Pamplin International Programs has had a vibrant and memorable fall semester!

In early September, International Programs kicked off the semester with an evening of games in Squires Break Zone. With the busy start to the school year underway, this event offered students a chance to relax and recharge while enjoying bowling, pool, video games, and plenty of pizza.

The friendly competition continued later in the month with a field day on the Drillfield, where students spent a sunny afternoon playing Spikeball, KanJam, and Cornhole—quickly becoming a favorite among many of our international students.

October brought new opportunities for connection, learning, and fall festivities. We partnered with Cook Counseling and Pamplin Career Services to offer workshops on stress management and professional networking, providing students with valuable tools for both academic and personal success. We also collaborated with the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) to host two fabulous cooking classes led by the one and only Chef Dave Yanisko. Students enjoyed learning hands-on culinary skills and preparing delicious dishes together—a perfect blend of culture, teamwork, and fun!

We closed out the month with an exciting weekend full of classic Southwest Virginia autumn adventures. Students took on the challenging hike up Dragon’s Tooth to take in the peak fall foliage before enjoying lunch at Solstice Farm Brewery. Later that evening, mentors and mentees alike braved the Dark Woods Haunted Trail for a spooky seasonal experience. The weekend wrapped up with a trip to Sinkland Farms, where students explored the pumpkin patch, indulged in festival treats, and even picked out pumpkins to take home.

This semester has been full of learning, laughter, exploration, and community. We look forward to continuing to support and celebrate our international students in the semesters to come!