International Celebration Offers Study Abroad, Food, Fun

UALR celebrates International Celebration Week Nov. 14 to 18 with events filled with music, food, education, and fun designed to increase awareness of national cultures and ways to improve interactions. “Throughout the years, the scope of this annual event has broadened to a week filled with activities designed to enhance intercultural awareness and global understanding,” said Dr. Jerry Stevenson, associate vice chancellor for international affairs. “This year, we are celebrating the wonderful diversity of cultures, ideas, music, food, and traditions both around the world and on our campus.” Aimee M. Jones, coordinator of Programs Abroad in the Office of International Services, said the week’s events will target UALR students with an emphasis on international and study abroad students regarding job opportunities, including information on working at international companies in the U.S. The week began with International Career Development Day from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 14, in Ledbetter Hall B and C in the Donaghey Student Center. It featured a presentation on introductions, professionalism, and non-verbal communication by Brian Henderson, director of student services for the College of Business. Representatives from multinational organizations provided insights on international career development and opportunities. Later in the day, an immigration workshop assisted international students on related issues from 2 to 4 p.m. in the College of Business auditorium. A Celebration of World Cultures, featuring interactive displays, posters, music and food, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, with various music groups playing throughout the day in Ledbetter Hall in the DSC. Members of more than 25 campus and student organizations representing more than 25 national cultures will distribute information and discuss career and volunteer opportunities throughout the world. “In addition, the UALR Programs Abroad Office will be present to provide information about study abroad programs and other international opportunities,”  Jones said. “Perspectives on the Rise of China” will be the topic of the international panel discussion at noon Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Ledbetter Hall B and C, sponsored by the Department of Political Science, Middle Eastern Studies, and International Studies. The discussion will reflect on the historical, cultural, and global aspects of this critical topic. Later in the the day, students from around the world will gather from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday for an international Thanksgiving dinner filled with fun and relationship building. A Study Abroad Fair, a comprehensive information event for anyone interested in learning more about the many exciting study abroad opportunities available for UALR students, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, on the Upper Concourse of the DSC. International Celebration Week wraps up with an Interfaith Dialogue lunch at noon Thursday at the Student Leadership Lounge, bringing together diverse students to discuss and educate participants on each other’s respective beliefs. To make reservations for this event and to find out more about International Celebration Week, visit the International Celebration website. For more information on International Celebration Week, sponsored by the Office of Campus Life, contact Aimee Jones 501-683-7567 or email [email protected].