International Education Week to be Held Nov. 14-18

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The U of A will hold a slate of in-person and virtual events in recognition of International Education Week Nov. 14-18. This year's theme is "Internationality: Arkansas in the World, the World in Arkansas," recognizing the reciprocal nature of international education and its impact on Arkansas and the world around us.

A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week (IEW) offers an opportunity for the university to celebrate the profound impact of international education on our campus. The Office of International Students and Scholars in the Graduate School and International Education coordinates events for the week, complemented by campus departments and units who host their own events.

"IEW is always such an exciting week, as it highlights international education programs all over campus and across the world that our U of A family might not know about," said Cynthia Smith, assistant director for outreach in the International Student and Scholars Office, who is also coordinating International Education Week on campus. "Keep watching iew.uark.edu as our calendar builds for IEW 2022."

Events throughout the week provide opportunities for members of the campus community to learn about the dress, food and cultures of numerous international regions whose students attend the university. Each day of the week features events centered on a different topic relating to international education and culture:

• Monday, Nov. 14: Celebrations — Join our IEW opening celebration; learn about global celebrations and wear international dress for this day.
• Tuesday, Nov. 15: The Arts — Global music, dance, art, literature, movies. Share about the arts from international locations.
• Wednesday, Nov. 16: Let's Play! — Play sports, play games and share about our favorite pastimes and cultural hobbies.
• Thursday, Nov. 17: Global Flavors — Enjoy learning about the infinite variety food around the world. Post your favorite recipe or video of a cooking lesson.
• Friday, Nov. 18: Academic Spotlight — What are you studying or researching? Let us know about your academic success. Academic units can use this day to brag on international students and scholars. Students and scholars can share their personal achievements.

A full schedule of IEW events is available on the ISS website.

"It's no exaggeration to say that international education transforms our campus," said Curt Rom, interim dean of the Graduate School and International Education. "International students carry their culture and traditions with them when they travel to study here, effectively bringing the world to our campus. Not only that, but our students studying abroad have experiences that forever change them and create lifelong memories. Through all of this, the world becomes our campus."

"We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the importance of international exchange on our university and the world around us," Rom added.

The Graduate School and International Education will also be hosting giveaways via social media on its accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Instagram. Those interested in participating can follow the accounts at @uarkgsie.