Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia community will participate in the worldwide celebration of International Education Week Nov. 14-18 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, the UGA associate provost for international education. “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. 9 workshop about the Fulbright Program and a Nov. 10 symposium on global engagement.
The Fulbright 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 UGA faculty and professionals to learn, get advice on the application process 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 Grant 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 an opportunity for faculty members who have been awarded curriculum internationalization grants to 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 of the Odum School of Ecology.
OIE will host “Study Abroad: What Does It Really Cost and How to Pay for It,” 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.
“Tea and Talk” will be held Nov. 15 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the OIE Conference Room. Nanang Zubaidi of Indonesia, a Fulbright exchange student in the department of religion, will be the guest speaker. In his presentation, Nanang will talk about Javanese culture.
WorldFest, an intercultural fair sponsored by International Student Life, will be held Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tate Plaza.
International Exchange Day will be held Nov. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. in the main conference room of OIE located on 1324 S. Lumpkin St. Students will be able to learn about the options, 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, and students will have the opportunity to learn about international exchange programs at more than 50 of UGA’s partner universities.
For those interested in sampling desserts from all over the world, an international dessert reception, hosted by the International Student Life, will be held Nov. 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. in room 210 of Memorial Hall.
“International Sports: A UGA Perspective” will be hosted by OIE and held Nov. 17 from 12:45-1:45 p.m. in room 348 of the Miller Learning Center. A panel of UGA coaches, professors and athletes (including Olympians) will discuss sports potential and reality to increase international understanding and good will.
A UGA Costa Rica coffee talk and photo documentary screening of “La Hora de Bailar” will be held Nov.17 from 2-3 p.m. in the OIE resource library. UGA Costa Rica alum A.J. Wiess directed the photo documentary short.
A Peace Corps globe talk will be held Nov. 17 from 6-7 p.m. in room 251 of the Miller Learning Center. It will be an opportunity for students to learn more about the Peace Corps and to meet some volunteers who have served in it. Refreshments will be provided.
International Education Week at UGA will conclude with a student photo and video contest on Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Memorial Hall Ballroom at the International Coffee Hour. In addition to a display of international photo submissions, winners will be announced. 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.
For more information on International Education Week at UGA and throughout the U.S., see http://oie.uga.edu/iew. For more information on the Office of International Education, see http://oie.uga.edu.