Monday, April 20

Political Statement
From Sketch to Symbol
artist Victoria Lomasko
Time:
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Presenter:
Victoria Lomasko
Location:
Cathedral of Learning 501
Sponsored by:
Center for Russian East European and Eurasian Studies, Global Studies Center and Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs along with Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures and Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences
Contact:
Olga Klimova
Contact Email:
vok1@pitt.edu

The underwater world, the forest with the Tree of Violence growing in its centre, revived monuments, bouquets of generations—these and other symbols of the post-Soviet space appear in Victoria Lomasko’smonumental works. Lomasko became internationally recognised as a graphic journalist telling stories about socially vulnerable groups and protests. Gradually, images from reality began to transform into poetic symbols and to change scale: from sketchbook pages to multi-meter murals and panels.

The pandemic, participation in the Belarusian revolution, the war in Ukraine, and emigration made this transformation irreversible—Lomasko believes that in times of historical change, artists must speak not about particular issues, as journalists do, but about a global process, as a visionary. Studying reality with a pencil in hand, participating in historical events, and transforming the knowledge gathered into symbols of one's time—this is a process many 20th-century artists used. Through their works and her own, Lomasko will show the logic of the changing artist’s role.

Sketching Protest: The Art of Victoria Lomasko
Time:
1:00 pm
Presenter:
Victoria Lomasko
Location:
CL 153
Sponsored by:
Center for Russian East European and Eurasian Studies, Global Studies Center and Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs along with Cultural Studies Program; Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures; Film and Media Studies; Kenneth P Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

A century ago, the Russian Nationality Room was envisioned and designed by Andrey Avinoff — one of Pittsburgh’s most influential intellectual, cultural, and artistic figures of the early twentieth century. As Director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History from 1926 to 1945, Avinoff stood at the center of the city’s cultural life, bringing together science and art through his work as both an entomologist and an artist.

As we celebrate the centennial of the Nationality Rooms at Pitt, this historic space continues its mission as a living site of cultural dialogue.

On April 20, we welcome Victoria Lomasko, a prominent Russian artist and graphic journalist living in exile, whose work documents protest movements, marginalized communities, and everyday life across the post-Soviet space.

Through the pop-up exhibition Sketching Protest: The Art of Victoria Lomasko, curated and annotated by students in SLAV 1400, and her public lecture, Lomasko will share how art becomes a powerful form of political expression and resistance.

Bringing Lomasko’s artistic activism into the Russian Nationality Room creates a powerful historical continuity — linking Avinoff’s vision of art as a cultural force with contemporary practices of visual protest and testimony.

This event invites the Pitt community to reflect on the enduring role of art in shaping public discourse across generations.

Political Statement: From Sketch to Symbol
Time:
1:00 pm
Presenter:
Victoria Lomasko
Sponsored by:
Center for Russian East European and Eurasian Studies, Global Studies Center and Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs along with Cultural Studies Program; Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures; Film and Media Studies; Kenneth P Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

The underwater world, the forest with the Tree of Violence growing in its centre, revived monuments, bouquets of generations—these and other symbols of the post-Soviet space appear in Victoria Lomasko’s monumental works. Lomasko became internationally recognized as a graphic journalist telling stories about socially vulnerable groups and protests. Gradually, images from reality began to transform into poetic symbols and to change scale: from sketchbook pages to multi-meter murals and panels.

The pandemic, participation in the Belarusian revolution, the war in Ukraine, and emigration made this transformation irreversible—Lomasko believes that in times of historical change, artists must speak not about particular issues, as journalists do, but about a global process, as a visionary. Studying reality with a pencil in hand, participating in historical events, and transforming the knowledge gathered into symbols of one's time—this is a process many 20th-century artists used. Through their works and her own, Lomasko will show the logic of the changing artist’s role.

Spring 2026 Suchitra: Hindi Reading Club
Time:
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Presenter:
Vibha Shetiya
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Global Studies Center and Global Hub along with Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center
Contact:
Vibha Shetiya
Contact Email:
vis67@pitt.edu

Join Hindi instructor Vibha Shetiya from the Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center to discuss Hindi language books.

Hosted by the Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center

Chinese Politics (PS 1332) Student Poster Session
Time:
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Presenter:
Yuyang Pu
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Asian Studies Center and Global Hub along with Department of Political Science
Contact:
Yuyang Pu
Contact Email:
YUP49@pitt.edu

Join the Political Science Department as students in Dr. Yuyang Pu's Chinese Politics (PS 1332) course present their research posters on topics related to Chinese politics.

Spring 2026 Bate-Papo Conversation Hours
Time:
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Presenter:
Ana Carolina Keech
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Center for Latin American Studies and Global Hub along with Brazil Nuts
Contact:
Ana Carolina Keech
Contact Email:
ACK101@pitt.edu

Join Brazil Nuts in the Global Hub for weekly Bate-Papo Conversation Hours to meet other students and to practice Portuguese of all levels!

Bate-Papo Conversation Hours are every Monday during Spring semester, starting January 26 and ending April 20.

Hosted by Brazil Nuts

UPDATE: Bate-Papo's meeting on January 26 has been postponed due to weather.

2026 Spring German Speaking Hours
Time:
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Presenter:
Sarah Devan
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
European Studies Center and Global Hub along with German Club
Contact:
Sarah Devan
Contact Email:
scd62@pitt.edu

Join the German Club for weekly meetings on Mondays in the Global Hub to practice German and share about German culture! 

Hosted by the German Club

Tuesday, April 21

Spring 2026 French Club Conversation Hours
Time:
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Presenter:
Baiming Liu
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
European Studies Center and Global Hub along with French Club
Contact:
Baiming Liu
Contact Email:
bal128@pitt.edu

Join the French Club on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6-7 pm during Spring semester for conversational meetings and to practice French speaking and listening skills and create a francophone community on campus!

Hosted by the French Club

Wednesday, April 22

Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program - Final Poster Session
Time:
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Presenter:
Jazmin Kent-Loera
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Global Hub along with School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA)
Contact:
Jazmin Kent-Loera
Contact Email:
JAK512@pitt.edu

Stop by the Global Hub to see students in the School for Public and International Affairs' Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program showcase the community-engaged projects they have completed this year with local organizations.

The Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program is a co-curricular experience designed exclusively for undergraduate students who have a passion for public policy, community engagement, and social justice, regardless of their major. It empowers students to make a meaningful impact by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences. During the year, students immerse themselves in a hands-on experience that allows them to apply their knowledge and skills to address real community and organizational needs.

Hosted by the School of Public and International Affairs

Chinese Politics (PS 1332) Student Poster Session
Time:
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Presenter:
Yuyang Pu
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Asian Studies Center and Global Hub along with Department of Political Science
Contact:
Yuyang Pu
Contact Email:
YUP49@pitt.edu

Join the Political Science Department as students in Dr. Yuyang Pu's Chinese Politics (PS 1332) course present their research posters on topics related to Chinese politics.

Spring 2026 French Club Conversation Hours
Time:
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Presenter:
Baiming Liu
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
European Studies Center and Global Hub along with French Club
Contact:
Baiming Liu
Contact Email:
bal128@pitt.edu

Join the French Club on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6-7 pm during Spring semester for conversational meetings and to practice French speaking and listening skills and create a francophone community on campus!

Hosted by the French Club

Spring 2026 Arabic Club Conversation Table
Time:
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Presenter:
Audrey Maize
Sponsored by:
Global Studies Center and Global Hub along with Arabic Club
Contact:
Audrey Maize
Contact Email:
AOM20@pitt.edu

Join the Arabic Club in the Global Hub every other Wednesday during Spring semester, starting January 28, to practice Arabic language, structured by varying geographic dialects and level of speaker proficiency!

Hosted by the Arabic Club

Spring 2026 Arabic Club Conversation Table
Time:
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Presenter:
Audrey Maize
Sponsored by:
Global Studies Center and Global Hub along with Arabic Club
Contact:
Audrey Maize
Contact Email:
AOM20@pitt.edu

Join the Arabic Club in the Global Hub every other Wednesday during Spring semester, starting January 28, to practice Arabic language, structured by varying geographic dialects and level of speaker proficiency!

Hosted by the Arabic Club

Thursday, April 23

Spring 2026 Tavola Italiana
Time:
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Presenter:
Chiara Montera
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
European Studies Center and Global Hub along with Department of French and Italian
Contact:
Chiara Montera
Contact Email:
chiara.montera@pitt.edu

Mangia con noi! Bring your lunch to the Global Hub every Thursday to chat with the Department of French and Italian and practice Italian!

Tavola Italiana will meet every Thursday during Spring semester, from January 15 to April 23, EXCEPT on January 29, February 5, February 12, and March 12.

Hosted by the Department of French and Italian

Swahili Conversational Hours
Time:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Presenter:
Higgin Joseph
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Center for African Studies and Global Hub along with Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center
Contact:
Higgin Joseph
Contact Email:
HAJ170@pitt.edu

Join the Center for African Studies on Thursdays to practice conversational Swahili in a social environment.

Global Issues Through Literature: The U.S. in the World
"Grenade," by Alan Gratz
Time:
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Location:
via Zoom
Sponsored by:
Global Studies Center and National Consortium on Teaching About Asia

This professional development workshop series is designed for K-12 educators seeking to deepen their understanding of global issues through literature. This year, we will explore the theme of “The U.S. in the World.” Through global and regional perspectives, we will discuss narratives of a “Global United States,” where the U.S. role in the world and its relationship with other countries and regions is informed by transnational narratives and dialogues shaped by global trends such as migration, environmental issues, human rights, and human conditions. By exploring compelling stories from diverse cultural perspectives, educators will gain insights into the complexities of this theme, its impact on individuals and communities, and how to engage students in meaningful discussions around these topics.

Each session features a carefully selected book, paired with historically contextualized presentations, interactive discussions, teaching strategies, and cross-disciplinary activities to inspire classroom implementation.

The April 23, 2026 workshop will focus on the book, "Grenade," by Alan Gratz.

Sessions this year will take place virtually on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (ET). Three Act 48 credit hours (for PA educators) and a copy of the book are provided for each session.

For more information and to register, please go to: https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/GILS .

Spring 2026 Kya Baat Hai General Board Meetings
Time:
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Presenter:
Rhhea Mehta
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Global Studies Center and Global Hub along with Kya Baat Hai!
Contact:
Rhheaa Mehta
Contact Email:
rpm81@pitt.edu

Pitt students: Join Kya Baat Hai, a Hindi-Urdu conversational club that practices language and celebrates South Asian culture, for weekly conversation hours!

Thursday, April 30

Swahili Conversational Hours
Time:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Presenter:
Higgin Joseph
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Center for African Studies and Global Hub along with Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center
Contact:
Higgin Joseph
Contact Email:
HAJ170@pitt.edu

Join the Center for African Studies on Thursdays to practice conversational Swahili in a social environment.

Friday, May 1

Center for African Studies Graduation Presentations
CAS students' graduation
Time:
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Location:
Wesley W. Posvar Hall, 4165
Sponsored by:
Center for African Studies and Global Hub along with Department of Africana Studies
Contact:
Anna-Maria Karnes
Contact Email:
AWK19@pitt.edu

Celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating certificate students! All are welcome. Invite parents, professors, and friends. We'll have bagels and coffee to mark the occasion together. Undergraduate students will present their portfolios, while Graduate students will deliver PowerPoint presentations.
Deadlines: Undergrad Portfolios due April 15, Graduate PPT Presentations due April 24.
Can't make it on May 1? Please reach out as soon as possible to arrange an alternative presentation time. Questions? Contact Anna-Maria Karnes (AWK19@pitt.edu)
Supported by the Department of Africana Studies

Tuesday, May 5

International Marketing Competition
Time:
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location:
Sennott Square
Sponsored by:
Global Studies Center along with Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and Cultural Communications Alliance (CCA)

The Global Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh, in partnership with the Cultural Communications Alliance (CCA), is excited to announce this year’s collaboration with Mars, Inc.'s STARBURST® Sour, with a focus on the country of Türkiye.

High school teams use an international case competition to develop and present a marketing strategy for a real-world product and international market. Students gain hands-on experience in global business, marketing strategy, world languages, and cross-cultural communication."

Thursday, May 7

Swahili Conversational Hours
Time:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Presenter:
Higgin Joseph
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Center for African Studies and Global Hub along with Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center
Contact:
Higgin Joseph
Contact Email:
HAJ170@pitt.edu

Join the Center for African Studies on Thursdays to practice conversational Swahili in a social environment.

Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10

Future(s) of International and Area Studies
Challenges, Opportunities, Goals
Pittsburgh skyline
Time:
8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location:
University of Pittsburgh
Sponsored by:
Asian Studies Center, Center for Ethnic Studies Research, Center for African Studies, Center for Latin American Studies, Center for Russian East European and Eurasian Studies, Director's Office, European Studies Center, Global Studies Center, Global Hub, Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs, Office of International Services, Global Experiences Office, UCIS Engagement and National Consortium on Teaching About Asia
Contact Email:
ucisconference@pitt.edu

University of Pittsburgh, May 8-10, 2026 | Format: Hybrid 

 The University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for International Studies (UCIS) invites you to join us for a conference exploring the Future(s) of International and Area Studies, May 8-10, 2026. We will be convening a series of timely conversations aimed at reimagining area and global studies for the next generations. Join us to think beyond enduring paradigms, inherited structures, and established practices as we create new horizons for interdisciplinary research & learning, engagement, coalition-building, and more. 

The conference organizers are pleased to announce that the registration portal is now live. Please follow this link (https://www.global.pitt.edu/future-international-area-studies-conference...) to register. The conference will be hybrid; individuals can register as a virtual participant or an in-person participant. 

Thursday, May 14

Swahili Conversational Hours
Time:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Presenter:
Higgin Joseph
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Center for African Studies and Global Hub along with Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center
Contact:
Higgin Joseph
Contact Email:
HAJ170@pitt.edu

Join the Center for African Studies on Thursdays to practice conversational Swahili in a social environment.

Guided Tours of the Nationality and Heritage Rooms and Lewis Hine Pictures America Exhibition
Time:
5:30 pm
Sponsored by:
Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs along with The Frick Pittsburgh

Event information
May 14, 2026
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location
The Frick Art Museum and the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning
Cost:
$35 Member
$45 Adult
$45 Senior (65+)
$20 Youth (3-17)
$20 College Student (w/ ID)

Members of The Frick Societies receive complimentary admission
Description:
Co-presented by The Frick Pittsburgh and the Nationality and Heritage Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh, this special program studies immigration, culture and labor in Pittsburgh through time. Beginning with a visit to the Nationality and Heritage Rooms, classrooms gifted from the ethnic communities who helped build Pittsburgh, and ending with a tour of the Lewis Hine Pictures America exhibition, this program will take attendees back in time to discuss the rich cultural fabric of Pittsburgh.

Advanced registration and pre-payment required. Program begins at University of Pittsburgh, Cathedral of Learning; participants are responsible for their own transportation. Click here to find additional information including directions and parking at the University of Pittsburgh.

This event is also being offered on March 28 and April 10.

https://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/Event-Guided-Tours-of-the-Nationality...

Global Issues Through Literature: The U.S. in the World
Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings by Margarita Engle
Time:
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Location:
via Zoom
Sponsored by:
Center for Latin American Studies and Global Studies Center

This professional development workshop series is designed for K-12 educators seeking to deepen their understanding of global issues through literature. This year, we will explore the theme of “The U.S. in the World.” Through global and regional perspectives, we will discuss narratives of a “Global United States,” where the U.S. role in the world and its relationship with other countries and regions is informed by transnational narratives and dialogues shaped by global trends such as migration, environmental issues, human rights, and human conditions. By exploring compelling stories from diverse cultural perspectives, educators will gain insights into the complexities of this theme, its impact on individuals and communities, and how to engage students in meaningful discussions around these topics.

Each session features a carefully selected book, paired with historically contextualized presentations, interactive discussions, teaching strategies, and cross-disciplinary activities to inspire classroom implementation.

The May 14, 2026 workshop will focus on the book, "Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings" by Margarita Engle.

Sessions this year will take place virtually on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (ET). Three Act 48 credit hours (for PA educators) and a copy of the book are provided for each session.

For more information and to register, please go to: https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/GILS .

Thursday, May 21

Swahili Conversational Hours
Time:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Presenter:
Higgin Joseph
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Center for African Studies and Global Hub along with Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center
Contact:
Higgin Joseph
Contact Email:
HAJ170@pitt.edu

Join the Center for African Studies on Thursdays to practice conversational Swahili in a social environment.

Thursday, May 28

Swahili Conversational Hours
Time:
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Presenter:
Higgin Joseph
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Center for African Studies and Global Hub along with Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center
Contact:
Higgin Joseph
Contact Email:
HAJ170@pitt.edu

Join the Center for African Studies on Thursdays to practice conversational Swahili in a social environment.

Tuesday, October 27

Pitt High School Model United Nations Conference
Time:
7:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location:
WPU and O'Hara
Sponsored by:
Asian Studies Center, Center for Ethnic Studies Research, Center for African Studies, Center for Latin American Studies, Center for Russian East European and Eurasian Studies, European Studies Center, Global Studies Center and UCIS Engagement

In collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh's student-led ModelUN Club, the University Center for International Studies annually convenes a high school Model UN. This simulation of the sessions of the United Nations provides an opportunity for high school students to apply their studies to real-world contexts and practice diplomacy, negotiating, and resolution writing.