Gadsden, Ala.— The Division of Languages and Humanities, the Alabama Language Institute and the Students Without Borders Club at Gadsden State Community College will celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide during International Education Week Nov. 18-22.
Gadsden State has an impressive history in international programming. The Alabama Language Institute opened in 1973 and is the oldest English language institute in the Southeast. It has a longstanding tradition of helping students enhance their English proficiency to meet their personal and professional goals.
“ALI enhances language skills and provides a supportive environment where students at any proficiency level can learn English, learn about American culture, and connect with peers around the world,” said Patricia Wilborn, ALI director and chair of the Division of Languages and Humanities. “ALI empowers students to build confidence, open doors to new opportunities and fully engage in their educational journey in the U.S.”
IEW will kick-off on Nov. 18 with an emailed video featuring U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who will explain the importance of international education. IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.
“International Education Week is an important opportunity to celebrate cultural exchange, learning and global understanding,” Wilborn said. “This week allows our students to broaden their perspectives and appreciate the rich diversity that connects us all.”
She said this year’s IEW theme is “Explore.”
“The theme ‘Explore’ encourages everyone to dive deeper into unfamiliar cultures, languages and ideas,” Wilborn said. “It’s about opening ourselves to new experiences and understanding the world beyond our own borders.”
Nov. 18 will kick off the four-day digital trivia contest open to Gadsden State students and employees. Through Nov. 21, trivia questions pertaining to the history of International Programs at the College will be emailed. Winners will receive international items from ALI.
On Nov. 19, the popular International Tea will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in ALI’s new home on the second floor of Allen Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus. This event is open to the public and will feature teas and other beverages from such countries such as Ukraine, Togo, Jordan, the Congo, Guatemala and Vietnam.
On Nov. 20, Faith Dobbs, academic advisor, will provide information on study abroad opportunities for American students. The information session will be 1-2 p.m. in Room 239 of Allen Hall.
The finale event will be the showing of an international film at 3 p.m. Nov. 21 in Room 126 of Allen Hall. The title of the film will be announced later.
The Cardinal Arts Journal is also teaming up with Students Without Borders to develop a special section for the CAJ’s upcoming issue in observance of IEW. Current and former international students at Gadsden State are encouraged to submit stories, poems and artwork to be included In the Cardinal Perspectives section of the “Telling Our Stories” issue. Submissions should be sent to cardinalartsjournal@gadsdenstate.edu by Nov. 16.
“During International Education Week, our hope is that students and employees will participate in the week’s activities in order to connect with diverse cultures and explore what it means to be part of a global community,” Wilborn said. “It’s a chance to learn, engage and grow together.”
Currently, Gadsden State has over 40 internationally-born students from 21 countries that represent over 50 language groups around the world.
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