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K-State Today

November 6, 2013

Celebrate International Education Week

Submitted by Mary Pyle

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education. It is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. International Education Week was first held in 2000 and today it's celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Two sets of dates were announced for the 2013 International Education Week. Immediately following the 2012 events, the International Education Week website stated the 2013 dates as Nov. 11-15. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a video post in August of this year, stated the dates as Nov. 18-22.

For the Kansas State University celebration, the international programs office decided to take advantage of the confusion and celebrate International Education Week during both weeks to better encourage faculty, staff and students to explore the value of education abroad, experience the rich diversity that is brought into our classrooms, and enjoy the benefits from the international programs presented on campus.

"K-State is excited to celebrate International Education Week," said Marcelo Sabates, interim associate provost of the office of international programs. "With 2,106 international students on campus this fall, there will be many opportunities to engage in global activities. We encourage students, faculty and staff to participate and recognize this important week of cultural programming."

2013 International Education Week events include:

Monday, Nov. 11, to Wednesday, Nov. 20:

Willie the Wildcat's great study abroad adventure and "Hey Dude, where's my Stuff?" contest begins in the K-State Student Union display cases by Cats' Den and art gallery.

Willie the Wildcat just returned from a fascinating study abroad trip collecting international treasures to share with his K-State family. However, he just lost his suitcase loaded with exotic trinkets and souvenirs picked up along his journey. The combined displays will feature ten very small K-State Powercat logos hidden on Willie's missing belongings. Help Willie find his souvenirs by accurately describing the where you see the 10 Powercat logos. 

Write your answers and include your name and contact information legibly on the 3-inch-by-5-inch contest entry cards located adjacent to the displays and submit your answer card to the Union Program Council office on the third floor of the Union. Ten correct entry winners will be drawn and announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, for prizes that include K-State branded items and Cat's Cash cards. Only one entry per person may be submitted. Additional contest details are on the contest entry cards.

This contest is sponsored by the office of international programs, Union Program Council and the K-State chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America.

Contest runs from Monday, Nov. 11, until noon Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Wednesday Nov. 13:

The international programs office's International Fair from 10 a.m to 1:30 p.m. will feature tables in the Union food court highlighting university departments, organizations and activities that promote and celebrate international awareness across campus. Meet and talk global things with representatives from the following:

  • Office of international programs
  • Graduate School
  • Alumni Association
  • English language program
  • Faculty led study abroad
  • Public Relations Student Society of America — International Activity Banner
  • International Buddies
  • International Coordinating Council
  • International student and scholar services
  • Union Program Council
  • Study abroad office and study abroad mentors
  • International service teams in leadership studies

Friday, Nov. 15:

Brown Bag Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, in the International Technology Commons at Wildcat Landing, featuring KSU Foundation Scholarship Award donor Janet McKinney, Kazakhstan awardee Akmaral Kuralbayeva, and Tracy Robinson from the KSU Foundation.

McKinney will share her international Peace Corp experience and, along with Robinson, talk about their family’s scholarship to Kazakh student Kuralbayeva. Kuralbayeva will share her experience in the U.S., K-State and present a little bit about her home country of Kazakhstan.

International Coffee Hour will start at 4 p.m. with presentation by Christian Alvarado Gilis on Chile in the International Student Center  

Tuesday, Nov. 19:

KSU International Educator of the Year award reception is from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Alumni Center. An individual who has made significant contributions to advancing international education will recognize Kansas State University. One faculty, staff, administrator or other member of the K-State community is selected and honored for their major contributions and sustained commitment to advancing international education at K-State. Provost April Mason will present the award.

Wednesday, Nov. 20:

Brown Bag Luncheon will start at 11:30 a.m. in the International Technology Commons in Wildcat Landing featuring Marcelo Sabates, interim associate provost of the office of international programs and the 2013 International Education Week Educator of the Year awardee, announced the night before. The two will share how the winner's activities and efforts earned the recognition. Sabates also will provide an update on our internationalization of our campus.

Please join and participate.