É«É«À²

KALAMAZOO—ɫɫÀ² Michigan University will highlight various countries and cultures during its observance of International Education Week, set for Monday through Saturday, Nov. 12-17.

Numerous entertaining and educational events have been scheduled on É«É«À²'s main campus throughout the week, and most are free and open to the public. The observance is being organized by the University's Haenicke Institute for Global Education and is taking place in conjunction with the 2012 Kalamazoo Russian Festival, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, at É«É«À².

International Education Week

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education. It is designed to promote programs that not only prepare Americans for a global environment, but also attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

The theme for this year's week, "International Education: Striving for a Healthier Future Worldwide," reflects sentiments expressed by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

"By putting children on the path towards a healthy future," Duncan says, "we give them every advantage to excel on the world stage in whatever career choice they make—be it academics, athletics, business or government."

The week will kick off with the annual Muslim student dinner and speaker Saturday, Nov. 10, and will feature events including the World Cup É«É«À² soccer tournament, an international cooking demonstration and a Getting to Know the World quiz. Other events will turn the spotlight on the African continent as well as the countries of China, the Dominican Republic, India, Japan and Malaysia.

Events

Saturday, Nov. 10

• Annual Muslim student dinner—3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Bernhard Center Ballroom. Learn about cultural aspects of the everyday lives of Muslims from various regions and countries while taking part in small-group discussions during a dinner hosted by the Muslim Student Association.

Sunday, Nov. 11

• World Cup É«É«À²â€”9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Seelye Center. This annual soccer tournament hosted by the International Programs Council will feature nine teams representing players from Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Japan, Nigeria, Turkey and Brazil.
• Dominican student gathering—4 to 6:30 p.m., Trimpe Building. Meet É«É«À² students from the Dominican Republic and learn about their rich culture and way of life during this gathering hosted by the Dominican Student Organization.
• International Cooking 101—6:30 to 8 p.m., Social Room, Kanley Chapel. Learn how to prepare and cook dishes from many countries (sampling included). International students will share their recipes for traditional dishes during this event hosted by the student organization Bon Appétit.

Monday, Nov. 12

• Study abroad information table—noon to 2 p.m., Bernhard Center's lower level near PNC Bank. Study abroad specialists and former study abroad students will be on hand to answer questions.

• Getting to Know the World—4 to 6 p.m., President's Dining Room, Bernhard Center. Expand your global knowledge at this game night hosted by the International Programs Council. Teams will compete for prizes, and pizza and pop will be served.

Tuesday, Nov. 13

• China Quiz Bowl—6 to 8 p.m., 157 Bernhard Center. Join one of the Chinese Quiz Bowl teams and test your Chinese culture IQ. Answer correctly as a team and participants could win a fun prize. Register by sending an email to wmu-confucius-cc@wmich.edu.

Wednesday Nov. 14

• Window to China—2 to 5 p.m., 210 Bernhard Center. Experience China culture through paper cutting, traditional music and clothing, and having your name written in Chinese calligraphy. Attendees will also learn about the Confucius Institute at É«É«À²'s culture classes and scholarships.
• A Dream Deferred: Dream Act Discussion—7 to 9 p.m., Trimpe Building. The Latino Student Alliance will host a discussion about the new U.S. immigration policy known as the "Dream Act." Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, Nov. 15

• American Thanksgiving Celebration—11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Kanley Chapel. Learn the history of Thanksgiving Day in the United States and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner during this event hosted by the International Student Fellowship.
• A Road Trip to Africa—8 to 10 p.m., 157 Bernhard Center. The cultural diversity of the African population represented on campus will be showcased during this event hosted by the Bronco African Students Association and Kenya Student Association.

Friday, Nov. 16

• Day of China—2 to 5 p.m., Wesley Foundation. Learn about various aspects of Chinese culture during this event hosted by the Chinese Association for Students and Scholars. Attendees will be able to learn how to make Chinese dumplings and design Chinese accessories as well as dance to Chinese folk songs played on traditional instruments, among other activities.
• Malaysia Night—6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Richmond Center. Malaysian food, fashions and dance will be featured at this event planned by the Malaysian Student Association.
• ISA-Legally Desi 2012—8 to 10 p.m., Fetzer Center. Desi is a cultural event organized by the Indian Student Association to raise awareness of Indian culture through music, dance and food.

Saturday, Nov. 17

• 17th Annual Kalamazoo Russian Festival—9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fetzer Center. This is an all-day celebration of Russian culture hosted by the Kalamazoo Russian Cultural Association. The cost is $10 for adults; $6 for students, $2 for children age 12 and under; and $20 for a Family Pass.
• Japan Festival—2 to 5 p.m., President's Dining Room, Bernhard Center. Experience Japan's rich culture, including traditional food and dance, at this festival hosted by the Japan Club.

For more information about International Education Week events, contact Hui Jin, international programming intern, at @email or (269) 387-5872. 

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