To provide students a chance to engage in worldwide issues and share study abroad experiences to learn about different cultures, the Office of International Affairs will host the annual International Educational Week (IEW) from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20.
According to the Office of International Students, since 2000, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education have sponsored this event across the world.
Alejandra Parra, associate director of International Affairs, said that IEW allows exchange students around the world to share their cultures and experiences as foreigners in a different country.
In a fall 2014 study done by the Office of International Affairs, there were 1110 international students at NSU from 105 different countries, including students with F1 visas who are enrolled in classes.
Laura Vergara, junior finance and international studies major, said that international education allows cultural enhancement and exchanges.
“It is a way for people to become more sensible and respectful toward each others cultures and differences. It also expands knowledge and brings improvements from bringing different ideals and views together,” she said.
On Nov. 16, the opening session will take place at the Knight Auditorium in the Carl DeSantis Building from 9:30 to 11 a.m. to show appreciation for the diverse community that makes up NSU. This will be followed by NSU Global Village, which is decorated by international students, demonstrating NSU’s diversity, at the Don Taft University Center.
On Nov. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Education Abroad Forum in the Rosenthal Building Room 200, NSU students will have the opportunity to learn about the benefits gained during study abroad experiences.
Vergara had the opportunity to study abroad in London at Kings College last semester.
“Studying abroad is an experience that enriches students’ life in a personal, educational and professional level,” she said. “It challenges the student to learn the culture of the host country and assimilate similarities, as well as accommodate to the differences that are presented.”
The Multicultural Fair will take place on Nov. 18, where there will be food, activities and entertainment at the Terry Building Clock Tower Courtyard from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additionally, Optional Practical Training (OPT), a workshop for international students where they can receive help on how to apply, will take place from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Carl DeSantis Building Room 1052.
On Nov 19, “H-1B: A Workshop for International Students” will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Carl DeSantis Building Room 1049. Then, from 7 to 9 p.m., the Brazilian Voices event, a musical performance with Jazz and Samba classics, will occur in the Epstein Center for the Arts.
The final event on Nov. 20 is a gathering of all the organizations and groups that worked together to promote IEW in the Don Taft University Center Spine from 12 to 1 p.m.
These events are open to the NSU community. For questions regarding the events, travel study, study abroad or medical rotations and/or missions, contact the Office of International Students at 954-262-7240 or intl@nova.edu.
