Healthier future theme of
International Education Week

Western Michigan University will highlight a variety of countries and cultures during its International Education Week, set for Monday through Saturday, Nov. 12-17.

Numerous entertaining and educational events have been scheduled for the local observance on WMU's main campus throughout the week, and most are free and open to the public.

“International Education: Striving for a Healthier Future Worldwide” is this year's theme for the week, which is being organized by the University's Haenicke Institute for Global Education and precedes the 2012 Kalamazoo Russian Festival being held Saturday, Nov. 17, at WMU.

A joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education, the week promotes programs that not only prepare Americans for a global environment, but also attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

The theme reflects sentiments about International Education Week expressed by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan when he said: “By putting children on the path towards a healthy future, we give them every advantage to excel on the world stage in whatever career choice they make – be it academics, athletics, business or government.”

Questions about WMU's International Education Week events may be directed to Hui Jin, WMU international programming intern, at: intl-specialprojects@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5872.

A list of the week's events follows:

Saturday, November 10

MSA Annual Dinner
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Bernhard Center East Ballroom
Learn about cultural aspects of the everyday lives of Muslims from various regions and countries around the world in small group discussions during a dinner hosted by the Muslim Student Association.

Sunday, November 11

World Cup Western
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Seelye Center
Annual soccer tournament with nine teams representing players from Kenya, Saudi Arabia (2 teams), Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Japan, Nigeria, Turkey and Brazil. Hosted by the International Programs Council.

Dominican Student Organization
4 to 6:30 p.m.
Trimpe Building
Meet WMU students from the Dominican Republic and learn about their rich culture and way of life. Hosted by the Dominican Student Organization.

International Cooking 101
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Kanley Chapel Social Room
Learn how to prepare and cook dishes from many countries—sampling included—from international students who will share their recipes for traditional dishes. Hosted by Bon Appetit.

Monday, November 12

Study Abroad Info Table
Noon to 2 p.m.
Bernhard Center Lower Level
Study abroad specialists and former study abroad students will host an informational table on the lower level near PNC Bank.

IPC – Getting to Know the World
4 to 6 p.m.
Bernhard Center President’s Dining Room
Expand your global knowledge at this game night hosted by the International Programs Council. Teams will compete for prizes. Pizza and pop will be served.

Tuesday, November 13

China Quiz Bowl
6 to 8 p.m.
Bernhard Center Room 157
Join one of our Chinese Quiz Bowl teams and test your Chinese culture IQ. Answer correctly as a team and you could win a fun prize! Register by sending an email to: wmu-confucius-cc@wmich.edu

Wednesday November 14

Window to China
2 to 5 p.m.
Bernhard Center Room 210
Experience China culture--paper cutting, traditional music and clothing, have your name written in Chinese Calligraphy. Learn about Confucius Institute at WMU culture classes and scholarships.

A Dream Deferred: Dream Act Discussion
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Trimpe Building
The Latino Student Alliance will host a discussion about the new U.S. immigration policy known as the “Dream Act.” Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, November 15

American Thanksgiving Celebration
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Kanley Chapel
Learn the history of Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner. Hosted by the International Student Fellowship.

A Road Trip to Africa
8 to 10 p.m.
Bernhard Center Room 157
A showcase of the cultural diversity of the African population represented on campus hosted by the Bronco African Students Association and Kenya Student Association.

Friday, November 16

Day of China
2 to 5 p.m.
Wesley Foundation
Learn about various aspects of Chinese culture, including how to make Chinese dumplings and design Chinese accessories. Dance to Chinese folk songs played on traditional instruments, and more. Hosted by the Chinese Association for Students and Scholars.

Malaysia Night
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Richmond Center
Malaysian food, fashions and dance will be featured at this event planned by the Malaysian Student Association.

ISA-Legally Desi 2012
8 to 10 p.m.
Fetzer Center
Desi is a cultural event organized by the Indian Student Association to raise awareness of Indian culture through music, dance and food.

Saturday, November 17

17th Annual Kalamazoo Russian Festival
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fetzer Center
An all-day celebration of Russian culture hosted by the Kalamazoo Russian Cultural Association. Cost: Adults: $10, students: $6, age 12 and under: $2, Family Pass : $20

Japan Festival
2 to 5 p.m.
Bernhard Center, President's Dining Room
Experience Japan’s rich culture, including traditional food and dance, at this festival hosted by the Japan Club.