International Education Week at Troy University got under way on Thursday with a proclamation signing by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and an international trivia night at B. Graves on the Square in downtown Troy.
On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Ivey, flanked by international students from TROY, proclaimed Nov. 13-17 as International Education Week and commended Troy University for the leadership it provides as Alabama’s International University, enrolling students from around the world. The proclamation noted that international education has an annual impact of almost $34 billion on the U.S. economy and an annual impact of approximately $262 million to Alabama’s economy.
Joining Gov. Ivey for the proclamation signing were Troy University international students Ye Yuan of China, Tamara Arystanbekova of Kyrgyzstan, Most Shapla Khatun of Bangladesh, Chau Minh Cu of Vietnam, Komal of India, Sital Singh Thapa of Nepal, Ritusa Kulung Rai of Nepal and Elima Azizmurat Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan.
The week is full of events at TROY – some exclusively for international students – both celebrating diversity and providing opportunities for domestic and international students to meet.
“We do study abroad trips, but not everybody can do that,” said Maria Frigge, Dean of International Student Services. “International Education Week is a way we bring the cultures of our students to campus and give everyone a chance to learn about other cultures.”
Events for the week include a soccer tournament, presentations from professors and “Taste of the World,” which includes a bake off and a photo contest. The events provide both social and learning opportunities for students.
“It’s important for students nowadays to be globally aware and be able to work with people from different cultures,” said Frigge. “It doesn’t really matter where you’re going to work, you’re going to meet people from all over the world.”
The week will culminate with the annual International Student Cultural Organization Festival, which is set for 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 in the Trojan Center. Tickets for the event, which includes dinner and performances by international and domestic students at TROY, are $12 for students and $17 for non-students if purchased in advance of the event. An additional $5 fee will be added for tickets purchased at the door. Tickets can be purchased in the International Student Services Office in room 008 of Hawkins Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.
The schedule of International Education Week activities is as follows:
- Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m. – International Trivia, B. Graves
- Sunday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. – International Soccer Tournament, Intramural Fields
- Monday, Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m. – Cricket Demo, CHMS
- Monday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – International Blood Drive, Barnes & Noble Patio
- Monday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – International Dining Take Over, Dining Hall
- Monday, Nov. 13, 2-4 p.m. – Race around the World, Camp Butter and Egg
- Tuesday, Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m. – United Against Hate Crime, Ballroom B
- Tuesday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – International Dining Take Over, Dining Hall
- Tuesday, Nov. 14, 12-1 p.m. – Education through Int. Experience, Library
- Tuesday, Nov. 14, 5:30-7 p.m. – WBB and MBB International Themed, Trojan Arena
- Wednesday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Taste of the World, Main Quad
- Wednesday, Nov. 15, 3 p.m. – 60th Anniversary of JFK’s Assassination: History Department Impact and Legacy, MSCX 114/Rhinehart Auditorium
- Wednesday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m. – Bingo Night, Ballroom
- Thursday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. – Priya Comic Book Series: A Voice for Gender Equality and Activism, Virtual
- Thursday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m. – ISCO Festival, Trojan Center
