Caroline Corsones, Culture and Thought Editor

Notre Dame clubs celebrate International Education Week with events ranging from Asian Allure to screening of Girl Rising

Using caffeine as my life source, I scan over my essays one last time, scrutinizing each sentence for any minor mistake. I slide my finger over the mouse, hesitating before hitting the absolute, no-turning-back, “Submit” button. In a moment of hesitation, I think to myself, as I am sure many other students have, “Why am I doing this? What is so important about studying abroad?”

Clubs and organizations attempt to answer this question and many others through the celebration of International Education Week, a national event designated by the United States Department of State and Department of Education.

Notre Dame marked the occasion from November 8-17, with multiple multicultural events scheduled for each day. This week came at an opportune time, since the deadline for study abroad applications marked the Friday of International Education Week. The following is a recap of but a handful of the week’s events.

International Education Week kicked off with “Asian Allure: Speak,” an event aiming “to educate the audience in a major issue that many Asians and Asian-Americans must face and fight for, which is the ability to acknowledge and embrace their roots, and do it with confidence,” as Notre Dame junior Jen Ho put it.

“This year’s show,” she proceeded, “wanted to express this issue to the audience by showing what Asian cultures can offer, which is the traditional performances of each Asian culture, and expressing the issue through stories that one might think seem simple when they actually relate in a complex way to many Asian and Asian- American students.”

The traditional performances included a wide range of talents, from lion dancing to tae kwon do, while the skits depicted the struggles Asian students face in preserving their culture. In one of the skits, the main character described why he demanded a Filipino language program at his university. He said, “Language is a way to remember the country, the culture and the family we left behind, so that we can keep them in our hearts, forever.”

The lecture “God, Country, Notre Dame,” delivered on Veteran’s Day, addressed Notre Dame’s deep roots with the armed forces, and how this connection relates to international education. The speaker recounted how Ambrose Bierce once said, “War is God’s way of teaching Americans geography.” In the early- to mid-1900s, joining the armed forces was the only way that the average person was able to travel internationally. Now, people have so many more opportunities to travel abroad in a non-combative manner. Even in the armed forces, many people are stationed internationally in non-combative positions to develop relationships with international friends, improve those countries’ security and engage in community service.

On Wednesday, world-renowned Yale professor Carlos Eire gave a lecture entitled, “Still Waiting for Snow in Havana.” He recounted his experience as a young Cuban boy in America after being airlifted to the United States along with 14,000 other children. He was forced to learn English when he had never spoken it before, but he told his audience, “It is important for the stranger to make an effort.”

On Thursday, the International Education Seminar screened Girl Rising, a powerful film depicting nine international girls who shared their stories of how they fought for education. Perhaps the most moving story was that of Amina, an Afghan girl who must wear a veil each time she steps outside. “My eyes,” she describes, “are hidden behind this embroidered cage.” Amina refuses to be silenced because of her gender; she is determined to get herself and her Afghan sisters a proper education.

Caitlin Chartier, a freshman in Pasquerilla West Hall, explained that she and the rest of the members of the seminar wanted to spread awareness of the major cultural and gender issues facing young women and girls seeking education. These factors are often overlooked.

On Friday, November 15, the student group Fostering Internationalism at Notre Dame (FIND), led a discussion on how Notre Dame can improve as an International Research institution. Students brought up various solutions, such as holding an informational night about all opportunities to go abroad, including alternatives to the traditional semester-long study abroad experience.

Guests to this event included professor of literature and director of the Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program, Dr. Joseph Buttigieg. When asked about the importance of studying abroad, he said that it all stems from Father Theodore Hesburgh’s vision of a program in which students acquire fresh perspectives. Students will encounter cultures that “challenge their conventional way of seeing things,” Buttigieg explained.

When asked the same question, Student Body Vice President Nancy Joyce replied that studying abroad should both broaden a student’s understanding of the world and help him figure out where he fits in the world. Students will gain formative, valuable experiences that they can bring back to their homes, she said.

International Education Week demonstrated the value of education, both for people of different backgrounds and students seeking to expand their horizons through study abroad. After experiencing the events of this week, I felt completely confident hitting that “Submit” button.

Caroline Corsones is a sophomore English major with a minor in secondary education. Her bike recently lost its ability to brake, so if you see her riding it on campus, stand clear and pray for her. You can contact her at ccorsone@nd.edu.