Planning is under way for Brigham Young University's weeklong recognition of International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, scheduled for Nov. 15-19.
IEW was established in 2000 to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States. In 2002, the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies brought IEW to BYU.
International Services' WorldFest, the Global Management Center and the International Student Association partnered with the Kennedy Center in 2003, and this year the Counseling and Career Center has joined the partnership.
"We are seeking other individuals or groups on campus who would like to collaborate with us," said Lee Simons, IEW coordinator at BYU and Kennedy Center communications coordinator. Global issues, international cultures and international opportunities will be the focus.
"Each year we've invited guest speakers and planned student activities that focus on different aspects of BYU's international depth and breadth," said Jeff Ringer, Kennedy Center director.
Interested faculty, departments or other organizations who would like to participate in IEW this year should contact lee_simons@byu.edu or call (801) 422-2652. For more information on IEW, see the national site at exchanges.state.gov/iew, or for information on past BYU IEW events, see kennedy.byu.edu/events/IEW.
WorldFest, a natural fit with the goals of IEW, moved its annual spring celebration to coincide with IEW in November.
"Many international students leave their families and travel hundreds, often thousands of miles to get a college education," said David Settle, International Services associate director. "They come from diverse heritages and cultures. They add color to what would otherwise be a monochromatic campus; nonetheless, they go largely unnoticed."
Most events are free and will take place at the Kennedy Center in 238 Herald R. Clark Building or the Wilkinson Student Center.
Writer: Lee Simons
