For the fifth consecutive year, SFSU will join universities around the country for a weeklong celebration of international education, Nov. 15 to 20.

"At a time when the war on terrorism and the Iraq war dominate the headlines, this year's celebration is an important reminder that international education and exchange can help us meet the challenges that we face as a nation," said Yenbo Wu, director of international programs, and Jennifer Wissink, SFSU International Education Week coordinator, in a letter inviting the campus community to the week's events. "It is only through increased knowledge, understanding and communication between ourselves and the rest of the world that we can hope to build a safer and more secure future."

The week's events, organized by the Office of International Programs, include film screenings, internationally-themed meals, lectures, presentations, workshops and other activities.

The events will take place on campus and almost all are free to the public.

Highlights include:

• "Francesco Petrarca: A Celebration of His Poetry." A reading of works by the poet in celebration of his 700th birthday. 12:15 p.m., Monday, Nov. 15. deBellis Collection, sixth floor of the J. Paul Leonard Library.
• Welcome reception for international students. 3-5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 15. Vista Room, fourth floor, Burk Hall.
• "Globalization of the Wine Industry." Susan Cholette, assistant professor of decision sciences, will discuss how the forces of globalization and other market trends are changing wine production worldwide. 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16. Cesar Chavez Student Center, room T-143.
• "British Tea Night." International students from England and American students who have studied abroad in England will discuss college and student life in the country. 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16. The Cantina, Mary Ward Hall.
• "Classical Greece in Modern Greek Poetry." Thanasis Maskaleris, emeritus professor of comparative literature and creative writing and founding director of the Center for Modern Greek Studies, will present his fourth annual lecture on mythology and literature. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16. Humanities building, room 587.
• "Showcasing Taiwan." Taiwanese students will share a variety of information about their country through the display of flyers, posters, documentary films and artifacts. Noon, Wednesday, Nov. 17. Cesar Chavez Student Center, room T-143.
• "A Day in the Life of a Diplomat." A panel of professional diplomats from various consular offices in San Francisco will discuss their jobs. 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17. Humanities building, room 133.
• Internationally themed lunches. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, to Thursday, Nov. 18. Vista Room, fourth floor, Burk Hall. Lunches cost $13. For reservations, call (415) 338-6087.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

For more information and a complete list of campus events, call the Office of International Programs at ext. 8-1293 or visit the SFSU International Education Week Web site.

-- Matt Itelson