This year, the Office of Global Engagement, led by International Student Affairs and Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses, continued its tradition of hosting a week filled with internationally focused programming. The many well-attended events connected Temple students and staff with the university’s vibrant global community and celebrated the diverse cultures that make up our campus.
The 2025 theme, “A Celebration of World Cultures,” featured design elements inspired by textures and patterns from around the globe. We were also excited to introduce some new additions to this year’s lineup — an international student panel on Race and Belonging, and an open house at the Temple Anthropology Laboratory and Museum (TALM).
Monday (Kickoff, International Student Panel on Race & Belonging)
The week started with Global Engagement Week Kickoff at Founder’s Garden. For this event we partnered with Temple’s Anthropology Laboratory and Museum to showcase artifacts from Taiwan’s National Museum of Prehistory while focusing on study abroad exchange.
Later that day, we hosted a panel, International Student Voices on Race and Belonging, featuring a diverse group of international students who shared their personal experiences navigating race and identity in the U.S.
Tuesday (International Coffee Hour: Spotlight on Ghana; Wellness Recharge)
The day began with one of our regularly scheduled International Coffee Hours, this time with a focus on Ghana. Attendees experienced the beauty of West African culture through a traditional dance performance, delicious Ghanian food, Kente cloth displays, an introduction to local languages and a presentation. Some Temple students from Ghana supported International Student Affairs in preparing this event.
In the late afternoon, students took time to unwind at our Wellness Recharge Event, hosted by yoga instructor, Eummi. The event ended with a soothing sound bath and guided meditation, the perfect balance to a busy week.
Wednesday (Study Abroad Fair)
Midweek brought our popular Study Abroad Fair, where over 30 tables showcased programs and internship opportunities worldwide, both Temple programs and programs run by other organizations and schools that are open to Temple students. Participants gathered knowledge of what study abroad is really like from peers and faculty who previously were a part of the represented featured study abroad programs.
Thursday (Temple Lingo, Temple’s Anthropology Lab and Museum)
Thursday’s events kicked off with Temple Lingo, a celebration of language and culture hosted in partnership with the Temple Student Success Center. Students learned greetings, songs, and phrases from around the world and participated in interactive activities that brought international festivals to life. A variety of different languages were included from Chinese to Portuguese.
Later in the day, we opened the doors to the Temple Anthropology Laboratory and Museum Open House, held in partnership with this Temple hidden gem. The event debuted a new exhibit from Taiwan’s National Museum of Prehistory, highlighting the rich history and art of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples.
That evening, sponsored by Education Abroad, the Connections Mixer gave students who want to study abroad the chance to meet fellow Owls who studied abroad previously and learn about study abroad opportunities. Past study abroad students also enjoyed meeting with students who they met on a past study abroad program.
Friday (Global Gala)
We closed out the week with our biggest global event of the year, the Global Gala. This vibrant celebration featured 12 live performances performed to a packed house, and dozens of tables showcasing the home countries of our international Owls as well as highlighting many Temple programs, both for Temple’s international and domestic students.
The Office of Global Engagement thanks everyone who participated in making Global Engagement Week 2025 such an incredible success. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!
By Tori Camacho (Klein ’27), Digital Marketing Intern, Temple University
For articles on past Global Engagement weeks, see:
Global Engagement Week 2024 Provides Ticket To The World
Global Engagement Week: Temple World Tour celebrates Temple’s globalization
Global Engagement Celebrates First-Ever Super Mega Global Week