Monday, November 16, 2009
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-Representing 50 countries, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore contingent of international students is joining in the nation’s observance of International Education Week, November 16-20, with an ethnic festival open to the campus community as well as the general public.
The ethnic festival takes place Thursday, November 19, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Services Center Ballroom. According to organizers, the cultural sampling includes activities such as exhibits of items and information specific to the featured countries, demonstrations of ethnic dancing, modeling of cultural clothing and tasting of authentic foods.
“To know another culture is a blessing in disguise,” said Dr. Sarah Acquah, director, Center for International Education, UMES. “Why? Because it provides an individual the power to survive, tolerate, appreciate, respect and embrace each other regardless of our differences and places of origin.”
UMES currently has over 100 international students. Some of the countries they represent include: Great Britain, Ukraine, Canada, Jamaica, Antigua, Bahamas, Columbia, Chile, China, Japan, India, Korea, Sri-Lanka, Bangladesh, Egypt, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
International Education Week is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education designed to promote programs that prepare citizens of the U.S. for the global environment. It also calls attention to the benefits of students from other countries coming to the U.S. to study and exchange experiences. This year’s theme is “Creating a Vision for a Better Future.”
UMES’ ethnic festival is free. For more information, call 410-651-6079.
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Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
