UCF’s annual International Education Week will feature an inspirational advocate for social change, a Study Abroad Fair and students competing for the coveted “World Cup.”
Musician and social entrepreneur Derrick Ashong will speak at the International Breakfast on Monday, Nov. 15. An advocate for social change, Ashong has been referred to as “the voice of a new generation.” In a presentation titled “Helping the World: Our Generation Can Truly Create a More Just Planet,” he plans to discuss the power of peace and encourage students to become involved in their community.
A graduate of Harvard University, Ashong received a Ph.D. in African-American Studies and Ethnomusicology. He is on the board of directors for Children Mending Hearts, and he hosts Sirius XM’s Oprah Radio talk show.
An annual celebration of international education and exchange worldwide, International Education Week invites students to attend cultural events, fairs, and workshops held throughout the week. Held at schools throughout the country, the week is a joint initiative between the U.S. departments of State and Education.
All of the International Education Week events are free and open to the public.
Students and other attendees can taste cuisines from around the world, learn about study abroad programs and witness performances from multicultural student organizations. More than a dozen UCF departments are involved with this year’s activities.
For the third year in a row, students will have the opportunity to compete in the UCF World Cup. The seven vs. seven soccer tournament involves students placed on teams representing different countries. They will compete throughout the week for the coveted “World Cup.”
The tournament is sponsored by the UCF Recreation and Wellness Center, and students and staff and faculty members are encouraged to cheer on their favorite teams and countries. Games will be played on the intramural fields behind the Barbara Ying Center.
The Orange County Clerk of Courts will participate in the UCF Study Abroad Fair and will accept passport applications. Applicants must bring with them a completed passport application form DS-11, available online.
The Study Abroad Fair will take place Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Pegasus Ballroom of the Student Union. For more information regarding that event or the passport application process, contact Maureen Waked at 407-882-2305.
The Burnett Honors College will host Tastes of the World, Tuesday, Nov.16, at 11 a.m. For a $5 donation, students, faculty and staff can taste cuisines from various countries. The event will feature an Indian dance performance at noon, followed by a Latin dance. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network.
The week will end with the 21st annual International Fair, a cultural expo featuring native dishes, performances, and displays from more than 25 multicultural student organizations. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, in the Pegasus Ballroom.
UCF participants in International Education Week include the International Services Center, Office of Global Perspectives, Office of International Studies, College of Education, Faculty Center, International Student Association, Colombian Student Association, Recreation and Wellness Center, Dining Services, Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies, Student Development and Enrollment Services, UCF Libraries, Burnett Honors College, Career Services, Office for Corporate Partnerships and Career Management, Experiential Learning, UCF Police Department and Victim Services.