Annual International Week highlights global issues

Winston-Salem State will be transformed into a cultural melting pot with guest speakers, international cuisines and more during the week of Nov. 16.

Every November the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State assign a week for international education. 

The Office of International Programs at WSSU plans numerous events for IEW to educate the campus about global issues and to highlight various educational programs.

"It [IEW] activates students international awareness and brings global issues to the forefront," said Rickford Grant, international programs advisor.

Dr. Joti Sekhon, the director of international programs, said this year IEW will feature speakers such as WSSU alum Mignon Turner [Officer Intern in the U.S. Foreign Service programs in French-speaking countries], Gai Ajak Riak and Joseph Akoon [refugees of Sudan].

Sekhon added that the speakers and activities show how global the Triad is.

"Riak and Akoon were refugees of Sudan that relocated to Greensboro," Sekhon said. 

"The speakers and events give students a chance to get a feel of the world."

WSSU also collaborates with various organizations to organize their events.  

This year the Center for New North Carolinians at UNCG, the Peace Corps, and the Ralph Bunche Society were some of the organizations co-sponsoring events for IEW.

Sekhon said it is important to have speakers from various programs.  She added that WSSU sees a lot of camaraderie within the UNC system.

While IEW is used to highlight global issues and growth, the week also serves as a way of networking.  The Center for New North Carolinians and the Peace Corp will discuss career and internship opportunities. 

There will also be an event to discuss career opportunities in Foreign Service and International Affairs.  Events such as these give students the opportunity to meet people from organizations like the American Democracy Project and the Model United Nations.

Grant said students who have studied abroad and international students will share their experiences.

Grant said it is important to remember that everyone is from somewhere different, including international students. 

 "It [IEW] is a benefit to all."

Sekhon said she hopes IEW inspires students to learn more about the world. 

Grant said the cafeteria will be preparing international cuisine during IEW.

Sekhon said that OIP would like to see more students and faculty become involved in global issues.