U of A to Celebrate International Education Week Nov. 13-17

International Culture Team

The theme of the U of A's 2017 International Education Week is 'You Are Welcome Here'

The University of Arkansas will celebrate International Education Week Nov. 13-17. A variety of internationally themed events and activities are scheduled. All members of the campus community are invited to participate.

"International Education Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity and richness of cultures on our campus and in our community," said Curt Rom, associate dean for International Education. "It's also a great time to highlight the importance of preparing our students to live and succeed in an increasingly global society."

The theme of the University of Arkansas' International Education Week is "You Are Welcome Here." Students are encouraged to share their international education stories on social media using #IEWelcomeUARK.

The celebration will begin with an International Bazaar at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, in the Arkansas Union International Connections Lounge. The week will conclude with PositiviTEA: Culture in a Cup at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov.17, in the Holcombe Hall Living Room. A full list of the week's events may be found at iew.uark.edu.

Some events that highlight opportunities for international education include:

• International Dress Day – Monday, Nov. 13. Students, faculty and staff 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.
• International Bazaar – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 13, International Connections Lounge.  The International Bazaar will contribute to inclusion and diversity on campus though cultural table presentations and performances by international students. 
• Study Abroad Photo Contest Display – 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13, International Connections Lounge. Winners of the 2017 Study Abroad Photo Contest will be announced and their photos displayed during the International Bazaar in the International Connections Lounge.
• International Coffee and Karaoke Night – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, Spring International Language Center. Students are invited to taste hot drinks and karaoke to music from all over the world.
• Gregorio Uribe Concert – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, Faulkner Performing Arts Center. Gregorio Uribe is an internationally-acclaimed artist known for leading the Gregorio Uribe Big Band, which blends cumbia and other Colombian rhythms with powerful big band arranging.
• Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, Arkansas Union Theater. The Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange will share travel tips and important information about study abroad locations with students planning to study abroad in spring 2018.
• Friendsgiving Forum – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, Reynolds Center Auditorium. This forum will provide students with the opportunity to discuss challenges, experiences and the impact of international exchange. The discussion will emphasize the importance of creating a mutual understanding between different cultures through the cultivation of peaceful, respectful dialogue. 
• Dance Around the World – 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, Holcombe Hall Living Room. Cultures all around the world will be showcased by traditional dances and authentic food.
• PositiviTEA: Culture in a Cup – 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, Holcombe Hall Living Room. Tea-enthusiasts from around the world will share their tea and culture. Japanese matcha tea, Tunisian mint tea, Chinese tea, Persian borage tea, Thai tea, Taiwanese bubble tea and many more teas will be featured. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mugs.

International students make up a notable portion of the university's enrollment, with 1,461 international students representing 120 countries enrolled in the fall term. Additionally, the number of students studying abroad continues to set new records each academic year. More than 1,000 students studied abroad in nearly 45 countries during the 2016-17 academic year.

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of the University of Arkansas' efforts to promote programs that prepare students for a global environment and to attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

International Education Week is coordinated by the Graduate School and International Education, 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, the International Culture Team and the International Student Organization.