Yesterday kicked off the University's celebration of International Education Week, a series of events coordinated through the Lorna Sundberg International Center and intended to recognize and celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange.
"I hope that this week will serve as a jumping off point to develop interest in the rest of the world, as well as a personal understanding to treasure it," Center Director Suzanne Louis said.
The week is part of a national effort by the U.S. Departments of State and Education to promote internationally-oriented programs.
"The more we learn about and understand each other, the more effective we will be in creating a world of global citizens, and the better our chances of achieving peace in our increasingly interdependent world," U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a statement about International Education Week.
The University's International Education Week launched yesterday with a presentation by Leonard Robinson, a diplomat in residence and politics lecturer at the University. Robinson gave advice to students seeking professional opportunities in the international field.
Tomorrow John Hager, nominee for U.S. assistant secretary of education and former Virginia lieutenant governor, will provide the keynote address for the week, "The Value of International Education to the Commonwealth and the University." University President John T. Casteen, III will introduce Hager.
Study abroad programs will hold open houses throughout the week, and international-focused student organizations plan to step up recruitment and informational drives.
International Education Week also attempts to involve international students in local volunteer efforts by hosting community service projects.
Some international students will visit Charlottesville and Albemarle High Schools to share their global perspectives.
"The event will be mutually benefiting," Louis said. "Not only will international students be able to visit with high school students and share their experiences, but this will be a prime opportunity for high schoolers to get excited about learning new languages, getting involved with host programs and studying abroad in college."
A world film series will showcase a variety of subtitled, international films set in different countries and spanning both commercial and independent genres.
"While some of the films have great historical significance, just the opportunity to hear other languages and gain exposure to it is worthwhile," Louis said. "I hope this will be an enjoyable way to initially engage viewers wanting to learn more."
While the week is meant to highlight Center efforts, ongoing programs also offer ways for students and community members to get involved.
More than 100 Charlottesville families host 145 international students through the city's International Host Program.
The Center's three-year-old Thanksgiving Meal Match, which pairs up families in the Charlottesville community with international students who cannot leave town during the break, received a record number of more than 60 placement requests this year, Center Associate Administrator Judith Saulle said.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for international students at the University," she said. "It lets them experience life with an American family and celebrate the holidays within the community."
Along with the International Center, sponsors of International Education Week include the office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Center for American English Language and Culture, the Alumni Association, Albemarle County Schools, the Darden School and the International Studies Office.
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