Photos: International Education Week at UH Hilo! Five days of education, art, food, sharing events

Posted on November 21, 2025January 14, 2026 by Staff

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo celebrates International Education Week this week, Nov. 17-21, 2025, with an array of events.

Info table with banner: GLOBAL VULCANS. — Two students, from left, Nikolas Chun and Brooklyn Geiger, at the Global Vulcans info table at the Campus Center dining room. (All photos in this essay from Global Education/UH Hilo)

By Staff/UH Hilo Stories. Photos: Global Education/UH Hilo.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo celebrates International Education Week this week, Nov. 17-21, 2025, with an array of events.

“UH Hilo’s participation in International Education Week highlights our continued commitment to preparing students for a globally connected future,” says Carolina Lam, director of UH Hilo Global Education and Exchange. “This celebration underscores how international learning enriches every discipline and strengthens our island’s connection to the world.”

All week: Displays, info tables, and international food

All week there was a book display of international authors at Mookini Library, with informational tables on the library lānai and Campus Center dining room sharing language, culture exchange, and Peace Corps opportunities. At the dining room there was an international menu every day during both breakfast and lunch hours.

Two students, one giving the peace sign.

Students gathered around table playing games.

Students around table playing a word game.

Students from the Filipino Studies Program at their info table.

Professor and a student at Peace Corps info table.

At the Peace Corps info table, someone reaches out for a little flag.

An older gentleman talks to a student at the Peace Corps info table.

Calligraphy workshop

On Monday there was a Japanese Brush Writing Workshop where students and others experienced the art, culture, and calm of Chinese and Japanese brush writing. The workshop was led by Professor of Art Jean Ippolito.

Professor shows student how to do calligraphy.

Student opening ink pad to try calligraphy.

Professor with slide behind her with calligraphy info.

Professor points to Chinese characters on overhead slide.

Professor shows students how to use the ink pad.

Professor holds up paper with painted bamboo.

Zentangle and Mindfulness Workshop

Tuesday brought the Zentangle and Mindfulness Workshop. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. This event was hosted by Val Odachi, certified Zentangle instructor.

Group of students each holding their design game card.

Solo student holds up her design game card with black ink design.

Global Vulcan Student Panel

On Wednesday, a Global Vulcan Student Panel was held for students to share diverse perspectives and global stories from their experiences around the world.

Students sit in chairs in a circle, talking to each other.

Group of students in a circle of chairs listen to student talking.

In a classroom setting, students sit close to each and talk.

Students in chairs seated in a circle, one student on a laptop, the others listening.

Global Trivia

Thursday brought Global Trivia Night, a lively challenge celebrating global education, culture, and community. The event was hosted by Assistant Professor of Sociology Ellen Meiser. Winners of the trivia got a Teapresso gift card and tote bag.

Student seated next to a table of snacks.

Taste of the World

This evening is set to be a big bash of fun with Taste of the World at the Campus Center Plaza. Everyone can come and enjoy performances by UH Hilo’s Jazz Orchestra and Contemporary Dance Class, connect with community partners, and sample delicious international cuisine at the culminating celebration of International Education Week.

Sponsors and contact

Three people in the dining room, one holds the International week poster. — From left is Isabel Dengel, an exchange student from Germany; Carolina Lam, director of UH Hilo Global Education; and Todd Shumway, director of Global Exchange.

International Education Week is an annual event jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. Collaborators include the Peace Corps and UH Hilo Campus Center, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Sociology, and the First-Year Experience program.

For more information, contact Carolina Lam, director of UH Hilo Global Education, or visit the UH Hilo Center for Global Education and Exchange website.

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