Focus EMU Online: Cover Story

Eastern Michigan University is host to more than 900 international students, who come from countries as near as Canada and as far away as China. Come celebrate and learn about the cultures that make EMU a diverse campus during International Week.

For the sixth year in a row, EMU will be celebrating International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to recognize the global exchange environment between the United States and other countries. Last year, IEW was celebrated in 77 countries and all 50 states. This year's International Week is Nov. 13-17.

GUACAMOLE ANYONE?: Jesus Hernandez (center),
interim director of Student Judicial Services,
demonstrates how to make guacamole and salsa.
Cassandra McGregor, a senior education major,
and Susan Sohn, specialist in the Office of
International Students, help mix ingredients. The
demonstration, part of International Week on
campus, took place in room 301 of the EMU
Student Center Nov. 13. Photo by Randy Mascharka

"International Week is important for EMU as it is a way to showcase the fact that the students, staff, faculty and community represent more than 100 cultures and countries from all over the world. It is a way to travel the world without leaving our campus," said Claudia Bean, assistant director for international admissions. "Please participate by presenting or attending a session during the week. We hope to raise an awareness of what cross-cultural opportunities EMU has to offer in our classrooms, on our campus and in the Ypsilanti area."

International Education Week began Nov. 13 on campus with a traveling world quiz, with questions from previous National Geographic Bee competitions; a discussion about EMU's Exchange Program with Groningen University in the Netherlands; a salsa and guacamole demonstration with free samples; and international games.

Remaining International Week events scheduled include:

Explore one of the most ancient civilizations of the world at a Hindu Culture exhibition Tuesday, Nov. 14 and Wednesday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., room 320, Student Center. Over the millennia, the Hindu culture evolved philosophies, religions, sciences, arts and architecture, contributing to almost every field of endeavor. This exhibition is a bird's eye view of the Hindu cultural heritage and the Dharmic traditions of India.

Meet students from EMU's first cohort to travel to Tibet and learn about their adventures in one of the highest inhabited altitudes in the world. Speak with Study Abroad professionals about 2007 EMU programs in China and Tibet Tuesday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., EMU Student Center.

Have your name written in a different language! Stop by the student organization tables on the first floor of the Student Center, Tuesday, Nov. 14; and Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and visit with speakers of various languages who will write your name in their native language.

Gather in 208 Warner Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2-3:30 p.m., to celebrate multicultural dances from many continents. Participants will learn to dance the Hora, La Raspa, Noriu Miego, Tanko Bushi, Jeitili and others.

Listen to some returned Peace Corps volunteers with EMU connections, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10-11 a.m., 301 Student Center. Find out what it was like for them, what they recommend and ask any questions about Peace Corps.

Learn about culture shock Wednesday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Student Center. Speak with Study Abroad professionals about 2007 Study Abroad destinations, academic credits offered, financial aid, health and safety, independent travel and how to deal with culture shock.

Join EMU faculty, staff and students for an informal discussion of the joys, trials and experiences of their international adoption experiences Wednesday, Nov. 15, noon-1:30 p.m., Kiva Room, Student Center. Anyone considering, or in the process of, adopting internationally is encouraged to attend and ask questions.

See pictures and hear stories from a Fulbright Scholar who spent six months living in Sarajevo, Wednesday, Nov. 15, noon-1 p.m., room 301, Porter Building. The presenter is affiliated with the faculty of Islamic studies at the University of Sarajevo.

Hear a presentation from One Village One World (OVOW) Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1-3 p.m., room 301, Student Center. The nonprofit organization works to unite students, members of religious organizations or groups of interested donors to sponsor African villages to become self-sufficient over a five-year plan. The villages implement the Millennium Development goals of world-famous economist Jeff Sachs. OVOW was co- founded by David A. Victor, director of international programs for EMU's College of Business.

Join a diverse group of staff, faculty and students for an interfaith discussion 3-5 p.m., Kiva Room, Student Center.

Academic Abroad Programs presents "Destination 2007" Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., EMU Student Center. View poster exhibits and speak with Study Abroad professionals about 2007 Study Abroad destinations, academic credits offered, financial aid, health and safety, independent travel and more.

Hear from current international students at EMU about their experiences here in the United States during "Being International," Thursday, Nov. 16, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., room 301, Student Center.

Learn about the evolution of Chinese characters and calligraphy Thursday, Nov. 16, 1-3 p.m., room 301, Student Center.

Try your luck at the TCF money booth at the Poster Session Thursday, Nov. 16, 2-5 p.m., room 310, Student Center, and keep all the money you can grab! While you're there, learn about the variety of cultures represented by EMU students and community members. Participants from China, India, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey will present posters on topics including religion, culture, traditions, food, holidays, geography, climate, politics, dance, music and more.