San Francisco State will celebrate the eighth annual International Education Week (IEW) Nov. 13-16 with a full slate of lectures, film screenings, workshops and exhibitions designed to illustrate the benefits of studying world cultures at home and abroad.

The University will join schools across the country in hosting events that give the campus community a look at a variety of cultures around the world. The week’s events, organized by the Office of International Programs, feature topics ranging from Brazilian ballroom dancing to politics in Burkina Faso.

Marilyn Jackson, assistant director of the Office of International Programs, said the celebration is intended to pique students' interest in other cultures, while introducing study abroad options. "Many students out there don't consider the possibility of study abroad or they don't think it's accessible," Jackson said. "We use this as an opportunity to break down barriers and say this is something you can do. This is also a way for students of all backgrounds to have a chance to show their culture."

SF State has more international students than any other master's degree-granting institution in the United States according to the Institute of International Education. More than 300 SF State students study abroad each year.

Nearly all IEW events will take place on campus and all are free unless otherwise noted.

Highlights include:

• "World at a Glance." An opportunity to learn about SF State study abroad opportunities through sessions that each highlight a different country. Tuesday through Friday, Cesar Chavez Student Center.

• "Diplomat Day." Meet representatives of the San Francisco consular corps and learn about the realities of working as a diplomat. 2 -3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, Rosa Parks A and B, Cesar Chavez Student Center.

• "Breaking Barriers." The premiere of a 35-minute film chronicling study abroad adventures of non-traditional study abroad students from SF State interviewed before and after their adventures. Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, Coppola Theatre.

• "Egyptian Cultural Day." A showcase of Egypt’s language, music, art, food and tourism organized by the Arabic program in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, Rosa Parks Room ABC, Cesar Chavez Student Center.

• "CultureFest." A celebration of culture presented by SF State's multicultural student organizations with music by DJs Ben Binary and Nica. 10 a.m -2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, Malcolm X Plaza.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of 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 details and a complete schedule of events, call the Office of International Programs at (415) 338-1293 or visit the SF State International Education Week Web site.

-- Michael Bruntz