UK Highlights Globalization and Multiculturalism With International Education Week Events

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2015) — The University of Kentucky is celebrating the cultural diversity of campus — where more than 2,200 international students and scholars representing more than 120 countries study or teach — during International Education Week (IEW) Nov. 13-20.

“Given that international residents make up 20 percent of the Lexington population, it’s an excellent place for international celebrations and discussions regarding our multicultural heritage,” said Elizabeth Liebach, UK director of International Student and Scholar Services. “At the University of Kentucky, International Education Week is one of many ways we can join campuses and communities nationwide in celebration of international education.”

IEW is a joint initiative by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education, which began in 2000 and takes places in more than 100 countries worldwide. The celebration focuses on promoting programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The activities hosted during this week aim to facilitate cross-cultural understanding, integration and prepare U.S. citizens for the interconnected world of today.

“Going to college is all about having a new experience and UK is great about getting its students immersed in this experience,” said Tiffany Molina, a UK student from Honduras. “Attending events during this week is extremely important to get to know what the student body at UK is made up of and be able to not only have a great college experience, but get to know about the world around us. With a rapidly globalizing world, what better way to understand this globalization than attending fun events and meeting new people?”

The week's events include “Bridge the Gap,” a student panel discussion on international issues and student life; an Education Abroad open house; International Conversation and Cultural Coffee Hour; the Kentucky Council on Education Abroad Conference; and “The Vexillology Contest,” which is a study of flags contest sponsored by the UK Libraries.

A complete schedule of the IEW events can be found below.

MONDAY, NOV. 16

Bridge the Gap @ 2-3 p.m.

Fine Arts Library, Niles Gallery

Panel Discussion on International Student Life; Food & Drinks Served

Organized by ISC, Sponsored by UKIC

TUESDAY, NOV. 17

Education Abroad Open House @ 1-4 p.m.

Bradley Hall, Third Floor

Door Prizes, Refreshments & Snacks Served

Sponsored by UK Education Abroad

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18

International Conversation Hour @ 5:30-7 p.m.

W.T. Young Library, Room B108B

Sponsored by UKIC & UK Writing Center

FRIDAY, NOV. 20

KCEA Conference @ 8:30 a.m.-1:50 p.m.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

One-day Conference on Education Abroad

Cultural Coffee Hour @ 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Frazee Hall, Room 201

Sponsored by UKIC, UK Counseling Center & VIP Center

ALL WEEK

The Vexillology (Study of Flags) Contest

W.T. Young Library Auditorium

Contest Nov. 16-20; Winner Announced Nov. 24

Sponsored by UK Libraries

MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover, 859-257-6398; blair.hoover@uky.edu