International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of an effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.
2009 Theme:
"Exploring South Asia"
Sponsored by the Global Studies Program
Register for Professional Development Activities
Classroom Materials / Links
Study Abroad Opportunities at Oakton
International Opportunities for Faculty, Staff & Administrators at Oakton
Keynote
Ru Freeman, author of the novel, A Disobedient Girl, Monday, Nov. 16, 9:30 am, 1604 DPC
speaks about her novel and life. Her debut novel has been described as a compelling map of womanhood, its desires and loyalties, set against the backdrop of beautiful, politically turbulent, Sri Lanka. For more information, visit her website: http://rufreeman.com Co-sponsored by Global Studies, Women & Gender Studies, and the English Department.
See entire schedule for the week by clicking link on the left.
Background
International Education Week, founded in 2000, is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education. It is an important week observed all across the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world. IEW is celebrated in November each year during the week before the American holiday of Thanksgiving.
The worldwide celebration of IEW offers a unique opportunity to reach out to people in every nation, to develop a broader understanding of world cultures and languages, and to reiterate the conviction that enduring friendships and partnerships created through international education and exchange are important for a secure future for all countries.
Global Studies Program at Oakton
The Global Studies Program at Oakton is proud to take part in International Education Week.
Oakton Community College’s Vision, Mission and Values states, in part, that the college encourages students to entertain and question ideas, think critically, solve problems, and engage with other cultures, with one another and with faculty. In addition, the college challenges students to be capable global citizens, guided by knowledge and ethical principles, who will shape the future.
The American Association of Community Colleges' Position Statement on International Education asserts that "to ensure the survival and well-being of our communities, it is imperative that community colleges develop a globally and multiculturally competent citizenry. Community colleges are strategically positioned and experienced to respond to this educational and economic development imperative by educating and training individuals to function successfully in a multicultural and advanced technological environment that crosses all boundaries of education, communications, language and business."
Toward these ends, the Global Studies Program at Oakton Community College strives to help establish and grow global competencies in our student body and faculty. Global competency exists when an individual is able to understand the interconnectedness of peoples and systems, to have a general knowledge of history and world events, to accept and cope with the existence of different cultural values and attitudes and, indeed, to celebrate the richness and benefits of this diversity.
For more information on the Global Studies Program at Oakton, please contact the Coordinator, Katherine Schuster, 847-376-7118, schuster@oakton.edu.