Southeast to celebrate International Education Week

With a view toward fostering cross-cultural understanding, the Office of International Education Services at Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate International Education Week today through Friday. Many events will take place at the University Center.

Southeast has more than 1,000 international students from 55 countries this year.

"International Education Week is really an opportunity to showcase and educate our campus and community about international education," said Suzanne Omran, assistant director for International Programming, in an email. "It isn't only bringing international students to the United States, it's also about opportunities for students to go abroad and supporting U.S. public diplomacy."

Ten events are on tap, such as movie screenings, a session on "Marketing Your International Experiences on the Job Search" and screenings of the movies "Crossing Borders" and "Girl Rising."

Omran said the documentary "Crossing Borders" shows that stereotypes across -- and among -- cultures can lead to misunderstandings and "lost chances to learn and grow."

"Crossing Borders" follows four Moroccan and four American university students as they travel together through Morocco, discovering more about other people and themselves, according to the film's website

In "Girl Rising," viewers get to know nine girls living in the developing world who confront challenges and overcome nearly impossible odds to get an education.

Omran said many hours were spent planning events, ordering food, writing discussion prompts, preparing fliers and collaborating with other departments involved in the venture. "We have been in discussion on the programming aspects of International Education Week for months and hope that we will have more collaboration in the future," she said.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

One University Plaza,

Cape Girardeau, MO

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International Education Week schedule

Monday, Nov. 17

• Market your International Experiences in the Job Search, co-sponsored by Career Services; 2 p.m., Redhawks Room, University Center
• International Trivia Night, 6 p.m., Tribute Room, University Center

Tuesday, Nov. 18

• Optional Practical Training Informational Workshop; 11 a.m., Heritage Room, University Center.
• International Celebration of Festivals, co-sponsored by Campus Life and Event Services, noon, Redhawks Room, University Center.
• "Crossing Borders," 6 p.m., Heritage Room, University Center

Wednesday, Nov. 19

• Study Abroad Fair, co-sponsored by Harrison College of Business, College of Education, Department of Global Cultures and Languages and Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation; 11 a.m., Program Lounge, University Center
• International Cafe, 4 p.m., University Center Program Lounge and Pit

Thursday, Nov. 20

• International Thanksgiving Dinner, co-sponsored by the Baptist Student Center, 5 p.m., Baptist Student Center.
• "Girl Rising," 6:30 p.m., Room 125 Dempster Hall

Friday, Nov. 21

• Office of International Education and Services Open House, 1 p.m.