Purpose: Conferences, while central to academic endeavors, are an understudied research site. This purpose of this study is to describe the experience of an Arab Israeli teachers' college in hosting a large international academic conference on multiculturalism, conducted entirely in English. Most of the academic staff and all of the students are Arabic speakers. This added a layer of challenge for all our faculty and students. Design/methodology/approach: This reflective, retroactive and descriptive case study builds on the above points. It is a reflective "case story" told by the college head. Findings: This paper describes the benefits and growth experienced by each of the involved parties, which resulted in a changing academic culture and new academic self-confidence and vision for all concerned. This paper also details weaknesses and opportunities missed. Envisioning, planning and bringing to fruition this conference was a crucible experience for the college, enhancing our multicultural understanding, learning and commitment. Originality/value: This reflective description offers an original perspective on multiculturalism through the lens of an international conference hosted by an academic institution where the native language is not English.