The university community will participate in the worldwide celebration of International Education Week with academic and cultural programs coordinated by the Office of International Education. All events are open free to the public.
“This celebration offers a unique opportunity to develop a broader understanding of world cultures and languages,” said Kavita Pandit, associate provost for international education at UGA. “It is also a chance to reiterate the ideal that enduring friendships and partnerships created through international education and exchange are important for a secure future for all countries.”
Although International Education Week will officially be observed Nov. 14-18, OIE will host two pre-events in conjunction with the observance: a Nov. 10 symposium on global engagement (see story below) and a Nov. 9 workshop about the Fulbright Program.
The Fulbright faculty workshop will be held at 12:30 p.m. in Room 137 of the Tate Student Center. Hosted by Fulbright and OIE, the workshop is an opportunity for faculty to learn, get advice and explore the possibilities of teaching and research through the Fulbright Program.
Highlights of International Education Week at UGA include a two-day Curriculum Internationalization Showcase on Nov. 14 from 2-4 p.m. in Room 250 of the Miller Learning Center and Nov. 15 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. in Room 141 of the Tate Student Center.
Hosted by Kasee Laster, OIE’s education abroad director, the showcase is a discussion in which faculty members who have been awarded curriculum internationalization grants will discuss their projects. Panelists include Maria Navarro of agricultural leadership, education and communication in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Deborah J. Tippins and Michael Mueller of mathematics and science education in the College of Education; and Jacqueline E. Mohan from the Odum School of Ecology.
OIE will host “Funding and Budgeting for Education Abroad,” Nov. 14 from 3:30-5 p.m. in Room 265 of Park Hall. The program is a panel discussion and workshop for students interested in studying abroad. Peer financial counselors, scholarship winners and representatives from the Office of Student Financial Aid will discuss the pertinent aspects of paying for a term abroad.
WorldFest, an intercultural fair sponsored by International Student Life, will be held Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Tate Plaza.
Exchange Day
Exchange Day will be held Nov. 16 from noon-4 p.m. in the main conference room of OIE, 1324 S. Lumpkin St. It is a chance for students to learn about international exchange opportunities in English or their target language; the details of the exchange experience, the application process and issues related to the transfer of credit. Faculty and staff who coordinate UGA’s exchange programs will be available to answer questions.
For those interested in sampling desserts from all over the world, an international dessert reception, hosted by International Student Life, will be held Nov. 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. in Room 210 of Memorial Hall.
Sports forum
A lunchtime International Sports Forum, hosted by OIE, will be held Nov. 17 in a location to be determined. The forum will feature a panel of international sports icons and experts who will discuss the potential role of international sports in achieving cultural understanding.
Peace Corps Globe Talk will be held Nov. 17 from 6-7 p.m. in Room 251 of the Miller Learning Center. Hosted by the Peace Corps, it will be an opportunity to learn more about the organization and to meet some volunteers who have served in it.
International Education Week at UGA will conclude with the student photo and video contest on Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Memorial Hall Ballroom at International Coffee Hour.
In addition to a display of all international photo submissions, winners will be announced and recipients of the People’s Choice Award will be chosen for photos that represent student immersion, cultural authenticity and videos that focus on education abroad and cultural understanding. The contest will be co-hosted by OIE and International Student Life.