University of Arkansas Celebrates International Education Week
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas will celebrate International Education Week on Nov. 17-21. There will be many activities on campus, giving students and the community the opportunity to gain knowledge and awareness about cultures, peoples and languages from different parts of the globe.
The week highlights international students, faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas as well as American students going to other countries to study abroad. International education allows the crossing of borders that enable students to appreciate cultures other than their own. The weeklong celebration is being coordinated by the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Currently, there are 1,040 international students at the University of Arkansas, representing 115 countries. The largest delegation of students is from India (176), followed by China (120), Japan (105) and Bolivia (69).
Last year, 643 University of Arkansas students studied abroad. There are a variety of programs that help students go to diverse countries all over the world and can range from summer programs to full-year programs.
There are also 228 visiting scholars in the university, and they are from 55 countries. Of the visiting scholars, 181 are involved in research, 5 in teaching and 42 in a combination of research and teaching.
Throughout the week, Chartwells will be providing internationally themed cuisines in the dining halls. The University Bookstore will be displaying international books and feature international authors. Here are some events planned for the week:
Monday, Nov. 17
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. International Bazaar (IEW Kick-off event), Arkansas Union Connections Lounge
International groups from all over the world will be hosting booths highlighting their culture. There will be music, dance, traditional clothing, international food and interactive activities. Organized by the International Students Organization.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Noon – 1:00 p.m. Learn a Language Lunch: Japanese by Risa Minami, Arkansas Union room 509
Bring your lunch and an international student will introduce you to how their language is structured and teach you a few words that you can try out! Organized by the International Culture Team.
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Holcombe Hall International Potluck, Holcombe Hall Living Room
All are invited to show off their cooking talents*, and to meet friends from across the globe. Just bring a food to share, and there will be plenty to go around! *No talent necessary. Just try your best! Organized by the Holcombe Hall Living Learning Community.
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Noon – 1 p.m. Learn a Language Lunch: Indonesian “Bahasa” by Dian Rubianti Arkansas Union room 507
Bring your lunch and an international student will introduce you to how their language is structured and teach you a few words that you can try out! Organized by the International Culture Team
7 p.m. International Movie: Umm al-Alrusa/Mother of the Bride (Egypt 1963), 104 Mullins Library
Marriage, Egyptian-style. In recent years Steve Martin and Diane Keaton reprised the classic roles of Spencer Tracy and Joan Bennett in Father of the Bride. In between there was Imad Hamdi and Samira Ahmad in this classic of comic realism. How can a mid-level employee with a large family possibly fulfill social-class obligations and throw a presentable wedding party for his beloved daughter? (102 minutes, Arabic w/English titles) Organized by the Nadi Cinema/ Middle East Film Club.
Thursday, Nov. 20
Noon – 1 p.m. Learn a Language Lunch: Vietnamese by Ni La Le, Arkansas Union room 511
Bring your lunch and an international student will introduce you to how their language is structured and teach you a few words that you can try out! Organized by the International Culture Team
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. International Faculty & Staff Meet & Greet, Holcombe Hall Living Room
International Faculty and Staff at the University of Arkansas are invited to come in and mingle with each other. It will be a great opportunity for them to meet and know about each other!
Friday, Nov 21
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Study Abroad Fair & Photo Contest, Arkansas Union Connections Lounge
10 a.m. – Noon International Film Score Friday, Tune in to KUAF 91.3 PJ Robowski will be playing international film scores. Enjoy music of countries from across the globe.
6 – 8:30 p.m. Bollywood Movie, Arkansas Union Theatre Enjoy the evening watching an entertaining Hindi movie full of music, drama and theatrical dances! Organized by Friends of India.
Saturday, Nov 22
7 – 10:30 p.m. Best Dance Crew Contest, Arkansas Union Ballroom Organized by the Vietnamese Student Association.
Contacts
Scott Flanagin, coordinator of communications and outreach
Division of Student Affairs
University of Arkansas
(479) 575-6785, sflanagi@uark.edu
Matthew Sokoloski, program coordinator
Office of International Students and Scholars
University of Arkansas
(479) 575-5003, msokolos@uark.edu