TAMIU Celebrates International Education Week with Ethnic Foods, Presentations
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) celebrated its signature international identity by observing International Education Week (IEW) with international foods and week-long presentations for students from Nov. 14 - 18.
The annual celebration is part of a nationwide commemoration designated by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S Department of Education to promote international education and exchange worldwide.
IEW celebrates the benefits of cultural and academic exchange around the world, explained Yamel Muzquiz, TAMIU International Education program director.
"IEW is an important event to promote and highlight international education at TAMIU," Muzquiz said, "Through IEW, we focus on promoting students, faculty and staff's mobility around the world, welcoming international students and scholars to study, learn, exchange experiences, and globalizing the curriculum in all disciplines to prepare every student for the globally-competitive and interdependent economy and society."
The following activities were scheduled during IEW at TAMIU and were open to the TAMIU community.
Monday, Nov. 14, PROCLAMATION AND PARADE OF NATIONS, 12 - 1 p.m., Student Center Rotunda
TAMIU President Pablo Arenaz initiated the IEW celebration with his proclamation speech, followed by a parade with students carrying flags from countries around the world.
Monday, Nov. 14, ETHNIC CULTURES IN GHANA, 3 - 4 p.m., Bob Bullock Hall 103
During this presentation, Dr. Peter Haruna, TAMIU professor of Public Administration, shared Ghana’s unique multiethnic cultures and the norms and belief systems that sustain them. He addressed how such multiethnic groups manage to co-exist and build a nation together. Dr. Heriberto Godina, assistant professor, Educational Programs, offered his experience based on a visit to Ghana and the training of Ghanaian students. In addition to slideshows and a Q&A exchange, the presentation featured local arts and crafts, music and dance.
Monday, Nov. 14, IEW ESSAY AND COMPETITION DEADLINE, 11:59 p.m., TAMIU Enrolled Students
Enrolled students had the opportunity to submit a creative writing piece highlighting the importance of international education, traveling, and/or cultural understanding. The contest winner of a $250 scholarship award was announced Friday, November 18 on social media.
Tuesday, Nov. 15, CULTURAL FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Student Center Rotunda
Students gathered at the Student Center to learn about different countries and taste ethnic food. Countries featured included: Colombia, Cuba, Germany, Kenya, México, South Korea, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Wednesday, Nov. 16, BANGLADESH: THE LAND OF PARADOXES, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Student Center 120
During this presentation, Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, TAMIU associate professor of Public Administration, presented on Bangladesh, a densely populated country in South Asia that has made remarkable economic progress over the years. Its secular cultural norms are in constant confrontation with Islamist powers that attempt to initiate fundamental changes at the policy level. At a time when the country’s economy depends on women workers in garments industry, the backlash against women and women’s liberty are at its peak. Dr. Momen analyzed some of these paradoxes and meanings of these competing trends, taking into account the geopolitical location of Bangladesh.
Wednesday, Nov. 16, LEARN AT LUNCH: FACULTY-LED PROGRAM TO CHINA, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Student Center 231
Dr. Yong Chen, TAMIU assistant professor of Business, presented the details of his course, Issues in Management (MGT4399/BA4399), a study abroad program to China, offered in Summer 2023.
Wednesday, Nov. 16, LEARN AT LUNCH: FACULTY LED PROGRAM TO FRANCE, 12:30-1:30 PM, Student Center 120
Dr. Melody Carriere, TAMIU instructional associate, department of Humanities, and Dr. Julien Carriere, instructional associate professor, department of Humanities, described their Summer 2023 program to France in detail, including information about the courses and the Study Abroad trip itinerary.
Wednesday, Nov. 16, FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR PRESENTATION, 3:20 - 4:15 p.m., Student Center 120
Dr. Barbara Hong, University College dean and three-time recipient of the Fulbright award, Dr. Peter Haruna, professor of Public Administration and TAMIU Fulbright Scholar, and Dr. Maria de Lourdes Viloria, associate professor of Education and pending Fulbright applicant, discussed the Fulbright Scholar program, application process, and important deadlines. They shared their own Fulbright experiences, who to contact, how to identify a host institution overseas, and tips for a successful application. The Fulbright Scholar Program is a U.S. Government flagship program that allows faculty to study, teach, conduct research abroad, with financial support of the U.S. State Department.
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, LEARN AT LUNCH: FACULTY-LED PROGRAM TO PARIS, 12 - 1 p.m., Student Center 120
Dr. Daniel De la Miyar, TAMIU instructional assistant professor, University College, presented details of his course, COMM 3322 Public Relations/4330 Special Issues (Culture) in Paris, to be offered Summer 2023.
FRIDAY, Nov. 18, FRIENDSGIVING FAREWELL
This was an opportunity for exchange students and mentors to gather over a “friendsgiving” meal and celebrate their time at TAMIU. Certificates were presented to mentors.
For additional information on TAMIU’s international programs, contact Shama Ali, associate director, Office of International Engagement, at 956.326.2282, email international@tamiu.edu, or visit offices located in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 206.
University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Additional University information is available online at tamiu.edu and on University social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
