JOHNSON CITY (November 7, 2012) – East Tennessee State University’s Honors College and Office of International Programs and Services will hold special events in recognition of International Education Week (IEW), Nov. 12-16.

The U.S. Department of State and Department of Education initiated IEW in 2000 to acknowledge the benefits of programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study in the United States. The celebration has become a widespread event, with students, educators and community leaders from around the world participating in a broad range of activities in their local offices and classrooms.

A featured event of this year’s IEW at ETSU will be “The Race Experience” Kiosk. The kiosk will be available the entire week in the D.P. Culp University Center, second floor Atrium, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8 p.m. “The Race Experience” is an interactive visual learning experience that allows people to see how they might look as members of different cultural groups.

During the week, ETSU faculty will provide information and details on various programs abroad, and information about International Education Scholarships to study abroad will be available at booths in the Culp Center.

Throughout the week, a digital International Photo Fair can be viewed at http://www.etsu.edu/honors/IEWPhotoGallery.asp. Additionally, Campus Dining and Catering will host “International Cuisine” highlighting different treats and ethnic delicacies every day in The Market Place on the upper level of the Culp Center.

A photo essay contest for returning study abroad students and an essay contest for international students currently enrolled at ETSU will be part of the IEW activities. The Johnson City Press and the ETSU Honors College are sponsoring these competitions.

Additionally, the Honors College Student Council, with support from International Programs and Services, SGA/B.U.C. Fund, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi International Education Honor Society, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Campus Recreation and ETSU Campus Dining and Catering Group will offer a series of free events.

On Monday, Nov. 12, the International Embassy Fair will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the second floor of the Culp Center. The Embassy Fair includes information stations hosted by International Programs and Services and students from different countries and regions. All guests are welcome to experience and explore the unique traditions and activities of the home countries of ETSU international students.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, a dance exhibition by faculty and students and martial arts demonstrations will take place in the Culp Center’s Cave Patio from 1–3 p.m.

Throughout that day, an information table will be available in the Culp Center’s first floor Alumni Gallery area, with instructions on how to acquire a passport, as well as a free photo area for those desiring to have a passport photo made.

On Thursday, Nov. 15, the ETSU Campus Dining and Catering Group’s Executive Chef Jason Timmons will conduct a cooking demonstration, Thai Noodle Bowl, from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. in the Culp Center’s Cave area.

Later on Thursday, Adria McLaughlin, ETSU student and Gilman Scholar, will present a public seminar entitled “Roatán Mama: An ETSU Student and Gilman Scholar’s Adventure in the Archaeology of a Caribbean Island” from 7–8 p.m. in the Culp Center’s ballroom. Winners of the International Student Essay and Study Abroad Photo Essay contest will be announced following the lecture during a reception.

Further information about ETSU’s International Education Week 2012 celebration can be found at www.etsu.edu/honors/iew.asp. For assistance in seating those with disabilities, contact the ETSU Honors College at (423) 439-6075.