Columbia will join institutions around the world on Nov. 16 in the celebration of International Education Week. The week-long event will celebrate the importance of international education and exchange, while giving students opportunities to learn about various cultures the college has to offer.

International Education Week was initiated by former President Bill Clinton in 2000, and it is a joint proposal between the Department of State and the Department of Education.

“I feel that in this day and age, for one to consider themselves as an educated individual, you need to be aware of the world around you,” said Gigi Posejpal, director of Columbia’s International Student Affairs. “You need to have a global perspective. The media exchange of information is happening faster, and I think if we are ever going to achieve any kind of global peace, it will happen through education, awareness and open-mindedness. The only way you’re going to get that is through recognizing other cultures.”

To kick off the week, an international expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Quincy Wong Center for Artistic Expression,  in the Wabash Campus Building, 623 S. Wabash Ave. The exposition will provide attendees with a variety of events, including a capoeira performance, calligraphy and origami-making demonstrations, cultural games and hors d’oeuvres from countries such as Ethiopia, Thailand, Poland and Italy.

Following the expo, a discussion called “Africa Today,” led by Columbia professor Stephanie Shonekan and the Black World Studies Program, will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hokin Lecture Hall in the Wabash Campus Building,  to discuss the current situation in African countries and how the history of the nation has impacted how the societies function in the modern world.

On Nov. 17, an immigration workshop will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Alexandroff Conference Room, Alexandroff Campus Center, 600 S. Michigan Ave., where Chicago attorney Bob White will give information to students about visa options upon graduation. A potluck dinner will follow at 6 p.m. in the Internet Café, 59 E. Van

Buren Ave.

On Nov. 18, the Office of Asian-American Cultural Affairs and the Asian Student Organization will collaborate for a theatrical show from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in The Quincy Wong Center.  Posejpal said the show is going to focus on cultural issues and there will be a workshop to plan for a much bigger, theatrical presentation that’s going to happen in the spring, regarding topics such as cultural differences and stereotypes.

A discussion led by the college’s Latino Cultural Affairs and Office of International Affairs will take place on Nov. 19 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Multicultural Affairs Conference Room, 4th floor of the 618 S. Michigan Ave. Building, to address study abroad topics such as cost, locations, scholarships, travel arrangements and housing opportunities. Following the discussion, Peter Zhang, assistant professor in the Audio Arts and Acoustics Department,  will show video clips and demos from the Peking Opera and other traditional Chinese operas. This will give viewers a better understanding of Chinese arts and cultures. The presentation will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Multipurpose Studio, 4th floor of the 618 S. Michigan Ave. Building.

Ruth Meridjen, a sophomore acting major, looks forward to this year’s event. Meridjen came to the college two years ago from Turkey and thinks an event like this is important to have at Columbia. She hopes that more domestic students will attend this year to have a better understanding of the diverse cultures who make up the college. Meridjen said she feels as though people can always learn more from others that come from all over the world.

“You get a different perspective and I think it’s beneficial for everyone to learn about different cultures,” Meridjen said. “It doesn’t matter what you’re studying, it’s always interesting to hear about other people’s experiences. I feel like at an art school, people are more open-minded, and I think it’s such a great opportunity for Americans to make new friends from all over the world.”

Although the event for Nov. 20 has not yet been decided upon, Posejpal said that it will most likely function as a bowling event hosted by Latino Alliance.

Students are encouraged to participate in the various events that will be taking place whether or not they are an international student. Adriana Mendez, sophomore advertising and art direction major from Venezuela, hopes that this year, more countries will be showcased and students will use the opportunity not only to learn,  but to also network.

“I think we had around 15 countries last year,” Mendez said. “We have a diverse group right now, I think it’s going to be a little bigger this year and everyone seems more interested. I think it’s interesting and important for students to come and meet new people. Come and network with us because you never know, we could be helping each other out in the future.”