As part of the University of Iowa’s 2025 celebration of International Education Month, a brand-new program—Glocal at Iowa: Me – Iowa – the World—will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A.
Sponsored by International Programs and the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) and planned by the campus-wide International Education Month Steering Committee, this new addition to International Education Month programming invites the campus and greater Iowa City community to explore the intersections between global and local, and how they connect through the lived experiences of University of Iowa students.
Using the fast-paced and visually engaging Pecha Kucha format—meaning “chit-chat” in Japanese—five student speakers will share their most meaningful “glocal” experiences in six-minute presentations composed of 20 timed slides. Presenters Leila Assadi, Zhuolun Li, Cynthia Okafor, Sofia Sabogal, and Kashish Verma will offer personal stories and reflections about culture, curiosity, and the lessons learned from living and studying in a multi-faceted and interconnected world. A panel discussion and Q&A will follow the presentations.
“This is the first year we’re hosting Glocal at Iowa, and we’re very excited to introduce it as part of International Education Month,” said Daniel Vorwerk, assistant director of communications & relations for International Programs and co-chair of the International Education Month Steering Committee. “The format is dynamic, the stories are inspiring, and the event really embodies what it means to connect Iowa with the world.”
The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested at this link.
About International Education Month: Each November, the University of Iowa celebrates the many ways international education and exchange opportunities prepare citizens for community building in both national and international settings. Visit the International Education Month site to see all the events.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Daniel Vorwerk in advance at daniel-vorwerk@uiowa.edu or 319-467-1619.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.