ASU West is hosting International Education Week, which begins today and lasts through Thursday, to encourage interest in cultural exchanges.
"I want people to see how important the interaction with international students is, both in and out of the classroom," said Elena Mitchell, senior program coordinator of Multicultural Student Services. "Hopefully, at least a few hundred people will attend."
The International Fashion Show, one of the week's events, will feature 25 international students modeling traditional attire from their various home countries.
Franziska Koerner, a global business sophomore from Germany, said she hopes the fashion event, which she helped plan, would bring people a new understanding.
"I don't think a lot of people understand the culture and history of other countries," Koerner said. "I hope people can see that they can gain something from other cultures."
Other events include traditional-dance performances, a global marketplace selling crafts from various countries and a panel discussion, "African Students on U.S. Campuses."
The discussion will be held on Thursday allowing interaction among students from Nigeria, Kenya, Guinea, Burundi and ASU professors. It will also give students a chance to talk about the differences between schools in the United States and schools in their home countries.
"I hope this educates the faculty so they can be more understanding toward African students," said psychology senior Anu Ekunwe, who will be the mediator at the discussion.
For more information on the week's events call (602) 543-8201.
Reach the reporter at jennifer.summers@asu.edu.
