Week of multicultural events encourages students to participate, experience international activities

This year's International Week theme was "Explore the World: Crossroads to Understanding." The celebration of diversity included a study abroad fair.

The Office of International Programs and the Center for Multicultural/International Student Services sponsored the main events, while many campus organizations worked together to offer various other activities.

Thomas Lavenir, assistant director of CMISS and a co-director of International Week, said the week was for students to experience the different parts of the world. "By stepping out of our own countries and looking beyond the barriers of stereotypes, we learn from one another and learn about our own country," said Lavenir.

Arthur T. Dean II, associate director of CMISS, described some of the various events. "Different events are offered for different people," he said. "There is something to strike everyone’s interest."

Another highlight of the week was the seventh annual Study Abroad Fair. Program representatives and students who already experienced travel abroad opportunities gathered in Transitions and talked to prospective travelers. Senior Meridith Price, who studied in Salamanca, Spain, for a semester, said, "The hardest part about going abroad was coming back."

Donna Sharpes, a staff member of CMISS, commented on a panel entitled "America Through Our Eyes." "It was very interesting to see different people’s perspective on America," she said. This program, which was held Wednesday, gave international students and faculty time to share their perspectives of living in America.