University of Illinois at Chicago Office of Public Affairs (MC 288)
601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607-7113, (312) 996-3456, www.uic.edu/depts/paff

November 9, 2001

Contact: Bill Burton (312) 996-2269; burton@uic.edu

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK AT UIC

The University of Illinois at Chicago will celebrate International Education Week Nov. 12-16 with a full schedule of informational and cultural events, including a global affairs forum, an international resource fair and a presentation by the Museum of Contemporary Art.

International Education Week is a partnership between the U.S. departments of Education and State. Campus events are sponsored by UIC's John Nuveen Center for International Affairs, which will also host a Nov. 19 reception celebrating international education and honoring the Consular Corps of Chicago.

Last year, 275 UIC students studied abroad for credit, an increase of 45 percent over the previous year. In addition, this year UIC has a Rhodes scholar, three Fulbright scholars and a Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst scholar overseas.

Campus officials do not expect a decline in interest in overseas study in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"There's been no decrease in the number of students who want to study abroad, but perhaps some geographic shift in where they want to study," says Diane Pecknold, director of the UIC study abroad office. "In fact, we expect heightened interest in international relations. Students realize they can get a different perspective on the role the U.S. plays in the world - and how other people perceive us."

In an August statement, Secretary of State Colin Powell recognized the role that foreign study plays in strengthening relations with other countries and preparing U.S. citizens to "live, work and compete in the global economy." Since Sept. 11, the State Department says it is now "more critical than ever that we strive to reduce conflicts, support democratic development and increase understanding through international education and exchanges worldwide."

Review the schedule of events online

- UIC -