Diwali Festival, Meditation Room Opening Mark TAMIU International Ed Week

International education, cultural awareness and diversity will be the focus of International Education Week Monday, Nov. 17 - Thursday, Nov. 20 at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).

Activities planned include a colorful Flag Walk featuring flags of all countries represented by the TAMIU student body, a Global Talk on world issues, celebration of Diwali Festival of Lights, a grand opening of TAMIU’s Meditation Room, a photo exhibit, and a cultural festival featuring various TAMIU student organizations.

All events are free and open to the public.

Triana González, associate director of International Engagement, said International Education Week is a nationwide celebration designated by the Institute of International Education and the U.S. Department of Education to promote international education, culture and diversity in the United States, she added.

“This week of celebrations serves to encourage university students to learn more about Study Abroad opportunities, become knowledgeable and sensitive about other cultures and various traditions observed throughout the world,” González said.

One of the week’s highlights will be the presentation of a Diwali Festival of Lights, an ancient Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 6 - 9 p.m. in the Student Center Rotunda. Also, the grand opening of TAMIU's new Meditation Room will be Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10-11 a.m. in Student Center, room 216.

The idea of creating a Meditation Room at TAMIU emerged from a focus group, where students requested a space where they can pray, reflect and meditate, González said.

“The Meditation Room will provide a place of peace and quiet and it will be open to all students,” González said.

González said that throughout the week, the Association of International Students will have a table to create awareness and receive donations for Visakhapatnam, India. The city was recently hit by a hurricane.

The schedule of activities for International Education Week is as follows:

Monday, Nov. 17, Student Center Rotunda

• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. - Flag Walk, Proclamation and Global Talk.

Tuesday, Nov. 18, Student Center Rotunda

• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Diwali Festival of Lights Celebration featuring henna tattoos, trivia and games.
• 6 – 9 p.m. – Diwali Festival of Lights Celebration  - food, prizes, performance and music.

Wednesday, Nov. 19, Student Center, Room 216

• 10 -11 a.m. - Grand Opening of Meditation Room
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Photo/Video Exhibit

Thursday, Nov. 20,

Cultural Festival – Featuring student organizations representing a country and presenting activities related to the countries they’ve selected. There will be music and performances.

For more information, please contact González at 326.2565, e-mail triana.gonzalez@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Student Center, 226. University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu