International Education Week Nov. 16-20
International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of the efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.
East Central College will host a variety of International Education Week activities Monday-Friday, November 16-20, at the Union campus.
Ellen Aramburu, ECC Spanish instructor, noted that International Education Week is an avenue for ECC students, faculty and staff to invite community members to campus so everyone can become more aware of and better understand cultural similarities and differences that make up the world at large.
“We encourage community members to come to campus to participate in any of the cultural or educational events that we have scheduled,” said Aramburu.
All events are free.
Monday, November 16
Soup and Stories: Learn about the lives of two international students from England, and an instructor who studied in London for several years. Free soup, prepared by the Culinary Arts program, will be available. Dessert will be provided by Café Central.
Café Central: noon – 1 pm
Adam Watkins, art instructor
Students: Umoh Ufot and Darren Hamilton
Immigration Issues – A presentation by Kenneth Schmitt, an immigration attorney from St. Louis, will also include a Q and A session.
Health & Science Building, Room 127: 2 – 3 pm
African Drum Circle – Adjunct music instructor Damon Van invites the public to join him and the ECC Percussion Ensemble for a hands-on performing experience.
Hansen Hall, Room 105: 7 – 8 pm
Tuesday, November 17
Soup and Stories: Learn about the travels of a faculty member and the journey of two international students to ECC. Enjoy free soup prepared by the Culinary Arts program and dessert prepared by Café Central.
Café Central: noon – 1 pm
Ellen Aramburu, Spanish instructor, will talk about her travels to Peru.
Students: Archie Dark-Boateng from Ghana and Jindu Israel-Bolarinwa from Nigeria
Wednesday, November 18
Soup and Stories: Learn about the culture of two students and experiences of an ECC faculty member who studied abroad while enjoying free soup prepared by the Culinary Arts program. Café Central will provide dessert.
Café Central: noon – 1 pm
Students: Alejandro Garcia and Angel Herrera will speak about their experience as Mexican Americans.
John Hardecke, English instructor, will talk about his experiences in Vietnam.
The Book of Life – Students in ECC’s Spanish Club will host the screening of this film. Manolo, a young man torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
Buescher Hall, Room 229: 5 pm
Thursday, November 19
Immigration in St. Louis – Suzanne LeLaurin, senior vice president for programs at the International Institute of St. Louis, will discuss the history of immigration in St. Louis and the current situation. The Institute’s mission is to strengthen the St. Louis community by helping immigrants and their families become secure and successful Americans and by promoting the value of ethnic diversity in the social, cultural and economic life of the region.
Health & Science Building, Room 100: 3 pm
Friday, November 20
Documentary on the Lost Boys of Sudan – Following the documentary three of the “Lost Boys” will talk about their experience.
Hansen Hall, Room 286: 6 pm
For information about International Week activities, call 636-584-6603 or email: ellen.aramburu@eastcentral.edu.