Students, faculty and staff members, and local residenats are invited to explore a variety of cultural enrichment programs as part of International Education Week. These programs, which run from Nov. 10 to 14, aim to teach the campus community about different cultures and international opportunities that Elizabethtown College has to offer.
International Education Week is a worldwide celebration created 15 years ago by the State Department of Education. “The idea was to create awareness of the importance of education both in the United States and internationally,” said Kristi Syrdahl, director of international student services. “This week promotes cultural understanding and peace through education.”
Global Village, an event created by Syrdahl about four years ago, is held in the BSC Concourse and the Blue Bean from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10. It is composed of a variety of informational tables students can visit to learn about international education. Organizations present at Global Village include BCA Abroad, the No Boundaries Club, Prestigious Scholarship Opportunities, and Rice for Refugee. Students are invited to attend and enjoy international snacks such as baklava, biscotti, churros and tea while listening to a five-piece mariachi band.
The idea was to create awareness of the importance of education both in the United States and internationally”
Other events taking place throughout the week include a global dinner in the Marketplace, various lectures, a drumming circle and a global film entitled The Keys to the House. The Global Dinner will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10. The menu features foods that are not normally served in the cafeteria. “This year I asked if they could create something that was more exciting to adventurous eaters,” said Syrdahl of Dining Services. “I had some suggestions that they accepted of paella and ropa vieja.” To end the week there will be a Global Talent and Fashion Show in the KAV from 7-8 p.m. on Friday, November.
The week’s events offer experiences that teach students about the culture that is right in from of them. “I hope it shows that even though we live in a somewhat homogenous society, here in Elizabethtown, that we have a rich culture,” said Syrdahl. Students will have the opportunity to learn from international students, students who have studied abroad or faculty members who are willing to share their experiences in another culture. “Once you actually get talking to people, you are able to see that a lot of (them) have experiences that were very important and relative in their lives,” said Syrdahl.
View the full schedule here, or for more information on International Education Week contact Kristi Syrdahl at syrdahlk@etown.edu.