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News Release

November 11, 2005

International Education and Opportunity Focus of Week

Students at the University of Guelph will have a chance to learn about the benefits of studying in other countries during International Education Week, Nov. 14 to 18.

“The purpose of the week is to recognize and celebrate the positive impact of international education for Canadians,” said Lisa Blenkinsop, education abroad advisor in the Centre for International Programs. “International education is not limited specifically to Canadian students studying abroad. It includes international students studying in Canada, collaborations in research and the exchange of knowledge between educational institutions, Canadians teaching abroad and the internationalization of curriculum.”

Leading up to the week’s events is “Sitaron Ki Raat,” on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in War Memorial Hall. Presented by the Indian Students Association, the evening will feature fashion shows, dance performances, skits and a range of musical acts. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The show will be followed by a split-license after-party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Bullring. Tickets for the party are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. E-mail for more information.

Submissions for the “Be World Class” photo contest can be viewed Nov. 14 to 18 in the Connection Centre, on the third level of the University Centre. All photos were shot by U of G students who participated in academic exchanges or a semester-abroad program during the 2004/05 school year. Viewers are encouraged to vote on their favorite images in the categories of academic life, places and best international toilet.

The Centre for International Programs (CIP) holds open house events Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Connection Centre, on the third level of the University Centre. The event is an opportunity for students to visit the office and learn about studying abroad. CIP will also hold study-abroad information sessions for students to learn about exchange and semester-abroad programs Nov. 14 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and Nov. 16 from 2:30 to 3 p.m. E-mail to sign up.

On Nov. 15, there will be a bake sale in the lobby of the MacKinnon Building featuring a variety of international treats from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds will go to WUSC’s student refugee program. In addition, there will be information about WUSC’s programs and Make Poverty History bands. At 5 p.m., a screening of L’Auberge espanole, a film about an economics student who goes on a European exchange program as a requirement of his job and finds himself living in a house filled with international students, will be held in Room 1200 of the Thornbrough Building. The event is free, however donations to WUSC’s student refugee program would be appreciated.

Advocates for WaterCan’s “Water for Life” campaign will be providing information and welcoming the U of G community to sign their petition Nov. 16 and 17 in the lobby of the MacKinnon Building.

A free viewing of Thirst, a documentary about how water is becoming the catalyst for community resistance to globalization and the conflict between public stewardship and private profit, will be held Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. in Room 1200 of the Thornbrough Building. Donations to WUSC’s student refugee program will be accepted.

On Nov. 18 at noon, CFRU 93.3 FM's weekly one-hour radio show “Going Global” will feature a student who spent a semester in Guatemala and another who went on exchange to Fiji.

The opportunity for students to add an international component to their degree program is a tremendous asset, said Jacqueline Murray dean of the College of Arts, who added that one of the aims of a liberal arts education is to prepare students to be citizens of the world.

“Whether it takes the form of a semester abroad, participating in an exchange program, or volunteering, the opportunity to experience another culture from the inside is an unparalleled learning experience. It only makes sense that they have the opportunity to experience that world as part of their years at Guelph,” said Murray.