Campus International Events

Dragons across campus — learn, explore, and celebrate Throughout February, AACC dragons will pop up across campus for Lunar New Year. Visit each dragon to learn its significance and ways to celebrate. Take a dragon selfie, tag @aaccillinois, and enter a raffle for an AACC swag bag. Each tagged selfie counts as one entry—visit more locations for more chances!

An introduction to the nature of conflict, factors that influence how conflict arises, and cultural dimensions that shape conflict expectations. Participants learn about differing approaches to conflict across cultural contexts. Open to faculty, staff, and international scholars.

Stop by the ACES Study Abroad First Steps Workshop to learn about upcoming programs, how to apply, and hear from students who have previously studied abroad!

Мы будем говорить только по-русски! Conversation in Russian, beginners welcome!

Spring is a season of renewal, and cultures around the world celebrate it in vibrant, meaningful ways. Join us as we explore global spring festivals and the values they represent—hope, joy, reflection, and community. Bring your stories and discover traditions you may never have encountered before. Free and open to all.

Join us for a hands-on Arabic Calligraphy event where participants learn about the art of Arabic calligraphy and practice writing Arabic letters and words in an aesthetic and creative way.

Join us at the Spring Semester 2027 Mythbusters session to explore program options for ACES students, learn about scholarships, and how to get credit abroad!

Join us for a Names Across Cultures workshop focused on Mandarin Chinese names! This interactive session will explore the diverse linguistic and cultural influences that shape Mandarin Chinese names. You’ll gain insight into name structures, pronunciation tips, and cultural context—guided by our presenter with lived experience and knowledge of Mandarin Chinese names.

The Level 1: Introduction To Safety & Security Abroad For First-Time Program Leaders guides program leaders (faculty, staff, or students leading programs) in preparing for the safest possible experience abroad. Those who lead, or assist, short-term education abroad or other University-related travel abroad for students must attend at least one workshop a year.

An overlook on campus global engagement strategy with Colleen Murphy.

A friendly Arabic roundtable where participants learn useful phrases and vocabulary through relaxed conversation. All levels are welcome.

Join us at the Winter Break 2026-2027 Mythbusters session to explore program options, learn about the application process, and get all of your questions answered!

Мы будем говорить только по-русски! Conversation in Russian, intermediate/advanced.

In this session, participants will explore how people from different cultural backgrounds make meaning in distinct ways. Through case studies and guided dialogue, students will practice listening for understanding, identifying cultural logics behind unfamiliar behaviors, and engaging with difference without immediate judgment.

Experience a special film screening of the new Japanese epic that has broken the record for the highest box office gross and audience attendance in the history of Japanese live-action films!

Learn about seed funding opportunities for researchers and faculty from the Global South...

Take a mini-escape to Bollywood with a fun, beginner-friendly dance class. We’ll kick off with upbeat warm-ups, learn easy-to-follow signature moves, and build an energetic routine to chart-topping Bollywood hits, then finish with deep stretches and a feel-good cooldown. No experience needed.

This session explores how cultural differences show up in practice through the Intercultural Conflict Styles model, which describes four common ways people approach conflict. Participants examine the strengths and challenges of each style and consider how different styles interact. Open to faculty, staff, and international scholars.

Topics to be covered include information about the Churchill, Fulbright, Gates Cambridge, George Mitchell, Knight-Hennessy, Luce Scholars, Marshall, Rhodes, and Schwarzman programs and how to apply for these scholarship opportunities. For more information, contact the scholarships office at topscholars@illinois.edu or visit our website at www.topscholars.illinois.edu