In recognition of International Education Week, the Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs (MISA) will offer various events on Nov. 15-19.
International Education Week was created as a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education in 1999 to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. All educational entities, including universities across the country, will celebrate the week by providing such things as lectures, art and talent showcases, and promoting study abroad programs.
The week will kick off on Monday, Nov. 15 with International Night in the Student Union Ballroom at 5 p.m. According to Aileen Mootoo, French instructor of the communication and languages department, International Night will feature Southeastern’s foreign language students in a talent show in addition to a Zumba competition.
There will also be an international buffet provided by ARAMARK. The event has no admission fee, but monetary donations will be accepted to benefit the study abroad program’s scholarships.
On Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theater, the Office of International Initiatives is sponsoring a new program called “Islam and the West.” The program will feature a panel that will discuss the religion of Islam, giving insight from the perspectives of Southeastern faculty, students and community members that practice the religion in this country.
The week will conclude when the department of fine and performing arts sponsors a concert featuring various international performances on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. in the Pottle Music Building Auditorium.
MISA Director Dr. Eric Summers encourages the Southeastern community to participate in the events.
“International Education Week assists our students in becoming more global-minded and in understanding and appreciating the cultures and traditions of peers from across the globe,” said Summers. “Our students are the leaders of tomorrow’s world, so we have to prepare them today and this is another way that we try to expose them to a world beyond Southeastern Louisiana University.”
More information on International Education Week can be found by contacting Summers at 985-549-5070 or Mootoo at 985-549-2007.