The office of education abroad and other organizations on campus are teaming up to present International Education Week from Nov. 11-15.

 The International Education Week program celebrates the importance of gaining a well-rounded global education through a series of academic and cultural events on campus.

“Connecting with international students and events, that’s probably the easiest and funnest way to get a global education in your own backyard,” said Beth Lorenz, study abroad advisor.

By attending events and workshops during International Education Week, students will be able to gain insight about cultures that differ from their own.

A student currently studying abroad is senior history major, Zack Bolog. “I know it’s cliché,” he said. “But studying abroad forces you to expand your horizons… I’ve learned that England and America are extremely different, but incredibly similar at the same time.”

Bolog has been studying at the University of Eastern London since Sept. 16 and will return Dec. 13. Bolog says the hardest part was leaving his family, friends and girlfriend.

“Whether it was my mom sending me boxes full of Skyline Chili, or my girlfriend writing letters to me, they made sure that I knew that they were there for me,” Bolog said.

International Education Week will provide these global education experiences right on campus, as well as helping students who may want to study abroad someday.

Every day there will be anywhere from six to 10 events going on for International Education Week. For the full list of events go to: http://iec.nku.edu/studyabroad/internationaled.html. Here’s a quick preview:

Monday: Enjoy a cultural cuisine every night during International Education Week with a new featured country in the Norse Village Commons. Monday is German night and everyone is invited to come. If you don’t have a meal plan, there will be a fee for the dinner.

Tuesday: Room 107a in the Student Union will be transformed into a Japanese Culture Festival with people demonstrating Karate, Kendo and swordsmanship. There will be a Sakura chorus, calligraphy, origami, an opportunity to try on traditional Japanese clothing and much more.

Wednesday: From noon-1 p.m. in the Science Center room 105, Dr. Andrada Maicaneanu, a professor from NKU’s partner school in Romania, will be speaking on “Chemistry Profiles at Babes-Bolyai University.”

Thursday: In room 109 of the Student Union from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., there will be an international careers panel. Local businesses, government and non-profit agencies will be discussing the value of international education and experience for future careers.

According to Caryn Connelly, associate professor and interim department chair of world languages and literatures, this year’s panelists include representatives from the Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council and the Cincinnati Red Cross chapter. Dr. François LeRoy, director of NKU’s Study Abroad office and a board member of the Northern Kentucky International Trade Association, and Dr. Carole Cangioni, a professor of Management and International Business at NKU, will also be panelists.

Friday: Students go head-to-head in the Mr. and Mrs. NKU World pageant. The International Student Union sponsors this event, which will be featuring a talent portion and a question-and-answer portion. The pageant will be from 6-8 p.m in the University Center ballroom. Admission is $3.