Western’s 2018 International Week to highlight environment, global health and migration

MEDIA ADVISORY
WESTERN UNIVERSITY
NOVEMBER 12, 2018

Western’s 2018 International Week to highlight environment, global health and migration

Western University’s annual International Week kicks off today, with a focus on celebrating diversity, highlighting international research and exploring international learning opportunities.

Taking place from November 12-16, the week features cultural experiences, panel discussions, presentations, workshops, displays, tours and other activities to inspire the campus community to build intercultural skills and become more globally aware and engaged. Most events throughout the week are open to the public.

There are currently 4,500 international students from 121 countries studying at Western and more than 2,200 students go abroad each year through international learning programs in over 40 countries.

Highlights include events centred on the environment, global health and migration:

Plastic Here and Everywhere: International Effort in Fighting Plastics Pollution – Monday, Nov. 12, 1:30 pm
Plastic is redefining many aspects of our lives, and affecting different cultures and regions in various ways. Learn about Algalita, a global network of environmental stewards working to address plastics and hear from the Chair of Earth Sciences at Western, first researcher to investigate plastics in the Great Lakes.

Power & Global Health Event – Wednesday, November 14, 3-6 pm
Explore research and social justice issues related to global health. The event will include a panel exploring health and environmental issues abroad, and close to home in Indigenous communities.

Africa-Western Collaborations Day – Thursday, November 15, 3-6 pm
Dr. Lola Dare, CEO of CHESTRAD in Nigeria, will visit Western to speak on “The Complex Issues and Disruptive Solutions for Trafficking in Persons and Forced Migration in Africa.” The event will also include presentations from students doing work in Africa, cultural presentations and displays.

Journeys of Migration – Thursday, November 15, 4-5:30 pm
Established Immigrants in London: The Roads to Integration.” Hear from local London community members about their experience in making London their home, and how they overcame challenges along the way.

Other key International Week events include:

  • Opening Celebration – Monday, November 12, 12:30-2:30 pm
    Performances and more at the University Community Centre, Weldon Library and Taylor Library.
  • Western Goes Global Cultural ShowcaseMonday, November 12, 4:30-6:30 pm
    Performances from a range of cultures and countries by student groups and community members.
  • Go Abroad Fair – Tuesday, November 13, 10 am to 3 pm
    An opportunity for students to explore all the options to participate in learning abroad (exchange, internships, research, courses, etc.)
  • President’s Breakfast for International & Exchange Students – Friday, November 16, 9:30 to 11 am
    President Amit Chakma welcomes international and exchange students and shares his own experience as an international scholar.
  • Songs of Many Lands Concert – Friday, November 16, 1:30 to 2:30 pm
    Annual concert performed by vocal students in many languages.

The full International Week schedule is available at internationalweek.uwo.ca/schedule.html

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Ledgley, Senior Media Relations Officer, Western University, 519-661-2111 x85283, sledgley@uwo.ca or Kris Dundas, Communications & Marketing Manager, Western International, 519-661-2111 ext. 81064, cell: 519-615-9625, kdundas2@uwo.ca

ABOUT WESTERN

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals who have a broad worldview and who seek to study, influence and lead in the international community.