November 16-22, 2008:  "Purdue International Week," held the third week in November, runs concurrent to "International Education Week" (IEW) which this year is from November 17-21. IEW is an internationally recognized initiative, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.

During Purdue International Week, the Purdue community has an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many cultures that are represented here by its students, scholars and faculty. Currently, over 5,500 international students and 750 international faculty and staff from 130 countries are either working or studying at Purdue. A number of departments, including PSUB and ISS and student organizations are sponsoring events for the week. For a complete listing of sponsors, scheduled activities and events, visit http://www.purdue.edu/piw or "Purdue International Week 2008" on Facebook.

On Sunday, November 16, "The Amazing Race" will kick off the week. Other events include a Singaporean Food Festival, a Russian film night, Polish dance lessons, Chinese cultural displays and beginning conversation lessons in over ten languages. All events are open to Purdue students, faculty and staff, as well as the Greater Lafayette community.

Purdue International Week is coordinated by the "Purdue International Week Team," a student organization committed to promoting international educational exchange at Purdue during IEW.

In addition to events happening on the Purdue campus during IEW, Purdue international student volunteers will go to local schools - Burnett Creek Elementary, Klondike Middle School and Central Catholic Junior and Senior High School - to share with the students some of the special cultural aspects found in their home countries. During IEW, schools, universities, international and community organizations and area businesses are encouraged "to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the U.S." (U.S. Department of State)

For more information, contact Priyanka Surana at psurana@purdue.edu, president of the Purdue International Week Team, or Beth Tucker at tuckerb@purdue.edu, ISS Co-Coordinator of Programming and Engagement.