Calendar of Events
Cultural activities are an integral part of international education at UNI. The OIE provides a variety of fun and entertaining opportunities for our students to experience everyday life in the Midwest.
Here are some of activities we provide
- Cultural Events | celebrate our students cultures and various festivals and traditions
- Volunteering within the Community | Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Public Library, In School Classrooms
- Field trips to experience Midwest and agricultural culture
- Regional trips to neighboring states to explore what the Midwest offers
- Local events and celebrations in the Cedar Valley Community
Upcoming Events
January
Lunar New Year Celebration | Jan. 31st | 5-7pm | Threehouse (2422 College Street)
Celebrate bringing in the Year of the Snake (2025) with traditional food tasting, script writing, fortunes, lantern decorating, and more! Don’t forget to wear your RED clothing for good luck! Free, all ages are welcome, and open to the public!
February
Lunar New Year Storytime | Feb. 2nd | 10-11:30am | Cedar Falls Public Library
Join the Office of International Engagement and the Cedar Falls Public Library for a special storytime about the Lunar New Year! Learn new phrases, customs, and share in the celebration!
OIE Shuttle | Feb. 12th | 9am – 5pm | Meet at Maucker Union
The Office of International Engagement is offering shuttle services for international students to Walmart, Ethnic Grocery Stores, and the Waterloo Social Security Office. Students will need to sign up here: https://forms.gle/S5EgXJwYKrhRm6B3A
Chocolate Making | Feb. 13th | 6-8pm | Threehouse, 2422 College St
Join us for a sweet celebration! Learn the art of crafting delicious chocolates this Valentine’s Day and create your tasty treats to share or savor. In addition, learn the Japanese wrapping method known as “furoshiki” to finish off your chocolate creations! Free, welcome to all ages, and open to the public!
Volunteer Matching Event | Feb. 16th | 2-4pm | Invitation Only
March
Japanese Drummers Pre-Show | Mar. 2nd | 6-7pm | Gallagher Bluedorn
Join UNI’s Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator, Maoko Umeda, and the Office of International Engagement for an engaging pre-show celebration of Japanese culture. The pre-show will be held from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., right before the YAMATO: THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN show on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025. Don’t miss this vibrant cultural showcase! Free, welcome to all ages, and open to the public!
Holi Storytime | Mar. 8th | 10-11:30am | Cedar Falls Public Library
The OIE and the Cedar Falls Public Library are partnering to bring a celebration of Holi to storytime! Join us to learn more about the holiday, learn phrases, and meet our students!
Holi Celebration | Mar. 14th | 5-7pm | Hearst Center for the Arts
Join the Office of International Engagement and the Hearst Center for traditional snacks, a saree try-on, henna, crafts, and color throwing as we celebrate the Hindu Festival, Holi! Free, welcome to all ages, and open to the public!
Eid Celebration | Mar. 30th | 6-8pm | Bartlett 1017
Enjoy a festive evening filled with delicious dinner, aromatic chai, intricate henna designs, and vibrant activities as we come together to honor Eid and the end of Ramadan. Don’t miss this joyful celebration! Free, welcome to all ages, and open to the public!
April
Cultural Showcase | Apr. 4th | 7-9pm | Lang Hall Auditorium
Take this opportunity to showcase the cultures that we have here at UNI! Perform a traditional dance, sing a well-known song, play a traditional instrument, or even host a cultural try-on for clothing! Want to host another activity? Email international@uni.edu and we will be happy to help! Student, faculty, organizations, and staff can sign up here to take part: COMING SOON! Free, welcome to all ages, and open to the public!
OIE Shuttle | Apr. 9th | 9am – 5pm | Meet at Maucker Union
The Office of International Engagement is offering shuttle services for international students to Walmart, Ethnic Grocery Stores, and the Waterloo Social Security Office. Students will need to sign up here: https://forms.gle/S5EgXJwYKrhRm6B3A
Chicago Trip | Apr. 12-13th | ALL DAY | Sign Up Online
Take a trip to Chicago from April 12-13th, 2025 with UNI! Make sure to join us on this adventure as we explore the city. Any and ALL UNI students are welcome to attend! Sign Up HERE by March 7th to reserve your spot!
Sinhalese and Tamil New Year | Apr. 14th | 6-8pm | Threehouse, 2122 College Street.
The Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, known as "Aluth Avurudda" in Sinhala and "Puthandu" in Tamil, is a vibrant cultural festival celebrated in Sri Lanka, marking the solar transition into Aries in mid-April. This joyous occasion unites both Sinhalese and Tamil communities, emphasizing renewal, family bonds, and traditional customs. The festivities begin with rituals guided by auspicious times, including lighting the hearth, preparing traditional sweets like kiribath (milk rice), and exchanging gifts. Homes are decorated, and families come together for shared meals, fostering harmony and gratitude. Traditional games, folk music, and dances add a lively spirit to the celebrations, while rituals at temples and homes invoke blessings for prosperity. The New Year embodies a message of unity, cultural pride, and hope for the future, reflecting the rich heritage of Sri Lanka's diverse communities.
Origami Making | Apr. 16th | 11-1pm | Maucker Union Coffeehouse
Discover the Art of Origami! Join us for a hands-on origami-making event where you can learn the delicate art of paper folding and create your beautiful designs. Perfect for all ages and skill levels—come unleash your creativity!
Easter Egg Hunt | Apr. 20th | 3:30-5pm | Maucker Union 113
Search for Easter eggs, each filled with candy, toys, or coins hidden across campus! Experience this classic American childhood experience with us! Free, welcome to all ages, and open to the public!
May
End of Year Gala | May 3rd | 6-8pm | Invitation Only, Dinner Served
Join us for an evening of celebration and recognition for our students, volunteers, and community as we end this year! Look back on all we have accomplished, and hear personally from two of our graduates!