November 14, 2008
Contact:
Liz Babiarz, 404-413-1356
University Relations
Georgia State University celebrates International Education Week
ATLANTA – Georgia State University is home to 3,230 international students representing 150 countries. More than 570 Georgia State students studied abroad during 2007-2008 academic year, and the university has nearly 100 faculty and student exchange programs in countries across the globe.
Georgia State's connections around the world are far reaching, and the institution's Office of International Affairs and International Student & Scholar Services are hosting a number of events Nov. 17-21 to celebrate global education and honor international students. This is the fourth year Georgia State has participated in International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education.
“Georgia State University is committed to preparing students to become strong global citizens in today's interconnected world,” said Leigh Walker, director of study abroad programs at Georgia State. “International Education Week is an excellent opportunity for our faculty, staff and students to come together to discuss and celebrate the importance of international education and our many accomplishments in this arena."
Georgia State’s International Education Week activities include:
• International Appreciation Luncheon
Georgia State faculty, staff and students who have made significant contributions to international education over the last year will be recognized from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday (Nov. 17) in the Senate Salon Room, on the first floor of the Student Center. Lauren Adamson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will make the opening remarks.
• Broadening Horizons: Minority Students & Study Abroad Student Panel Discussion
Georgia State minority students who have studied abroad will share the importance of their experiences from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 18) in the Student Center Ballroom, Senate Salon. The panel will feature a talk by Elika Aird, Georgia State alumna, about how her experience studying abroad in Mexico helped land a job at Cartoon Network Latin America.
• Culture Shock Seminar
International students living in the United States may experience some form of culture shock. Sandrine Bosshardt, a clinical psychologist from the university’s Counseling Center, will discuss how to deal with culture shock at a seminar from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 18) in the Student Center’s Sinclair Suite.
• Travel Clearance Day
International students planning to travel outside of the country over the upcoming semester break can stop by 248 Sparks Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 20) to get travel signature forms and other documents approved. Students will also be able to enjoy food, games and a special guest appearance by NBA Atlanta Hawks Center Zaza Pachulia from the Republic of Georgia. Pachulia will be on hand between noon and 1:30 p.m. to sign autographs.
• How to Afford Study Abroad Workshop
From noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 20) in the Student Center Speaker’s Auditorium, students can gain information on how to finance their international experiences through study abroad scholarships, corporate sponsorships, financial aid and other sources. The workshop is free and open to all faculty, staff, students and friends.
From more information, visit the Office of International Affairs Study Abroad Web site at http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwoia/iew_2008.htm and International Student & Scholar Services at http://www.gsu.edu/es/international_services.html.
