NDSU's International Week, an annual weeklong series of events designed to explore and celebrate diversity from around the world, is scheduled for March 28 – April 1. The event is sponsored by the Office of International Programs and the International Student Association.
The following are short descriptions of the week’s events. For more information, visit www.ndsu.edu/internationalor contact Sara Johnson, international student adviser-web specialist, at 231-8230 or sara.j.johnson@ndsu.edu.
All week: Monday, March 28 - Friday, April 1
Photo-Essay Contest, Memorial Union Thundar’s Den
Travel allows people to have unforgettable experiences in new places, and photographs are one of the best ways to capture these memories. Photos allow the photographer and the audience to participate in the process of creating a greater understanding of cultures from throughout the world. Students, faculty, staff and community members will display their photos from their home country or their travels. Contest winners will be announced in the NDSU Spectrum.
Monday, March 28
International Expo
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Memorial Union Plains Room
Visit the International Expo and find out more about the fascinating world around you. International associations and students will display and provide information on a variety of cultural items, including traditional crafts, writings and art from their home countries.
Opening Ceremony and Parade of Nations
11:30 a.m., Memorial Union Plains Room
Join the Office of International Programs and the campus community as International Week 2011 officially starts. Students carrying the flags of their home countries will parade through the Memorial Union. Cake and coffee will be served after the ceremony.
Tuesday, March 29
Passport Drive
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Memorial Union Prairie Room
Apply for a first-time passport, renew your current one or have passport photos taken, all in one convenient location on campus. The Fargo Post Office will be on hand to process passport applications. To sign up for an appointment time, contact the Office of International Programs in person, by phone 231-7895, or at www.ndsu.edu/International.
Wednesday, March 30
YMCA of NDSU Brown Bag Seminar – Study Abroad: A Life-Changing Decision!
Noon - 1 p.m., Memorial Union Arikara Room
Student Panel Presentation
Study abroad is a life-changing experience which many NDSU students take advantage of during their academic career. A panel of recently returned study abroad students will talk about their adventures abroad and examine the impact that study abroad had on their lives.
Movie of the Week – Monsoon Wedding
7 p.m., Memorial Union Century Theater
Set in contemporary India, this romantic comedy follows a bride who must contend with her traditional father who loves his family dearly but does not have time for their “modern ways.” The Punjabi family travels from near and far to enjoy the festivities surrounding the wedding, and the bride faces the dilemma of an arranged marriage and how it conflicts with her contemporary take on relationships. The audience also gets to know the stories behind her family members who also have conflicts between past and present. The movie is in Hindi with English subtitles. Co-sponsored by Campus Attractions.
Thursday, March 31
International Tea Festival
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Equity and Diversity Center
An international tea tasting experience will be offered at the Equity and Diversity Center in the Alba Bales house. Tea is a very important part of many cultures around the world. Come and sample teas from other countries and learn about the traditions and ceremonies associated with them. This event is free to all who attend.
Friday, April 1
For Faculty: How to Design and Manage a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program
Noon - 1 p.m., Memorial Union Century Theater
Newell Wright, director of the Center for Global Initiatives
Since 1998, Wright has taken more than 30 groups abroad (1,000+ undergraduate students and counting) on programs ranging from two weeks to an entire semester. He will share some things he learned, offer tips to faculty who want to take NDSU students abroad and answer questions about the process. Topics covered will range from courses to teach abroad, managing student behavior, to discussing the logistics of moving groups of students across several different countries. If you have never taken a group abroad before, but would like to, consider attending this presentation.
International Night
7 p.m. - 10 p.m., Festival Concert Hall
Celebrate the extraordinary talents of NDSU’s own international students in this fun and entertaining variety show featuring songs, dances and theater skits from around the globe. Tickets are $7 and are available from the Office of International Programs, Memorial Union 116, or from the International Student Association. Tickets are available to current International Student Association members at a discounted rate of $5. Sponsored by International Student Association.