This week and through Sunday, MSU will be joining with institutions and organizations across the country to highlight global and international education.
International Education Week is intended to unite universities across the nation in the study of the global learning experience.
MSU is already a leader in international education, said Dawn Pysarchik, associate dean of International Studies and Programs. Its departments feature lecture series and author presentations on a regular basis. This week, however, is an opportunity to celebrate those events.
“In any given week, there’s a plethora of activities,” Pysarchik said. “For us, we’re just kind of highlighting what we do day-to-day.”
The idea grew out of President Clinton’s April 2000 Memorandum on International Education Policy, and is being promoted by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State.
The first observance of the week has also been designated as a “White House Millennium Event.”
“As a land grant institution, MSU has a special obligation to meet this need for a diverse undergraduate clientele,” said International Studies and Programs Dean John Hudzik in a written statement. “MSU’s challenge, and commitment, is to mainstream international experience and content throughout its curricula so that virtually every student has the opportunity to become globally experienced and knowledgeable.”
A number of lectures, films, and major conferences are being held during the week, with events related to all areas of the world.
Presentations include remarks and discussion of the current Vicente Fox Quesada presidency in Mexico, a look at the Mao Tse-tung years in China, discussions of U.S.-Latin American trade issues and analysis of the flow of ideas and individuals between Europe, the Americas and Africa.
Through Friday, the International Center lobby will bring the week together by hosting exhibits and small demonstrations by nationality clubs between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Also, information meetings for 16 of MSU’s 150 study abroad programs will take place through Thursday.
The week wraps up Sunday with Global Festival 2000 from noon to 5 p.m. in the Union. The festival features live performances, international exhibits, games for children and an international buffet.
MSU boasts more than 1,700 students per year participating in some 150 programs and hosts around 3,500 international students and scholars each year.
Jay Rodman, special projects coordinator of International Studies and Programs, said the week fits into MSU’s international outreach mission and represents much more than just study abroad.
“We hope students and the community will realize how much more international activities involve them,” Rodman said.
