Florida A&M will participate in the 14th annual International Education Week Nov. 12-15.
According to iew.state.gov, IEW began in 2000 as a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. Now, IEW is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide.
IEW aims to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attracts future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.
This year’s theme is International Education: Learning Matters Around the World.
Avis Simmonds, an administrative assistant of the office of international education and development who serves as the chairwoman of FAMU’s IEW, said FAMU has hosted IEW for many years.
She said students can look forward to not only learning the importance of education but also being mindful that they can take their education anywhere in the world.
“The whole world has become a community, and when we educate people, we understand culture and the other person’s point of view,” Simmonds said.
Previous programs and events for IEW include a fashion show, food and entertainment, international music on the Set, Global Opportunities forums and other chances for people to showcase their cultures.
“Here at the U.S. Department of Education, we are working to equip children to become globally competent and internationally successful citizens,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said.
He continued: “Both President Obama and I firmly believe that we are living in an age where jobs know no borders. And, if we don’t prepare our children for this global competition, we will put them at a competitive disadvantage, unfortunately, for decades to come.”
Cassandra Andre, a junior biology student from Dallas, Ga., is an active member of both FAMU’s Haitian Cultural Club and Caribbean Student Association.
“I think International Education Week opens a door of opportunity for people to learn the ins and outs of different cultures,” Andre said. “It’s beneficial and important for students to become exposed to diversity.”
The OIED collaborates with schools, offices and organizations on and off campus. It has worked with the School of Business and Industry, the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication and the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.
For more information or to have an event included on OIED’s schedule, contact Simmonds at 850-599-3295.
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