Celebrate with Students from around the World During International Education Week

The University of Arkansas will celebrate International Education Week Nov. 18-22, with numerous activities on campus. The opening events Monday, Nov. 18 include International Dress Day and the International Bazaar, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Arkansas Union International Connection Lounge. Students, staff and faculty are invited to wear favorite international hat, sports jersey or cultural clothing.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. The events are part of the University of Arkansas' efforts to prepare students for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad. Events throughout the week provide opportunities for members of the U of A community to learn about the dress, food and cultures of numerous international regions whose students attend the university. Some of this year's events include opportunities to have your name translated into different languages, practice speaking Italian, experience Panamanian cooking, or experience a Chinese arts festival.

 "We are proud that the University has an increased number of international graduate students enrolled this year, which is significant as national numbers have decreased," said Curt Rom, associate dean for international education at the university. "These students contribute to the quality of learning in the classroom and laboratory, thus the overall quality of education at the university."  Rom said the university has a record number of Bolivian students, along with a total of 115 countries represented on campus. The largest international student groups on campus this year are from China, Panama, India, Saudi Arabia and Bolivia.

During International Education Week, the Graduate School and International Education will also host a visitor from the Tibetan Scholarship Fund and EducationUSA Advisors from Malaysia and Bolivia. "Having these guests on campus to see our international community is the best way to develop relationships with international partners," said Lynn Mosesso, director of international recruiting and admissions.  

A complete list of IEW events is available at iew.uark.edu, but highlights are listed below:

Monday, Nov. 18

• International Dress Day
  11 a.m., Arkansas Union International Connections Lounge
  Wear your favorite international hat, sports jersey, or cultural clothing for a group photo.
• Opening session and International Bazaar
  11 a.m.-2 p.m., Arkansas Union International Connection Lounge
  Opening Ceremony, with a greeting from Kim Needy, dean of the Graduate School and International Education; a performance by the U of A World Music Ensemble led by Nikola Radan; and cultural presentations and performances by international students.
• Study Abroad Photo Contest Display
  11 a.m.-2 p.m., International Connections Lounge.

​Tuesday, Nov. 19

• Cultural Pop-Up: Name Translator   
  3-4 p.m., Arkansas Union Food Court 
  A fun event where you can get your name translated into different languages.
• Study Abroad #IamIcan with CIS
  11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education, Arkansas Union 404
  CIS Study Abroad runs affordable programs for every student! The #IamIcan campaign celebrate students' identities and empower students to study abroad.
• International Jersey Day
  12:15 p.m., Meet at the Fulbright Fountain behind Old Main for a Group Picture!
• Faculty - Fulbright Scholars Information Workshop
  3-5 p.m., Old Main 523
• Italian Conversation Group
  4:30-5:30 p.m., U of A JB Hunt Room 2017 (backroom)
  Come practice speaking Italian and talk about Italian culture. All levels welcome.
• Coffee and Karaoke
  6-8 p.m., Spring International Language Center, Uptown Campus, 1001 E, Sain Street
  Join us at SILC for an evening of hot drinks and snacks from all over the world! Belt out your favorite tunes on our karaoke stage and relax as we take our taste buds on an international tour!

Wednesday, Nov. 20

• Cultural Pop-Up: Cooking and Snack Tasting   
  10:30-11:30 a.m., ISS classroom, Holcombe Hall
  Come to have a hands-on experience of the Panamanian Cuisine.
• Let's Talk and Resource Tabling
  4-6 p.m., Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education, Arkansas Union 404
  Counseling and Psychological Services Center will be hosting free "Let's Talk" informal consultations, as well as providing information about our resources available.

Thursday, Nov. 21

• Cultural Pop-Up: PersonaliTEA
  11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Multicultural Center, Arkansas Union 404
  Come learn about different teas from all over the world. A fun interactive event where you will get a tea matched to your personality.
• "American Factory" Panel Discussion 
  4:30-5:30 p.m. Willard J. Walker Hall 218
  The panel discussion of "American Factory" will directly follow the documentary screening. Our panel of industry experts will discuss navigating a multi-cultural workplace while taking questions from the audience.
• Cultural Pop-Up: Nepalese Henna and Cultural Ink
  5-6 p.m., Arkansas Union Food Court 
  A fun event where you can get a temporary henna tattoo and get your name written in devanagari (nepali) script. Also, get to know more about Nepal and 'Visit Nepal 2020'.
• Cultural Pop-Up: Global Game Time
  6-7 p.m., Arkansas Union Food Court 
  Join us in playing games from all over the world.
• Panama: Past, Present, and Future
  6-8 p.m., Arkansas Union, International Connections Lounge
  Experience Panama through interactive activities and performances. Traditional music such as Tamborito will be showcased!
• Dance Around the World
  6-9 p.m., Holcombe Hall
  Come watch performances from around the world. There will also be food from different regions of the world.

Friday, Nov. 22

• Chinese Arts Festival
  4:30-8 p.m., Reynolds Center
  We will be spreading Chinese culture and arts through performances, crafts and food. There will be opportunities for drawing, games and prizes.