Internationalize your education in the palm of the mitten

KALAMAZOO—Western Michigan University will highlight various countries and cultures during its annual observance of International Education Week, set for Sunday through Saturday, Nov. 15-21.

Many entertaining and educational public events, all free and open to the public, have been scheduled on the main campus throughout the week by WMU offices and international registered student organizations.

The 2015 observance at WMU, which is being organized by the International Student Activities office in the University's Haenicke Institute for Global Education, begins with Brazilian Day on Sunday, Nov. 15. Making its first appearance at an IEW event, WMU's Native American Student Organization will showcase traditional dancing, crafts and storytelling.

The week also will feature events during which attendees can learn how to play one of the world's most popular sports, cricket; how to prepare traditional ethnic foods; and how to write Chinese calligraphy. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to view live music and dance performances representing many cultures and countries, including Brazil, China, the Dominican Republic, India, Japan, Malaysia and Pakistan.

International Education Week

A joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education, International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. It is part of efforts to promote 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. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has stressed those ideas when remarking on the week's mission. "In the 21st century, a quality education is an international education," Duncan has said.

Schedule of events

Sunday, Nov. 15

• Cricket Mania—noon to 9 p.m., Student Recreation Center. Learn to play cricket, a game played by billions of people around the world, and take part in a T10 tournament. Host: Western Cricket Club.
• Brazilian Day—5 to 8 p.m., Multicultural Center in the Trimpe Building. Experience Brazilian food and culture. Host: Brazilian Student Organization.

Monday, Nov. 16

• Chinese song workshop—6 to 7:30 p.m., 4110 Brown Hall. Learn about songs and music from volunteers from the Confucius Institute at WMU.
• South-East Asia Cuisine Festival—6 to 9 p.m., Wesley Foundation. Enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine and learn about the culture of the region. Hosts: Association of Vietnamese Students, Malaysian Student Association, Indonesia Student Association.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

• Window to China movie screening—"Confucius," 3 to 5 p.m., 2452 Knauss Hall. This 2010 Chinese biographical drama was written and directed by Hu Mei and stars Chow Yun-fat as Confucius, the titular Chinese philosopher. Host: Confucius Institute at WMU.
• Day of China—6 to 9 p.m., Wesley Foundation. Learn to make Chinese traditional food and to design Chinese accessories, listen to traditional Chinese instruments, try on traditional Chinese clothing, and learn to dance to classic Chinese folk songs. Host: Chinese Association for Students and Scholars.

Wednesday, Nov. 18

• Dominican Festival—6 to 9 p.m., Multicultural Center in the Trimpe Building. Meet WMU students from the Dominican Republic and learn about their country's culture and way of life through food, dance and more. Host: Dominican Student Organization. 

Thursday, Nov. 19

• American Thanksgiving Celebration—Noon to 1:30 p.m., Kanley Chapel Social Room. Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner and learn the history of this American holiday. Host: International Student Fellowship.
• Study abroad info table—1 to 3 p.m., lower level of the Bernhard Center. Begin the process of discovery; pick up information, and meet study abroad alumni and specialists. Host: WMU Study Abroad.
• Canceled—Native American celebration—5 to 8 p.m., Student Recreation Center indoor tennis court. A celebration of Native American history and culture featuring traditional dancing, crafts and storytelling. Host: Native American Student Association.

Friday, Nov. 20

• Study abroad info table—1 to 3 p.m., lower level of the Bernhard Center. Begin the process of discovery; pick up information, and meet study abroad alumni and specialists. Host: WMU Study Abroad.
• Indo-Pak Night—6 to 9 p.m., Wesley Foundation. A cross-cultural celebration of India and Pakistan through music, dance and food. Hosts: Indian Students Association and the Pakistani Student Association. 

Saturday, Nov. 21

• Japan Festival—noon to 3 p.m., Multicultural Center in the Trimpe Building. Experience Japan's culture, including traditional food and dance. Host: Japan Club.
• Malaysia Night—6 to 9 p.m., Wesley Foundation. A showcase of the culture and heritage of Malaysia, including a fashion show featuring traditional and modern clothing styles, traditional foods, and performances. Host: Malaysia Student Association.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.