WSSU celebrates International Education Week

The Office of International Programs (OIP) will celebrate International Education Week with events highlighting the international scope of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), Nov. 13-16.

“International Education Week provides a sampling of the global curricular and co-curricular engagement of WSSU students and faculty throughout the year, and allows us to celebrate what we do and explore new ideas for expanded opportunities for global citizenship,” said Joti Sekhon, WSSU’s director of international programs. “We make an effort to highlight international education and global curricular priorities in the WSSU Strategic Plan.”

The week’s events include faculty and student panel discussions and presentations, films screenings and study abroad information tables.

Here’s a sampling of events: 

• Faculty panel discussion: WSSU faculty will present on “Transforming Teaching and Learning through International Faculty Scholarship and Curriculum Development” from 2-3:15 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, in Thompson Center, Room 207A.  Panelists include: Dr. Naomi Hall-Byers, Psychological Sciences, CIEE International Faculty Development Seminars in Cuba; Dr. Dawn Tafari, Education, South Africa; Dr. Jeanine Perez, Portuguese, Portugal; Dr. Uchenna Vasser, World Languages and Cultures, recipient of the UNC Title VI curriculum internationalization grant for China and Africa.
• Student panel discussions: Students from the Bahia, Brazil study abroad program will discuss the use of “Photovoice” to examine race, identity and culture, at 3:30-5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, in Hill Hall, Room L05; and students who have studied abroad and international students will share their experiences at a panel at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center, Room 100B.
• Tastes and Sounds of the World: A food tasting and musical extravaganza from around the world. Information on study abroad opportunities also will be available. This is in the main lobby of R.J. Reynolds Center, from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15.
• Swahili Culture and Film: A poster presentation on East African Swahili culture through “Khanga: From Local to Global (A piece of cloth),” will be followed by the Swahili film “Bongoland II: There Is No Place Like Home.” This film is based on a character, Juma, who returns to his homeland, Bongoland (Tanzania), after failing to cope with life in America. The film depicts the challenges, dilemma and culture clash facing many people in the diaspora upon returning to their homelands. Presented by Swahili instructor Jessica Mushi. This is from 3:30-5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, in Hill Hall, Room L05.
• Study abroad information sessions: Students will have the opportunity to learn about opportunities for study abroad around the world at information tables Monday-Thursday.
• Latin dance class: Come and learn bachata, merengue and salsa while burning calories, from instructors Emilio Abreau and Randal Alicea Ortiz. There will be an introduction to the dances as well as their connection to the culture and music of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.  Sponsored by University Recreation (UREC). The classes will be held from 8-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, and Thursday, Nov. 16. in Donald J. Reaves Student Activities Center, Group X Studio 303C.

All events are free and open to the public.

For a full list of events for International Education Week, visit the OIP calendar. For more information on the week’s events, contact the WSSU Office of International Programs at 336-750-3345 or email: brimde@wssu.edu.