SUNY Plattsburgh Hosts International Education Week '09

"It is important for international students to have opportunities to express themselves and their cultures," said Cody McCabe, assistant director of international student services. "It is equally important for the campus and local community to have opportunities to celebrate other cultures."

This year's events include a special showing of the award-winning documentary "Burma VJ" as well as the fourth annual Night of Nations talent showcase.

Night of Nations is the "capstone event" for the week, according to Jiafu Zheng, a student assistant for international admissions. The showcase features SUNY Plattsburgh's international community in contemporary and traditional performances from around the globe.

While previous International Education Weeks on campus have been directed toward students, the goal for this year is to get the community involved. Consequently, most events are free, and all are open to the public. See the list below for a complete schedule of events.

Even before the official week begins, however, the celebration will start with the annual Moon Festival hosted by the Chinese Association Saturday, Nov. 14, from 5 to10 p.m. in the Algonquin Dinning Hall. Tickets are $4 for students, $6 for faculty/off-campus community and $2 for children. It will feature traditional homemade Chinese food, performances and games.

"This is one of the biggest cultural events on campus every year," said Zheng.

International Week Schedule of Events

Monday, Nov. 16

• International Game Night. 7-9 p.m. Hawkins Cafe/Snack Bar, Hawkins Hall. Plattsburgh's local and international communities are invited to a night of games from around the world. Attendees are asked to share their favorite games, whether they come from America, China, Japan, India, Trinidad or anywhere else.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

• "Burma VJ: Burmese Cultural Challenges." 7-9 p.m. Room 208, Yokum Hall. An award-winning international documentary about citizen journalism in Burma during in 2007. Featured in the Sundance Film Festival '09. "Compiled from the shaky handheld footage of the DVB (Democratic Voice of Burma), acclaimed filmmaker Anders Ostergaard's Burma VJ pulls us into the heat of the moment as the VJs (video journalists) themselves become the target of the Burmese government," says the Sundance Web site. The film has only been shown a few places in New York and this is the first time it is being shown in the North Country. Viewing of this film has been made possible by support from ISS and College Auxiliary Services.

Wednesday Nov. 18

• Model UN Debate. 7-9 p.m. Flynt Commons, Angell College Center. Debate about current international issues, hosted by the recently created Model UN Club and the Marketing Club.

Thursday, Nov. 19

• International Dinner. 5:30-7 p.m. Samuel D's Restaurant, Sibley Hall. International culinary event. $12. Reservations required. 518-564-4264.

Saturday, Nov. 21

• Night of Nations. 6:30-8:30 p.m. E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall. International Student Services, Club International, theater department and College Auxiliary Services have partnered to provide the Plattsburgh community with a showcase of traditional and contemporary cross-cultural music, dance, fashion, literature and more from the SUNY Plattsburgh international student community.

For more information on International Education Week '09 and the featured events, contact Kate Friedrich by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 518-564-3259.