Week of May 10, 2026 in UCIS

Friday, May 8 until Sunday, May 10

8:00 am Conference
Future(s) of International and Area Studies
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
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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

1:00 pm Language Table
Swahili Conversational Hours
Location:
Global Hub
Sponsored by:
Center for African Studies and Global Hub along with Less-Commonly-Taught-Languages Center
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Join the Center for African Studies on Thursdays to practice conversational Swahili in a social environment.

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

6:00 pm Teacher Training
Global Issues Through Literature: The U.S. in the World
Location:
via Zoom
Sponsored by:
Center for Latin American Studies and Global Studies Center
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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 .