Lander University is observing International Education Week, Nov. 14-18, with several events highlighting international students presenting information about their home countries and cultures.
The activities, sponsored by Lander's Office of International Programs, are part of a national observance sponsored by the U.S. Departments of Education and State.
Sec. of Education Arne Duncan said, "It celebrates the benefits of understanding the world around us so we can better communicate and collaborate with others from different cultures." He described it as an ideal opportunity to inspire students to broaden their horizons through global learning, foreign languages and international exchanges.
Lander's week-long events will begin Monday afternoon at 4 p.m., with a cultural exchange in the Carnell Learning Center, Room 200.
The film "A Small Act" will be shown on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m., in Room 200 of the Carnell Learning Center. The documentary focuses on struggling high school students in Kenya and the benefits of modest financial assistance for people in developing countries.
On Wednesday, the chefs in Lander's Dining Services will serve a luncheon treat featuring dishes from around the world from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the same time, Lander's international students will stage an exhibition focusing on their native countries, culture and customs. The event will be held in the Grier Student Center's Johnston Commons.
On Thursday, Nov. 17, there will be a forum on Lander's very successful Study Abroad program. The discussion will be held in Barratt Hall, Room 126, at 2 p.m. From noon to 5 p.m., a Study Abroad information booth will be available in the Johnston Commons.
Students in Lander's Department of Mass Communication and Theatre will present the play "The Golden Samurai," by Geoffrey Case, on Nov. 16, 17 and 18, at 8 p.m., and Nov.19, at 3 p.m., in the Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.
Dr. Sung-Jae Park, Lander's dean for International Programs, noted that the university's enrollment this fall includes 60 students from 23 nations on six continents. The university also has established exchange agreements with nine colleges and universities in South Korea, China and Thailand.
He said, "We need to be global citizens, to think and act globally and contribute to the global community, and international education helps make that possible."