Year Of Country Archives

During the 2025–2026 academic year, the KSU campus and community embarked on a journey to discover the United Kingdom. Through education abroad opportunities and dynamic on-campus programs, the Year of the United Kingdom offered a yearlong exploration of the country’s vibrant culture, complex history, and global impact.

With the help of numerous lecturers and the British Consul General in Atlanta, we explored and celebrated the unique identities and shared heritage of the UK’s four nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. These diverse voices and perspectives helped us deepen our understanding of the United Kingdom and discover new ways to connect with its culture, history, and people.

That exploration came to life through a wide variety of programs and experiences throughout the year. The campus was filled with concerts and performances celebrating British composers, including a special appearance by the legendary Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble. From rugby and football to films and book clubs, we experienced the UK from a variety of perspectives. Dining hall tastings, service projects, and mini-lectures offered even more opportunities to learn, connect, and, of course, spill the tea!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Year of the United Kingdom and helped make this exciting celebration of global learning and cultural exchange a success!

 

During the Year of Senegal, the university explored this beautiful, culturally-rich country often referred to as the Gateway to Africa. Through tastings, dance, economics, music, history, and modern day traditions, the campus community experienced the impact of the Senegalese people on our own culture and the world.

The year was launched with a visit from Mossamba Diop, featured drummer for the Black Panther movie franchise - - whose energy and authentic abilities as the talking drummer from his Senegalese village resounded with and across the KSU campus.

Over the course of an entire year, we were immersed in Senegalese traditions and innovation. Programming featured world-reknowned Senegalese choreographers, performances, insights into economics and research from a Nobel Prize-affiliated lab, the history of the Dakar Rally, tastings, and speakers on subjects ranging from movement and healing to Black history.  And no one will forget the goats that visited both campuses, shedding some light into the importance of these animals on the livelihood of rural Senegal.  Senegal left a lasting impression on our hearts as a people of hospitality and rich traditions.  Teranga!

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.

 

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.