University to observe International Education Week, Spanish ambassador to speak

International Education Week 2014 is Nov. 18-22. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is an opportunity to highlight the University’s commitment to global and international understanding through programming, lectures, presentations and more.

One of the highlights of UNC Charlotte’s observance of International Education Week (IEW) will be the final installment of the International Speaker Series on Thurs, Nov. 20. The Ambassador of Spain to the United States Ramón Gil-Casares will speak at 3:30 p.m. in the Atkins Library, Halton Reading Room.

Other IEW events include film screenings, workshops for students and faculty on opportunities abroad, including a discussion of one administrator’s Fulbright experience in India and lectures on topics ranging from global business innovation to the literature of Iranian women and the role of soccer in Latin American society.

Students are encouraged to engage around global topics for a chance to win prizes at interactive language and trivia tables in the Student Union each day or to connect with other globally minded students at International Coffee Hour or at the increasingly popular IEW “Speed Friending” event.

Atkins Library Café also will hold an international coffee and tea tasting on Friday and new cultural cuisine will be featured each day at Bistro 49.

According to UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip Dubois, “Our campus community has enjoyed a long and active tradition of supporting internationalization and exchange. Students, faculty, and staff are all encouraged to participate and recognize this important week of programming in celebration of the global village.”

Campus areas participating in the IEW observance include the Belk College of Business; Chartwells; Department of Computer Science; Department of Languages and Culture Studies; Gerontology Program; Global, International and Area Studies; Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Delta; and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.

A full listing of over 20 events is available on the IEW website. Email international@uncc.edu for more information or to arrange a sign-in sheet for course credit at any of the events.