IPO News

UMass Amherst to Celebrate International Education Week Nov. 5 to 9

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

As part of International Education Week, the university will host events Nov. 5-9 that celebrate international exchange, the richness of cultures from around the world, education and community.

Highlights include the inaugural “Stand United, Fight Hate” lecture to be delivered by author and scholar of racism Ibram X. Kendi at the Fine Arts Center on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. His talk will be based in part on his forthcoming book “How to Be an Antiracist.” The event is free and open to the public, but tickets must be reserved through the Fine Arts Center.

The week kicks off Monday, Nov. 5 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Science and Engineering Library with a Building Bridges art exhibition and reception showcasing UMass Amherst worker-artists. Building Bridges fosters new connections among campus community members from varied backgrounds through art and creative expression, as well as through courses aimed at amplifying the voices of immigrant employees.

Other events include a coffee hour where students and other community members can meet over free coffee, tea and international snacks; panel discussions on safety for women traveling abroad and about race and ethnicity abroad; and the Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center’s film festival showcasing Asian American experiences with “My Life in China,” “Nailed It” and “Yappie.”

“I’m very gratified that UMass Amherst continues to be a destination of choice for international students and scholars,” says Kalpen Trivedi, associate provost for International Programs. “International Education Week gives us a valuable opportunity to celebrate their presence and community on campus as well as highlight the important work of building an inclusive community that goes on each and every day at UMass.”

Chancellor Kumble R. Subbasway said, “I am delighted that we are again celebrating International Education Week. We are stronger for sharing our cultures, and UMass Amherst will always provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all members of our community.”

This fall, the university welcomed more than 1,000 new international undergraduate, graduate and exchange students from 61 countries. In all, international students at UMass Amherst represent more than 115 countries.

The university also surpassed a 2017 record, with 1,344 undergraduate students traveling abroad to study.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education for a worldwide celebration that highlights efforts to prepare citizens for a global environment.

To show support for the UMass Amherst international community, share posts and photos on social media using #IEW2018.