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International Students Day

Celebrate International Students Day and recognize the achievements of students around the world - from their hard work to their inspiring ideas!
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When it is?
November 17
Location Icon
Country
International
Introduction

Celebrate International Students Day on November 17th and recognize the incredible achievements of students around the world! This day was established in 1941 to commemorate a student demonstration against Nazi occupation in what is now Czechoslovakia. Since then, it has become an international celebration to honor all students and their hard work. It's also a great way for people from different cultures to come together and learn about one another’s experiences.

History of International Students Day

International Students Day Dates

International Students Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1939</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Student Demonstration in Prague</div><div class='timeline-text'>Students from the University of Prague staged a demonstration against the Nazi occupation which resulted in numerous student deaths and the closing of Czech universities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of International Students Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>November 17 was declared International Students Day by the International Students Council to commemorate the Prague demonstration and student activism worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition by the United Nations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially recognized November 17 as International Students Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion in the United Kingdom</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Union of Students in United Kingdom officially adopted International Students Day, broadening its recognition and celebration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Celebration Goes Online</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Online International Students Day event was organized, using webinars and virtual fairs to connect students around the world.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate International Students Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>This is a great way to bring together international students from all over the world, who can share their dishes and stories with one another. This is an excellent way for them to learn about each other’s cultures and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a cultural exchange</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>This can be done in two parts—one group of international students can host another group in their country and then the groups can switch roles and host each other in the other's respective countries. This will give them an opportunity to experience different cultures, landscapes and customs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Set up a movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up some of your favorite international films or documentaries, grab some snacks and have a movie night. This is a great way for everyone to get familiar with different cultures and engage in meaningful conversations about them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a language exchange</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>This is an excellent opportunity for international students to practice new languages with native speakers. It also helps them improve their communication skills, which will be beneficial for their career prospects.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Exploring different museums dedicated to culture and heritage is a great way to learn about the history of different countries. This can be a great learning experience for international students who wish to know more about the world.</p></div></div>

Why International Students Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>International Students Day celebrates cultural diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International students bring a wealth of cultural diversity to our campuses, classrooms and communities. Celebrating International Students Day provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the different cultures international students bring with them to our schools, as well as their contributions to both academic and social life on campus.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>International Students Day promotes global awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By celebrating International Student's Day we can help promote a better understanding of different cultures from around the world. It provides an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to learn more about each other's cultures, customs and values which can lead to greater respect and understanding among those involved.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>International Students Day encourages civic engagement</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International students have a unique perspective when it comes to engaging in civic dialogue and participating in local community initiatives. By celebrating International Student’s Day, we can encourage international students to participate in classroom discussions, volunteer opportunities, political rallies and voting initiatives. These collective efforts will help build bridges across cultures while also creating stronger ties between the host country and its international students.</p></div></div>

5 Incredible Facts About International Students Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>International Students Day is celebrated in over 100 Countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>International Students Day is celebrated by educational institutions in more than 100 countries around the world, making it a truly global student event.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Czech Lion Monument is an Iconic Symbol</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Czech Lion Monument in Prague holds special significance on this day, as it symbolizes resistance against totalitarianism and is a meeting point for commemorations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>International Students Day is also Known as "Academic Freedom Day" in some Countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>In recognition of the key role played by students in resisting oppressive regimes and fighting for freedom, the holiday is named "Academic Freedom Day" in some countries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Holiday Encourages Dialogue about the Environment and Sustainability</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many events on International Students Day focus on pressing global issues such as climate change and sustainable development, encouraging students to engage in these important debates.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Date Coincides with World Philosophy Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>By coincidence, International Students Day falls on the same as World Philosophy Day, providing an additional opportunity for deep reflection and critical thinking across campuses worldwide.</p></div></div>

International Students Day FAQs

When is International Students Day?

International Students Day is celebrated on November 17 every year. In 2024, International Students Day will take place on a Sunday.

International Students Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Nov 17

Friday

2024

Nov 17

Sunday

2025

Nov 17

Monday

2026

Nov 17

Tuesday

2027

Nov 17

Wednesday

Special Interest Holidays