October 29, 2007
 

Performances

Presentations

Displays & Exhibitions

Films




Dear Members of the UB Community,

A joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, International Education Week will be celebrated worldwide on November 12-16, 2007. In recognition of this special occasion, a series of events of both a celebratory and educational nature will take place at UB. Please see the list of events below or download them from http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/pdf_files/IEW2007Flyer.pdf

These events have been organized by UB Dean’s Offices, International Student Clubs, International Student & Scholar Services, Study Abroad Programs, Career Services and the English Language Institute. We received generous support from AT&T, Bank of America, the English Language Institute, Graduate Student Association, Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc., HSBC Bank, M&T Bank, Sprint, UB Department of Anthropology and UB Office of International Education.

We are truly grateful to our presenters, our sponsors and everyone who has organized an event for International Education Week 2007!

For more information, contact the Office of International Student & Scholar Services at (716) 645-2258 or e-mail us at or e-mail us at intlservices@buffalo.edu.

We look forward to seeing you at International Education Week!

Ellen Dussourd
International Student & Scholar Services

Performances

PERCUSSION PERFORMANCE: “POONGMUL”
Korean Folk Art Club
Monday, November 12
12:00-12:30
Student Union Entrance (near UB Commons)

Korean Poongmul drumming, also called Nong Ak, means farmer's music. About two thousand years old, it is played during festivals to celebrate planting and harvesting, and is accompanied by an energetic dance. The Korean Folk Art Club (KFAC) will perform at IEW for the 7th consecutive year.

MALAYSIAN ENDANG DANCE
Malaysian Student Association
Monday, November 12
12:30-1:00
Student Union Lobby

Tarian Endang or endang dance is a modern Malay dance of Malaysia. The costumes, music and dance movements depict the daily activities of villagers, such as picking flowers, fishing, weeding and flying kites. The endang dance often begins with dancers seated in a long line and performing arm movements that slowly increase in tempo.

GYPSY JAZZ CONCERT: BABIK
Monday, November 12
8:00-9:00 p.m.
Student Union Theater

Hailed by The Buffalo News as one of the hottest bands in Buffalo, Babik (pronounced Bah-`beek) is a quartet of musicians who play a special brand of jazz known as gypsy swing, which was created in the 1930s by the legendary 2-fingered guitarist, Django Reinhardt. The group delves through history and extracts the passion of a gypsy fire in their improvisations while giving new breath to the age-old style. Toe-tapping rhythms and infectious melodies transcend generations to delight and unite a growing number of avid fans. As stated in Buffalo Spree Magazine, " . . . it's hard not to fall in love with a band whose every tune seems to state, 'We love life and want to celebrate it.’”

MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE: CAPOEIRA MANDINGA BUFFALO
Tuesday, November 13
12:00-12:30
Student Union Lobby

Capoeira, an exciting art form and self-defense from Brazil, was created over 400 years ago as a fight for freedom.  Today's Capoeira keeps its traditional roots as a fighting form and also includes aspects of dance, music, sport, play and community.  Our group, Capoeira Mandinga, has been located in Western New York for over 10 years under the instruction of Professor Falcao.  Capoeira Mandinga currently holds classes, performances and workshops throughout the area.

TAE KWON DO DEMONSTRATION
Master Chong’s Tae Kwon Do
Tuesday, November 13
12:30-1:00
Student Union Lobby

Literally translated, the Korean word, "TAE" means "to kick with the foot."   "KWON" implies "a hand or fist to block, punch or strike."  "DO" means an "art" or a "way".  Thus, "Tae Kwon Do" means, "the art of kicking, blocking and punching."  Not merely physical fighting skills, Tae Kwon Do is a way of thought and life.  Through disciplined training, Tae Kwon Do improves both the mind and body, placing great emphasis on the development of character.  Due to the enormous popularity of the sport, Tae Kwon Do currently has more practitioners that all other martial arts combined.  It is also one of the few martial arts to be represented as a full medal sport in the Olympic Games.

DANCE PERFORMANCE: “EL SABOR LATINO”
Latin American Student Association
Tuesday, November 13
1:00-1:30
Student Union Lobby

This classical salsa performance incorporates the passion of the Africans, the eloquence of the Europeans and the mystery of the indigenous Indians.  It can be seen in homes, professional shows and even in the streets.  It is as enjoyable as it is versatile.

“GREEK MUSIC & DANCE PERFORMANCE”
Hellenic Graduate Student Association
Thursday, November 15
12:00-12:30
Student Union Lobby

Dancing has always been important to the Hellenic (Greek) people. In ancient times, dance, song and music were all integral parts of the theater. In fact, the Greek word XOPOC (HOROS) referred to both dance and song. The English words chorus, chorale, choir and choreography all come from this same Greek word. Today, dance is just as important to the Greeks as it was in ancient times. The Hellenic GSA will also perform at IEW for the 7th consecutive year.

JAPANESE FOLK DANCE
Japanese Group of Buffalo Odori No Kai
Friday, November 16
12:00-12:30
Student Union Lobby

The Japanese Group of Buffalo will perform three originally choreographed dances. "Gion Kouta" is about the life of Maiko, a young dancer from Kyoto.  The folk dancers will use traditional umbrellas during this dance. "Manzai Kuzushi" is performed on happy occasions and involves the use of fans. "Tankou-Bushdi" is a well known folk song from Kyushu about coal mining. The folk dancers will be dressed as coal miners, and dig for coal and carry bags of it out of the mine. 

Presentations

"SOCIAL WORK WITHOUT BORDERS: BEYOND THE VEIL IN PAKISTAN”
Prof. Filomena M. Critelli, School of Social Work, UB
Tuesday, November 13
2:00-3:00
Student Union 210

Violence against women is a global social problem and affects the physical and emotional well-being of women worldwide. Counter to Western images of Muslim women as passive victims, women’s groups in Pakistan are organizing against gender violence within the context of their legal, family, religious and social systems. This presentation is based upon research conducted at DASTAK (Knock on the Door), a shelter for women in Lahore, Pakistan. Its purpose is to go “beyond the veil” in order to present a nuanced overview of the conditions of women in Pakistan and the work that is being done to address violence against women.

“WORLD TRAVEL 101”
Ben Breault, Hostelling International
Tuesday, November 13
3:00-4:00
Student Union 210

Appoint yourself ambassador to the world and take foreign policy into your own hands! Whether you're planning to study abroad, take a road trip during a school break or have serious case of wanderlust, this workshop will arm you with information to make your plans a reality. Learn tips and get advice from an experienced traveler and Hostelling International education staff member. Topics will include: hostels, budgeting for a trip, cheap international and domestic trip ideas, packing tips and how to extend your study abroad experience. We'll also consider why traveling solo might not be a bad idea.

“ARTS MANAGEMENT WITHOUT BORDERS: EXPERIENCING THE INTERNATIONAL ART SCENE”
Prof. Ruth Bereson, Arts Management Program, UB
Wednesday, November 14
12:00-1:00
Student Union 145C

The relationship between arts and society differs in different cultural contexts. This presentation will discuss some of the diverse issues which impact upon our ability to manage the arts internationally. Professor Bereson will be joined by students from the UB Arts Management Program, who will speak about the impact that visiting the international art exhibition Documenta in Kassel, Germany and numerous arts organizations in Southern France had on their understanding of the international arts scene.

“FULBRIGHT OPPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. STUDENTS”
Prof. Patrick McDevitt, Fulbright Advisor
Wednesday, November 14
1:00-2:00
Student Union 145C

This session is for U.S. students who are considering applying for Fulbright grants. There are several different types of grants: 1) Full Fulbright Grants are usually for study in any field. For recently graduated seniors, this usually means being enrolled in a graduate program abroad. For graduate students, this may mean a wide range of activities from independent research to collaboration with local scholars; 2) Travel Grants supplement other sources of support; 3) Teaching Assistantships  typically fund students to come and learn the language or pursue independent projects part-time while serving as a teaching assistant in English-language classes for children and high school students; 4) Special Program Opportunities include Business Grants, Islamic Civilization Initiative Awards and Fulbright Critical Language Enhancement Awards.

“WORK ABROAD 101”
Karen Nemeth, Career Services, UB
Wednesday, November 14
2:00-3:00
Student Union 210

This workshop will cover the basic questions and issues involved in making the decision to look for work overseas.  Types of opportunities from low risk to high risk, and factors such as insurance and visas will be addressed.

“MAKING A DIFFERENCE: LIFE IN THE PEACE CORPS”
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Wednesday, November 14
3:00-4:30
Student Union 210

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Western New York will share their experiences as Peace Corps Volunteers in the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s and 2000’s. Come learn firsthand about the challenges and rewards of these Peace Corps experiences.

“PUBLIC HEALTH WITHOUT BORDERS: COMPARING THE HEALTH SYSTEMS OF THE U.S., CANADA AND BRAZIL”
Prof. Donald Rowe, Prof. John Stone and Megan Gardner, School of Public Health & Health Professions, UB; Dr. Douglas Sider, Niagara Region Public Health Department
Thursday, November 15
1:00-2:00
Diefendorf Hall 203, South Campus

The quality, costs and coverage of the health system of the U.S. has recently come under increasing scrutiny.  Other approaches to providing health care may be instructive.  This symposium will compare the health systems of three countries, Brazil, Canada and the U.S.

Displays & Exhibitions

“CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, PAPER-CUTTING AND CULTURE”
Chinese Students & Scholars Association
Monday, November 12
11:30-2:00
Student Union Lobby

This event will introduce Chinese arts and culture to the public.  Traditional Chinese arts (paper cuts and calligraphy) together with photos which showcase the Chinese culture and landscape will be shown.

“MALAYSIA: TRULY ASIA”
Malaysian Student Association
Monday, November 12
11:30-2:00
Student Union Lobby

This exhibition will display posters and flyers which show people a little bit about our country, Malaysia.  Our goal is to increase awareness of Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions and cultures.

“A TASTE OF THAILAND”
Thai Graduate Student Association
Tuesday, November 13
11:30-2:00
Student Union Lobby

At this exhibition of Thai food, we will give away samples of Thai tea to everyone who visits.

“LATIN AMERICAN ESCAPE”
Latin Graduate Student Association
Tuesday, November 13
11:30-2:00
Student Union Lobby

We welcome the UB Community to tour our world of 22 countries and their cultural diversity.  Although united by a common language, there is a wide variety of customs, cultures, music and art in Latin America.  Poster exhibitions and information will be on display.

“A TASTE OF FRENCH CUISINE”
French Connection
Tuesday, November 13
11:30-2:00
Student Union Lobby

The French Connection GSA is proud to offer samples of French food prepared by members of the club.  Come sample the tastes of France!

“WORLD VIEW: STUDY ABROAD PHOTO CONTEST & EXHIBITION”
Study Abroad Programs
Wednesday, November 14
4:00-6:00
Social Hall, 2nd Floor, Student Union

Study Abroad Programs is hosting its 5th annual contest and exhibit. This year’s event will feature photos from UB students who recently studied abroad in more than 20 different countries. Awards will be given for the best photos in eight categories, such as architecture, human interest, city scenes, etc. Audience members will also have the opportunity to vote for the Peoples’ Choice Award.

“BENGALI CULTURE”
Bangladeshi Student Association
Thursday, November 15
11:30-2:00
Student Union Lobby

Our exhibition will feature free henna tattoos and a PowerPoint presentation which will educate people about Bengali culture.

“MUQABLA”
Indian Student Association
Thursday, November 15
11:30-2:00
Student Union Lobby

Muqabala 2007 is an annual inter-collegiate dance competition entering its 14th year.  The event showcases dances of different cultures that represent the different regions of India.

“CONGLAK: LEARN AS YOU PLAY”
Indonesian Student Association
Friday, November 16
11:30-2:00
Student Union Lobby

Come learn about a traditional Indonesian board game called “Conglak.”  It is very simple to learn, but it takes a long time to master.  Play conglak with Indonesian students as you learn about the game.  It is very fun!

“A TASTE OF VIETNAMESE FOOD & CULTURE”
Vietnamese Graduate Student Association
Friday, November 16
5:30-7:30
Student Union 145B

At this event, participants will be able to sample some delicious Vietnamese food without even having to leave campus. This will be the fourth time that the Vietnamese Graduate Student Association has offered this feast as part of International Education Week.

Films

Culture in Motion Film Series
BUFFALO PREMIÈRE: “WHEN THE ROAD BENDS: TALES OF A GYPSY CARAVAN” (USA, 2006)

Monday, November 12
5:30-7:30
Student Union Theater

“When the Road Bends: Tales of a Gypsy Caravan” highlights “culture in motion” by featuring five Romani (Gypsy) bands from four countries traveling through North America on the World Music Institute's six-week concert tour. Through a behind-the-scenes view of their life together, the audience observes the musicians engage in dialogue about what it means to be gypsy or Roma. To provide the background and soul of Roma music, the film also introduces the musicians’ life in India, Macedonia, Romania and Spain. For Jasmine Dellal, director of “ When the Road Bends: Tales of a Gypsy Caravan”, the Roma people exemplify “culture in motion”. “One of the first things I heard about Romani culture is that it is like a tree in a storm that bends so that it won’t break. This rings true for me. Some cultures stick to the old ways, but Romani culture is often adapted so that the traditional principles can be applied in very modern ways.”

“THE SLANTED SCREEN” (USA, 2006)
Asian American Model Minority Myth Research Group
Wednesday, November 14
6:30-7:45
Clemens Hall 120

From silent film star Sessue Hayakawa to Harold and Kumar Go to Whitecastle, “The Slanted Screen” examines the portrayal of Asian men in film and television, and how new filmmakers are now re-defining age-old stereotypes. The film includes interviews with actors Mako, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, James Shigeta, Dustin Nguyen, Will Yun Lee, Phillip Rhee, Tzi Ma, comedian Bobby Lee, producer Terence Chang, casting director Heidi Levitt and directors Gene Cajayon and Eric Byler. The film contains over 50 film clips of depictions of Asian American male characters from Hollywood films spanning almost a century. It asks why and how stereotypic portrayals continue to persist, and why the roles for Asian American men are diminishing while the Asian American population is increasing.

“JUST FOLLOW LAW” (Singapore, 2007)
ASEAN Graduate Student Association
Thursday, November 15
5:00-7:00
Clemens Hall 120

A freak accident causes a blue collar worker (Singh) and his supervisor (Wong) to swap souls.

“DREAMING LHASA” (India/UK, 2005)
Tibetan Graduate Student Association
Thursday, November 15
7:00-8:30
Clemens Hall 120

A Tibetan-American filmmaker returns to the exiled Tibetan community in India and finds herself drawn into a quest that becomes a journey into Tibet's fractured past and a voyage of self-discovery.