International Education Week To ‘Raise Awareness’

In observance of International Education Week Nov. 15-19, the Office of International Programs, in conjunction with other campus departments, will sponsor a variety of events to raise awareness of international education, as well as its importance, according to Donna Rogers, OIP coordinator of operations.

“ I think a lot of times in America, we are such a cross-national culture anyway with our heritage of American citizens from so many different countries, that the American student doesn’t realize that some of the students they are seeing did actually get on an airplane and come from far away to be here,” Rogers said.

“ They’re not just Japanese-American, Chinese-American, or Vietnamese-American, but that they actually did come here from another country,” she said, “and we just want to raise that awareness.”

Beginning Monday, the Newton-Greshman Library will exhibit articles from various cultures in a lobby display through the end of the month.

Photos taken by students who participated in the study abroad program throughout the last year will also be on display in the Lowman Student Center Art Gallery through Friday, when photography professor Thomas Seifert will judge the entries and select a contest winner.

On Wednesday (Nov. 17), SHSU international students will have the opportunity to deliver flowers of appreciation to faculty and staff members who have in some way assisted them in their education.

Finally, from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, the Office of Multicultural and International Student Services will host its bi-annual “Taste of SHSU,” with this semester’s country being Africa.

“ The event will feature crafts, African games and African food—5 different types of food for participants to taste that are representative of Nigeria,” said Jennifer Roberts, MISS program coordinator.

Working with the African Student Association and the Unified Fraternal Council, the event will include a contest to name five African countries; participants will get an “African name, according to their interests and likes;” African dances, which participants can learn; and a deejay.

Approximately 220 international students representing 43 countries are currently enrolled at Sam Houston State.

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SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
Nov. 12, 2004
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