WMU Home > WMU News

WMU News

WMU News on Twitter

Events celebrate International Education Week

Nov. 8, 2010

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University will highlight numerous countries and cultures during International Education Week, set for Monday through Saturday, Nov. 15-20.

The week is a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education. The week promotes programs that not only prepare Americans for a global environment, but also attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

A wide variety of entertaining and educational events have been scheduled for the local observance. The events will take place on WMU's main campus throughout the week, and most are free and open to the public. Also, international students from WMU will be visiting area K-12 schools during the week, introducing the region's youth to a broad assortment of foreign cultures.

"Striving for a Sustainable Future" is the theme for this year's International Education Week, which is being organized by WMU's Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

The theme reflects sentiments expressed by President Barack Obama when he said: "All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort--a sustained effort--to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children and to respect the dignity of all human beings."

A partial list of International Education Week events follows. Questions about the events may be directed to Kimberly Ritter, WMU international student activities program specialist, at kimberly.ritter@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5859.

International Education Week events

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Monday, Nov. 15

  • CELCIS Language Exchange--1 to 3 p.m., Room 208, Bernhard Center. How quickly can you learn a foreign language? Test your skills with international students, and make new friends while having fun.

  • International chess--4 to 6 p.m., downstairs Social Room, Kanley Chapel. Enjoy light refreshments while watching this informal chess competition.

Tuesday, Nov. 16

  • Chinese Cultural Mini Sports--6 to 9 p.m., Trimpe Building. Participate in traditional Chinese games, such as devil on two sticks, spinning top, ferrule and gobang. Also during this event hosted by the Association of Chinese Students and Scholars, learn how to make dumplings and to perform the traditional Chinese dance Yang Ge.

Wednesday Nov. 17

  • Geography Bowl--5 to 7 p.m., Room 208, Bernhard Center. Match your world geography wits against others in a trivia bowl presented by the Department of Geography or stop in and observe the action. To register a team of four to six people, contact intl-specialprojects@wmich.edu.

  • RUMI Club--5:30 to 7 p.m., Trimpe Building. Sample delicious Turkish treats, including Baklava, Borek and Sarma, and enjoy a ney (Turkish flute) performance.

Thursday, Nov. 18

  • Russian Club music and dinner--5 to 7 p.m., Wesley Foundation. This evening of Russian food and culture hosted by the Russian Club will feature contemporary art displays and musical performances.

  • Muslim student gathering--6 to 9 p.m., Room 213, Bernhard Center. Gain a greater understanding of Muslim culture through informational displays, videos and various activities during this evening hosted by the Muslim Student Association.

  • Taste of Culture--7 to 10 p.m., Trimpe Building. Discover easy-to-make recipes and taste dishes from around the world at this event hosted by the Latino-based multicultural fraternity Sigma Lambda Beta.

Friday, Nov. 19

  • Foreign exchange student campus visit--noon to 1 p.m., public cafeteria, Bernhard Center. Area high school foreign exchange students are invited to attend an information session about studying at WMU.

  • Japan Festival--2 to 5 p.m., Trimpe Building. The Japan Club will showcase Japan's rich culture, including traditional food and dance.

  • Malaysian Night: Experience the Beauty of Diversity--7 to 9:30 p.m., Wesley Foundation. Malaysian food, fashions, dance and wedding ceremonies will be featured at this event planned by the Malaysian Student Organization.

Saturday, Nov. 20

  • Legally Desi 2010--6 to 8 p.m., East Ballroom, Bernhard Center. The evening will include Indian dance performances, skits, a multimedia presentation and a fashion show as well as Indian snacks. Tickets for this Indian Student Association event are free for WMU students and $7 for others.
Share |

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/news