College Observes International Education Week

Focusing attention on the call for expanded international programs in our schools, Pennsylvania College of Technology will join colleges and universities across the nation Nov. 13-17 in celebrating the first-ever U.S. International Education Week.

The observance is part of a renewed emphasis on international education launched in April by the U.S. Departments of State and Education. President Clinton signed a Memorandum on International Education Policy directing the heads of U.S. government agencies to work with other sectors to strengthen America's commitment to international education. The initiative calls for expanded federal support and cooperation to strengthen foreign-language skills, infuse international elements across the curriculum, encourage student exchange and promote the effective use of technology to expand educational opportunities.

Many educators, government officials and business leaders worry that the United States lags behind the rest of the developed world in preparing graduates for an increasingly globalized world and in supporting international education.

"Our international students, who hail from 11 different countries, bring a marvelous cultural diversity and global perspective to the Penn College campus," said College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour. "The International Education Week programs and events planned by our International Programs Office allow us to celebrate that diversity as we enrich our knowledge of other nations and cultures."

International Education Week at Penn College will feature "A Slice of Germany: Culture and Business in Germany − A Comparison between Williamsport and Kaiserslauten," a presentation by Nicholas A. Vonada, assistant professor of computer science, and Barbara M. Baker, accommodations clerk. The presentation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the College library.

Vonada and Baker will discuss their experiences in Germany, relate how Germans do business and explain why they are successful. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Vonada will explore a cross section of life in Kaiserslauten and contrast it with life in the United States.

Several animated Japanese films also will be featured, showcasing an art form (anime) that ranges from science fiction to whimsical fantasy. The films will be shown from 6:30 to11 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Penn's Inn in the Bush Campus Center. The 6:30 p.m. showing will be "My Neighbor Totoro," a film oriented toward a younger audience. At 8 p.m., the film "Macross Plus," an animated version of "Top Gun," will be shown. The public is welcome to all events.

Currently, 29 international students − from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Taiwan, Japan, Barbados, Antigua, Canada, Botswana, Nigeria and Zambia − attend Penn College.

For more information about the International Programs Office at Penn College, call (570) 320-5257 or access the Web site.