Albany State University kicks off International Education Week celebration

ALBANY — As national flags fluttered in a light drizzle of rain, a parade of Albany State University Students marched to the Billy Black Building Monday to mark the official opening of International Education Week 2015.

The students carried 48 flags into the building, each representing the home country of at least one ASU student. The university students will celebrate cultures from around the world from through Wednesday.

Presented by the ASU Office of Global Programs and the Dougherty County School System, the event allows participants to experience international customs and traditions through enriching activities. This year’s theme is “International Access for All.”

“This event is meant to create awareness of internationalization for the American Student,” Albany State Professor of Biology Ravi Malik said. “Most of our students have never been out of the country, many have never been out of south Georgia. We want to open up their minds to the world and expand their horizons.”

Monday’s activities included cultural immersion in the Black Building auditorium and atrium which will feature a dorm competition, cultural display stands, international fashion show, musical performances, dance performances, food, and more

Today features a College of Business international business poster competition with focus on Columbia followed by a student panel discussion in Peace Hall with 2015 Study Abroad Students and ASU’s International Students.

“The goal of the next several days is to create global awareness for our leaders of tomorrow and how they see themselves through the eyes of others,” Albany State Provost Abiodun Ojemakinde said. “In this day of global citizenship we are working toward becoming a global village.”

The week will wrap up Wednesday with the President’s Honors Luncheon at noon in the Student Center Ballroom. Community members, students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the various events, which are free and open to the public.