The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has scheduled several activities Nov. 18-22 -- cultural presentations, a speech competition and a mini-Olympic event -- in celebration of International Education Week.

 

Takeo Suzuki of Fort Smith, executive director of international relations, said this is the fifth year that UAFS has participated in special recognition of the week.

 

“Each year, the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State join together to promote the importance of international education and exchange through the celebration of International Education Week,” said Suzuki. “They encourage the participation of all individuals and institutions interested in hosting and promoting programs and activities that will highlight international exchanges.”

 

This year’s events include presentations and performances by international student organizations.

 

“This is an opportunity for our international students to share their culture with the campus and the public,” said Suzuki.

 

The cultural presentations, which are free and open to the public, will be held each day between noon and 1 p.m. at the fireplace in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

 

Noon-time activities include:

 

Monday, Nov.18: Japan Club and Honors International Studies Program.

 

Tuesday, Nov. 19: Spanish Club and African Student Association.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 20: Vietnamese Student Association and Hmong Student Association.

 

Thursday, Nov.  21: American-International Activities Council and International Leadership Council.

 

Friday, Nov. 22: International Speech Competition.

 

A mini-Olympic event will be held from 2-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, with participating international organizations competing in various events on the intramural field east of Waldron Rd.

 

“The public is also invited to attend the mini-Olympic event to cheer on the various student groups,” said Suzuki. “The cultural presentations and the competition are a great way to learn more and have a glimpse of the different cultures found on our campus.”

 

The Office of International Relations at UAFS is a centralized division for international education, developing and managing quality international initiatives, programs, support services and international partnerships for the University. UAFS currently has agreements with 20 institutions around the world, which provides for collaborative research, education-abroad programs, student and faculty exchanges, the sharing of library resources and other opportunities.

 

For more information, contact Linda Thao, international office administrative specialist, at 479-788-7975 or linda.thao@uafs.edu, or Brock Holland, international student and scholar adviser, at 479-788-7977 or brock.holland@uafs.edu.