Week brings diversity, celebration

What does one have to do to speak French, Spanish, Romanian, and Japanese; learn to belly dance and see a Persian film all in one week? \nIU's International Education Week -- a national program started by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State in 2000 to promote multiculturalism and international education -- will kick off today with a variety of on-campus events. \nThe annual tradition will end Saturday. \nThe United States celebrates IEW with more than 85 other nations to help people of all cultures to understand the importance of international education. \n"Celebrated worldwide, International Education Week provides an opportunity to highlight the benefits of international education and exchange; to express appreciation for students and scholars who study and teach ... and to commend the millions of people who build and strengthen bridges of international understanding by organizing and participating in exchange programs," Secretary of State Colin Powell said of International Week in a statement last month. \nIU has celebrated IEW since 2000, and this year is no exception. \nSandy Britton, assistant director of International Services, said the activities this week are a representation of a typical day on-campus at the International Center.\n"Some of the events honor the week such as the Appreciation Reception for International Educators but many of these things go on every week," Britton said. \nThe International Center is the hub of educational and cultural activities for IU's international community as well as Bloomington's.\n"It's not just for IU students," Britton said, "it's for the community as a whole."\nGraduate student Austin Okigbo, president of the African Students Association, said events like IEW are crucial for in international communities. \n"Cultural education is the key to civilization," said Okigbo, who was also involved with the planning of one of the events. "Also, I believe strongly in the purpose of diversity, which I think promotes better inter-human relations as we make advances in efforts at building a global community."\nBritton said this week could also be a great opportunity for students looking to study abroad. Different events will provide a flavor of many different cultures. \n"It's a great time for students interested in international education to explore," Britton said.\nThe 25 events for the week are just a small part of what the International Center makes available each week, Britton said. \n-- Contact staff writer Cecelia \nWolford at cwolford@indiana.edu.