beverages from Around the World, an International Education Week event in collaboration with the Department of Management. Sample drinks inspired by diverse cultures, learn their stories, and celebrate global diversity—one sip at a time! 

Date & Location: Friday November 21st from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM inside the UTMSU Building 

No Registration Required, Drop-By! 


 

Join us for an engaging and creative Carnival Arts Workshop that celebrates the rich cultural history of Caribbean Carnival and Caribana. Participants will also have the opportunity to design and create their own Carnival headpiece, guided step-by-step through the crafting process.

This workshop is a fun and welcoming space to learn, create, and connect—building global and cultural awareness while honouring Caribbean creativity, resilience, and joy. Whether you are familiar with Carnival or exploring it for the first time, all are welcome!

Date & Time: Friday, November 21st, from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM at DV3140

https://forms.office.com/r/N9YY4JXJFZ

Register now to reserve seats for this limited seating event! 

 

Book your IEC Peer Coaching Appointment Today!

Connect with an upper-year UTM student who can help you adjust to life at UTM, manage academics, get involved on campus, and reach your goals. Peer Coaches understand the transition and are here to share tips, answer questions, and support your success.

Access IEC Peer Coaching on Folio Now!  

Explore other IEC events.

Get ready to explore, connect, and make the most of your university experience!

IEC Events Calendar