UK Celebrates International Education Week

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2016) —​ Every year, the week before Thanksgiving is transformed from just another week in the year to one that celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange, known across universities in the United States as International Education Week. UK will celebrate cultural diversity, globalization and international education during International Education Week (IEW), Nov. 14-18.

IEW is an annual celebration promoted by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to highlight programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States. As part of the initiative, colleges and universities across the nation are encouraged to host events on their campuses to engage students in international education and exchange. UK will participate in the celebration by shining a light on the many ways education at UK is international.

“Students at UK are taking advantage of a huge array of opportunities to learn about the world beyond the borders of the U.S.,” said Sue Roberts, associate provost for internationalization. “Whether it be in courses about other parts of the world, reading the latest scientific findings or studying the key artistic creations, they appreciate that learning is inherently a borderless endeavor.”

Throughout the years, UK colleges and departments have hosted events that highlight global learning and encourage education abroad. This year is no different, with a range of events occurring during the week of Nov. 14-18.

“This year, we are proud to be showcasing the many faculty and students who have won competitive Fulbright funding for their international work,” Roberts said. “And our special guest, Andy Kavoori from the University of Georgia, whose work is on globalization and communication, will be giving a talk on how various communication technologies are used around the world. [I] think this talk should appeal especially to students; what student isn’t interested in how smart phones are re-shaping social connections?”

Kavoori, entertainment and media studies professor at University of Georgia, will focus on the theorization of contemporary media practices around what he calls the ”logistics of globalization” — capitalism, nationalism, modernity and post-colonialism. Through his talk, Kavoori will discuss the working of media in South Asia and beyond. Kavoori will speak at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the William T. Young Library's UK Athletics Auditorium.

In addition to Kavoori, the UK International Center will host Peter VanDerwater, director of Outreach of the Institute of International Education, who will hold an information session for faculty curious about opportunities available through the Fulbright Commission at 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, followed by a reception at the Niles Gallery. At the reception, VanDerwater will join Roberts and the UK international community to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of UK’s Fulbright recipients, both faculty and students.

See the complete schedule of IEW events below:

Monday, Nov. 14

• "Jeopardy" contest on Year of South Asia countries: weeklong event (online and print) at Young Library

Tuesday, Nov. 15

• Professor Andy Kavoori, University of Georgia, "The Word and the World: Lessons from South Asia and Beyond": 1-2 p.m. at Young Library's UK Athletics Auditorium
• Night of Service with Education Abroad: 2-6 p.m. at International Book Project
• Watch Party UK v. Michigan State University with the International Student Leadership Team: 7 p.m. at The 90 room 215 (food will be provided)

Thursday, Nov. 17

• Fulbright Information Session: 2-3 p.m. at Niles Gallery
• Fulbright Reception: 3-4 p.m. at Niles Gallery

Friday, Nov. 18

• UK Confucius Institute Student Night: 5-8 p.m. at Hilary J. Boone Center President’s Room
• Late Night Film Series - “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”: 10 p.m. at Memorial Hall