International Education Week brimming with cultural activities

By Shay Hearn ’16

Ever considered studying abroad in a different country, but aren’t quite sure where to go, where to start or even if the foreign life is for you? If so, Salve Regina’s International Education Week, scheduled for Nov. 5-9, provides a perfect atmosphere, with activities catered to inform students about the experiences available to them outside of campus. Regardless of whether you’re interested in studying abroad, these events present an opportunity to learn about different cultures that should not be missed.

“It’s just going to be tons and tons of fun,” says Melissa Beegle, office coordinator for international programs. “It’s a great way to experience the different cultures available to Salve students without even having to leave campus.” Members of the University community are invited to attend any and all of these events to travel beyond Salve Regina and into the different societies around the globe.

International Education Week begins with a kickoff event from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7 in the O’Hare Academic Center: “World Treats ‘n Beats.” Filled with (free) sample foods from different countries, world music and fun, this event delivers a relaxed, recreational opening to the week.

Next, travel to the Young Building ballroom from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6 and listen as students share their study abroad experiences in “Adventures in Another Land.” Consider the experiences of those coming back from Ghana, Spain, India and Chile as the students themselves discuss the new cultures, academics and goals they achieved in these different countries.

Wednesday, Nov. 7 presents a unique opportunity to save a visit to the post office as postal service representatives come to Salve Regina and provide a “Passport Fair.” Whether you are purchasing your first passport, or simply replacing an old one, stop by O’Hare Academic Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and check it off your list. (A catalog of required credentials is available at the Gatehouse).

Update: The “Global Awareness – Who am I” art exhibit has been postponed to be rescheduled for a later day to be determined.

Sponsored by the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, Karen Tramontano, founder and president of the Global Fairness Initiative, will present a lecture relating to the theme of international education titled, “Poverty and Development: The Role of the Informal Economy in Changing People’s Lives.” The lecture will be held in the DiStefano Lecture Hall.

On Friday, Nov. 9 the Office of Student Activities is hosting Friday Night Live: International Fair, where students may travel the world without leaving the comfort of the Salve Regina campus. Intercontinental foods, airbrush tattoos, gelato and big travel prizes (such as a $100 travel voucher) are only a few of the many exciting adventures awaiting the students who venture into Wakehurst anytime from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Finally, the McKillop Library will host a trivia challenge throughout the week. Each question relates to the cuisine of nations featured on the Miley menu for the week, and prizes are a $15 gift certificate to a different internationally-themed restaurant each day. Students can enter to win either in person at the library entrance, or from the library’s Facebook or Twitter accounts.