NDSU will celebrate International Week March 29 to April 3. The annual weeklong series, sponsored by the Office of International Programs and the International Student Association, is designed to explore and celebrate diversity from around the world.
During the week, an international photography essay contest is planned, with the photos and essays on display in the Hub area of the Memorial Union lower level. Submitted photos and essays will represent cultural events, scenic landscapes and historical monuments.
In addition, students will decorate residence halls to represent countries from around the world. Winners of both contests will be announced at International Night festivities on Friday, April 3.
Other events include:
Sunday, March 29
The documentary, “American Herro,” will have its Fargo and NDSU premiere in Memorial Union Century Theater. An inspirational story about a woman’s journey as a refugee in Iraq to America, she overcomes her frightening first years to eventually achieve the American dream. The film will be shown at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. with a film discussion at 3 p.m. Documentary filmmaker Kirk Roos and Herro Mustafa will be present to talk about the filmmaking process, the Mustafa family story and to take questions from the audience.
Monday, March 30
An International Expo is planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Room. International associations and students will display information and a variety of cultural items, including traditional crafts, writings and art from their home countries.
The opening ceremony and Parade of Nations are set for 11 a.m. in the Memorial Union Great Room. President Joseph A. Chapman and International Student Association president Girish Uprety are scheduled to officially start International Week. Students carrying the flags of their home countries will parade through the Memorial Union. Cake and coffee will be served after the ceremony.
The presentation “Life in the Foreign Service” by Herro Mustafa is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. in Century Theater. Mustafa fled Iraq as a young child and settled with her family in Minot, N.D. She will share her experiences working in the White House and the U.S. State Department under two administrations. She is the senior adviser to the Middle East for Vice President Joseph Biden.
“Uganda Study Abroad Night” is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Century Theater. Learn about a unique summer study abroad program in Uganda through the Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences. Discover more about the program through dance, a fashion show and a slide show. A silent auction is planned, and alumni of the summer program will tell about their life-changing experiences.
Tuesday, March 31
A passport drive is planned in the Memorial Union Great room from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fargo Post Office staff will be available to process passport applications. To sign up for an appointment time, contact the Office of International Programs at 1-7895, in person or at www.ndsu.edu/international.
The presentation, “The Impact of Globalization on the World Welfare,” by Won Koo, professor of agribusiness and applied economics, is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. in the Prairie Rose room. Most nations have been participating in the process of globalization through international trade activities. Koo will focus on emerging issues related to globalization and the impact on global welfare.
“African Soul, American Heart,” a documentary film that follows Joseph Akol Makeer, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, as he returns home after 20 years, is scheduled to be shown at 2 p.m. in Century Theater. It retraces some of his journey, and includes interviews with United Nations officials, clergy and orphans. The screening will be preceded by a short overview of Sudan's history and Makeer’s life. A question and answer period will follow the film.
“Learn to Dance-Salsa!” is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Prairie Rose room. Partners are not required for the lessons.
Wednesday, April 1
The annual Study Abroad Fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great room. Program representatives and exchange students will discuss study abroad opportunities and programs offered at NDSU. Visitors can register for raffle prizes and refreshments will be served.
“International Marriages: Love Among Diverse Cultures,” a brown bag seminar sponsored by the YMCA of NDSU, is planned for noon in the Memorial Union Arikara room. NDSU staff and students in cross-cultural marriages or relationships will speak about how they met, how their families feel about their relationships, the daily exposure to two cultures and struggles they face.
A showing of the movie, “The Kite Runner,” is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Century Theater. Based on an acclaimed novel, it is a story of friendship, family, devastating mistakes and redeeming love. In a country on the verge of war, two childhood friends, Amir and Hassan, are torn apart forever. A boy’s fearful act of betrayal marks their lives forever and sets in motion an epic quest for redemption. In Dari with English subtitles, the movie is sponsored by Campus Attractions.
Thursday, April 2
An international buffet is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the NDSU Alumni Center. Enjoy a variety of foods from around the world with recipes from NDSU international students. Tickets are $8. Contact the Office of International Programs at 1-7895 for information or to purchase tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Friday, April 3
The presentation, “The Himalayan Mystique: Where Earth Meets the Sky,” by Girish Uprety, is scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon in Century Theater. Of the 14 highest peaks in the world, eight are located in the Himalayan range of Nepal. Uprety will take the audience on a virtual hiking expedition from Fargo to the top of Mount Everest, and discuss the culture, traditions and success of the Sherpas in this region, and the difficulties of living in the shadow of Everest.
“How Study Abroad Changed My Life” is planned for noon to 1 p.m. in Century Theater. During the panel presentation, former NDSU study abroad students will discuss how study abroad experiences affected their lives.
International Night is set for 7 p.m. in Century Theater. The International Student Association will sponsor a variety show featuring songs, dances and theater skits from around the globe. Tickets are $8 and available from the Office of International Programs, Memorial Union 116, or from any International Student Association officer.
March 5, 2009