Southeast celebrating second international week

Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate the second annual International Education Week today through Friday with events ranging from a fashion show to a information fair on study abroad.

"Knowledge about the culture and language of our neighbors throughout the world is becoming increasingly important in the daily lives of all Americans," U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige said in a prepared statement released by Southeast officials.

"For our students, international education means learning about the history, geography, literature and arts of other countries, acquiring proficiency in a second language and understanding complex global issues," he said.

Southeast's celebration will open with a reception Monday at the International Center, 939 College Hill, from 3-5 p.m.

Throughout the week, flags representing each of the home countries of international students at Southeast will be flown at the International Center, school officials said.

An international fashion show will be held Wednesday during the noontime Common Hour at the Student Recreation Center. Seventeen international students will model the native dress of their countries.

On Thursday, a study-abroad fair will be held in the University Center lobby from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information will be available on study-abroad programs and the Peace Corps.