The Global Encounters initiative is designed to help internationalize the WKU experience. Global Encounters is a calendar of ongoing and frequent events that bring the world to WKU. They allow for interaction of people from diverse backgrounds and the sharing of cultures and perspectives. Some events are face to face, some are virtual, some take place within our campus and some in the communality, in small or large groups … they all engage WKU students to understand the world around them!
On-going Activities
UE175 Bridging the GAP
Global Academic Partners University Experience with a twist! CRN’s 37804 and 37806.
Offered each semester
Cross Cultural Communications Activity
PS 250 class meets with ESLI Level 3 class (once each semester)
International Crossroads
This project matches small groups of WKU international students with local residents in the Bowling Green, Kentucky vicinity for a weekend. If you are interested, visit http://www.wku.edu/oip/internationalcrossroads
Can’t Stop Talking!
A weekly gathering that brings international and domestic students get together to exchange culture, work on language skills, play games, and celebrate diversity in fun ways.
Info: shailesh.advani735@wku.edu, 745-3036.
Sponsored by International Student and Scholar Services, and Housing and Residence Life.
PFT, Wednesdays at 5:30pm, beginning September 30.
FALL 2009
International Club Welcome BBQ
ISSS Backyard (1536 State St). 6:00 p.m.
Info: 745-3036
August 28
"The Women of Michoacán: Art and Artists" An exhibition by Mexican artists. Sponsored by KIIS (Kentucky Institute for International Studies), the Ministry of Culture of Michoacán, and the WKU Departments of Art and Modern Languages. Info: melissa.stewart@wku.edu 745-5935.
http://kiis.org/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=107&Itemid=29
WKU University Gallery. FAC 2 nd floor.
August 31 - September 25
Study Abroad & Global Learning Info Session
Scholarship and study abroad opportunities are shared at tables and an open session. Designed to help students rediscover study abroad.
Sponsored by Study Abroad & Global Learning.
Info: judy.scott@wku.edu, 745-5334.
DUC Lobby.
September 9
International Tent at Tailgating
Enjoy a good time and have some food at the International Tent at every tailgating before football games!
Look for a large red and white tent with WKU red towel on it!
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs
Info: dustin.mcwhorter@wku.edu, 745-7002.
Tentative Location: Parking Lot on College Heights Blvd. between DUC and Preston. 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
September 12
ConstitutionWeek "The Constitution and Global Encounters"
A series of activities that highlight written documents, political action, legal systems, and personalities in the global community.
Sponsored by the Political Engagement Project
Info: saundra.ardrey@wku.edu, 745-4558.
September 14 - 18
“Far Away Places: Slovenia”
Guest Speaker: Debbie Kretzer, WKU Dept, of Geography & Geology.
Sponsored by Friends of WKU Libraries and Kentucky Museum
Info: brian.coutts@wku.edu, 745-6121.
Barnes & Noble Café, 1680 Campbell Lane, Bowling Green. 7-8pm
September 17
International Tent at Tailgating
Enjoy a good time and have some food at the International Tent at every tailgating before football games!
Look for a large red and white tent with WKU red towel on it!
Blvd. between DUC and Preston. 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs
Info: dustin.mcwhorter@wku.edu, 745-7002.
Tentative Location: Parking Lot on College Heights
September 19
Film: *Water*
A film directed and written by Deepa Mehta, nominated to the Academy Awards in 2005. It is set in 1938 and explores the lives of widows at an ashram in Varanasi, India. Followed by a discussion led by Dr. Jeff Samuels.Sponsored by Women’s Studies and the Department of Religion and Philosophy. Info: womensstudies@wku.edu
MMTH Auditorium, 7:30pm
September 22
WKU International Students Participate in the BG International Festival
Tables with information, food, display, activities, as well as performances!
Info: shailesh.advani735@wku.edu, 745-3036. www.bginternationalfest.com
Circus Square Park, 9am-7pm
September 26
International Affairs Oktoberfest
A month of featured speakers, film series, a social gathering, a food festival, small group encounters, International Jeopardy, and other activities to kick off the new International Affairs major.
Sponsored by the Department of Political Science.
Info: roger.murphy@wku.edu
October
“Far Away Places: Namibia”
Guest Speaker: David Keeling, Dept of Geography & Geology, WKU
Sponsored by Friends of WKU Libraries and Kentucky Museum
Info: brian.coutts@wku.edu, 745-6121.
Barnes & Noble Café, 1680 Campbell Lane, Bowling Green. 7-8pm
October 1
Peace Corps Information Meeting
Life is calling! Come learn about Peace Corps! We will have a videoconference with regional recruiter Mark Kittrell, informational materials, and a Q&A session with Peace Corps returnees.
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs
Info: oip@wku.edu, 745-3036.
MMTH 250, 12-1pm
October 2
International Club Meeting
Info: international.club@wku.edu. DUC 7pm.
October 5
Film: *Raise Red Lantern*
An award-winning 1991 Chinese-Hong Kong-Taiwanese co-produced film, directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Gong Li. It is an adaptation by Ni Zhen of the 1990 novel Wives and Concubines by Su Ton. Set in the 1920s, the film tells the story of a young woman who becomes one of the concubines of a wealthy man during the Warlord Era. Modern Chinese historian, Dr. May Du, will facilitate a discussion to follow the film. Sponsored by Women's Studies. Info: womensstudies@wku.edu.
MMTH Auditorium, 7:30pm
October 6
Enjoy a good time and have some food at the International Tent at every tailgating before football games!
Look for a large red and white tent with WKU red towel on it!
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs
Info: dustin.mcwhorter@wku.edu, 745-7002.
Tentative Location: Parking Lot on College Heights Blvd. between DUC and Preston. 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
October 10
How to Save a Rainforest
Dr. Michael McColm, the International Director for Nature and Culture International, will visit Western Kentucky University to speak to students and meet with officials from the Ogden College of Science and Engineering’s biology department. Among the topics to be discussed are possibilities for collaborative use of the nearly half a million acres of reserves that Nature and Culture International has access to in Southern Ecuador and Northern Peru, and local comparisons to conservation work in Kentucky.
October 15 , noon, Pizza Luncheon. Info: ouida.meier@wku.edu.
October 16 , 2pm, Snell Hall 2113,“How To save a Rainforest” presentation open to the public.
Sponsored by Ogden College, Dept. of Biology, and Office of International Programs.
Study Abroad Fair # 1
Faculty present upcoming trips and study abroad providers set up tables so that students can learn about study abroad opportunities.
Info: judy.scott@wku.edu , 745-5334.
Downing University Center
October 15
International Tent at Tailgating
Enjoy a good time and have some food at the International Tent at every tailgating before football games!
Look for a large red and white tent with WKU red towel on it!
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs
Info: dustin.mcwhorter@wku.edu, 745-7002.
Tentative Location: Parking Lot on College Heights Blvd. between DUC and Preston. 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
October 17
Immigration: Saudade do future or Grandma has a Video Camera
Latin American Film Series
Sponsored by Dept. of Modern Languages
Info: marc.eagle@wku.edu, 745-7026
CH 125, 5pm
October 26
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Exhibition
Sponsored by University Centers.
Info: trinity.gonzalez@wku.edu, 745-5794.
Downing University Center
November 1 - 8
Drug Trafficking: Maria Llena Eres de Gracia or Fronteras de la Coca
Latin American Film Series
Sponsored by Dept. of Modern Languages
Info: marc.eagle@wku.edu, 745-7026.
CH 125, 5pm
November 3
Homecoming
International Students participate in homecoming! Look for the International Tent at tailgating, the International Club at the parade, and much more!
Info: oip@wku.edu, 745-3036.
November 7
International Tent at Tailgating
Enjoy a good time and have some food at the International Tent at every tailgating before football games!
Look for a large red and white tent with WKU red towel on it!
Tentative Location: Parking Lot on College Heights Blvd. between DUC and Preston. 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs
Info: dustin.mcwhorter@wku.edu, 745-7002.
November 7
International Club Meeting
Info: international.club@wku.edu. DUC 7pm.
November 9
Film: *Daughters of the Dust*
A 1991 independent film written and directed by Julie Dash. It tells the story of three generations of Gullah women at the turn of the 20th century and focuses on the family's migration from the Sea Islands to the American mainland. Featuring an unusual narrative device, the film is told by an unborn child. The movie gained critical praise, for both its rich language and use of song, and for its use of imagery. Info: womensstudies@wku.edu
MMTH Auditorium, 7:30pm
November 9
Globalization and Poverty: Maquilapolis
Latin American Film Series
Sponsored by Dept. of Modern Languages
Info: marc.eagle@wku.edu, 745-7026
CH 210, 5pm
November 11
- Afican Drum Corps performance - Info: johnston.njoku@wku.edu- FAC Colonnade, 2pm, Nov 16
- World Drum Circle on the Hill– 2-4pm, Nov 17
- From Bosnia to Bowling Green - Discussion and Photo Exhibition - MMTH Auditorium, 5-8pm, Nov 17
- The Spice of Rice! Food tasting and presentations on rice cultures around the world—Noon, Nov 19
- o.s.Earth Global Simulation: How Would You Run the World? - www.osearth.com—5:30-9:30pm, Nov 19
- Geography Awareness Day - South Campus Lobby - 10am-1pm, Nov 20
- Study Abroad & Global Learning Research Symposium. Students present the academic impact of their study abroad experience.
- Global Learning Faculty Forum
- "Let’s Talk Turkey…(we mean the country)" Political science and art students engage in direct dialogue via video conferencing with students at Yeditepe University in Turkey.
Info: oip@wku.edu
November 16 - 20
“Far Away Places: The Baker’s Boy ”
Guest Speaker: Barry Kitterman, Dept of Languages & Literature, Austin Peay State University
Sponsored by Friends of WKU Libraries and Kentucky Museum
Info: brian.coutts@wku.edu, 745-6121.
Barnes & Noble Café, 1680 Campbell Lane, Bowling Green. 7-8pm
November 19
International Tent at Tailgating
Enjoy a good time and have some food at the International Tent at every tailgating before football games!
Look for a large red and white tent with WKU red towel on it!
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs
Info: dustin.mcwhorter@wku.edu, 745-7002.
Tentative Location: Parking Lot on College Heights Blvd. between DUC and Preston. 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
December 3
WINTER BREAK
OIP Seeks Volunteers to Share the Holidays with an International Student
SPRING 2010
Modern Languages Film Festival
Spring 2010
Study Abroad & Global Learning Info Session
Scholarship and study abroad opportunities are shared at tables and an open session. Designed to help students rediscover study abroad.
Info: judy.scott@wku.edu, 745-5334.
Week of Feb 1
WKU Athletics International Night
WKU vs Florida International University
February
Global Learning Faculty Forum
Session to share experience leading students abroad.
Info: judy.scott@wku.edu, 745-5334.
Early Feb 2010
International Theme Night: China
An annual evening of cultural exchange, international food, fellowship and fun.
Sponsored by the Honors College and the International Club.
Info: nicole.stratten@wku.edu
February 17
“Far Away Places: Ghana”
Guest Speaker: Saundra Ardrey, Dept of Political Science, WKU
Sponsored by Friends of WKU Libraries and Kentucky Museum
Info: brian.coutts@wku.edu, 745-6121.
Barnes & Noble Café, 1680 Campbell Lane, Bowling Green. 7-8pm
February 18
Interfaith Dialogue on Earth Care
A multi-faith look at caring for the planet.
Sponsored by the WKU Dept. of Philosphy and Religion.
Info: bella.mukonyora@wku.edu , 745-5754.
February 19-20
Study Abroad & Global Learning Fair # 2
Faculty present upcoming trips and study abroad providers set up tables so that students can
learn about all study abroad opportunities.
Info: judy.scott@wku.edu, 745-5334.
Week of March 1
A Ride on the Underground Railroad
American and international students share American history with a field trip to sites on the Underground Railroad and to the Cincinnati Freedom Museum.
Sponsored by the African American Studies Program and the International Club
Info: saundra.ardrey@wku.edu, 745-4558.
March
“Far Away Places: The Road to Santiago and Pilgrimage”
Guest Speaker: John Moore, Professor of Spanish, UAB
Sponsored by Friends of WKU Libraries and Kentucky Museum
Info: brian.coutts@wku.edu, 745-6121.
Barnes & Noble Café, 1680 Campbell Lane, Bowling Green. 7-8pm
March 25
WKU International Olympiad “Brains and Brawn”
March or April
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of freedom in Latin America and the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. Featured speakers, music, and films.
Sponsored by the Political Engagement Project, the Office of Diversity Programs, and the Dept. of Modern Languages.
Info: oip@wku.edu, 745-3036
March and April
Latin American Independence Cookout
Sponsored by the Political Engagement Project
Info: saundra.ardrey@wku.edu, 745-4558.
April
Why Do They Hate Us? Perceptions of Americans in the Middle East—a dialogue.
Dr. Soleiman Kiasatpour, Dept of Political Science, WKU
Info: soleiman.kiasatpour@wku.edu, 745-6359
April
Black Talk: A dialogue between African and African American students.
Sponsored by Dr. Bella Mukonyora, Department of Philosophy and Religion, and the
African American Studies Program.
Info: bella.mukonyora@wku.edu, 745-5754.
April 8
“Far Away Places: Alaska”
Guest Speaker: Michael Trapasso, Dept of Geography & Geology, WKU
Sponsored by Friends of WKU Libraries and Kentucky Museum
Info: brian.coutts@wku.edu, 745-6121.
Barnes & Noble Café, 1680 Campbell Lane, Bowling Green. 7-8pm
April 15
Study Abroad Fair # 2 – DUC
Providers and presenters from many study abroad programs - both WKU and partner organizations.
Downing University Center
Info: judy.scott@wku.edu, 745-5334.
April 15
Citizen Democracy Latin American Style
Discussion on relevant topics, such as: the independence of Latin American nations, the Mexican Revolution, democracy and minority oppression in Latin America, as well as present US relations with Latin America emphasizing the case of Cuba and the Andean region.
Info: sonia.lenk@wku.edu, 745-5906.
April
International Night
This major event is a culmination of the year’s international activities. Food, fun, games, prizes, awards, and a variety of multicultural presentations!
Sponsored by University Centers with the collaboration of the Office of International Programs.
Info: trinity.gonzalez@wku.edu, 745-5794.
Downing University Center 4 th floor
April 23
SUMMER 2010
World Cup Events
June – July
4 th of July Baseball and Fireworks!
WKU International Club and OIP sponsored trip to Hot Rods game for a truly American experience!
July 4
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> Global Encounters defined (pdf)
Office of International Programs
1906 College Heights Boulevard #11064
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1064
Phone: (270) 745-5334 • Fax: (270) 745-2883
Email Us. WKU@2009