UW to Host International Education Week Nov. 14

The University of Wyoming will host its annual International Education Week Nov. 14-19 with the theme “Think Global: Your Power to Help Heal a Polarized World.”

International Education Week is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education that draws attention to the value of international education. UW celebrates International Education Week annually with a wide range of activities, international food and events.

This year’s events offer opportunities for students, staff and faculty to explore a wide variety of international activities. Some events also are open to the public.

Year-round, UW promotes international understanding in a variety of ways, including education abroad and international programming on campus.

“UW seeks to graduate students who receive a well-rounded education and are competitive in the job market,” says Education Abroad Director Shelley Jewell. “We live in an increasingly interconnected world and, in order to be successful, students should have awareness not only of our nation, but of other cultures around the world.”

Here’s the International Education Week schedule of events:

Monday, Nov. 14

-- Kickoff event: Wyoming Union West Ballroom, 9-10:30 a.m.

-- Country displays: Wyoming Union Breezeway, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring international student displays of culture, food, history and more from student groups.

-- Pakistan undergraduate presentation: Wyoming Union Warm Valley Room, noon-1 p.m. Students Mishal Aslam and Shifa Ijaz present on Pakistan and their culture.

Tuesday, Nov. 15

-- “Building a Longer Table: Including International Students on Our Campus”: Wyoming Union East Ballroom, 10-11:30 a.m. UW faculty and staff are invited to join the International Students and Scholars office staff for a conversation about strategies to include international students on the UW campus; challenges international students face in the U.S. and in Laramie; creating a welcoming environment in your classroom, office and campus space; and common situations that may arise when teaching, advising or supporting international students.

-- International student restorative justice circle discussion: Cheney International Center International Resource Center, 5-6 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

-- International Trivia Night: Wyoming Union Game Room and Skylight Lounge, 7-9 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

-- International Students and Scholars Wake Up Wednesday: Cheney International Center International Resource Center, 9-11 a.m. International Students and Scholars hosts coffee and a light breakfast, with special guest Aziz Abu Sarah.

-- Conflict Discussion -- Myanmar: Wyoming Union Big Horn Room, noon-1 p.m. Learn about the impact of the Myanmar civil war felt in Wyoming.

-- Tea and Asia: Asian Tea Time: Cheney International Center International Resource Center, 3-5 p.m., hosted by Yi-Ling Chen.

-- Education abroad photo reception: Cheney International Center International Resource Center, 5-6 p.m. See the winners of this year’s photo contest.

-- International dinner: Washakie Dining Center, 5-7:30 p.m. Special international-themed dinner. Cost is $14 or can be purchased with meal plan.

Thursday, Nov. 17

-- Student Scholarship Spotlight: Room 129 of the Classroom Building, 12:30-4 p.m. About 15 students will present their research on a wide range of international issues.

-- Sarah book discussion and reception: Room 129 of the Classroom Building, 4-6 p.m. A recognized peace builder working around the globe as a cultural educator, travel innovator and speaker, Sarah has been named a National Geographic Explorer for his work as a cultural educator. His mission is to educate the world through travel. In his book, “Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace,” Sarah relates his experiences of creating cross-cultural connections in places including Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Russia, Venezuela and Vietnam. A reception will follow in the Classroom Building’s Ninth Street lobby.

Friday, Nov. 18

-- KARMA bingo fundraiser: Wyoming Union Skylight Lounge, 5-7 p.m. The KARMA fund was set up by students just over a decade ago and has helped many international students who have had medical emergencies. Prizes are donated by the International Students and Scholars office.

-- Dance party, Central Asian traditional dance: Wyoming Union Skylight Lounge, 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 19

-- UW Etiquette Dinner: Wyoming Union Ballroom, 6-9 p.m. Join the International Students Association for a mealtime etiquette dinner from cultures around the world. Tickets for the event are required and will be available to students and community members, with distribution to be announced.

In addition to these events, there will be an International Education Week book display at Coe Library throughout the week.

Learn more about International Education Week at UW by visiting www.uwyo.edu/iew.