International Education Week underscores importance of language, culture study

Coming on the heels of University of Wisconsin–Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin’s return from East Asia, International Education Week from Nov. 15-19 offers students, faculty and staff an opportunity to reflect on how best to prepare for careers in a fast changing, interconnected world.

A joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, International Education Week will be celebrated across campus with a series of internationally themed events and activities.

“International education is no longer an add-on to any major or field of study,” says Gilles Bousquet, vice provost for globalization and dean of the Division of International Studies. “It is essential in every field. Today, every student needs to gain the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to succeed in an increasingly international sphere. Wisconsin has a long, proud history of global engagement and producing globally talented graduates that create better lives for people in the state and around the world. Celebrating International Education Week as a community reflects our on-going commitment to that tradition.”

Recent developments, including programs of the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates, have been established to support international education across campus. These include initiatives to increase international internship opportunities, add faculty to the International Studies major, internationalize science curricula, develop an undergraduate seminar on global health issues, and establish a new undergraduate certificate in professional communication in East Asian languages.

Nov. 15-21 is also Global Entrepreneurship Week, and November is International Opportunities Month on campus.

Listed below are some of the international events scheduled during the week. To see a listing of international events campuswide each week, see Global Happenings: http://global.wisc.edu/ghapps/

• Monday, Nov. 15

International Education Week Photo Exhibit. Celebrate International Education Week by enjoying an exhibit of prize-winning photographs taken by UW–Madison international and study abroad students. The photographs depict scenes from around the world and fall into several categories, including international cultures, natural and urban landscapes, Badgers abroad and best UW experience. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 15-19, Class of 1973 Art Gallery, Red Gym, 2nd floor.

“Latin America’s New Stature in the Global Economy” by Luz María de la Mora Sánchez. The J.Jobe Soffa and Marguerite Jacqmin Soffa Distinguished International Visitor Fund presents this event which is sponsored by the Division of International Studies, the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), and Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies (LACIS). 4 p.m., Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. For more, visit http://international.wisc.edu/blog/index.php/2010/11/05/soffa-lecture-invites-expert-in-foreign-trade-and-international-public-policy/

“Stalinist Landscapes: Politics, Identity and Nature in Socialist-Realist Art” by Mark Bassin, Södertörn University, Stockholm, Sweden. Sponsored by the Center for Russia, East Asia, and Central Europe (CREECA) and the Alice D. Mortenson-Michael B. Petrovich Chair in Russian History. 4 p.m., 336 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive. For more, visit http://www.creeca.wisc.edu/events/10november.html#stalinist

Fourth annual Entrepreneurial Deli. The Entrepreneurial Deli is a fun, interactive event where attendees can engage with local entrepreneurs, participate in brief, hands-on presentations, and discover what is needed to start a business. Co-hosted by Madison MAGNET, the Capital Entrepreneurs and the Office of Corporate Relations’ Wiscontrepreneur initiative. 6 p.m., Lucky Building Food Court, 777 University Ave.

• Tuesday, Nov. 16

International Internships Development Workshop. Sponsored by the International Internships Program, Division of International Studies. 1:30-2:15 p.m., 336 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive. For more, visit http://www.bus.wisc.edu/ciber/events/ciberevents.asp?eid=1112

Symposium: “Ethnicity, Identity, and Emigration from the Regions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.” Sponsored by the Max Kade Institute, the Center for Russia, East Asia and Central Europe (CREECA), and the Center for European Studies (CES). 3-6 p.m., Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.

• Wednesday, Nov. 17

Tenth annual World Languages Day. World Languages Day is an educational outreach program of the Language Institute. For more, visit http://www.languageinstitute.wisc.edu/wld/index.html

“Grameen America and the Microfinance Movement: Past, Present & Future.” One of the highlights of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2010 is a two-day visit to campus by representatives of Grameen America, the highly successful organization that provides affordable micro-loans to financially empower low-income entrepreneurs. This talk is free and open to the public, but registration is required. 5 p.m., 1610 Engineering Hall, 1415 Engineering Drive.

• Thursday, Nov. 18

“Japan U.S. Relations: Building for the Future.” The event is sponsored by Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) and Center for East Asian Studies. 11 a.m.-noon, 3070 Grainger Hall, 975 University Ave.

Grameen America Day on Campus. Grameen America representatives will meet with faculty, staff, and students in classes and with student microfinance organizations.

Gilson Global Impact Series on Social Entrepreneurship. Patrick Walsh, founder of Greenlight Planet Inc., will discuss how his for-profit enterprise is combining cutting-edge technology with innovative distribution networks to commercialize low-power LED lanterns. The event is presented in partnership with UW–Madison Sustainability Initiative, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, and Office of Corporate Relations. 5 p.m., Fluno Center for Executive Education, 601 University Ave. Register online at http://www.gilsonseries.org

Eric Langenbacher, “The Mastered Past? The Impact of Collective Memories on German Political Culture.” This event is sponsored by the Center for European Studies and co-sponsored by the Center for German and European Studies. 2-3:30 p.m., 336 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive.

• Saturday, Nov. 20

Ninth annual International Children’s and Young Adult Literature Celebration, “Open a Book … Open a Door … Open your Mind … to the World.” The annual celebration is sponsored by the Wisconsin International Outreach Consortium. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Room 325 of the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. For more, visit http://www.wioc.wisc.edu/childlit/2010/authors.htm.