Southeast Missouri State University
For more information, contact:
Ann K. Hayes (573) 651-2552
ahayes@semo.edu

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHEAST TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK NOV. 15-22

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Nov. 13, 2002 - Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate International Education Week Nov. 15-22 with a variety of events showcasing many different cultures from around the world.

Kicking off the week's events will be an International Festival from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 in the University Center lobby. Participants at the festival will get the opportunity to sample bubble tea and try dishes from around the world such as Japanese pizza, nasi lemak, empanadas, kebabs, gulab jamun, vegetable chop and Malaysian style gelatin. In addition, participants may listen to the music and see the traditional dress of international students, see craft demonstrations, including origami and calligraphy, have a hand decorated with Mehndi, and buy a souvenir from abroad.

Countries represented at the festival will be Argentina, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Taiwan, Yemen and others.

This free program is co- sponsored by Friends without Borders, the University's friendship organization for U.S. and international students, Student Government and International Programs. Proceeds from the sale of crafts will benefit Friends without Borders.

Jill Venezian, coordinator of international community programs at Southeast, said she hopes the festival will help students in understanding that "the world is much bigger than their front yard." She said she also wants students to realize that "international friendship is not only possible but is essential."

Venezian says befriending international students is a wonderful opportunity for American students.

"These are young people who are very far from home, and they are being very kind in sharing themselves and their cultures with us," she said. "They really are contributing to us and broadening our horizons."

On Sunday, Nov. 17, Einat Kapach, an Israeli film director, will present a program, using film clips, that explores Jewish humor. Those who attend will be able to sample kosher deli items. The program, scheduled for 3:30-5 p.m. in the University Center Missouriana Room, is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky and cosponsored by International Programs. Space is limited.

Throughout the week, beginning on Monday, students in the University's Intensive English Program are encouraged to eat lunch with an American student and to practice speaking English with them in an event titled "Getting to Know You!" Participating students will be wearing leis and will be available in the University Center dining rooms during the noon hour. Those who participate will be eligible to win a prize drawing the following week.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, a film titled "Not the Numbers Game" will be shown from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Seabaugh Polytechnic Building Room 201. "Not the Numbers Game" is a composite of six short films from women filmmakers around the world - India, Cambodia, Peru, Uganda, Kenya and Indonesia -- dealing with women solving the problems of population and development. A short discussion by Professor Giulio Venezian, Southeast associate professor of physics, will follow the showing.

A Study Abroad Fair is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in the University Center lobby. Students who attend can learn about the many student abroad opportunities offered by Southeast, including in Australia, Japan, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Former study abroad students and program representatives will be on hand to answer questions.

International Education Week will come to a close on Friday, Nov. 22, with an Indian Mock Wedding. The Indian Subcontinent Student Association (ISCSA) will conduct the mock wedding at 5:30 p.m. in Glenn Auditorium of Dempster Hall. The free event is open to all students, faculty, staff and the public. Advance reservations are required by Nov. 17 by e-mailing the ISCSA at semo_iscsa@hotmail.com. Refreshments from the Indian subcontinent will be provided after the event. For more information on this event, contact Umesh Malhotra, ISCSA president, at (573) 587-2222.

Venezian says commemorative International Education Week T-shirts will be for sale throughout the week at the International Center, the International Festival and the Study Abroad Fair. Cost is $6 for most sizes. Children's shirts also are available. The shirts feature an International Programs logo on the front and a message of international peace on the back. Quantities are limited.

For more information about International Education Week events, call Venezian at (573) 986-6872.

 

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