Maryville University joins college campuses across the country in observance of International Education Week, Nov. 12-16. The week’s activities are designed to raise awareness of different cultures represented on campus and around the world.
“International Education Week affirms the critical role international education plays at Maryville University as well as our efforts to be a diverse and inclusive community,” says Esra Uysal, life coach and coordinator of the week-long observation.
Mitt Patel, a first-year game design major, looks forward to the weeklong celebration.
“I usually don’t have contact with that many cultures or religions.” Patel says, “This week is really going to give me the experience of meeting new cultures, new people.”
Campus activities began Monday, Nov. 12, with Taste of Nations in Gander Dining Hall. They continue on Tuesday, Nov. 13, with Festival of Nations—an annual favorite—which will be held 11 am to 1 pm in Donius University Center. The event features cuisine, crafts and music from around the world. Participants may join in an African drum circle and international music performances.
Other highlights include a Lunch and Learn with a panel of Maryville multicultural scholars, who will speak on the topic “Immigration / Shed Walls, Destroy Barriers,” from 11:30 am to 1 pm on Friday, Nov. 16, in Buder Commons.
“Coming from a community that’s predominantly one culture, I didn’t get much exposure to different cultures or celebrations,” says Breanna Bird, first-year music therapy major. “That’s the thing about going to college—you get to see people from all over the world, get to know their experiences and just be friends. It just broadens your world.”
Participants around the country will use the hashtag #IEW2018 to share their activities. International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and share experiences.