Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate International Education Week (IEW) Nov. 16-22 with a variety of activities and events, highlighting the cultural diversity of the campus community.
IEW is a nationwide event co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of State to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide, and to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.
International Education Week is a great opportunity for the Southeast community to celebrate our diverse campus and the benefits of international education and global understanding, said Dr. Kevin Timlin, executive director ofSoutheasts International Education and Services. An understanding of people, cultures and ideas from around the world and the interconnecting effects of globalization are essential aspects of a meaningful 21stcentury education.We are very proud of how our international community and study abroad offerings contribute to the learning environment here both inside the classroom and out. International Education Week is an opportunity for us to highlight a few of the great things going on at Southeast.
This years events kick off Nov. 16 with Carpe Diem, Southeasts annual festival for students, faculty and staff to showcase their culture and heritage through dance, fashion, music, food and educational exchange.
The event is free and open to the public and will feature more than 15 different cultural booths providing treats, beverages, displays, games and activities meant to broaden the understanding of the countries and cultures represented, said Tiffany Comfort, coordinator of leadership and involvement for Campus Life and Event Services.
Carpe Diem is a great experience for the Southeast students and faculty and the local community to interact with and learn from each other, she said. Along with cultural dishes, dances and a fashion show, this year we are pleased to welcome Samba Bom, a Brazilian band from St. Louis(Missouri). By the end of the evening, everyone will be up on their feet dancing samba, its going to be a great night for all.
Upcoming events during International Education Week include the following:
Carpe Diem 2019
Nov. 16, 5-9 p.m., Student Recreation Center East Gym
Celebrate Southeasts diversity through dance, fashion, music, food and educational exchange. In addition to 15 different cultural booths showcasing unique food and beverages, Chartwells Educational Dining Services will host an international cuisine buffet. A station for guests to receive henna tattoos from skilled henna artists and a fashion show by Southeasts Global Fashion Club will also take place. Headlining the evening will be a performance by Samba Bom, a Brazilian band from St. Louis, Missouri, that will teach guests dance moves.
International Game Night
Nov. 18, 5-7 p.m., International Village Room 106
Learn and play board and card games from all over the world, share stories and create new friendships. Students are encouraged to bring their own unique games.
International Section of UI100 Presentations
Nov. 19 and Nov. 21, 9:30 a.m., Otto and Della Seabaugh Polytechnic Building Room 201
The Southeast community is invited to presentations by the students in the international section of UI100. Students will compare and contrast various aspects of American culture with their home country. This is a great opportunity to learn about American customs and practices from a new cultural perspective and learn more about cultures from around the world.
Study Abroad Recognition Ceremony
Nov. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Marquette Tech Building
Study abroad participants are invited to join Cenet (Magellan Exchange) and Southeast in celebration of their achievement in international exchange. This event aims to highlight the valuable educational experience and recognize students willingness to expand their horizons. Refreshments will be provided.
Perspectives from Southeast Visiting Scholars
Nov. 20, Noon-1 p.m., International Village Room 106
Enfu Li and Chunxia Jia will share information about their profession in higher education in their home country and their perspectives on being visiting scholars at Southeast. Light refreshments will be served, but guests are welcome to bring their lunch.
Coffee and Conversation: Higher Education Around the World
Nov. 21, 3-4:30 p.m., International Village Room 106
Join members of the International Students Liaisons Group for fun, casual and guided conversations about higher education experiences from around the world. Everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences in small group settings. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
International Clothing Day
Nov. 22, 2 p.m., Academic Hall front steps
Members of the Southeast community are encouraged spend their day on campus wearing clothes representative of countries and cultures from around the world. A group photo will be taken in front of Academic Hall at 2 p.m.
For more information on Southeasts International Education Week, visit semo.edu/international/international-education-week.