Come Celebrate the World: International Education Week Brings World Cultures Together

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas will celebrate International Education Week on Nov. 15-19 with many activities on campus. International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate student knowledge and awareness of the world’s cultures, peoples and languages among the different countries 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 573 students go abroad last year. About 24 percent went for a semester/year and 76 percent went for summer/short term,” said Laura Moix, exchange coordinator for study abroad and international exchange. The top destinations were Belize, England, Italy, Mexico and Spain.

“This year, we have 120 countries represented at the University of Arkansas,” said Matthew Sokoloski, program coordinator in the office of international students and scholars. “We have a total of 1,164 international students from those countries. India has the largest delegation of students on campus, followed by China, Korea, Japan and Bolivia.”

According to Michael Freeman, director of international student and scholars, there are also 277 non-immigrant international scholars at this university. Of these scholars, 226 are research-only, six are teaching-only, 28 are involved with both teaching and research at this institution and 17 are involved in support service areas.”

Here are the week events that highlight opportunities for international education:

Friday, Nov. 12
International Bazaar and Study Abroad Photo Contest (IEW Kick-off event)
11 a.m. – 1 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, and food will be available. Photos submitted by students will be displayed and the winner of the study abroad photo contest will be announced.

Sunday, Nov. 14
Indonesian Immersion
1 – 4:30 p.m.
Arkansas Union Red Lounge (sign up at hr.uark.edu)
Join the international culture team and Indonesian Student Association as they host a night of cultural immersion. You will experience the culture, food and language of an Indonesian holiday.

Monday, Nov. 15
Conversation Club End-Party
5 – 6:30 p.m.
Holcombe Hall Living Room
The international students and scholars office sponsors the Conversation Club program. This program involves over 100 international students and 40 Americans who meet weekly for conversation and friendship.

Tuesday, Nov. 16
In Their Shoes
1 – 3 p.m.
International Students and Scholars Classroom in Holcombe Hall
Through videos scenarios and group discussion led by ISS staff, learn about various issues that international students face while studying in the United States.

Study Abroad Pre-Departure Meeting
5 – 6 p.m.
International Students and Scholars Classroom in Holcombe Hall
Students preparing to study abroad for the spring semester will meet for information and reminders to prepare them for their departure.

NADI Cinema (Mid-East Film Club)
Ramchand Pakistani (Pakistan 2008)
7 p.m.
University Programs Video Theater, 4th Floor Arkansas Union
Nadi Cinema screens films – old and new, high and low art, comedy and tragedy – from the Middle East and environs. All films are free and open to the public. All films are subtitled in English.

A young Pakistani boy and his father wander across the frontier into India, where they are arrested as spies and imprisoned.  Based on a true story, this film, the first feature by acclaimed television director Mehreen Jabbar, explores the impact of national boundaries, and conflicts, upon the lives of common people. Headlined by an all-star Pakistani cast, joined by Bollywood star Nandita Das (Earth, Fire), Ramchand Pakistani has won numerous international awards. Urdu and Hindi with English subtitles. 103 minutes.

Wednesday, Nov. 17
Reception for International Faculty and Researchers
4:30 – 6 p.m.
Fowler House
The chancellor and ISS office are hosting a drop in reception for international scholars to celebrate their contribution to the university community.

International Potluck and Night Market 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. The Night Market will incorporate cultural tables, games and food.

Friday, Nov. 19
Film Score Friday
10 a.m. – noon
Tune into KUAF 91.3FM
Join P.J. Robowski as she has an internationally themed Film Score Friday.

Sushi Workshop
Time: TBA
Holcombe Hall
The Japanese Student Association will be demonstrating the art of making sushi.