International Education Week Celebrations Planned

Photo Submitted

International students depict their journeys to the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas will celebrate International Education Week Nov. 14-18. A variety of internationally themed events and activities are scheduled. All members of the campus community are invited to participate. A full list of the week's events may be found at iew.uark.edu.

"International Education Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity on our campus and engage in a broader understanding of our global society," said Curt Rom, associate dean for International Education.

The theme of the University of Arkansas' International Education Week is "Telling Our Stories." Students' international education stories will be captured in photos and videos and shared on social media using #IEWourjourney.

The celebration will begin with an International Bazaar at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, in the Arkansas Union International Connections Lounge. The week will conclude with Stammtisch, an opportunity for German conversation, at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov.18, in the Arkansas Union Living Room. 

Some other events that highlight opportunities for international education include:

• International Dress Day – Monday, Nov. 14. 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.
• Study Abroad Photo Contest Display – 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14. International Connections Lounge. Winners of the 2015 Study Abroad Photo Contest will be announced and their photos displayed during the International Bazaar in the International Connections Lounge.
• Photos with a Russian Matryashka Doll – Noon Tuesday, Nov. 15, Union Mall. Students, faculty and staff can have their picture taken with a human-sized Matryashka doll.
• Hogs Abroad 101 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 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.
• Writing Demonstrations – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, Brough Commons. Students, faculty and staff may have their names written in a different language.
• Fulbright Friendsgiving – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, Reynolds Center Auditorium. This event will feature a panel discussion with distinguished speakers, cultural performances and a "Telling Our Story" video from U of A Fulbright Scholars.
• Dance Around the World – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, Holcombe Hall Living Room. Cultures all around the world will be showcased by traditional dances and authentic food.
• Experience Panama – 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, Union Mall. This event will feature Panamanian crafts, dance and food samples.
• Global Food Opportunities – 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, Poultry Science 133. Student speakers Kelsey Johnson and Kylee Sigmon will join Beth Mitcham, a postharvest physiologist faculty member from the University of California, Davis, to conduct short presentations about their recent international experiences.  

International education is thriving at the University of Arkansas. International students make up a notable portion of the university's enrollment, with 1,466 international students representing 112 countries enrolled in the fall term. Additionally, the number of students studying abroad is at a record level. More than 1,000 students studied abroad in nearly 50 countries during the 2015-16 academic year.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education and is celebrated across the country on many college campuses. The week is an opportunity to acknowledge the benefits of international education and exchange.

International Education Week is 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.