UVa-Wise to celebrate a world of cultures during International Week Nov. 12-16

The Office of International Programs at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise has scheduled a full slate of events to celebrate the eighth annual International Week. Members of the community, faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in the celebration set for Nov. 12-16.

“International Week is a chance for everyone to learn about the vast array of cultures represented within our faculty and student body,” said Witold Wolny, director of the College’s Office of International Programs.

Each day the UVa-Wise cafeteria will serve a different dish representing a different culture, including Latin America, East Asia, West Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean. Exhibits with information about various countries also will be on display in buildings around campus.

“Culture Around the World” will feature presentations of fashion, poetry, songs, dances and stories from various international cultures. The show will be presented in Cantrell Hall at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14 at noon, a Study Abroad Fair will be held in the Chapel of All Faiths. Students can learn about opportunities with Semester at Sea, the Institute of Study Abroad and international internships.

World music will be discussed during the panel discussion “Beyond Hip Hop” on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel.

International faculty and staff will prepare foods from different countries for “Tastes Around the World,” set for the fifth floor of the C. Bascom Slemp Student Center on Friday, Nov. 16.  Preceding the dinner will be a roundtable discussion on the UVa-Wise Study Abroad program. The night’s events begin at 7 p.m.

Throughout the week, the Office of International Programs will be available for questions and information at display tables stationed in the C. Bascom Slemp Student Center, the Science Building and Darden, Smiddy and Zehmer halls.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating and Promoting International Education,” is 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.

For more information, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.

Posted November 6, 2007