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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 15-19, 2010. In recognition of this special occasion, a series of events of both a celebratory and educational nature will take place at UB.
IEW events have been organized by UB academic departments, international student clubs and UB offices, including Alumni Relations, Asian Studies, Career Services, International Student & Scholar Services, the Intercultural & Diversity Center, Study Abroad Programs and Wellness Education Services.
The complete IEW schedule can be found at www.buffalo.edu/intlservices/documents/IEW2010Flyer-11X17.pdf.
IEW at UB is sponsored by AT&T, Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc., HSBC Bank, M&T Bank and UB’s Office of International Education.
We are truly grateful to our presenters, our sponsors and everyone who has organized an event for International Education Week 2010.
We look forward to seeing you at International Education Week!
Ellen Dussourd
International Student & Scholar Services
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Keynote Events
Keynote Lectures
“Rwanda, Darfur, and Guantanamo: The Struggle for Human Rights and Justice”
Richard Dicker, Director, International Justice Program, Human Rights Watch
"Challenges of Justice in Central Africa"
Susan Thomson, Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Contemporary African Politics, Hampshire College
Monday, November 15
3:30 p.m.
Student Union Theater
Focusing on Rwanda, Darfur and Guantanamo, Richard Dicker will discuss the remarkable and unpredicted development of a “system” of international justice over the last 20 years. This still-fragile and flawed “system” has taken enforcement of fundamental human rights norms to a whole new level. Rwanda and Darfur highlight the important progress in accountability for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes that has been made. But all three situations, especially Guantanamo, also demonstrate the outstanding challenges and shortcoming in international justice. We have seen dramatic progress, but are also facing formidable obstacles in ending impunity for the world’s most serious crimes.
Susan Thomson will focus on the challenges for justice in the Great Lakes Region of Africa (Burundi, Congo and Rwanda) since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. She will examine the inter-relationship between the collapsed Congolese state, the politics of identity in Burundi and Rwanda, the continuation of the Rwandan genocide across regional borders as well as the ineptitude of the international community to understand regional socio-political dynamics. Taken together, these factors explain the culture of impunity that characterizes the judicial processes in the region. They also demonstrate why justice is, and will continue to be, elusive for many of the victims of violence in Burundi, Congo and Rwanda.
Keynote Film
“Pray the Devil Back to Hell” (2008)
Commentary by Prof. Melinda Adams, James Madison University
Tuesday, November 16
7:00 p.m.
Student Union Theater
This documentary presents the riveting, true story of the unsung heroines of Liberia, who, armed only with white t-shirts and courage, helped to bring down a dictator and end a long, brutal war. This small band of Christian and Muslim women took on the violent warlords and corrupt Charles Taylor regime. Their tactics were peaceful yet also powerful. In one scene the women barricaded the site of stalled peace talks in Ghana, forcing the delegates to remain in session until a deal was secured. Their demonstrations ultimately led to the exile of Charles Taylor and the subsequent election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female Head of State. The women of Liberia are proof that non-violent resistance can be successful even when facing what appears to be an impossible battle.
“The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court” (2009)
Commentary by Prof. Claude Welch, University at Buffalo
Wednesday, November 17
4:00 p.m.
Natural Sciences Complex 220
An epic account of the new International Criminal Court's struggle to prosecute perpetrators of crimes against humanity as the Court fights to establish its own credibility on the world stage. This film follows Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo, Deputy Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Senior Trial Attorney Christine Chung as they issue arrest warrants, put warlords on trial and prosecute those who commit crimes against humanity, all without a police force.
In Remembrance
"The Woman Behind the Scholar-Activist: Perspectives on the Life of Alison Des Forges"
Alison L. Des Forges Memorial Fund Committee
Thursday, November 18
3:00-4:00
Student Union 210
Alison Des Forges was a historian of Africa who devoted the first part of her career to improving public education in Buffalo and the second part to defending human rights in central Africa. An inspirational and tireless advocate for human rights, she was a MacArthur Fellow and author of Leave None to Tell the Story: Genocide in Rwanda. She died in the crash of Continental Flight 3407 on February 12, 2009. During this session, her close friends and family will present the more personal side of her life.
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Monday Events
November 15
Poongmul Percussion Performance
Korean Folk Art Club
Monday, November 15
12:30-12:45
Student Union Entrance (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 10th consecutive year.
Debkah Performance
Organization of Arab Students
Monday, November 15
12:45-1:00
Student Union Lobby
The meaning of "debka" in Arabic is "stomping of the feet". Stomping, as well as jumping and kicking, are moves that characterize the debka in a unique manner. The leader, called raas (meaning "head") or "lawwih" (meaning "waving person"), is allowed to improvise on the type of debka being danced. He or she also twirls a handkerchief or string of beads known as a masbha (similar to a rosary) while the rest of the dancers keep the rhythm.
Middle Eastern Dance Performance
Nadia Ibrahim Dance Troupe
Monday, November 15
1:00-1:15
Student Union Lobby
The Nadia Ibrahim Middle Eastern Dance Troupe is the only professional dance group in Western New York which performs authentic dances of the Middle East. Nadia, who is of Lebanese descent, teaches and choreographs dances of Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia, Morocco and the Sudan, just to mention a few.
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Tuesday Events
November 16
International Market: Both Your Hands & Dovi and Girls African Market
Tuesday, November 16
11:30-1:30
Student Union Lobby
“Volveré” Salsa Dance Performance by Alma Nanichi
Latin American Student Association
Tuesday, November 16
12:30-12:45
Student Union Lobby
Alma means "soul" in Spanish, and Nanichi means "from the heart" in Taíno Arawák, the language of the Indigenous Caribbean people. Thus "Soul from the Heart" is the translation for Alma Nanichi.
Alma Nanichi has been devoted to representing as many Latin American cultural and modern dances as possible, honoring the three cultures of Indigenous, European and African influences.
Volvere is a reflection of classic Salsa music of our generation. It not only defines the music that young Latinos grew up listening to at home with their families, but also the word "volvere" means to come back, and that is exactly what LASA's Alma Nanichi is doing this year: Making a giant comeback!
Tai Chi Demonstration
Tai Chi World Champion Bob Gott,Red Dragon School of Martial Arts
Tuesday, November 16
12:45-1:00
Student Union Lobby
Tai Chi, translated as "supreme ultimate fist or ultimate harmony”, is a “soft” and/or “internal” Chinese martial art. It is a system of exercises with both physical and mental benefits that everyone can practice regardless of age or physical abilities.
Filipino Cultural Dance Performance
Filipino Student Association
Tuesday, November 16
1:00-1:15
Student Union Lobby
A rural dance called the Tinikling (Bamboo dance) will be performed. The Tinikling is the national dance of the Philippines, and refers to the tikling bird. Informal instruction will also be provided after the conclusion of the performance.
“Anthropology Without Borders: Research of Climate and Culture Change in the Past and Present”
Prof. Peter Biehl, Department of Anthropology, UB
Tuesday, November 16
2:00-3:00
Student Union 210
The lecture scrutinizes the process of cultural, social, economic and symbolic transition some 8,000 years ago in Central Anatolia, Turkey, as revealed at the UB excavation at the Çatalhöyük West Mound. It will also examine how humans responded to the climate change that occurred during the so-called 8200 calBP ‘climate event’. The key hypothesis is that the change in climate and environment caused people to move westwards into Western Anatolia and across Europe. Çatalhöyük offers a microcosm that may help us unlock some of the key questions surrounding this time period.
MBA Cultural Forum: Nigeria and Tanzania
Ore Ajakaiye and Rahul Chopra, UB Students
Tuesday, November 16
5:00-6:00
Alfiero Hall 205
Please RSVP at http://mgt.buffalo.edu/apps/ormEvents/public/register.cfm?eid=148u
MBA Cultural Forums are designed to expose participants to the cultures of different countries represented in the program. Student presenters engage participants in a dialogue about the traditions, economics and opportunities in their part of the world. This Forum will focus on Nigeria and Tanzania.
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Wednesday Events
November 17
“Holidays Around the World: Korea”
Korean Students at UB
Wednesday, November 17
12:00-1:00
Capen Hall 31
Over 100 countries are represented at UB. Have you ever wondered about the cultural, historical, political and religious holidays celebrated in other countries? Come listen to Korean students present the origin, significance and customs surrounding major holidays celebrated in their country.
“Asia after Graduation”
Prof. Thomas Burkman, Asian Studies, UB, and UB Alumni and Faculty
Wednesday, November 17
3:00-4:30
Baldy Hall 200G
“Asia after Graduation” will acquaint students with Asia-related career opportunities. UB Asia specialists and alumni working in Asia-connected fields will address these issues and more: What are my prospects for working in Asia? What careers in North American can utilize my Asian language and culture skills? How can I find an English teaching job in Asia? What kinds of graduate and professional school training will enhance my employment chances? What can I do now to become a top job candidate?
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Thursday Events
November 18
“Social Work Without Borders: Supporting Victims of Sex Trafficking in Macedonia”
Stephanie Vroman, UB Alumna
Thursday, November 18
12:30-1:30
Student Union 210
Human trafficking exists in various forms across the world. Current estimates from the U.S. Department of State are that 4 to 27 million people are modern-day slaves. In Macedonia, trafficking is particularly pervasive due to high unemployment rates, regional instability and continued difficulty entering the EU. This session will include more information about human trafficking and one student's experience in Macedonia interning at a shelter for woman and girls who have been trafficked.
Fulbright Scholar Program Informational Session
Prof. Sasha Pack, Department of History, UB
Thursday, November 18
2:00-2:30
Student Union 210
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) Teaching Assistantships typically fund students to pursue independent projects part-time while serving as a teaching assistant in English-language classes for children and high school students; and 3) Special program opportunities include business grants, Islamic Civilization Initiative Awards, Fulbright Critical Language Enhancement Awards and travel grants to supplement other sources of support.
“World View: Study Abroad Photo Contest & Exhibition”
Study Abroad Programs, UB
Thursday, November 18
4:00-6:00
Social Hall, 2nd Floor, Student Union
An event to showcase the study abroad experience through the “lens” of UB students. Photos will be on display from UB students who studied abroad during the 2009-2010 academic year. A presentation will announce winning photos selected by a panel of UB faculty/staff. All attendees will be invited to vote for the People’s Choice award.
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Friday Events
November 19
Origami Instruction and Japanese Calligraphy
Japanese Student Association
Friday, November 19
11:00-2:00
Student Union Lobby
Come learn how to fold an origami and write calligraphy from Japanese students who will be on hand to provide instruction at this interactive display.
Tae Kwon Do Demonstration
Master Chong’s Tae Kwon Do
Friday, November 19
11:45-12:00
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.
International Fashion Show
SA International Clubs
Friday, November 19
12:00-12:45
Student Union Lobby
Watch a variety of international student clubs model typical clothing and styles from their country/culture. This will be the 2nd annual offering of this event, which was extremely popular last year.
Asia at Noon & ISSS Cultural Workshop
“Understanding International Cultures: China”
Xiaoyan Bian, Qiongqiong Chen, Zongyuan Fan, Qilin He, Qianwen Lu, Chenli Sun, UB Students
Friday, November 19
12:00-2:00
Clemens Hall 120
International students bring to UB expectations of academic culture that differ greatly from that in the U.S. Come hear students from China discuss the nuances of academic culture in their home country. Gain an in-depth understanding of these students’ expectations and behaviors. Learn useful techniques to bridge the cultural gap between the students’ expectations and your advising, teaching, socializing and customer service styles. Note: This workshop will address the following topics: 1) Life in residence halls in China, 2) Chinese parents’ role in their children’s education / Influence of Confucianism, 3) Plagiarism, 4) Teacher-student relationships in China, 5) Reasons why Chinese students come to the U.S., 6) Chinese students’ experiences in the U.S. and 7) Tips for U.S. faculty and advisors.
Indian Fusion Dance Performance by UB Zeal
Indian Student Association
Friday, November 19
1:15-1:30
Student Union Lobby
UB Zeal promotes dance not just as a form of entertainment but also as art. “Our drive is simply pure passion for dance.” UB Zeal performers explore various dance forms including but not limited to Bollywood, Bhangra, Bharatanatyam etc.
Argentine Tango Performance
Buffalo Tango X
Friday, November 19
1:30-1:45
Student Union Lobby
Argentine Tango is a social dance and musical genre that originated in Argentina and spread to the rest of the world. It consists of a variety of styles that developed in different regions and eras, and in response to the crowding of the venue and even the fashions in clothing. Argentine Tango is danced in an embrace that can vary from very open to very closed or anywhere in between. Tango is essentially walking with a partner and the music. Argentine Tango relies heavily on improvisation; although certain patterns of movement have been codified by instructors over the years, there is no "basic step".
Public Health and Rehabilitation Without Borders
“Global Health Research and Rehabilitation in Resource Poor Settings”
Profs. Susan Nochajski and Janice Tona, and UB Students: Andrea Chmiel, Kelly Kamm, Sagar Puri, Dawn Sagerman, Purti Varma, School of Public Health and Health Professions, UB
Friday, November 19
2:30-3:30
Farber Hall 144, South Campus
The UB School of Public Health and Health Professions includes the disciplines of rehabilitation science, epidemiology, health behavior, exercise and nutrition sciences, and biostatistics. Students from SPHHP are increasingly conducting research and clinical practice work in resource-poor countries around the world. This event will highlight recent experiences of students in rehabilitation science, epidemiology, and health behavior. Students will describe their exciting research and practice experiences in Bangladesh, India, and Uganda. Student projects included developing a rehabilitation clinic in a remote rural area, assessing training needs for parents of children with disabilities, identifying training needs for volunteer caregivers of the elderly, reducing neonatal morbidity through promoting handwashing to pregnant women, and assessing the impact of overly complex handwashing instructions on handwashing behavior. Students will describe their projects as well as talking about the joys and challenges of working in resource-poor settings.
“Employment in the U.S.: Tips from UB International Alumni”
Sponsored by the UB Alumni Association
Friday, November 19
4:00-5:30
Clemens Hall 120
UB international alumni who are employed in Western New York will discuss how to conduct a successful job search, how to adapt to an American work place, what surprised them about their current work environment and more.
Global Coffeehouse & International Games Night
Intercultural & Diversity Center and Wellness Education Services, UB
Friday, November 19
7:00-9:00
Social Hall, 2nd Floor, Student Union
Join us for a free night of entertainment, snacks, and coffe/tea. Students will show off their talents as poets, musicians, singers, dancers, etc. Everyone is welcome to watch and/or perform. Several games form different countries and cultures will also be available. Each game will have students on hand to explain the rules.
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