About "Year Of"

For the past 40 years, Kennesaw State University (KSU) has dedicated each academic year to the study of a particular country or region -- introducing tens of thousands of students, faculty, and staff to the rich diversity of world cultures that make up the human family.

Each year the "Year Of" Country Study focuses on a different part of the world, rotating through four regions identified as Asia/Oceania, Africa, The Americas, and Europe. This award-winning program plays a vital role internationalizing our campus and engaging local and global communities. Annually, it results in new courses and curriculum, research projects, education abroad programs, and global partnerships.

Through special lectures, performances, exhibits, seminars, and events, the "Year Of" Program helps students break down stereotypes, build connections across cultures, and develop the intercultural competencies needed to act responsibly in today’s complex, interdependent world.

Need Immediate Assistance?

If you are experiencing an international or immigration emergency outside of normal business hours, please contact Global Education staff through the KSU Department of Public Safety and University Police at +1.470.578.6666. Please identify yourself as either: 1.) a student, faculty, or staff member experiencing an emergency abroad or 2.) an international student or scholar for your call to be routed appropriately.

Our Goals

The "Year Of" Program cultivates an interdisciplinary educational platform for campus-wide, critical exploration of a country through a variety of relevant activities and events to engage KSU students, faculty, staff, and the community, while enhancing awareness, interest, and understanding of the world.

    • Expand participants' cultural knowledge and intercultural skills
    • Advance KSU's globally-focused curriculum, intercultural expertise, and international partnerships and research collaborations
    • Support and empower faculty to integrate country-specific material, as well as education abroad and local intercultural experiences, into their curriculum through connections with the local community and partners abroad
    • Strengthen student engagement in global learning and help prepare students to enter the global society as responsible citizens
    • Break down stereotypes and create connections across cultures by providing participants with a rich, complex sense of place, identity and community (both locally and globally)
    • Competitive College Spotlights that integrate program offerings into course content
    • Team-taught, semester-long interdisciplinary courses that include a study abroad component
    • Extensive involvement of local and international community partners, including university partners, consular officials, business leaders, and expatriates
    • Guest lectures featuring national and international experts from various fields/professions (arts, business, education, engineering, health, humanities, science, etc.)
    • Featured films both from and about the country or region of study
    • Featured theatre, music and dance performances, art exhibits, and culinary demonstrations
    • Visits with exchange faculty and students, including special residencies for artists, chefs, and other specialists

 

Year of the United Kingdom (YoUK)

The 2025–2026 Year of the United Kingdom will introduce the KSU community to our transatlantic neighbor through a yearlong exploration of its vibrant culture, complex history, and global influence. From over 7,000 miles of stunning coastlines to bustling cities and rolling countrysides, the United Kingdom (UK) is a nation shaped by centuries of tradition and innovation. Through themes ranging from literature and language to technology and identity, we’ll uncover the many stories that define the UK today.

Join us throughout the year as we bring the sights, sounds, and spirit of the UK to campus—inviting you to discover, connect, and engage with this remarkable nation. And just like the King of England, you won’t need a passport to join the experience. We look forward to celebrating everything the United Kingdom has to offer with you in the year ahead!

More Information
Year of UK Logo

 

"Year Of" Country Studies on the Horizon

Year of Thailand - 2026-2027

During the 2026-2027 academic year, the focus will be on a country in Asia that hasn't been the focus of this initiative in its 40-year history -- Thailand. Thailand was also selected as Travel and Leisure magazine's 2025 destination of the year. We look forward to learning more about this exquisite land soon!
 

"Year Of" Country Study - 2027-2028

Each year KSU's "Year Of" Country Study focuses on a different region of the world, moving through four regions identified as Asia/Oceania, Africa, The Americas, and Europe.  During the 2027-2028 academic year, the focus will be on a country in Africa that hasn't been the focus of this initiative in its 40-year history.  The nomination portal will open this fall.  More information will be available here in September.

Previous Countries of Study

Over the past four decades, KSU's dedicated faculty, staff and enthusiastic students have embarked on transformative journeys through the university's "Year Of" programming, immersing themselves in the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of countries from around the world. Each year, a specific country is selected as the focus of these intensive studies, allowing KSU and the surrounding community to delve deeply into its unique identity while providing a comprehensive opportunity to understand its people, language, art, cuisine, and much more. Through this annual celebration, KSU fosters global awareness, promotes cross-cultural exchange, and cultivates a sense of interconnectedness among members of the diverse student body.

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