Around the World in 5 Days
November 24 to November 28, 2025
Step into a week of cultural exploration during KPU’s 16th annual International Focus Week celebration, November 24-28, 2025. Join us for global food, interactive games, and exciting events across KPU's campuses, celebrating cultures from around the globe. See you there!
About the Event
Get ready to celebrate culture, connection, and community at KPU’s 16th Annual International Focus Week — a vibrant celebration of global experiences, right here on campus!
This year, we're bringing the world to you with a week full of international vibes, interactive events, and opportunities to explore cultures from across the globe. Whether you're curious about studying abroad, eager to try new foods, or just want to meet people from around the world, there's something for everyone at IFW 2025!
Don’t Miss Our Signature Event:
Global Fair – Nov 25 | 11 AM – 3 PM | Surrey Conference Centre
Take a trip around the world in just one day! Enjoy carnival games, cultural trivia, exchange destination showcases, and free global snacks and tea — all in one fun-filled fair.
International Focus Week Calendar
Event Descriptions
Global Fair - Surrey
Tea, snacks, and video games from around the world. Send love letters abroad & explore our Continent Showcase Exhibition. Join our World Carnival for interactive games, activities, and prizes!
Schedule:
Global Fair – Nov 25 | 11 AM – 3 PM | Surrey Conference Centre
Continental Lounge
Need a break from classes? Swing by the Continental Lounge - a cozy cafe-style space where you can kick back, try FREE Snack from different countries, and chat with exchange students from all over the world. Each table represents a different continent, so you can wander through cultures, swap stories and meet new friends without ever leaving campus.
World Carnival
Get ready for a world tour of fun at our global-themed event! Participate in interactive games, challenge your knowledge of countries and geography, and collect KPU dollars to win amazing prizes. Join us for an exciting and educational adventure that’s perfect for everyone!
Tea Around the World
Experience a global flavor journey with "Tea Around the World"! Taste a diverse selection of teas and beverages from different cultures, meet fellow students, and enjoy a relaxing, flavorful experience. It’s the perfect chance to explore new tastes and connect with others. Join us for a unique taste adventure and discover something new!
Sending Love Letters Abroad
In today's digital world, handwritten messages are rare but hold deep meaning. Join us for a DIY event where you can create a heartfelt letter to send abroad, complete with an instant photo of you. All materials are provided - just come ready to share your journey to Canada! Your loved ones will be touched with this thoughtful surprise!
Global Gourmet Week (Partner)
Discover the wonders of the world at our Continent Showcase Exhibition. Explore intriguing facts, lively cultures, and unique traditions from across the globe through student-made posters. Dive into this educational adventure and broaden your horizons with insights into the diverse continents we live in.
Books Around the World (Partner)
This year, we’re taking you on a journey to explore the cultures of India (at Surrey Library) and Korea (at Richmond Library) through a collection of books. Discover the beauty of their cuisines, learn about the K-pop music industry and the Bollywood film industry, and much more. Visit the libraries to borrow the books and learn about the rich and fascinating cultures of these two great nations.
Global Partnership Series
Join us on November 26 for the second session of KPU’s Global Partnership Series from 12:00-1:00pm, where we shine a spotlight on faculty stories of international engagement. These are opportunities coordinated and supported by the Office of Global Engagement for KPU faculty who are building partnerships abroad, creating global learning opportunities, and bringing those experiences back into their teaching and research.
The Global Partnership Series is a recurring lunch-hour event that brings together KPU faculty and staff to share stories, insights, and experiences from international collaborations. Aligned with the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically, Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the series celebrates the power of global cooperation in education, research, and community engagement. Each session highlights meaningful partnerships, inspiring new opportunities for learning, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.
Books Around The World
This year, we’re taking you on a journey to explore the cultures of India (at Surrey Library) and Korea (at Richmond Library) through a collection of books. Discover the beauty of their cuisines, learn about the K-pop music industry and the Bollywood film industry, and much more. Visit the libraries to borrow the books and learn about the rich and fascinating cultures of these two great nations.
Schedule:
Surrey Campus at KPU library.
From November 24 to November 28, 2025
Study Abroad Info Session
Curious about short-term or exchange semesters abroad? Join our Study Abroad & Learn Info Session to explore global learning opportunities, scholarships options to support your journey and get tips from our study abroad coordinator. Find out how to prepare for the upcoming application period, have your questions answered, and hear from a returning study abroad student.
Schedule:
KPU Surrey Cedar 3055, Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Online: Join here
Global Gourmet Week Schedule
Global Partnership Series – #2: Faculty Spotlight Event
The Global Partnership Series is a recurring lunch-hour event that brings together KPU faculty and staff to share stories, insights, and experiences from international collaborations. Aligned with the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically, Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the series celebrates the power of global cooperation in education, research, and community engagement. Each session highlights meaningful partnerships, inspiring new opportunities for learning, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.
Schedule:
November 26, 2025
Online: from 12:00-1:00pm
Register here: Global Partnerships Series- Faculty Spotlight | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
Global Gourmet Week
Join us for an exciting food adventure during Global Gourmet Week with Hungry Mind Cafe at KPU (Dana Hospitality)! Each day, enjoy dishes from diverse cuisines, and get a tasty look into global traditions. Savor rich culinary traditions from around the globe here on campus, it’s a great chance to try new flavors and connect with other food lovers. Don’t miss this tasty opportunity to experience international food at KPU!
Schedule:
Surrey Campus at Hungry Mind Cafe.
From November 24 to November 28, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is International Focus Week (IFW)?
International Focus Week (IFW) at KPU has been an annual campus celebration since 2011, aligning with the worldwide observance of International Education Week each November. Organized by the Office of Global Engagement in collaboration with campus partners, IFW showcases and celebrates the diversity of cultures, international education, cross-cultural connections, and global experiences.
Throughout the week, students, faculty, and staff are invited to immerse themselves in a variety of events, from fairs, interactive games, and cultural showcases to global food tastings and language exchanges. IFW serves as a platform to deepen cultural understanding, foster cross-cultural connections, and celebrate the richness of global education.
Is IFW free to attend?
Yes, all IFW events are free and open for all KPU students, faculty, and staff to attend.
What countries will be represented for the Global Gourmet Event served?
The Global Gourmet event offers a chance to explore different cuisines each day of the week. Here is the schedule of featured cuisines:
Monday, Nov 18 – Canada
Tuesday, Nov 19 – China
Wednesday, Nov 20 – India
Thursday, Nov 21 – Lebanon
Friday, Nov 22 – Italy
The event runs from 11 am to 4 pm at the Surrey campus cafeteria
