Des Moines Register 11-06-06

ISU's International Week puts focus on diversity

The International Student Council, which sponsors the event, aims to educate students about different cultures and backgrounds.

By TOM BARTON REGISTER CORRESPONDENT

Ames, Ia. - Hips shook, heads bobbed and feet danced amid a rainbow blur of orange, red, yellow and blue flowing ceremonial robes representing dozens of countries.

Rhythmic drums pounded out tribal beats that echoed throughout the halls of the Memorial Union, as students and Ames residents were greeted by a sign welcoming them in 10 languages.

Students clapped and cheered as they watched dance performances from Nepal, Cameroon, China, India Colombia and Puerto Rico. The festivities kicked off Iowa State University's second annual International Week, which continues through Friday.

More than 300 ISU students, faculty, staff and neighbors were on hand Friday, celebrating this year's theme, "Diversity: Together as one."

Special events such as panel discussions, foreign film offerings and a world religion night have been scheduled.

"I-Week,'' as it is called, is important to international students because it is the only week that so many cultures, traditions, foods and people come together as one, said Momoka Fukushima, a senior political science major from Tokyo, Japan, who is the special event coordinator for International Week.

The event is hosted by the International Student Council, an umbrella organization that brings together international and multicultural groups at Iowa State.

"We picked the word diversity this year because we want to include people from all cultural backgrounds,'' said Rachna Kacholia, vice president of the International Student Council and a senior in accounting from India. "We are hoping to educate all students and the Ames community about diversity.''

This fall, Iowa State enrolled 2,113 international students from more than 100 countries, representing roughly 8.5 percent of the student body. "They are significant contributors to this university,'' said Todd Holcomb, associate vice president for student affairs. "This is the first time since 2002 that international enrollment has gone up, and it's my goal to continue to have the number rise and reach where it was at before Sept. 11, 2001.''

Thanks to eased visa restrictions and a growing effort by major research universities to recruit globally, international student numbers are beginning to stabilize across the country, said James Dorsett, director of International Students and Scholars at Iowa State.

"International students represent a wealth of new ideas and new perspectives. This is an opportunity for American students to broaden their worldview while still at home,'' said Dorsett, tapping his foot to music from Nepal.

At Iowa State, the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Iowa, students are required to take a three-credit class that fulfills an international perspective requirement in order to graduate. The aim is to promote the understanding of cultural diversity and interdependence on a global scale.

Some international students say that is not enough.

"Students need to build upon their experience outside the classroom,'' said Kaiser Kaiserani, president of the International Student Council and a senior in accounting from Pakistan.

"This is the only place in the state where you have the opportunity to experience so many different cultures. The opportunity is there, so you should step forward and take advantage of that. You don't get this type of chance often in your life."

Schedule of events

TUESDAY: World Religion, Prayer Night and Cultural Display, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Campanile Room, Memorial Union. Representatives of major religions will discuss their beliefs and perform short prayers.

WEDNESDAY: Student Union Board movie "Inside Iraq," 8 to 10 p.m., Great Hall, Memorial Union

THURSDAY:

- Wacky Games Night, 5 to 7 p.m., Maintenance Shop, Memorial Union

- Panel discussion of U.S. foreign policy after the midterm election,

7 p.m., Great Hall, Memorial Union - International film "Nobody Knows," 8 to 10 p.m., Pioneer Room, Memorial Union

- Photography contest display,

Memorial Union Lounge

FRIDAY: Closing ceremony, 7 to 10:30 p.m., Great Hall, Memorial Union. Includes a multicultural ball and hors d'oeuvres from around the world.