| SFSU Public Affairs Press Release |
Contact: Christina Holmes
phone: (415) 338-1665
e-mail: pubcom@sfsu.edu
Impact of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks puts new relevance on annual event, international program that attracts more than 2000 students from 100 countries
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. Nov. 9, 2001 - With all eyes of the world focused on the United States-led war on terrorism, this year’s International Education Week at San Francisco State University takes on greater significance, according to Yenbo Wu, director of International Programs.
“This is how we reach out to pull the campus community in together,” Wu said of the week filled with lectures, workshops and discussion groups - all free and open to the public.
A speech on the fight against terrorism, an authentic Japanese tea ceremony and discussions on business relations with China are also part of the week aimed at honoring the University’s large international student population.
The second annual event, sponsored by SFSU Departments of International Relations and International Programs, comes two months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and during a time when international student programs are under the national spotlight.
An all-time high of 2,005 overseas students enrolled in classes at SFSU last spring. The students traveled from 107 different countries of origin, including Japan, China, Sweden, Turkey and a growing number from India.
In the week following the terrorist attacks, Wu and his department sent e-mails to all international students, and contacted by telephone students from Middle Eastern and North African countries to offer counseling and invite them to a meeting to discuss their concerns.
“We called to reassure that the University is here, and invited them to share in a supportive environment,” Wu said.
SFSU President Robert A. Corrigan will welcome international students during an opening ceremony and reception at 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12. More than 200 students and community members are expected to attend.
“I want you to know that you also have a family here - this University community. You are an integral and enriching part of this campus,” President Corrigan said in a letter to international students.
This year’s event takes on special meaning to promote cross cultural understanding and tolerance, said Jay Ward, coordinator of international student services and international programs.
“We are hoping to include community members and educate the populace to let them know and understand other cultures,” said Ward. “This will be informative so that events are better understood by Americans, as more education on international affairs is needed by everyone. We want no outrageous generalizations.”
During the week, workshops will inform international students how to obtain U.S. residency. A panel of international students and study abroad alumni will hold daily information sessions on programs in countries as diverse as Italy, Zimbabwe and Australia. Also scheduled each day are films from around the world.
Highlights from the week’s events include:
Monday, Nov. 12
Tuesday, Nov. 13
Wednesday, Nov. 14
Thursday, Nov. 15
For details and a complete schedule of events, contact the Office of International Programs at ext. 8-1293 or oip@sfsu.edu or visit the Web site at: www.sfsu.edu/~oip/intlweek.htm
Founded in 1899, SFSU is a highly diverse, comprehensive, public and urban university of nearly 27,000 students. SFSU is located at the corner of 19th and Holloway avenues.
This release was written by student writer Anastasia Thrift.
SFSU, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132
Last modified April 24, 2007, by Office
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