U of A Geared Up for International Education Week

Photo Submitted

International dress day is one of the many ways in which members of the campus celebrate international education.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas will celebrate an expanded International Education Week this month, hosting a variety of internationally themed events and activities over a nearly two week period.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, officially observed Nov. 17-21, as an opportunity to acknowledge the benefits of international education and exchange.

The U of A celebration will begin with a reception for international scholars hosted by Chancellor G. David Gearhart at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 at Fowler House and will conclude with a Diwali Banquet at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Fayetteville High School Performing Arts Theater.  

Some of the other events that highlight opportunities for international education include:

• Taste of Africa – 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, UARK Bowl on Dickson Street. The African Student Organization is creating an African wedding atmosphere to host performances, a fashion show, trivia and more. This is a ticketed event. For ticket information contact african@uark.edu.
• International Dress Day – Monday, Nov. 17. Students are invited to wear their favorite international clothing, sports jersey, hat, scarf or other item for this all-day event. An International Dress Day Photo will be taken at 11 a.m. in the International Connections Lounge of the Arkansas Union to officially kick off the week’s events.
• International Bazaar – 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, International Connections Lounge. Music, dance, entertainment, traditional clothing, international food and interactive activities will be available.
• Hogs Abroad 101 – 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, J.B. Hunt Building room 207. This peer-led information session will provide an overview of the study abroad process, including the tools needed to get started and funding opportunities.
• Winter of Discontent – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences Building room 107E. This film gives an account of Egypt on the verge of revolution through the lives of an activist, a journalist and a security officer.
• Hecho en Mexico – 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Mullins Library room 104. This documentary highlights some of contemporary Mexico’s most iconic artists and performers. A discussion will follow the screening.
• Afternoon PositiviTea – 2-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, Holcombe Hall Living Room. Students are invited to enjoy a cup of tea while learning about tea cultures from around the world.

International education is on the rise at the U of A. The campus saw international student enrollment reach an all-time high of 1,525 students for the fall 2014 term. The number of students studying abroad is also growing, as a record 800 students studied abroad during the 2013-14 academic year.

“As our international student enrollment continues to increase and as the demand for international experiences grows among our students, the need for opportunities to celebrate and learn more about international education and cultures becomes more and more important,” said Kim LaScola Needy, dean of the Graduate School and International Education.

International Education Week is being coordinated by the Office of International Students and Scholars, the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange, Spring International Language Center, the Holcombe Hall International Living and Learning Community and the International Student Organization. A full list of the week’s events may be found at iew.uark.edu.