International Education Week Nov. 18-22 showcases SDSU’s global students, faculty and academic programs

Mutale Kulilishika’s pride in his native Zimbabwe shines when he talks about the country’s natural beauty, its iconic wildlife, conservation laws, modernity, and rich culture, including that of its Indigenous Shona people.

“Shona culture dates back thousands of years,” said Kulilishika, a San Diego State University senior majoring in mechanical engineering. “Zimbabwe had a monarchy system and trade routes as far away as China even in the 1500s. We have a very strong culture and heritage that can still be seen today.”

Kulilishika, a Shona himself, will join other SDSU International students from more than 100 countries in sharing stories of their homelands during International Education Week Nov. 18-22.

A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week aims to promote programs that prepare citizens for a global environment and attract future leaders.  Each year, SDSU International Affairs organizes a series of events to highlight international students, scholars, and programs on campus.

“International Education Week at SDSU represents a profound commitment to global understanding and cultural exchange,” said Ricky Paniagua, director of SDSU’s International Student Center (ISC). “With a longstanding tradition of hosting events like the International Peace Village, which has been integral to our campus for over 60 years, we recognize the invaluable contributions of international students and scholars. Their diverse perspectives and experiences are essential in today’s interconnected world, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic global community.”

SDSU is home to 1,336 international students for the fall semester, with an additional 500 or so employed temporarily under federal student visa extension programs. The largest contingent comes from India, followed by China, Japan, Vietnam and Mexico.

The marquee event of International Education Week for SDSU is the 67th International Peace Village in the Lee & Frank Goldberg Courtyard at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union on Nov. 21. It features at least three performances on the main stage, and presentations from students from nearly two dozen nations on the arts, attractions, culture and heritage of their homelands.

For Kulilishika, showcasing Zimbabwe at the Peace Village not only draws attention to its treasures, but it also helps break down stereotypes people may have about life in Africa.

“I feel there is a misconception of the living conditions, and a lot of people tend to think that the African way of living is very ancient or lacks technology,” he said. “Of course, that is true, but in very limited areas.  Many places are very modern, very developed. Africans live the same way as a lot of people within the Western world.”

While the Peace Village is the most visible event of International Education Week, a host of other activities are on tap for students and faculty.  The schedule:

Monday, Nov. 18:

• Opening Ceremony, 11:30 a.m.-noon, Scripps Cottage.
• Photo Exhibit, 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m., Scripps Cottage.  Photos from around the world will be on display highlighting this year’s theme, “What does it mean to be a globally minded individual.”
• Transborder Faculty Salon Lunch & Learn, noon, Scripps Cottage. Faculty showcase  binational collaborations with Mexican university partners. Presenters include Professors Natalie Mladenov, College of Engineering; Yin Yu, College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts; and Linda Lara Jacobo, College of Health and Human Services, Imperial Valley.
• Faculty Global Engagement and Awards ceremony, 5:30 p.m., Scripps Cottage.  Five faculty will be honored for the global and transborder research and engagement: Gillian Sneed, College of Arts and Letters; Carlos Paternina, Fowler College of Business; Linda Lara Jacobo, College of Health and Human Services, Imperial Valley; Melissa Navarro Martell, College of Education; and Roberto Ivo Da Rocha Lima Filho, visiting International Scholar, Brazil. Attendees may register online.

 Wednesday, Nov. 20:

Global Education Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Centennial Walkway. Faculty, study abroad advisors and past participants provide information on study abroad programs, including SDSU faculty-led global seminars and internships, as well as programs from approved partners.

Thursday, Nov. 21:

International Peace Village, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union.

Friday, Nov. 22:

• 2024 Project SEED Fieldwork Experience in Indonesia, 9-11 a.m., 462 CAL. Students will share their experiences participating in Professor Erin Riley’s six-week summer program conducting primate and forest ecology fieldwork in Indonesia. A grant from the National Science Foundation International Research Experience for Students supports this program.
• International Student Association Cultural Hour, noon, International Student Center.  Japanese students will make a presentation, followed by food and socializing. Cultural hours are recurring events at noon nearly every Friday throughout the academic year at the ISC.