International Education Week is celebrated Nov. 13-17. Throughout the week, students will have the opportunity to explore different ways UW-Eau Claire dedicates itself to international education. There will be events into the weekend of Nov. 18, with multiple opportunities for students to get involved. 

The Center for International Education is hosting events Monday through Friday, with the focus on highlighting the language department, study abroad and international students. 

The languages department offers several different programs. There are the French and Spanish majors, eight different minors and several certificates offered. The languages department provides a global perspective for students. The center wants to provide students with a “cross-cultural experience.” 

Celebrating languages is a key part of this week, according Colleen Marchwick, the director for the Center for International Education. Marchwick said that the languages department is a foundation of the week.

The Dulany Inn will be offering food to celebrate. On Wednesday there will be Japanese food, on Thursday there will be German food and on Friday there will be Mexican and Spanish food. This culinary celebration is a key part of the weekend, according to Marchwick.

“Food is a very easy entry point into cultivating openness and curiosity,” Marchwick said. 

Study abroad is also being highlighted this week. The application for study abroad closes this week on Wednesday, Nov. 15. There are dozens of programs offered in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and Oceania.

With opportunities ranging from week-long trips to full semesters abroad, students have a wide variety of opportunities. There will be a virtual panel to discuss study abroad from 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15. 

In addition to focusing on the languages department and study abroad, there will be a teach-in discussing Ukraine hosted by the university from 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15  in Centennial 2927. The event is titled “Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom and Democracy.”

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday there was be an event celebrating World Kindness Week hosted by the Center for International Education and UW-Eau Claire’s Suicide Prevention and Research Collaborative (SPARC). They will be encouraging students to spread kindness. 

Leick can be reached at l[email protected].