This content was published: October 29, 2010. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
International Education Week full of fashion, culture, education
Photos and story by James Hill
One of Portland Community College’s hidden gems is set to shine.
In conjunction with a national push to honor study-abroad programs, Portland Community College is hosting its eighth annual International Education Week from Nov. 15-19. Running the PCC event are staff and students from the college’s growing International Education Program. With 700 students from 90 countries, these students will showcase their cultures and countries at all of the four major campuses in addition to hosting guest lectures on a range of international topics.
There will be plenty of entertainment at International Education Week that will highlight its student diversity and explore important topics.
PCC has been growing its International Education Program to help meet its mission of meeting diversity goals established by the Board of Directors. The top nations represented at PCC include South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, China, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to name a handful. International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of Education. It is open and free to the public.
International Education Week highlights include:
“Polynesian Revue” – Monday, Nov. 15
12:45 – 1:30 p.m., Moriarty Arts and Humanities Auditorium, Cascade Campus
Enjoy a lively dance performance by Kukui Productions. This group will impress with their island-style moves and music.
“PCC Sylvania’s Got International Talent” – Monday, Nov. 15
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., The Little Theater, Sylvania Campus
This talent show will feature international students, staff and faculty. From dance numbers to singing to any skill under the sun, the show will feature plenty of international flare.
“Asian Giants: Prospects for Conflict & Cooperation Regarding India and China” – Monday, Nov. 15
6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Room 146, Tabor Hall, Southeast Center
Presenter Michael Sonnleitner, PCC political science instructor and 2010 Fulbright Scholar in India, will talk about how India and China now comprise nearly 2.4 billion people (35 percent of the planet’s population). The countries are emerging as economic powerhouses and have increasing nuclear weapons capabilities. Together, these Asian giants could cooperate to make the world a much more prosperous and peaceful place rather than war. Reception at 6:30 p.m. Lecture starts at 7 p.m.
The International Showcases at all of the campuses feature the countries represented in PCC's student body.
The International Showcases at all of the campuses feature the countries represented in PCC's student body.
“International Fashion Show” – Tuesday, Nov. 16
7 – 9 p.m., The Forum, Building 3, Rock Creek Campus
International students will display their dazzling traditional attire and share international talent from their home countries.
“International Celebration Dinner” – Wednesday, Nov. 17
6 – 9 p.m., Events Center, Rock Creek Campus
This event is in celebration of International Education Week and in recognition of PCC’s international students. The evening will include a buffet-style dinner with Mediterranean, Asian and Latin American food, numerous performers, special raffles, and cultural activities. Advance purchase tickets are $5 each and are available by calling (971) 722-7150.
“Where I’m From: Complex Latino Identities in the U.S.” – Friday, Nov. 19
Noon – 1 p.m., Room 124 Terrell Hall, Cascade Campus
PCC students and staff members will describe their diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds in a panel format. The panelists will also discuss their understanding of and responses to societal categories such as Latino/Latina, Chicano/Chicana and Hispanic. Refreshments will be provided.
PCC’s International Education Program offers academic and immigration advising, and a comprehensive student activities program to introduce its students to Oregon and American culture. It also has a healthy study abroad component for PCC students to discover what life is like in another country. Opportunities include taking credit courses in Costa Rica, Italy, England, Mexico and Spain.
For more activities during International Education Week, visit the PCC website: www.pcc.edu/about/events/international
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »