International Education Week opens to public
The third annual Utah State University International Education Week begins Monday, as part of a worldwide celebration to bring awareness and develop an understanding of world culture.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton started the week-long schedule of events in 1999. It has spread around the nation to universities like USU, where it has been sponsored by the Office of International Students and Scholars, International Student Council, Office of Study Abroad, College Republicans, and the Global Village.
“The objective of the week is to bring the international concepts of the world and to bring people together in a global context for a solid education, with the goal of exposing everyone to a variety of cultures,” said Negar Davis, director of the International Students and Scholars.
According to the week’s Web site, http://exchanges/state/gov/iew, “The worldwide celebration offers a unique opportunity … to develop a broader understanding of world cultures and languages and to reiterate the conviction to enduring friendship and partnerships created through international education.”
The week’s events will be held in the Taggart Student Center, beginning Monday at 9:30 a.m. and lasting through Friday at 11:45 p.m. Each sponsor is contributing to a variety of displays and events, which range from a movie, panel discussions and information tables to a dance festival, a musical performance and socials.
The Office of Study Abroad will be hosting an International Photo Contest for students to enter photographs they’ve taken outside their native countries. The winners of the contest will be announced after judging concludes Friday.
Kay Forsyth, director of Study Abroad, said she feels it is important for her office to be involved in the week to “increase awareness for the possibility of international education, so students have an opportunity to travel and give them a sense of excitement to know that those possibilities are out there.”
With the current world situation, Davis said the upcoming week’s message of understanding will be greatly beneficial in informing students of other cultures and people and in helping them to become more aware and appreciative.
“In my opinion, it is very important, especially in light of our current international affairs, to bridge the gap of understanding and establish the pathways to peace,” Davis said.
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said in August, “As we work to end the scourge of terrorism, let us also work to increase peace, prosperity and democracy. We can do this through international programs that promote the exchange of ideas and the sharing of experiences. These programs give us insight into other languages and cultures, and in the process, build long-lasting relationships among peoples based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust.”
The week’s events are open to everyone and are free to the public.
According to the Web site, U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige expressed his support of International Education Week.
“During the last year, it has become very clear that broadening our international understanding is critical. As Americans begin to re-evaluate our assumptions about the impact of international relations on our daily lives, we realize that the task of diplomacy belongs not only to governments, but to individuals as well. Each of us is an ambassador when we interact with our global neighbors. International education not only promotes mutual understanding and cooperation among nations, it can also strengthen national security, foreign policy and economic competitiveness,” he said.
-mdinger@cc.usu.edu