VSU celebrates International Education week

The Valdosta State University campus will celebrate the third annual International Education Week, Nov. 18?22. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education established this week to celebrate achievements in international education and the positive role international education plays in building a more peaceful world.

This year 227 foreign students are enrolled at VSU, representing 57 countries. The majority of students are from Belize, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

According to the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors, there are more than 500,000 international students enrolled in universities throughout the U.S. each year.

The University System of Georgia (USG) approved a new 4 percent mandate for participation of USG students in study abroad activities. This mandate, to be achieved over the next five years, doubles the expectation of participation in foreign studies.

According to Dr. Tracy Harrington, director for VSU's Center for International Programs, 1.74 percent of VSU students participate in study abroad programs and the goal is to increase the participation level to 3.5 percent by 2007.

?Achieving this goal requires expanding options for study abroad, increasing scholarship support for students going abroad and strengthening efforts to make students aware of the opportunities and benefits of an international experience,? Harrington said.

The following activities have been scheduled at VSU for International Education Week:

Monday, Nov. 18

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Study abroad presentation, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the lobby of West Hall.
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?Jazz Inspired Art? a video presentation of the works of Cuban artist Frank Martinez, presented by Dr. Paula McNeill, associate professor of art, at noon, in the lobby of the Fine Arts Building.

Tuesday, Nov. 19

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Study abroad presentation, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the lobby of the University Center.
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A film presentation of ?Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?, at 7 p.m., in the University Center Theater.

Wednesday, Nov. 20

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Study abroad presentation, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Odum Library.
* Display featuring various items of interest about the country and culture of VSU's international students, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the Palms Quad and the lobby of the University Center.

For more information, contact VSU's Center for International Programs at 229?333?7410.