INTERNATIONAL WEEK

International Week 2008 Image Gallery

APRIL 05 - 12, 2008

International Week 2008 Welcome Remarks

To the George Mason University Community:

We are delighted to welcome you to the 2008 International Week at George Mason University. For the twenty-eighth year, Mason students from around the globe have joined together to develop a program of activities to showcase their countries and cultures and to allow us to learn and participate with them.

International week through the years has grown in its nature and its scope. As more countries are represented on campus, the program offerings have expanded to include them. As the interest and commitment to cross-cultural learning and understanding have grown, more campus and community members have participated. This is very good news for all of us, because our role as global citizens has never been more important.

When you review this year’s International Week program, you will find many activities to challenge and delight you. We hope you will attend as many as you can—not only the ones you remember fondly from past years, but also some that are new and unfamiliar. Make this experience a metaphor for the change we can hope takes place on a global level. Listen. Connect. Participate. And enjoy!

Best wishes,
Judith A. Green, Director of Office of International Programs & Services and Lauren Long, Director of Office of Student Activities

Saturday, April 5

ISU Soccer Tournament

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Practice Fields, below the Field House

Players and fans are invited to an all-day soccer tournament. Teams must register in advance with ISU. Contact Farisa Dastvar at fdastvar@gmu.edu for more information. Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella (ISU) and the Office of Student Activities.

Sunday, April 6

Seventh Annual International Cricket Tournament

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Intramural Practice field No. 4, below the Field House

Teams from GMU compete for a trophy in the fascinating game of cricket. Teams must register in advance with ISU. Contact Nauman Shahid, nshahid1@gmu.edu for more information. Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella (ISU) and the Office of Student Activities

Himalaya: Film

3 p.m., Johnson Center, Cinema

Set in the high mountains of the Himalayan Nepal and embedded in village and caravan life of Tibet, the film depicts traditions and relationships between generations. Sponsored by the Program Board and Center for Asia Pacific Economic Corporation

Monday, April 7

Global Consumerism

9 - 10:30 a.m., Research I, Room 163

Provost Peter Stearns presents a lecture on Global Consumerism. Presentation includes a videoconference with the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Department of Modern & Classical Languages, and Phi Beta Delta.

Opening Ceremony and Parade of Nations

Noon - 1 p.m., North Plaza (Rain site: JC Atrium)

A powerful and colorful display of over 130 nationalities represented on our campus! President of George Mason University Dr. Alan G. Merten will give opening remarks and will preside over the opening ceremony of the 28th annual International Week. To carry a flag in the parade, email oips@gmu.edu.

International Bazaar & Mid-Day Performances

Noon - 3 p.m., North Plaza (Rain site: JC Lower Level)

Food sales, cultural exhibits, demonstrations, documentaries, vendors, music and dance performances and much more at the North Plaza (Rain site: JC Lower Level)
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs & Services and Office of Student Activities

Understanding Indian Dance

2 - 3 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall

Learn the meaning behind the steps, gestures, rhythms and movements that comprise the storytelling of Indian Dance. Understand the cultural significance of Indian dance through music and art in a multi-disciplinary panel presentation and dance workshop. Presenters: Padmarani Rasiah-Cantu (the VA Commission for the Arts dancer), Beth Bullard (Music), and Robert DeCaroli (History & Art History). For information: sgunawar@gmu.edu, (703)993-3964 Sponsored by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Office of International Programs & Services, the Music Department, and the Department of History & Art History

Phi Beta Delta, International Honor Society: Induction and International Honors & Awards Ceremony

3:30 - 5 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall

Induction of students, faculty and staff selected for membership in GMU's Epsilon Chapter, followed by international honors and awards, and a reception. Contact Marcy Glover, (703) 993-8722 for more information.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Phi Beta Delta

Polyglot Performances

5 - 8 p.m., Harris Theater

A showcase of student performances in various languages celebrating linguistic diversity and multicultural understanding at George Mason. Performances include: An Italian operatic aria and dramatic recitation of a canto from Dante's Inferno; Momotaro, a Japanese play; German poetry and songs; Fables de Jean de la Fontaine, a recitation and minimalist dramatization of classic French fables; La cabeza del bautista, Spanish play by Ramón del Valle Inclán. For more information contact Sufumi So at (703)993-4822, sso2@gmu.edu. Sponsored by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages

Bharatha Natyam Dance Performance

6 - 7 p.m. Johnson Center, Cinema

Experience an evening of classical Indian Dance with a performance by renowned dancer Padmarani Rasiah-Cantu. Sponsored by the Office of International Programs & Services, University Life and the VA Commission for the Arts

Tuesday, April 8

Mason Making a Difference: Locally and Globally

10 – 11 a.m., Student Union Building I, Patriots Lounge

Learn how you can make a difference locally and globally by getting involved in volunteering and service-learning. Hear about opportunities and learn from the experiences of Mason students, faculty and staff. Sponsored by the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement and the Office of International Programs and Services

International Bazaar & Mid-Day Performances

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. approximately, North Plaza (Rain Site: JC Lower Level)

Food sales, cultural exhibits, demonstrations, documentaries, vendors and performances at the North Plaza (rain site: JC ground floor)
Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella and Office of Student Activities

International Dance Competition

Noon - 2 p.m., North Plaza (Rain site: Johnson Center, Sid and Reva Dewberry Hall)

Mason's international student clubs present dances from around the world in this colorful and lively competition. Winners will perform at the International Dinner dance on Saturday, April 12.
Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella and Office of Student Activities

A Celebration of International Education

3 - 5 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall

A visual demonstration of Mason's contributions to and achievements in international education. George Mason University was recently awarded the Institute of International Education's Andrew Heiskell Award for our internationalization efforts. Learn about the faculty, staff and students who contribute to the vision and ideals of international education, as schools, departments, institutes and programs at Mason showcase their international/global activities. For more information contact Sandarshi Gunawardena at sgunawar@gmu.edu.
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs and Services

The Devil’s Miner: Film and Panel

7:30 – 9 p.m., Johnson Center, Cinema

A powerful, award-winning film about the crude realities of child labor in Bolivia. A panel discussion will follow the movie. For more information contact Drustva Delgadillo at ddelgadi@gmu.edu Sponsored by the Latin American and Caribbean Working Group, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Wednesday April 9

H1-B and Permanent Residency Workshop

10 - 11 a.m., Johnson Center, Room H (Gold Room)

Challa Law Firm presentation on H1-B Temporary Work Visa and Permanent Residency Options.
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs and Services

Pathways to Full-time Employment in the U.S.: Mason International Alumni Career Panel

11 a.m. - Noon, Johnson Center, Room H (Gold Room)

Come listen to stories from Mason's international alumni on how they successfully got hired into full-time jobs after graduation. They will talk about their experiences on how careful planning, proper marketing of their skills, and luck led them to their current jobs. They will also share insights about mistakes they have observed from their peers, and things they might do differently.
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs and Services and University Career Services

International Bazaar and Mid-Day Performances

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. approximately, North Plaza (Rain Site: JC lower level)

Food sales, cultural exhibits, demonstrations, documentaries, vendors and performances at the North Plaza (rain site: JC lower level).
Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella

A Showcase of Cultures and Global Voices

Noon - 2 p.m., Johnson Center, Sid and Reva Dewberry Hall

Mason's international students showcase their countries and cultures. Learn about the different countries that our students come from and listen to poetry and prose from around the world.
Sponsored by the Office of International Programs and Services

Fiction, Friction, or Fusion? : A Critical Examination of Globalization and its Rhetoric - Movie "Outsourced" and Panel

12:30 - 4 p.m. Johnson Center, Cinema

In the movie Outsourced an American manager of a customer call center in the U.S., is sent to Bombay to train his replacement in an Indian call center, and is a brilliant examination of cultural navigation and cross cultural misunderstanding and assimilation. The movie illustrates that “individuals in every nation are nearly powerless before the global economy, a force that shatters tradition and compels people to think of themselves as self-interested free agents.” (Review: NY Times) The panel following the movie aims to examine the many facets of globalization beyond outsourcing and uses the movie as the springboard for a critical inquiry of globalization and its multiple realties. Sponsored by the India and Globalization Working Group, the Cultural Studies Department, and the Office of International Programs & Services

Confucius Statue Dedication

2 p.m., Grass area by Mason Pont and across from the Concert Hall

George Mason University will be formally accepting and dedicating a bronze statue of Confucius which was donated by the Confucian Academy of China. The event will feature visiting dignitaries (including the President of the Confucian Academy and a direct descendent of Confucius); cultural speeches and demonstrations. For more information contact: Keith Segerson at, segerson@gmu.edu, 703-277-7724. Sponsored by School of Public Policy & the Mason Enterprise Center

“Devil’s Highway”: Author Luis Urrea Reading

7:30 p.m., Center for the Arts

Luis Urrea, the author of Devil’s Highway, speaks on his experiences of writing this book that describes the nightmare journey from Mexico to Arizona of 26 Mexican men and offers a powerful examination of U.S. and Mexican border activities and immigration policies.  For more information contact Debra Shutika at dshutika@gmu.edu Sponsored by the English Department, the Mason Project on Immigration and Fall for the Book

International Talent Show

8 p.m., Johnson Center, Bistro

Enjoy the magic of student talent from around the world.
Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella

Thursday, April 10

International Human Rights Festival

10 a.m.- 4 p.m. North Plaza (Rain site: Student Union I, Patriots Lounge)

Local and international human rights organizations will provide information about local and global efforts that collectively address human rights issues across the globe to help create a more just and peaceful world.  For more information contact Erin Neff at eneff@gmu.edu. Sponsored by the Mason chapter of Amnesty International  

International Bazaar & Mid-Day Performances

11 a.m. - 3 p.m., North Plaza (Rain Site: JC Lower Level)

Food sales, cultural exhibits, demonstrations, documentaries, vendors and performances at the North Plaza (rain site: JC ground floor)
Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella

International Fashion Show

Noon - 2 p.m. Johnson Center, Sid and Reva Dewberry Hall

A captivating and vibrant showcase of ethnic, traditional and modern fashions from around the world presented by Mason students.
Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella and affiliated clubs.

Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Tibet

3 – 4:00 p.m., Johnson Center Cinema

Life, religion, and history through personal experiences. A panel with Daja Wangchuk and Phuni Meston, and Xiaojuan Liu. Book signing by Daja, author of "Comes the Peace: My Journey to Forgiveness" following the event. For more information contact, Cheryl Choy at (703) 993-2151 or cchoy@gmu.edu. Sponsored by the Center for Asia Pacific Economic Corporation

The Effects of U.S. Immigration Policy on People

3 - 4:15 p.m., Student Union II, Ballroom

A panel of experts discusses the impact of U. S. Immigration Policy. Presenters: Deirdre Moloney, Woodrow Wilson Center (historical issues), Cristina Finch, Human Rights Campaign (LGBTQ issues), Peter Mandaville, Center for Global Studies (academic freedom issues), Tiffiany Howard, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (forced migration and international refugees). A Mason Text and Community event. For more information contact Claire Snyder at rcsnyder@gmu.edu. Sponsored by the Democracy Project

International Reception, Arlington Campus

5 - 7:30 p.m., Arlington Original, Room 329

The reception will feature networking with internationally-focused organizations about study abroad, volunteer and employment opportunities; interaction with Arlington Campus students and faculty members engaged in international activities; a tasty international cuisine catered by local restaurants; an international recipe exchange and more!
For more information or if you have a great recipe to include in the recipe exchange, please contact Lori Cohen, University Life Coordinator, at lcohen@gmu.edu or 993-4495. Sponsored by University Life

Russian Culture Night

5:30 - 11 p.m., Johnson Center, Bistro

Come and join us in celebrating the diversity of Russian culture in an evening showcasing talent, music, poetry and authentic Russian cuisine. A discotheque party will culminate the event. For more information contact: Efrata Yitbarek eyitbare@gmu.edu Sponsored by the GMU Russian Club

Darfur: Film

6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Johnson Center, Cinema

A penetrating look at what genocide means now for the Sudanese people. Sponsored by the GMU Film Club

Filipino Night

7 – 11 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall

Share in the rich traditions of the Filipino culture in an educational evening filled with dance, music and food. Funds will be raised for Gawad Kalinga, a philanthropic project that helps build homes in the Philippines. For more information contact Vincent Lacsamana at vlacsama@gmu.edu. Sponsored by the Filipino Cultural Association

Friday April 11

Forum on Globalization

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Johnson Center, Room D and E (third floor)

This forum for students, faculty, and staff will focus on the opportunities and effects of globalization/ internationalization on individuals, local communities, and the world. The forum will include sessions on varied topics as well as a guest speaker during lunch. Please register by contacting Kathy Trump at ktrump@gmu.edu,or (703)993-3659 by April 04, 2008. Sponsored by University Life

International Field Day

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North Plaza (Rain Site Dewberry Hall & Lobby)

Try your hand at games and contests from around the world.
Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella Office of Student Activities and Office of International Programs and Services

Between Midnight and a Rooster’s Crow: Film

2 – 3:30 p.m., Johnson Center, Cinema

An award-winning film about the environmental consequences of the production, consumption and continued exploration of ‘black gold’ in Ecuador’s rain forest. and the struggles faced by indigenous communities. Sponsored by the Latin American and Caribbean Working Group, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution.

Chinese Culture Night

5 -11 p.m., Johnson Center, Bistro

Come learn about China, the host of the 2008 Olympic Games, through performances, games and a night of karaoke. For more information contact Qiuyi Jiang at qjiang2@gmu.edu. Sponsored by the Chinese Students & Scholars Association

African Night

7 - 11 p.m., Student Union Building II, Ballroom

A celebration of Trans-African cultures in an evening filled with fashion, food, music, dance and entertainment. Contact Mabel Obinim at mobinim@gmu.edu for more information. Sponsored by the African Student Association

Saturday, April 12

Friends of International Reception

6 - 7pm., Johnson Center Cinema Lobby

Mix and mingle with friends of Mason's international programs, including faculty, students, international alumni and community members and learn more about how you can get involved with the Mason international activities. Join us after the reception for the International Dinner Dance. Sponsored by the University Life Development Office, Office of Alumni Affairs and Office of International Programs and Services

International Dinner Dance

7 p.m. - 2 a.m. Johnson Center, Sid and Reva Dewberry Hall and Bistro

The grand finale of International Week 2008, featuring music, dance and a catered dinner buffet. The winners of the International Dance Competition will perform. Following an international dinner buffet, the party will continue with a DJ in the Bistro.
Tickets are $10 in advance, and can be purchased from OIPS (SUB I, room 310), or $15 at the door.
Sponsored by the International Student Umbrella, Office of Student Activities and Office of International Programs and Services

International Week Covers: 1987-2004 (PDF)

INTERNATIONAL WEEK 2008 IMAGE GALLERY

Monday, April 7, Opening Ceremony

Tuesday, April 8, Mason Making a Difference: Locally and Globally

Tuesday, April 8, International Dance Competition

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Wednesday, April 9, Showcase of Cultures and Global Voices

Wednesday, April 9, Confucius Statue Dedication

Thursday, April 10, International Fashion Show

Thursday, April 10, Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Tibet

Saturday, April 12, International Dinner Dance

Other International Week Events