It has become very clear that broadening our international understanding is critical," said U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige in his announcement of this year's International Education Week (IEW), to be commemorated across U.S. campuses Nov. 17-21. "This will mean renewed efforts to encourage the study of foreign languages and cultures, and to provide opportunities for all students to broaden their knowledge of the world."

Emory will offer plenty of such opportunities during the week with a host of internationally focused events. The celebration kicks off with the visit to campus of the President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson. Grímsson will speak to students and faculty as well as with the Icelandic and Scandinavian communities of Atlanta, on topics such as "The New North and U.S.-Russian Relations" and "The Future of Democracy and Human Rights."

The week continues with a slate of events highlighting a variety of cultures, countries and international education opportunities at Emory (see full schedule below). Cox Hall plans to spice up its fare with international dishes throughout the week, and don't forget to pass by the Dobbs Center at noon on Nov. 18 for the official drawing of the "Get a Passport, Win a Chance To Use It" contest.

"Almost every week of the year we have a number of international events on campus," said Holli Semetko, vice provost for international affairs and director of the Halle Institute for Global Learning. "But this week is special because it is meant to nationally recognize the importance of internationalization. It is also very special at Emory because of the visit of President Grímsson."

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of state and education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment.

Nov. 17
· President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson will speak on the subject of European integration, 9:35 a.m., 206 White Hall.

· Open house at The Center for International Living, 4-6 p.m., Clairmont Campus, Apt. E401.

· Institute of African Studies presents "The African Imaginary and Noble Drew Ali," Michael Gomez, New York University. 4 p.m., 207 Candler Library.

Nov. 18
· Center for International Programs Abroad Summer Study Abroad Fair, 10 a.m.-
2 p.m., Coca-Cola Commons, Dobbs Center.

· Halle Institute Guest Speaker Series presents "The Coming Democracy: Transparency, Technology and the Future of Global Governance," Ann Florini, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, 11:30 a.m., Cox Hall. Call 404-727-7467 to reserve a spot for lunch.

· Carlos Museum "Food For Thought" lunchtime lecture. Jessica Stephenson, associate curator of African art, will discuss a wooden sculpture of an African spirit. Carlos Museum reception hall.

· Islam and Human Rights Project presents Ali Ahmad "Reconciling Public Laws and Shari'a with the Rights of Non-Muslim Minorities in Nigeria." 11:30 a.m., 311 Gambrell Hall. RSVP for lunch at 404-712-8711.

· Halle Institute presents "The Media and U.S.-German Relations," Roland Schatz, director of Media Tenor, a multinational company that deals with analysis of media in several countries. 4:15 p.m., 111 White Hall.

Nov. 19
· Film studies presents Russian Ark ("Russki Kovcheg"). Taking the point of view of an unseen narrator, the audience tours the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg and witnesses events from Russian history. 7:30 p.m., 205 White Hall.

· Middle Eastern and South Asian studies presents "The Role of Gender in Lebanon: Equal by Constitution, Unequal in Practice," Nazek Saba Yared. 7:30 p.m., 101 White Hall.

· Clairmont Campus faculty-in-residence Raj Srivistava presents an Indian film and discusses the Indian film industry. 6 p.m., Courtyard Commons.

Nov. 19
· Paris bureau chief and Middle East regional editor for Newsweek Christopher Dickey talks about his experiences reporting on the war in Iraq. 6 p.m., Jones Room, Woodruff Library.

· World Views Discussion Group and International Thanksgiving potluck dinner. Bring a dish if you can. The discussion will be about "gratitude." Sponsored by International Student and Scholar Programs (ISSP), Clairmont Campus and Religious Life. 6 p.m., SAAC Room 316, Clairmont Campus.

Nov. 20
· Mingle with Emory's international students at the ISSP International Coffee Hour 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Winship Ballroom.