KINGSTON, R.I., Oct. 16, 2015 – Do Americans see China’s growing influence in the world as a threat or an opportunity?
American University Professor Jie Lu will tackle this question during a talk at the University of Rhode Island to celebrate International Education Week.
The lecture – “How Do Americans View the Rising China?” – is one of many events from Nov. 16 through 20 to give students, faculty and staff a chance to embrace global learning.
International Education Week has been a success since it was launched in 2011. Over the years, it has taken on greater importance as URI transforms itself into a global institution.
“At URI, International Education Week is a weeklong celebration of international education opportunities at URI, regionally and beyond,” says Kathleen Ramcharran, program coordinator. “As a collaborative effort among URI colleges and departments, the event advances the University’s role as a center for global learning.”
The 18 events, all free and open to the public, are being held in the Memorial Union, Multicultural Center, Edwards Hall, Lippitt Hall and other buildings on URI’s main campus in Kingston.
Here are some highlights:
* “Leadership Lessons from the Global Millennial Generation,” a Nov. 16 keynote presentation by Scott Beale, founder and CEO of Atlas Corps, a program that helps students become leaders for social change. Beale will discuss his beginnings at a small state university to his roles with the U.S. Department of State and in the White House. He’ll focus on how students can initiate social change.
Those unable to attend the Nov. 16 lecture can watch it live online at URI Live! 
* “Going Global: Finding an International Program That Is Right You.” The College of Nursing and former nursing students will share their experiences overseas. Students who are not studying nurses are welcome to attend too.
* “Gilman International Scholarships to Study and Intern Abroad.” The program offers scholarships to undergraduate students of limited financial means. Students can talk to recipients of the Gilman about their experiences and how to apply for the scholarships.
* “The Women on the 6th Floor,” a 2011 comedy set in Paris in 1960 that focuses on Spanish maids who flee the Franco regime and seek work in France. The film is in French and Spanish with English subtitles. A short discussion will follow the screening.
* “Benefits to Studying Abroad for Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design Students.” A representative from Accademia Italiana, an art and design school in Florence, will talk about opportunities to study for a summer, semester or year at their schools in Florence and Rome.
* “The Tibet Within: A Documentary on Tibetan Struggle in Exile,” a film that brings viewers into the world of people who have lived in exile since 1959. The film captures the peaceful struggles of the Tibetan diaspora. A discussion will follow.
* A session about how students can pay for a study abroad program. Students will learn about financial aid and scholarships, as well as strategies about how to save money.
* “Identity and Culture,” a workshop that explores how cultures influence a person’s identity. Participants will be asked to think of labels they place on themselves and whether these labels create harmony or conflict.
* “Celebration of International Student Life at URI.” Flags that represent the home countries of this year’s new class will be unveiled at the Memorial Union. International cuisine, study abroad information and international student poster presentations depicting their student experience at URI are just a few of the activities to explore at this exciting event.
There will also be a collection for needy children throughout the world, information sessions about how to obtain a passport and screenings of Chinese films.
Started in 2000, International Education Week is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education. It is part of a larger effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global economy and encourage international scholars and leaders to study in America.
For more details, please contact Kathleen Ramcharran at ramcharran@uri.edu.
International Education Week 2015 is sponsored by URI’s Office of International Education in partnership with Accademia Italiana, A.C.E. English Language Institute at URI, Boston Passport Agency, Bridges International – URI Chapter, Bristol Post Office, Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, Chinese Culture Club, Chinese Language Flagship Program, Chinese Students and Scholars Association, College of Nursing, Confucius Institute at URI, Dean of Students Office, Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, Department of Political Science, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design, Division of Student Affairs, Gender and Women’s Studies, Health Services, Memorial Union Enhancement Committee, Office of National Fellowships, Office of the Provost, Office of Student Life, The Memorial Union Board, Total Image Hair Salon and the URI Honors Program.
Pictured above: Children in Tibet. Photo by Thupten Tendhar.