International Week at Western in November 11 to 15 – a chance to celebrate diversity, highlight international learning opportunities, explore global partnerships, and learn about international research.
The annual themed week features more than 60 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 5,200 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 on climate change, the science of geography, immigration and nationalism, and global partnerships. The week is also filled with cultural experiences and celebration.
Events of interest:
President’s Global WesternU Cafe – Nov. 11, 12:00 to 1:30 pm
A kick-off event for the week with international food and interactive activities. Western President Alan Shepard will greet more than 250 international and exchange students and campus leaders, including representatives from the University Students’ Council and Society of Graduate Students.
Climate Change Symposium – Nov. 12, 2:00 to 5:00 pm
Leading climate scientists from Western will discuss current perspectives on climate change including keynote speaker, Gordon McBean, Research Chair, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction and Professor Emeritus, Geography and Political Science
Discover the Science of Where: GIS Information Day – Nov. 13, 9:30 am to 4 pm
Celebrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day alongside community leaders at this free, drop-in, interactive event. Maps and mapping technology, drones, digital sandboxes and more.
Canadian Attitudes toward Immigration and Cultural Diversity in the Age of Trump and Brexit (Journeys of Migration event) – Nov. 14, 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Michael Adams, President of the Environics Institute, will discuss Canadians’ social attitudes and their potentialsusceptibility to populist anti-immigrant, prejudicial sentiment.
Other key International Week events include:
- Africa-Western Collaborations Day – Nov. 13, 4:00 to 7:00 pm
- Western Goes Global Cultural Showcase – Nov. 14, 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Performances from a range of cultures and countries by student groups and community members. - Songs of Many Lands Concert – Nov. 15, 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:
Kris Dundas, Communications & Marketing Manager, Western International, 519-661-2111 ext. 81064, cell: 519-615-9625, kdundas2@uwo.ca
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