Artwork, presentations and discussion panels are a few of the activities available during Moorpark College’s first International Education Week taking place Nov. 16 to 20.
Stacey Chen, International Students specialist and the event’s organizer, said the event aims to expose local students to different cultures as well as giving international students an opportunity to represent their country. She also said technology has helped the world become global because it makes communication between countries much easier.
“I think it’s important for our students to be exposed [and] to explore the diversity of other countries and other cultures so they can be at the level of understanding of what’s going on in the world,” said Chen.
The event will kick off on Monday, Nov. 16 with an opening speech from Luis Sanchez, Moorpark College’s president, at 12 p.m.
On Tuesday at 1 p.m., there will be a presentation on India given by Aditi Bhatnagar, an international student.
Bhatnagar, 19, psychology major, said her presentation will be an the overview of her country. She will also dispel some myths people have of India.
“I think everyone needs to be more open to other cultures and try to dispel stereotypes because it’s quite painful and sometimes really hurtful when someone asks if [I] travel by elephants,” said Bhatnagar. “I don’t mean to be disrespectful but I just want to make more people aware of what it’s like in my part of the world.”
She also wants to introduce famous Indian entrepreneurs to the audience such as Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Satya Nadaella, Microsoft CEO.
Chen will also work with the Year of Wellness Committee to have a discussion panel called ‘International Wellness Day,’ where international students will talk about their country’s health system. They will also discuss remedies for illnesses such as how to treat a common cold in different countries. This panel will take place on Nov. 19 at 12:30 p.m. on the third floor of the library.
Students will display artwork that represents their home country in the library as well.
There will also be posters along raider walk with information about different country’s cultures.
For more information and volunteering opportunities, visit the International Students Office, located in Fountain Hall or call (805) 378-1414.
