Welcome to the College of Education International Student Network!
We are thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant student scholarly community at the College of Education! Whether you’re just beginning your journey here or continuing your academic path, the International Student Network is here to support, connect, and celebrate you.
Over the past couple of years, we’ve come together through a variety of student engagement events that showcase the heart of our community and support student academic success and retention. The following student activities highlight our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
We’re so glad you’re here!
On March 21, 2025, the College of Education hosted an enriching excursion for international graduate students to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson. This educational trip, held from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, was made possible through the generous support of Dr. Iliana Reyes, Dean of Students, and the International Student Network Initiative. The museum, widely regarded as one of the top natural history institutions in the country, offered students a unique opportunity to engage directly with the Sonoran Desert’s diverse ecosystems through its primarily outdoor exhibits.
A total of ten graduate students from countries including Ghana, China, Colombia, Mozambique, Bangladesh, and India participated in the experience. Accompanied by Dr. Reyes and members of the Outreach Committee, the students explored native desert flora and fauna, observed animals in their natural habitats, and learned about environmental science in an immersive setting. The group particularly enjoyed the museum’s Raptor Free Flight program, where birds of prey such as hawks and owls demonstrated their flight and hunting behaviors in an open-air presentation. The Live Animal Show further enhanced their understanding of desert wildlife, showcasing reptiles, mammals, and insects native to the region.
The students also visited the museum’s Cactus Garden, where they observed towering saguaro cacti and other resilient desert plants. This experience deepened their appreciation for plant adaptations and the cultural importance of desert flora. Stops at the aquarium, desert-themed art gallery, and the animatronic “Dino on the Desert” exhibit rounded out the visit, giving students a holistic view of the region’s natural and cultural richness.
For many of the international students, this excursion was not only educational but also mentally refreshing. It encouraged them to think about innovative ways to incorporate environmental topics into their future classrooms and fostered a stronger sense of connection to the Tucson community. The trip highlighted the College of Education’s commitment to inclusive, experiential learning that extends beyond the classroom and supports the academic and personal growth of its global student body.
Learn more about international graduate students' trip to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson.
Our Mount Lemmon trip, in Spring 2024, offered a chance to step outside the classroom and into the beauty of Southern Arizona, fostering friendships, deepening learning, and recharging our minds in nature.
The trip to Mount Lemmon for international students significantly contributes to their academic success by fostering a sense of community, enhancing mental well-being, and providing experiential learning opportunities. Engaging in outdoor activities allows students to bond over shared experiences, creating lasting friendships and support networks that are essential for navigating academic challenges. This social integration helps reduce feelings of isolation, which can often impact academic performance. Additionally, the trip offered a refreshing break from the rigors of academic life, allowing students to recharge and return with renowned focus and motivation.
Furthermore, the trip encourages teamwork and collaboration, essential skills in both academic and professional settings.
Cafecito & Conversation Series: Building Community, One Conversation at a Time
The College of Education is proud to host the Cafecito and Conversation (C&C) series, organized by the Dean’s Graduate Advisory Board. The C&C is an ongoing student engagement event designed to build community, foster dialogue, and support student success across all graduate programs.
Our most recent Cafecito, held on April 7th and organized by the Dean’s Graduate Advisory Board, brought together students from across disciplines for an energizing and inclusive gathering. These events provide a welcoming space where students can connect with peers, faculty, and staff in a relaxed setting over coffee and conversation.
Cafecito and Conversation are more than social gatherings—they are moments of shared academic reflection and collective support to build a strong network among peers. Whether students are new to the College or preparing to graduate, Cafecito and Conversation offer a chance to share experiences, build networks, and access valuable academic and professional resources. With each event, we aim to create spaces that affirm every student’s voice, honor our diversity, and strengthen the sense of belonging within our College. All students are encouraged to attend future Cafecito and Conversation and be part of this vibrant tradition! Stay tuned for upcoming dates for the Fall and Spring semesters.
At the beginning of every semester, the International Student Network, in partnerships with the Dean’s Advisory International sub-committee co-host the Welcome Pizza Party for international students at the College of Education plays a crucial role in fostering academic success by promoting social integration and building a supportive community for new and returning students.. By providing this academic and support environment for students to meet their peers, the event encourages student and faculty networks that are essential for navigating the challenges of a new academic setting. This academic and social interaction not only helps reduce feelings of isolation but also enhances cultural exchange, allowing students to share diverse perspectives and experiences.
We look forward for you to join us in the near future for our next welcome international student orientation and pizza party! Please check back for upcoming dates.
International Student Network Advisory Committee
To celebrate the end of the semester, the College of Education International Student Network Committee hosted a festive Hot Chocolate event at Mercado San Agustín. Students, faculty, and community members came together to enjoy warm drinks, engaging activities, and good company. The event fostered a joyful atmosphere, celebrating the year’s accomplishments and building excitement for future outreach efforts. It was a wonderful way to spread cheer and community spirit as the fall semester and year came to a close.
