Penn State Abington is celebrating the 10th annual International Education Week (IEW) on campus, Monday, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 13. IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education highlighting the benefits of international education and exchange. The theme for IEW 2009 is "Creating a Vision for a Better Tomorrow."
In a recent statement concerning IEW 2009, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan emphasized the importance of an international education for American students.
"In today's world, the line that separates purely domestic matters from those that are international in nature is increasingly blurred and the world's economics and societies are now connected as never before … For this reason, ensuring that students acquire global competencies is critical to America's economic competitiveness, national security and capacity to work effectively with other countries," Duncan said.
Dolores Arevalo, coordinator of international affairs at Penn State Abington, advocates the importance of an international education and is excited about Abington's IEW celebration.
"Each one of the events planned for IEW showcases how international education is a top priority at Penn State Abington," she said. "In order to open the door to international education, a passport is the key. Our week begins with Passport Day, enabling those who are interested in travel abroad to easily renew or apply for a passport. The International Photo Contest is a celebration of the international perspective our students gain through study abroad. International Night, an explosion of culture and cuisine arranged by four of our student organizations, is a tribute to the diversity of our campus. The week will culminate with a French foreign murder mystery film that is open to the entire Abington community."
Abington campus events include:
Passport Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9, will be held in the Dean's Dining Room, Lares Student Union Building. The Philadelphia Passport Agency invites all students, faculty, staff and family members to submit an application for a U.S. passport. No appointment is necessary.
The International Photo Contest Winner Reception will be held at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the lower level of the Woodland Library. Chancellor Karen Wiley Sandler will host a reception to showcase the winning photos of the 2009 Abington International Photo Contest. See the winning photos and hear the photographers describe how they captured their international experience on film.
International Night Revival will be held form 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, in Lares Student Union Building. Student organizations are reviving the tradition of hosting an International Night on campus. Celebrate the cultures, histories, traditions, and cuisines of Abington's diverse student body.
International Film Night will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, in 112 Woodland Building. "Tell No One" is an intriguing French thriller about a wife who disappears and a husband accused of her apparent murder. Is she really dead? Is he the culprit? Moylan C. Mills, professor emeritus of integrative arts, will guide attendees through the English subtitled thriller. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is $5, payable at the door. Faculty, staff, and students are admitted free with a Penn State ID.
For more information on Penn State Abington's International Week, go to http://www.abington.psu.edu/psasite/fs/academics/international.html online. For more information on International Education Week 2009 go to the official Web site at http://iew.state.gov online.
