Next week, take time to experience the world right here on campus when Emory celebrates International Education Week, Nov. 18-22, with lectures, performances, film screenings and readings that offer a host of opportunities to learn about cultures and peoples from around the globe.

International Education Week, which is jointly sponsored by the federal departments of state and education, was first celebrated in 2000 as part of former President Bill Clinton’s directive calling for a U.S. international education policy. Its observance highlights the importance of global learning and exchange in the promotion of peace, prosperity and partnership between nations.

In the past year, this vision has become more critical than ever, as we have only been made more aware of the effects seemingly faraway events can have on our daily lives and, consequently, the role intercultural knowledge can play in our understanding of these dynamics.

In a statement on this year’s celebration, themed “Securing the Future Through Study and Exchange,” Secretary of Education Rod Paige said, “As Americans begin to reevaluate our assumptions about the impact of international relations on our lives, we realize that the task of diplomacy belongs not only to governments, but to individuals as well. Thus, giving our children a solid education, which includes the skills they will need to succeed in a global context, is essential.”

Here at Emory, faculty, students and staff work every day to foster global awareness; you can regularly find a list of the many international events on campus at the Office of International Affairs’ online calendar (www.emory.edu/OIA).

A sampling of next week’s events includes:

Monday, Nov. 18
Explore where learning can take you—literally—at the Center for International Programs Abroad’s (CIPA) Summer 2003 Study Abroad Fair. Faculty, CIPA staff and returning “study abroaders” will be on hand to inform students about more than 30 opportunities available to them around the world, including a new Brazilian studies program in Rio de Janeiro. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Dobbs Center.

Take your lunch to the Rollins School of Public Health’s Transcultural Awards brown bag lecture series and learn how Emory’s service transcends borders. Master’s of public health students David Coyle and Lenette Golding will share their experiences assessing the quality of health care in Guatemala last summer. Noon-1 p.m., room 721, School of Public Health.

Tuesday, Nov. 19
Tibetan studies month continues with a screening of the documentary Shadow Circus, which includes interviews with Tibetan guerilla fighters and their CIA trainers in the Tibetan resistance movement, code named “ST Circus.” A discussion with Jamyang Norbu, a leading voice for Tibetan independence and former member of ST Circus, will follow. 7–9:30 p.m., White Hall 205.

Also that evening is the German department’s screening of the highly acclaimed 1998 film Lola Rennt (“Run, Lola, Run”). 8 p.m., White Hall 110.

Wednesday, Nov. 20
Join the International Students and Scholars Program for refreshments and lively conversation at the next “World Views” meeting. “World Views” brings together American and international students, faculty and staff for informal discussions about cultural topics and world events. 4–5:30 p.m., Winship Ballroom.

That evening, the film studies department offers a screening of Fin août, début septembre (“Late August, Early September), a French film about an aspiring novelist with a very ill friend, a plummeting career and a floundering relationship with two women. 7:30 p.m., White Hall 205.

Thursday, Nov. 21
Under the direction of Jody Miller, the Emory Early Music Ensemble will perform German songs and dances from the Renaissance. The concert will offer pieces from Susato, Praetorius and more. 8 p.m., Performing Arts Studio.

Friday, Nov. 22
Meet international students and scholars at the regular Friday, International Coffee Hour. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Dobbs Center 362.

Chitra Bnerjee Divakaruni, an award-winning author and poet from India, will speak on “Across the Black Water: Writing in the Diaspora.” 7 p.m., Carlos Museum reception hall.
Saturday, Nov 23

A mix of tango, salsa, hip hop and various Indian dance forms will be on display at the AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American) Dance Club’s annual performance. 8 p.m., White Hall 208 (a special performance will be given for faculty at 3 p.m. that afternoon).