International Student Events

OIP Sponsored Events

ONGOING

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CLUB
Meets every Thursday at 7:30pm in Alumni Lounge (Curtiss Hall)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS by invitation
Join the OIP staff for cake and fun honoring international student birthdays!

Time: from 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Where: Wickes 230 Conference Room

Dates (RSVPs preferred):

November 13 | Celebrating birthdays in November and May

December 11 | Celebrating birthdays in December and June

NOVEMBER

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK 2026

Observed: November 9-13

*The listed events below are currently in the planning phase and are subject to change

• Monday, November 9:  Study Abroad Show & Tell - from 12 to 1:30pm in Gilbertson GN107.
• Tuesday, November 10:  International Food Festival - 11:00am to 1:00pm in MarketPlace (Doan Center). Cost is $14 per person.
• Wednesday, November 11:  Tea and Talk - "Beyond Language: Helping multilingual learners thrive" presented by Derek and Veronika Drake from 4:30pm to 5:15pm in Gilbertson GN107.
• Thursday, November 12: Keynote Speech by Dr. Debasish Mridha "From Inner Peace to Global Peace" from 12-1:30pm in Curtiss Hall, Emeriti Room.

Dr. Debasish Mridha, MD, is a physician, educator, and peace activist. He completed his residency in Neurology and Fellowship in Neurophysiology at Wayne State University.  Dr. Mridha is the founder of Michigan Advanced Neurology Center (MANC) and serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Central Michigan University College of Medicine.  He founded the Mridha International Institute of Peace and Happiness (MIIPH) and the Mridha Peace Path in Saginaw – initiatives promoting peace through education and civic engagement.  Dr. Mridha has authored thousands of inspirational quotes, poems, and essays. His works, including "Verses of Peace" and "Life is a Tall Tender Tree," have been internationally translated. He is finalizing his Universal Energy Theory of Consciousness (UETC) framework.  Through his philanthropic foundation, he has endowed several national awards, including the Mridha Spirit of Medicine Award through the American Medical Association Foundation, the Mridha Spirit of Neurology Award through the American Brain Foundation, the Mridha Spirit of Teaching Award at Central Michigan University, and the MIIPH Peace Award for global peace advocacy.  Dr. Mridha has served on the boards of the Saginaw Valley State University Foundation for nine years, the Michigan State Medical Society for nine years, and the American Medical Association Foundation.  As a board member at SVSU, he aims to uplift the university’s strategic vision, foster academic excellence, and expand opportunities for student success through service, scholarship, and community partnerships.  Dr. Mridha’s life is a testament to the transformative power of education, empathy, and purposeful living. Through his work at SVSU and beyond, he seeks to inspire a generation of students and leaders who are not only intellectually capable but also morally conscious and globally compassionate.

INTERNATIONAL THANKSGIVING DINNER

RSVP here for Thanksgiving Dinner

Date: Monday, November 23

Time: from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Where: SVSU Curtiss Hall, Seminar Rooms E, F, G

What to expect: A classic Thanksgiving meal, a chance to learn about the holiday's traditions, and time to relax while connecting with friends.

Dress: Casual - come as you are!

2025-2026 Previously Held Events

• September 2026: Study Abroad Expo
• October 2026:  the Office of International Programs staff celebrated students who had birthdays in both September and October, international students and OIP staff took a day trip to Mackinac Island, walked in the homecoming parade and celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival, which is most widely celebrated in Asian countries and regions with significant Chinese cultural influence, similar to Thanksgiving in the American culture.
• November 2025: the OIP staff celebrated "International Education Week" which promotes international understanding, study abroad opportunities, and cultural exchange programs. Celebrations began with the Study Abroad Show & Tell, the International Food Festival, the International Cultural Showcase and ending with our Keynote Speaker and Global Engagement Panel. In addition, we sponsored a Thanksgiving Dinner Party for our international students and celebrated students who had birthdays in both November and May.
• December 2025: the Office of International Programs staff celebrated students who had birthdays in both December and June.
• January 2026: the Office of International Programs staff not only welcomed new International Cardinals to campus but also celebrated students who had birthdays in both January and July.
• February 2026: the Office of International Programs celebrated Lunar New Year and sponsored an experiential experience at Snow Snake Ski resort where students either learned to Snowboard or Ski.