Past Countries of Study

The "Year of..." Annual Country Study Program has been a Kennesaw State University and Global Education initiative for 38 years. Throughout the years, our faculty and students have experienced incredible opportunities through this event, immersing themselves in the extraordinary cultures, histories, and traditions of countries worldwide. We annually choose a specific nation as the centerpiece of our immersive study, exploring its distinct identity and gaining a well-rounded understanding of its people, language, art, cuisine, and more. Through this cherished tradition, we aspire to cultivate global consciousness, foster cross-cultural exchanges, and nurture a sense of interconnectedness among our diverse student body that creates significant impact.

Please join us as we revisit the past "Year of..." events and past countries of study from previous years.

year of home
New Zealand

Year of New Zealand (2022 - 2023)

Global Education explored a country's rich culture, history, and global impact - right from campus! Thank you for making this year such a success! In partnership with the Consulate of New Zealand, the 2022-23 Year of New Zealand introduced the KSU community to the Kiwis in a friendly, positive, and informative way. For us, it's all about discovery and understanding. 

KSU Global Education collaborated on and off campus to deliver performances, lectures, discussions, events, and activities all centered around New Zealand. Over the course of the fall and spring semesters, students, faculty, staff, and community members learned about a beautiful country, an innovative nation, and above all, what makes New Zealanders who they are. 

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View of Greece City.

Year of Greece (2021 - 2022)

The Year of Greece happened during Greece’s Bicentennial Anniversary with a full program that featured the knowledge and expertise of our KSU faculty, staff, and students, as well as the large Greek-American communities of Atlanta, Georgia. Activities and events included the Olympic Movement, a Celebration of Stone Carving, a culinary display of Minoan Tastes, opera scenes from Greek Mythology and many more!

Additionally, faculty and students developed research teams, thought out the Year of Greece program with the Global Fellows and coordinated with campus-wide series to best represent this country throughout the year.

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City in Cuba.

Year of Cuba (2019 - 2020)

The Year of Cuba (YoC) allowed students to discover a remarkable blend of diverse cultural influences and gain firsthand knowledge of the country's beauty. Various themes were studied such as Cuba's economy, tourism, historic preservation, journalism, human rights, community development, sustainability, Santeria, cinema, ballet, and more.

The YoC program cultivated awareness and admiration for Cuba within the Kennesaw State campus community. Engaging opportunities included a partnership with CIFAL Atlanta, an United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) center, a Cuban classical ballet, cinematic and theatric performances, and undergraduate research in Cuban studio, art history, folklore, architecture, history and religion.

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City in Morocco.

Year of Morocco (2018 - 2019)

The Year of Morocco allowed students the opportunity to visit Morocco, experience its hospitality, and learn first-hand about what makes the country and its people unique. Themes like colonialism, conflict, identity, language, migration, development and sustainability were studied to bring awareness of and appreciation for Morocco. 

Events included a seminar abroad in Morocco that allowed deep study of various organizations, academic institutions, businesses, museums, and religious sites. Additionally, Kennesaw State hosted Innov Gnawa in Concert, a conference on "Gender, Identity, and Youth Empowerment", specialized coursework and learning modules, and in-depth experiences of Moroccan visual arts, food, and festivals.

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City in India

Year of India (2017 - 2018)

The Year of India featured a full calendar of academic and cultural events exploring India's rich political, economic, and artistic history. Kennesaw State students and members of the Atlanta community experienced a variety of India appreciation events including an Indian American Community Tour, an entire film series, and a visit to The Lilburn Swaminarayan Temple.

The Year of India also provided a specialized course that looked at modern contexts and enduring cultural traditions. This course allowed KSU students to select topics of interest and engage in faculty assisted research. 

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Past Country Programs

  • City skyline of Russia.

    Year of Russia

    For the Year of Russia, the University hosted a series of guest speakers, conferences, art exhibits, and other cultural activities throughout the year designed to promote a deeper appreciation for and understanding of Russia and its people.

    Events included a U.S. - Russia Relations in Global Context International Symposium, a two-week long film series, and a various topics to create introductions for diverse times in Russia's history.

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  • City skyline of Portuguese

    Year of Portuguese Speaking World

    The Year of the Portuguese Speaking World hosted a series of events, speakers, conferences, and cultural activities throughout the year designed to promote a deeper appreciation for and understanding of the Portuguese speaking world. This "Year of..." event was unique in that it focused on nine countries on four continents - Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

    The Portuguese Speaking World is a diverse region, with each country possessing a unique history, economy, political structure, and culture. Events included performances, food tasting, concerts, and demonstrations.

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    Buildings in Arabian Peninsula

    Year of the Arabian Peninsula

    The university hosted a series of events, lectures, conferences, and other activities throughout the year designed to promote a deeper appreciation for and understanding of the Arabian Peninsula.

    The Year of the Arabian Peninsula was comprised of seven countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Events included exhibits and performances, a film festival, conferences and more!

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    • 2013-2014 Japan

    • 2012-2013 Ghana

    • 2011-2012 Peru

    • 2010-2011 Romania

    • 2009-2010 Korea

    • 2008-2009 Turkey

    • 2007-2008 Atlantic World

    • 2006-2007 Kenya

    • 2005-2006 China

    • 2004-2005 France

    • 2003-2004 Spain

    • 2002-2003 Mexico

    • 2001-2002 Italy

    • 2000-2001 South Africa

    • 1999-2000 Australia
    • 1998-1999 Israel

    • 1997-1998 Ireland

    • 1996-1997 Brazil

    • 1995-1996 Olympic Movement

    • 1994-1995 Egypt

    • 1993-1994 Germany

    • 1992-1993 Sub-Saharan Africa

    • 1991-1992 Caribbean & Central America

    • 1990-1991 Eastern Europe

    • 1989-1990 France

    • 1988-1989 India

    • 1987-1988 China

    • 1986-1987 Soviet Union

    • 1985-1986 Mexico

    • 1984-1985 Japan