This week the University of New Mexico will be flooded with culture, travel and education for its annual International Education week ran by the Global Education Office (GEO). Students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to attend a variety of events covering topics like study abroad, cultural discussions and art exhibits.
According to Annette Mares-Duran, the chair of the International Education Week Campus Committee and the study abroad advisor for GEO, the week provides a chance for people to come together and celebrate diversity.
“(This) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide,” Mares-Duran said. “This week-long celebration is part of the Global Education Office’s efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.”
Some of the events include a study abroad fair, dance classes, art exhibits and several talks. Mares-Duran said bringing students together for these kinds of events increases cultural awareness.
“The primary goal of International Education Week is for every UNM student and community member to have an opportunity for international connection right here in Albuquerque,” Mares-Duran said. “UNM is home to a diverse population of international students and scholars from over 99 countries and over 300 study abroad programs and countless opportunities to experience international education.”
According to the International Education Week website, campuses across the country are celebrating diverse students and all walks of life. The U.S. government-sponsored initiative happens annually.
“We encourage the participation of all individuals and institutions interested in international education and exchange activities, including schools, colleges and universities, embassies, international organizations, businesses, associations and community organizations,” the website stated.
Student employees and volunteers have been involved with the planning of the week and will be involved with running the events, Mares-Duran said. One example of student involvement is the release of student travel blogs that will be available for consumption all week. These blogs can be found at the UNM PACK website.
In one blog by Miguel Sabol describing his experience studying abroad he said “in going to different countries, studying abroad, or learning about new cultures, we have the opportunity to find out about how humans around the world live their lives, what they think, and where they wish to go.”
Lauren Kelly is a student on the International Education Week planning committee. Previously Kelly studied abroad which is how she got involved with GEO. International
“We are sponsoring almost all of the events for International Education Week to promote learning about other places and cultures of the world to our students and committee members,” Kelly said.
Education week is important because it helps students and people learn about other cultures, she said. Kelly works specifically with faculty led programs by helping create program material and recruiting students.
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“The best way to learn about another culture is to live within it,” Kelly said.
Megan Holmen is the assistant news editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at assistant-news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @megan_holmen.
