Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Headlines

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In an increasingly globalizing world, the United States government promotes international awareness and exchange during International Education Week (IEW) which is observed worldwide. IEW was started in 2000 with joint participation from U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education to "recognize the global exchange environment between the United States and other countries."

In a statement released about IEW 2007, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that "In a world where challenges transcend borders, education is essential for making the world more peaceful and more prosperous. American students can better understand global issues by learning other languages and experiencing other cultures first-hand." This is what IEW hopes to promote during next week, Nov 12- 16. Students will have the chance during this week to learn more about the world around them. They will also learn about opportunities they have to experience the world.

IEW at Western is sponsoring events throughout the week that are all different and unique. The week kicks off with a program that features students who have traveled abroad who will share their experiences. It is called "Experiences Around the World-Where No Regular Classroom Can Go." Students who have studied in places from Germany to Ethiopia to New Zealand will be on hand to tell the tales of their experiences. When asked about the advantages of studying abroad, the Director of Study Abroad programs Michele Price had this to say, "Though regular on-campus classes are great, there's nothing like actually being where a historical event took place, seeing a work of art that one only previously saw in books, or learning another language in a country where the language is spoken. For these reasons, studying abroad enhances and expands the learning experience."

Communicating with people who are from a different culture or speak a different language can be difficult. One of the other events held during IEW shows Western and foreign students how to communicate with each other better. WOU Conversation partners are students who are paired together to enhance their abilities in cross-cultural communication. They meet every week to discuss different aspects of their culture, such as holidays, food and religion. During this program Western students will have the opportunity to meet new international students and see how they can become involved in their activities future.

On Wednesday students will have the chance to see how Sushi is made and even try some samples during the Sushi Demonstration. The World Expo is also taking place on Wednesday and students from twelve different countries who are attending Western will be on hand to show students different characteristics each country possesses.

IEW ends at Western on Friday the 16th with an International Potluck. Here students will have the opportunity to taste a number of different cuisines prepared by international students as Western. This event, along with every other event during IEW is completely free.•

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