The University will join colleges and universities across the country in observation of International Education Week, beginning today.

Although this year marks the fourth anniversary of International Education Week, it will be the first time the University is participating in the event.

“We want to show the country that international education is important,” said Sally Raymont, associate director of the Center for International Programs. The Center, along with the Education Abroad Program and various other departments on campus, is sponsoring activities in observation of the week.

Because international activities are offered at the University throughout the year, said Raymont, there was no need to create events specifically for the observation of International Education Week.

“We pulled together events with international themes,” Raymont said. “We’ve always planned events throughout the whole year.”

International Education Week was first officially observed in 2000 as part of President Clinton’s international education policy. This week, four years later, the event will be celebrated across the United States and at U.S. embassies and cultural centers around the world.

International Education Week Events:

Today 7 p.m., 206 Union

Dr. Frank Goza, associate professor of sociology, will discuss “Demography and International Studies.”

Tomorrow 11 a.m.-1 p.m., first floor of Union

Education abroad will have a display with information about studying abroad.

8 p.m., 222 Union

The World Student Association is sponsoring “Cup of Culture – Bulgaria and Russia.”

Wednesday 12:30 p.m., 228 Union and 8 p.m., Bryan Recital Hall

The St. Petersburg Quartet will give two concerts.

Thursday 7:30 p.m., 207 Union

The German, Russian and East Asian languages department is sponsoring an International Forum featuring readings by Lucas Cejpek and Margret Kreidl, writers from Vienna, Austria.

Friday 8 p.m., Eva Marie Saint Theatre

The Department of Theatre and Film is sponsoring a performance of “Fiddler on the Roof.”