Community gains perspective during International Week

The fifth annual International Week at Georgia College & State University proved to be full of successful programs once again.

The theme this year is ‘Gaining Perspective,’ and the events deal with the current international crisis.

Libby Davis is the international student advisor. She believes that the events of Sept. 11 caused a greater need for understanding of diverse cultures.

“I think the Sept. 11 events underscore the need to understand what is happening in the world. Now, more than ever, we need to understand other cultures and histories. If we ever hope to achieve any kind of world peace, this is crucial,” said Davis.
Dr. Dwight Call, Assistant Vice President for International Education, has been working with the staff of the International Education Center to pull the events of the whole week together.

“Everything going on emphasizes learning about the perspectives of different cultures,” said Call. “We need to look at what is best for the world.”

Davis states the program is a learning experience as well as a time to have fun.

“The goal of this week is to increase understanding and knowledge of other countries and cultures among the university community (students, faculty and staff) as well as the local Milledgeville community. It is a celebration of other cultures and traditions,” said Davis. “We also want to make GC&SU students more aware of the numerous opportunities to study abroad.”

The International Week is always held at the end of October, so United Nations Day can be celebrated during the week. The programs all revolve around that holiday along with current topics.

“International Week is about the importance of learning about other cultures,” said Call. “We have had great programs this week, and those that have participated gained a lot.”

Simon Valderrabano is the president of the International Club. He believes that the week-long events allow the community to have fun while experiencing other cultures.

“Visiting students will be able to see performances from international students as well as play sports with them, such as soccer and cricket,” said Valderrabano.

Somya Nukala is an international student. She is excited about the interesting things that people learn during the week.

“I think it is a very good way of interacting with other international students and seeing other students display their talents,” Nukala said.
“Since we have a lot of panel discussion, it will be a learning experience for everyone.”

International Week is a campus-wide event, according to Davis.
“Many people participate and organize the events of this week! The School of Business arranges for international students to speak in many business classes to educate students about their countries,” said Davis. “In addition, the School of Business sponsors an outside speaker. This year it was Mr. Toshinao Urabe, Consul General of Japan in Atlanta.”
Davis explained some of the other events that took place during the week.

“The International Education Committee, the Honors & Scholars Program, the International Club and the International Business Club are sponsoring a panel discussion called ‘Gaining Perspective on the Current International Crisis’ and an ice cream social. Numerous faculty from a variety of disciplines gave presentations on their international experiences,” said Davis.

The International Club is open to all students, including those from the U.S. and international students. Students can get more information from the International Education Center, 223 Lanier Hall,
445-4789.

“I hope the GC&SU community has been able to gain something from International Week, and we hope it doesn’t stop there. There are many opportunities for students and faculty to have international experiences. There are numerous exciting opportunities for students to go abroad, and we are very fortunate to offer study abroad scholarships at GC&SU,” said Davis. “Students can even do an International Studies Minor. We hope this week will increase interest.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 26 2001. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry