U of A to Celebrate International Education Week

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

The University of Arkansas will celebrate International Education Week this month, hosting a variety of internationally themed events and activities. All members of the campus community are invited to participate.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, officially observed Nov. 16-20, as an opportunity to acknowledge the benefits of international education and exchange.

The U of A celebration will begin with an International Bazaar at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, in the International Connections Lounge. The week will conclude with a Diwali celebration at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21, at the Fayetteville High School Auditorium. 

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

• International Dress Day – Monday, Nov. 16. 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.
• Theatre and Diplomacy – 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, Giffels Auditorium. Syrian playwright and diplomat Riad Ismat will speak about defending academic freedom worldwide and creating support networks of international solidarity.
• Hogs Abroad 101 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 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.
• Nadi Cinema: Baran – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences Building room 107E. This film is a poignant romantic fable that combines a moving narrative of a Sufi love tale with a political critique of the harsh conditions of Afghan refugees in Iran.
• Dance Around the World – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, Holcombe Hall Living Room. Cultures all around the world will be showcased by traditional dances and authentic food.
• International Coffee House – 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, Uptown Campus Building West. This event will feature an international open mic night with coffees and teas from around the world.
• Afternoon PositiviTEA – 3:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, Ozark Hall Graduate Student Lounge. Students are invited to enjoy a cup of tea while learning about tea cultures from around the world.
• Taste of Africa – 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, Fayetteville Town Center. 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 education is on the rise at the U of A. The campus saw international student enrollment reach 1,525 students representing 114 countries for the fall 2015 term. The number of students studying abroad is also growing, as a record 901 students studied abroad in 51 countries during the 2014-15 academic year.

"We are fortunate to have a culturally diverse student body at the University of Arkansas and have so many nations represented," said Curt Rom, associate dean for International Education. "International Education Week is a time that we can enjoy and celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity while recognizing the similarities among us. I believe that improving global cultural understanding through activities such as International Week will lead to an improved world for us all."

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 here.