Chancellor Invites Campus to Celebrate International Education Week

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Next week, Nov. 14-18, marks International Education Week at the University of Arkansas and across the country. Chancellor G. David Gearhart invites the whole campus to take part: attend a performance or activity, learn about another country, or visit with an international student.

Nearly 1,200 international students and 250 international scholars from 117 countries are on campus at the University of Arkansas. They are undergraduate and graduate students, visiting or degree seeking; they are researchers and teachers. They contribute to every college and school at the university. For some, this is the first venture outside of their home country, and for others the U.S. is one of many countries they have visited.

And, on the opposite side of the coin, domestic students from the University of Arkansas visit close to 40 countries each year through study abroad programs at the university. During 2010-11 school year, about 550 U of A students traveled internationally as part of their college education.

International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, was first held in 2000, and today is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide.

The diversity of the University of Arkansas international students, scholars and educational programs provides the university community with the chance to visit the world both on campus and at many sites around the world. 

“During this week the university will highlight the many ways that international education enhances the U of A experience,” said Chancellor Gearhart. “These events offer us opportunities to understand and appreciate diverse cultures and social practices. International Education Week helps ‘bring the world’ to Fayetteville and in doing so, helps enrich the U of A learning community.”

According to Cynthia Smith, assistant director with International Students and Scholars, the activities of International Education Week will have something for everyone. Events, workshops, bazaars, food and beverages from other countries will be available all week. “This year, the university is adding a new tradition: International Dress Day will start the week on Monday, Nov. 14,” said Smith. “We invite everyone on campus, not just international students, to don their international clothing for Monday. Anyone in traditional dress is invited to join us for a group photo at the Union Connections Lounge at 12:20 p.m. Monday,” she said.

International Education at the University of Arkansas is administered by the Graduate School and International Education, which includes International Students and Scholars, the office of study abroad and international exchange, the Spring International Language Center, the office of sponsored student programs, and the office of graduate and international recruitment and admissions.

Some of the events include:

Thursday, Nov. 10

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Rwandan Immersion, Arkansas Union

Monday, Nov. 14

• 11 p.m. to 1 p.m. — International Bazaar, International Dress Day and Study Abroad Photo Contest, Arkansas Union Connections Lounge

Tuesday, Nov. 15

• All Day — Residence Hall Program Day
• 3:30 to 5 p.m. — Graduate Panel Discussion, “International Education Experiences,” Arkansas Union 507-509
• 4 to 5 p.m. — Immigration Workshop, Law Courtroom, Leflar Law Center
• 6 to 7 p.m. — Caribbean Styles and Vibez, Holcombe Hall

Wednesday, Nov. 16

• 6 to 8 p.m. — Holcombe Night Market

Thursday, Nov. 17

• 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Republic of Georgia Presentation, Alumni House

Friday, Nov. 18

• 5 to 7 p.m. — JSA Tea Ceremony, Holcombe Hall For information and schedules please call the International Students and Scholars office at 479-575-5003 or email iss@uark.edu.