Come Celebrate the World During International Education Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas will celebrate International Education Week on Nov. 16-20, with many activities on campus. International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate student knowledge and awareness of the cultures, people and languages around the world.

It's not only about international students coming to this country, but it's also about American students going to other countries to study. Through international education, students learn to appreciate cultures other than their own. It allows everyone to see beyond borders and boundaries, beyond stereotypes. The program is being coordinated by the office of international students and scholars, the office of study abroad and international exchange, the Holcombe Hall International Living Learning Community and the International Students Organization.

“We had about 622 students go abroad last year. About 30 percent went for a semester or a year and another 70 percent went for summer or short terms,” said Laura Moix, exchange coordinator for study abroad and international exchange. The top destinations were Belize, England, Greece, India, Italy and Spain.

Lots of student from around the world come to the University of Arkansas to study. “This year, we have 119 countries represented at the University of Arkansas,” said Matthew Sokoloski, program coordinator for international students and scholars. “We have a total of 1,156 international students from those countries. India has the largest delegation of students on campus, followed by China, Japan and then Bolivia.”

According to Michael Freeman, director of international students and scholars, there are also 270 non-immigrant international scholars at this university. Of them, 213 are research-only scholars, 12 are teaching-only, 43 are involved with both teaching and research at this institution and two are involved in other areas.

Here are some events scheduled for International Education Week:

Monday, Nov. 16
International Bazaar (IEW Kick-off event)
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Arkansas Union Connections Lounge
International groups from all over the world will be hosting booths highlighting their cultures. Music, dance, entertainment, traditional clothing, international food and interactive activities will be available.

Tuesday, Nov. 17
Immigration Session
2:30 p.m.
ISS Classroom in Holcombe Hall

Wednesday, Nov. 18
International Potluck at Holcombe Hall
6:30 p.m.
The Holcombe Hall International Living Learning Community will be hosting a potluck for students to cook and share dishes from around the world.

Thursday, Nov. 19
International Scholar Reception
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Living Room in Holcombe Hall
The ISS Office is hosting a drop in reception for International Scholars to celebrate their contribution to the University community.

Japanese Consulate Talk
3:45 p.m.
Giffels Auditorium in Old Main
The Japanese Consulate will give a talk involving US and Japanese relations.

Friday, Nov. 17
Study Abroad Photo Contest and Get Involved: Study Abroad Fair
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Union Connections Lounge
This is an opportunity to admire photographs taken by students that have studied abroad as well as to learn about opportunities to study abroad with University of Arkansas programs.

Vietnamese Immersion
6 – 9 p.m.
Union Ballroom
Join the International Culture Team and Vietnamese Student Association as they host a night of cultural immersion as you experience the culture, food and language of a Vietnamese Holiday.