UF to mark International Education Week with several events

November 7, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — International Education Week will be hosted by the University of Florida International Center Nov. 12-16 in collaboration with partners across campus to celebrate the benefits of worldwide education and exchange.

This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of UF’s effort to promote programs that engage the UF community through global learning, discovery and extension opportunities through the world.

UF’s theme, “Picture Yourself Connecting with the World!” focuses on the opportunities available to every individual in the diverse local community as well as communities around the world.

UF has more than 5,000 international students from more than 100 different countries, nearly 2,000 international scholars and faculty on campus, and more than 2,000 students who study abroad, said David Sammons, dean of the International Center. “UF is a proud promoter of international education, scholarship and understanding,” he said,

The events formally kick off at 10:15 a.m. Nov. 13 in the HUB lobby. Each day during the week, various activities will be offered throughout campus by student and community volunteer groups, UF departments, and the International Center.

The Global Connections Raffle will enable students to win matted Global Photos and two $200 vouchers toward UF-approved study abroad programs. The Volunteers for International Student Affairs will host a VISA World Fair to promote various international student organizations on campus. Another awaited event is the Global Photo Competition Reception where the winners of the 2012 Global Photo awards are introduced and amazing photos are exhibited at Grinter Hall during the remainder of the fall semester.

Each year, UF faculty members and staff are chosen to receive International Educator of the Year awards in recognition of their contribution to the internationalization of campus learning, discovery, and service missions.

This year’s recipients will be honored at a special ceremony on Nov. 13 at the Keene Faculty Center. Another special evening full of outstanding international ambassadors is the International Students Awards Ceremony to recognize international students who excel in their schoolwork and community involvement.

The week will also offer opportunities to view international films, art exhibits and unique displays such as “Jerusalem in Antique Maps,” which will open Nov. 15 in the UF Smathers Library East building.

For information about these events and to view the complete calendar, visit http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/PD/IEW.html