UM students Guangyi Zou and Yin Chang play the Chinese folk music duet ‘Molihua’ as part of the 2015 International Education Week. This year’s observance features demonstrations from Malpaso Dance Company of Cuba, among many other events. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Communications
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi’s Office of Global Engagement is participating in a joint initiative between the federal departments of State and Education to showcase benefits of international education and promote programs that prepare students for a global environment.
The observance of International Education Week, set for Nov. 13-17, includes a variety of activities and opportunities for Ole Miss students, faculty and staff.
International education fosters personal growth and encourages students to seek opportunities worldwide, said Blair McElroy, interim senior international officer and director of study abroad.
“While a study abroad opportunity gives students the ability to take classes toward their majors while studying at another university, it also provides opportunities for thinking critically about different cultures, values, people and backgrounds, including one’s own,” she said. “Students grow more tolerant, empathetic and independent as a result of experiencing another culture firsthand.”
McElroy encourages Ole Miss students to learn from peers from other countries on campus.
“International students bring unique perspectives to the classroom, and many departments, offices and institutes on campus offer events and activities where all students can learn about other cultures from right here at Ole Miss,” she said.
All events are free and open to the public. Here is a full schedule:
Monday (Nov. 13)
Internships in Eastern Asia Information Session – Noon-1 p.m., Martindale Hall, Room 318. Representatives from the Office of Global Engagement and the Croft Institute for International Studies present funded opportunities for student internships in East Asia.
Italian in Salerno Presentation – 4-6 p.m., Peabody Hall, Room 202. Francesca Romana Memoli, of Accademia Italiana, and UM faculty members and Study Abroad advisers discuss opportunities to take Italian language courses in 2018 at Accademia Italiana in Salerno, Italy.
Malpaso Dance Company Lecture and Welcome Reception – 7:30-9 p.m. and 9-11 p.m., Powerhouse Community Arts Center. Fernando Saez, artistic director of the Malpaso Dance Company, will discuss works performed by the company, as well as how Cuban society expresses culture through dance. The company, which is working with students enrolled in the “Dance in Cuba” class, also will perform sections of its dances.
Tuesday (Nov. 14)
Film Screening: “Yangtze Drift” – Noon-1 p.m., Overby Center Auditorium. The film by Josh Rash of the Southern Documentary Project follows a path along the Yangtze River in China to investigate landscape, water and culture.
Lecture: “A Changing Cuba” – 7-8 p.m., Croft Hall, Room 107. Fernando Saez of the Malpaso Dance Company will deliver a lecture on the political and cultural climate of Cuba.
Wednesday (Nov. 15)
Conversational Cuban Spanish Discussion – 1-2 p.m., St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Malpaso Dance Company members discuss how dance reflects culture and spirit. Community members also will have an opportunity to practice their Spanish and learn more about Cuban pronunciation.
Malpaso Dance Company Lecture, Presentation and Farewell Reception – 7-8:30 p.m. and 8:30-10 p.m., Ford Center Studio Theatre. The Malpaso Dance Company will perform excerpts of its works, followed by an explanation of the significance by choreographer Osnel Delgado and artistic director Fernando Saez. Following the presentation, a farewell reception will be held for Malpaso beginning at 8:30. The company will return to the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts for a Jan. 27 performance.
Thursday (Nov. 16)
World Culture Showcase – 12:15-2:15 p.m., Old Athletics Building. The Intensive English Program hosts a cultural showcase with opportunities to meet Ole Miss international students and learn more about them and their cultures.
Transformation through Education Abroad – 6 p.m., Bryant Hall. Study Abroad alumni discuss their experiences abroad through photo presentations. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided.
Friday (Nov. 17)
Fulbright Panel – Noon-1:30 p.m., Farley Hall, Room 121. Bob Cummings, director of writing and rhetoric; David Holben, professor of nutrition and hospitality management; and Laura Johnson, associate professor of psychology, share their Fulbright experiences through a panel discussion. Lunch will be provided and faculty are encouraged to attend and learn more about opportunities available for international research and teaching experiences through the Fulbright Scholar Program.
Cultural Cafe – 2-4 p.m., Brevard Hall, Woods Lounge. This social venue serves as a place for students, scholars, faculty and staff to have casual conversations while enjoying free coffee, tea and snacks.
The week of opportunities is presented in partnership with the Office of the Provost; the College of Liberal Arts; the Croft Institute for International Studies; the departments of Modern Languages, Nutrition and Hospitality Management, and Theatre Arts; the Center for the Study of Southern Culture; and the Chinese Language Flagship Program.
For more information about International Education Week, visit https://oge.olemiss.edu/ or https://iew.state.gov/.