Lafayette Celebrates First International Education Week Nov. 13-17

Lafayette will celebrate the campus’ first International Education Week Nov. 13-17. The International Students Association (ISA) is organizing a weeklong series of discussions, performances, and games to recognize the contribution of international diversity on campus.

“Lafayette’s international student population and much of the programming, such as study abroad and exchange programs, have a lot to do with international education,” says ISA president Mevan Jayasinghe ’08(Colombo, Sri Lanka), who is pursuing a B.S. biology and A.B. with a major in economics and business. “What’s special about Lafayette is this internationalism – the campus community’s inclination to learn more about international cultures is very high.”

Jayasinghe believes the campus community will benefit greatly from the brownbag and panel sessions because they touch upon topics that have not been explored in-depth. These events will offer the opportunity to discuss different education systems throughout the world, study abroad experiences, and the reasons international students choose to study in the U.S.

Established in 2000 through a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, International Education Week acknowledges the benefits of international education and exchange. Its goals are to promote international understanding and encourage the development of programs that prepare students in the U.S. to live and work in a global environment while attracting future leaders from abroad to study in the country. Currently, International Education Week is celebrated at the schools, colleges, universities, embassies, and international organizations of over 100 countries worldwide.

For more information on International Education Week or ISA, contactJayasingheat (610) 739-1684.

A complete schedule of campus events follows:

Monday, Nov 13

• “International Education Systems” brownbag discussion: noon-1 p.m. in Kirby Hall of Civil Rights room 104; the discussion will compare various educational systems in countries around the world. Lunch will be provided.

Tuesday, Nov 14

• Special reception with artist-in-residence Ping Chong and the cast of Undesirable Elements: noon-1 p.m. in the Williams Center for the Arts; award-winning theater director and visual artist Ping Chong leads his own company in a special presentation examining the lives of people born in one culture but living in another. A light lunch will be provided.
• Undesirable Elements: 8 p.m. in the Williams Center, Main stage. Tickets are $12 and can be obtained by calling the box office at (610) 330-5009.

Wednesday, Nov 15

• “Study Abroad Experiences” panel discussion: 6.30-7.30 p.m. in Oechsle Hall room 224; students and faculty members will share their experiences and provide valuable tips on achieving a fulfilling study abroad experience. Dinner will be provided.
• Sarah Aroeste Band: 8 p.m. in the Farinon College Center Snack Bar; a performance of traditional Mediterranean music fused with contemporary rock, funk, jazz, and blues.

Thursday, Nov 16

• “Why America?” panel discussion: noon-1 p.m. in Farinon Center, Marlo Room Center; the discussion will focus on why international students choose to pursue undergraduate studies at institutions in the U.S. instead of other countries. Lunch will be provided.

Friday, Nov 17

• International Dessert Market: 7 p.m. in the Farinon Center Atrium; savor delectable desserts from around the world.
• International Jeopardy game: 8-10 p.m. in the Farinon Center Snack Bar; students can test their knowledge of geography and international culture and win prizes, including a dinner for two at the Bombay Grille, free coffee at Cosmic Cup, free pizza from Pizza Doro, and much more. Refreshments will be provided.