KINGSTON, R.I.- November 6, 2017- Taste the World, Internship in Ireland, Ping Pong for Peace, Diwali 2017, and an opportunity to view the 123 flags that represent the heritages of URI students are just some of the activities at the University of Rhode Island’s 8th annual International Education Week. The theme of this year’s series, Global Transformation: Are you thinking big? aims to enhance international awareness across campus, as well as supporting global learning opportunities at URI, nationally and abroad.
Initiated by the U.S. Departments of State and Education, International Education Week at URI is Nov. 13 through 18. For a full calendar of events, click here.
International Education Week coordinator Sarah Lopolito of the College of Education and Professional Studies is looking forward to the wide range of events and activities. “Taste the World is always a highlight, as is the panel of international students discussing their experiences here in the United States,” Lopolito said. “While the events are very different from each other, they truly serve the mission of International Education Week: to emphasize how international education can be transformative whether it involves traveling to a foreign country or listening to someone from a different culture right here on campus.”
Paula Santos, a specialist with University Events who has assisted in planning the week’s activities, is particularly looking forward to Ping Pong for Peace, an idea cultivated after conversations with Paul Bueno de Mesquita of the Center for Nonviolence and Peace studies, who is hosting the ping pong tournament.
“Last year, Ping Pong for Peace was more informal than originally planned and was very successful. Any funds raised were donated to an orphanage in Nepal. This year, any monetary contributions will be donated to hurricane relief in Puerto Rico,” Santos said. “Entry to the event is a $1 donation and all others are greatly appreciated.”
Ping Pong for Peace will be held Thursday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom. Students who attend will have the opportunity to compete against one another for various prizes, all while raising money for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico.
“International Education Week is consistent with President Dooley’s transformational goals aimed at internationalizing and globalizing URI. Ping Pong for Peace fulfills these goals, is all about diversity and invites everyone to come together in a fun and educational way,” said Santos.
International Education Week is sponsored by the Office of International Education.
Olivia Ross, an intern in the Marketing and Communications Department at URI and public relations major, wrote this press release.