UA Little Rock will celebrate the benefits of a diverse, international population on campus and promote exchange and international education with a week of on-campus events from Nov. 18-21. 

International Celebration Week will kick off Monday, Nov. 18, with “Hey Siri: Define the Middle East” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Ottenheimer Library Room 535. Panel members include Dr. Rebecca Glazier, associate professor of political science, Dr. Abeer El-Anwar, instructor of Arabic, and Dr. Neveen Shafeek Amin, assistant professor of sociology. 

The panel discussion will consider the role of religion in the Middle East, the problem with generalizing the Middle East as one homogenous, monolithic region/culture, how the relationship between the U.S. and Middle East affect Middle Eastern immigrants in America, and what are the impacts and challenges specifically related to Middle Eastern immigrants in Arkansas. Refreshments will be provided. 

Monday events will continue with a discussion on “Living, Working, Interning, and Studying Abroad in Asia” from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Donaghey Student Center Leadership Lounge. UA Little Rock students and staff talk about their experiences working and studying in Asia. 

Monday will conclude with a free movie night at 6 p.m. in Student Services Center Room 104. “The Band’s Visit” will be shown as part of the Middle Eastern Studies 2019 Fall Film Series. A band comprised of members of the Egyptian police force head to Israel to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center, only to find themselves lost in the wrong town. 

International Celebration Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall. The event will feature interactive displays, posters, music, and food. 

UA Little Rock Intercultural Communication students will present educational posters on communicating across cultures, while various student groups will share their music and dances throughout the day. In addition, the UA Little Rock Office of Study Abroad will provide information about study abroad programs and other international opportunities. 

Representatives from dozens of campus and student organizations representing more than 20 national cultures will distribute information and discuss career and volunteer opportunities throughout the world. Anyone interested in representing their home country can sign up at this link.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, international and American friends will join together for the International Thanksgiving Celebration from 5-7 p.m. in the Donaghey Student Center Diamond Cafe.  

International Celebration Week will conclude Thursday, Nov. 21, with an Interfaith Dialogue Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Donaghey Student Center Leadership Lounge. The lunch will provide an opportunity for students to get better acquainted with the different faiths and worldviews of their peers. The event is hosted by the Department of Applied Communication.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information about International Celebration Week, contact Emily Bell, director of study abroad, at edbell@ualr.edu or 501-569-3376.