FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas will celebrate International Education Week on Nov. 13-17, with many activities on campus. International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate student knowledge and awareness of the world’s cultures, peoples and languages among the different countries around the world.

It's not only about international students coming to this country, but it's also about American students going to other countries to study. Through international education, students learn to appreciate cultures other than their own. It allows everyone to see beyond borders and boundaries, beyond stereotypes. The program is being coordinated by the Office of International Students and Scholars.

“We had about 500 students go abroad last year. About 65 percent went on a summer program, 30 percent for a semester and 5 percent for an entire year,” said Veronikha Salazar, program coordinator for International Students and Scholars. “Most of the students study abroad in Western Europe, but Latin America and Asia are also popular destinations.”

“This year, we have 99 countries represented at the University of Arkansas,” Salazar said. “We have a total of 941 international students from those countries. India has the largest delegation of students on campus, followed by China, Bolivia then Japan.”

“We also have the privilege of having 202 visiting scholars at this university,” Salazar said. “148 are research scholars, while 36 are teaching at this institution.”

Here are some of the week’s highlight events. A list of the other events follows.

International Bazaar (IEW Kick-off event)
11 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Arkansas Union Connections Lounge

International groups from all over the world will be hosting booths highlighting their cultures.  Music, dance, entertainment, traditional clothing, international food and interactive activities will be available.

Holcombe International Living/Learning Community Kick-Off
Noon — 1:30 p.m.
Holcombe Hall Formal Lounge

The opening ceremony, including a few words from Chancellor White, will be followed by a reception.  Holcombe residents will be sharing their experiences and exhibiting picture collages with photos from their home countries, countries in which they have studied abroad, and/or memories from the year.  Food and refreshments will also be provided.

In fall 2006, Holcombe Hall transitioned to an International Living/Learning Community. Approximately half the building is designated as a part of the program. The goal was to create a unique and exciting place for international exchange and learning at the University of Arkansas. Students and staff conduct programs in Holcombe through the year, but the true strength of the community comes from the interactions, relationships and plans the residents themselves build. The program is a collaboration between the Office of International Students and Scholars and University Housing.
 

International Education Day
2:30 — 4:30 p.m.
Arkansas Union Red Lounge, 4th Floor

Join International Culture Team members at the interactive workshops. These workshops will include cooking, dancing, and cultural classes. These workshops are open to the public. Sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars

Want to know more about Islam? Then join us for a time of question and answers about Muslim traditions. Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association

Naturalization Ceremony
10 a.m. — noon
E.J. Ball Court Room of the Robert Leflar Law Center

India is a land of great diversity with distinct differences woven into the daily lives of her people. Travel with Shailey Motial, International Culture team member, through this land famous for curry, the Taj Mahal, rich culture and much more. Get a glance of the day to day living of Indians and understand the subtle cultural differences between the United States and India. To register for this workshop visit the Human Resources Web site http://hr.uark.edu. Sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars and the Department of Human Resources

International Family Day
11 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Fayetteville Blair Library

Come and join the International spouses from 4 different countries as they teach you about their culture and traditions. This event it’s open to the public. Sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars and the Fayetteville Blair Library.

Immigration Law Seminar for International Students, Faculty, Staff, and Their Employers
3:00 — 5:00 p.m.
Poultry Science Auditorium

This FREE seminar will cover topics such as working in the United States while studying, how to get a job after graduation, and the H-1B work visa. Faculty, staff, and employers are invited to attend as well as students. The presentation will include a question and answer session and free informational materials for attendees to keep for reference. The speaker will be David Swaim, managing partner of Tidwell, Swaim, & Associates in Dallas, Texas. Swaim has many years of experience in the practice of immigration law and is board certified in immigration and nationality law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Audra Johnston at ISS (479-575-5003 or audra@uark.edu). Sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars

2006 Study Abroad Photo Contest Reception
6 — 7 p.m.
Multicultural Center

Stop by the Multicultural Center to see a display of photographs from University of Arkansas students who have studied abroad in the past year. Refreshments will be served. Prizes will be awarded for the best photos in the following categories; Best Landscape/Cityscape, Best People Portrait and Best picture representing the local culture.  Photos will remain on display for the rest of November. All are welcome to attend. Sponsored by the Office of Study Abroad

The great concept of working or going to school in a different country has become an attraction to many students. This workshop is a great opportunity for students to gather information on working and studying abroad. Presenter: Kathy Quinn, Study Abroad office and Marshall Carter, UA Career Development Center. Register for this workshop online. All majors invited. Sponsored by the Career Development Center

The blockbuster summer hit of 2003 and Egypt's entry for the 2004 Oscar for Best Foreign Language film, Sahar Layali is the story of four young urban professional couples struggling to stay together -- to rekindle love and lust, to save marriages and redefine relationships.  Starring a "who's who" of young film and television stars, the film provides a rare candid glimpse into the public and private lives of young, hip Egyptians on the make -- "daringly realistic, ... visually true to life" (al-Ahram Weekly). Co-sponsored by the department of Middle East studies and the Office of International Students and Scholars

The concept of gravitational waves arose within early 20th century physics in imitation of the theory of electromagnetic waves, and the first concrete theory is due to Einstein. But the idea had implications for astronomy because it suggested that the orbits of stars and planets ought to decay with time as energy was radiated away by these gravitational waves. This lecture describes the evolution of thought from Edmond Halley, Laplace, Eddington and Einstein. Lecture given by Dr. Daniel Kennefick and is open to the public. Sponsored by the Department of Space and Planetary Sciences


Thursday, Nov. 16

Culture Counts
4:00 p.m.
329 OLD Main

The Culture Counts session will focus on cultural differences you will experience abroad, why and how these differences occur and practical suggestions for adjusting to a new country.  You will hear from experts in the field, returned study abroad students and international students studying in Arkansas.  Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Office of Study Abroad

Kepler is a spacecraft scheduled to be launched in November, 2008, and will look for habitable planets (Earth-size planets in the habitable zone) around distant stars.  Dr. Voss will describe the design and expected results from the (nominal) four-year mission. THi lecture is free and open to the public. Sponsored by Arkansas Women in Statistics and Mathematics and the Department of Space and Planetary Sciences

Stammtisch
5:30 — 7:00 p.m.
Charley's - Second floor of the Radisson on the Fayetteville Square

Come and join the German Conversation Table. Faculty, students, and members of the community meet every Friday to chat in German. Beginners to native speakers are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Dr. Kathleen Condray at condray@uark.edu. Sponsored by the Foreign Language Department

Come and enjoy music from all around the world while you learn and appreciate their dances as well. Refreshments will be danced and, of course, you come ready to meet international students and learn from their own cultures. Sponsored by International Living Learning Community